Asola-The Land of Lakes

In a city like New Delhi scarcity of water prevails.In such a hot and humid climate where even a single single drop of water dries up in a flash,the idea of finding a lake or for that instance a group of lakes seems to be too wild.But as Gail Tsukiyama once said “Beauty exists where you least expect to find it.” 

On a day like any other,I received a call from my friend Himanshu and he asked me if I would like to go for a trek and discover some lakes located on the outskirts of Delhi.The question itself was bewildering but my curiosity left me with no scope of refusal,so we finally planned to go there along with some of our other friends.

 So on the decided day we met at our respective metro stations and from there went straight to Badarpur Metro Station.We knew that it was going to be a long journey so we bought some refreshments and water from a local shop on our way to Suraj Kund Road.We continued walking on Suraj Kund Road and soon we reached the spot Surajkund is famous for,the Surajkund Crafts Mela, held during spring every year from February 1-15.Further,we crossed the 'Haryana Silver Jubilee Gate' and 'Jungle Fowl Camp'.

Thereon,we were supposed to go straight but instead we took a left and ended up in the middle of the jungle.You can easily get lost there if you don't have GPS  enabled device because the area is huge and it's impossible to find people who could help you out.But as soon as we realized our mistake,Himanshu took no time to connect to GPS on his mobile and we continued in the right direction.Some say gadgets are indispensable,and true it is we figured.

We had walked about a kilometer or so to reach small village dwellings and farmland,and stopped at one of the huts to ask for the way but we changed our mind as soon as we saw four drunk men as they could attack or mug us,the place was desolate and we couldn't take any chances.We quickly fled the place to find ourselves standing in front of a village lady who advised us not to go ahead as a gunshot was fired there a while ago.The four of us trembled in fear,we couldn't go back because we didn't want to bump into those drunkards again and there was no point going back unless we had reached the lakes.Frightened as we were,we hastily ran the next few miles to suddenly stop and see a beautiful animal which we believe was a 'nilgai',running down the hill and disappearing into the forest.At that moment we let go of our worries and continued walking tirelessly through the forest.

At last all that trekking had paid off,we finally reached one of those numerous lakes.Somehow,we got to the bottom of the hill to get to the shore,getting scratched and pricked by thorns in the process,but it was worth it-we were finally there.The water was crystal clear,suitable for swimming or just to put your feet in and relax.There it was,the lake,surrounded by mineral-rich hills,in a dry and rocky forest,a place where you least expect it to be.We stayed there for a while and finally had something to eat,it was time to go but we didn't want to-you never get to see such a place in a city like Delhi.We continued walking towards 'Manav Rachna College of Engineering' on Surajkund road to get out of the forest and on the way discovered about 4-5 lakes which were similar to the first lake we saw.It was about a 15 kilometer trek but was worth every penny.

Facts: The lakes are located near Asola Wildlife Sanctuary and Surajkund famous for the Surajkund Crafts Mela held every year from February 1-15.

Best Time: November-February

Where: Near Manav Rachna College of Engineering,Sector 43,Surajkund Road

Travel Route: If travelling from Delhi-Get to Badarpur Metro Station.From there reach Manav Rachna College of Engineering.On Surajkund road take the trail on the left leading to the forest.(This is the shortest route to get to the lakes.Me and my friends took the long one for the sake of adventure and trekking.You may prefer it if you're adventurous and don't mind walking long distances.)

Google Maps Link:Asola-Land of Lakes

Travel Advice: Preferably travel in groups as the area is deserted and is not that safe.Carry plenty of water and food because you'll definitely need it and most importantly don't forget to carry a GPS device because chances of getting lost are high.

Run Rudolph Run!

 

Together we're stronger

 

Mooing along

View from the top

A step closer to paradise

Moment of zen

The second lake...

The third one...

The fourth one...

The road less trodden

And finally the last one

Goodbye Eleanor!

All will go but I will stay.I'm as old as old can be.