SOLO RIDE DEEP INSIDE GARBHANGA RESERVE FOREST

Photo Travelogue :


With my aim to explore all the forests near Guwahati city nearly complete, I had saved the best and largest one for the ultimate climax. Its Garbhanga! And its quite huge...almost all the forests I covered so far somehow was a part of it once, but due to settlements and developments, these forests have shrunk a lot. Garbhanga lies to the south of the city bothering Meghalaya. So, if you start in Assam side, you may end up in Meghalaya. It is quite massive, so, do take adequate preparations and precautions before attempting it. As for me, I try to stick to the main trail always...and even if I'm going off-trail, I do make note or keep some kind of signs so as not to get lost. I venture early and try to get out of the forest before dark. Forests are thrilling and adventurous as well as refreshing, but, are equally if not more dangerous. So, enjoy them cautiously and always respect nature and keep it clean :-) Garbhanga has many entry points - this was my attempt from Lokhra. I crossed the Lokhra chariali and rode straight leaving the highway behind. The road ended at some point where the hill appeared indicating that I had reached the edge of the forest. Civilization ended, but, the wild had just started ;-)


is that a beam barricade with a signboard by forest department discouraging vehicles?

oh...well...not a follower of rules...I go past a narrow gap..my scooty squeezes through..hehe...

going inside...

welcome to Garbhanga Forest at Assam-Meghalaya border...



a narrow road goes winding up the hill almost like a snake...no wonder cars or big vehicles are not allowed, its so narrow...


its a steep climb up...I'm on a watch out for elephants though, its their home territory...and of countless butterflies too...this forest is famous for both...I hope to spot a few--- butterflies!




the ride uphill is thrilling to say the least, especially, if you are alone...

and the greenery...ah...






untouched, raw, wild, wilderness...


For the daring, there are many raw treks and trails that go very deep inside in various directions. I decided to stick to the motorable track...didn't want to take risk. There's also a small temple on the way, and I met a bare chested man in just a dhoti walking by carrying a khurpi. I got talking and asked him if he wasn't afraid to walk alone in such dense jungle on foot...as he was the only person I saw in the 4-5 hours that I was in the jungles. He replied, the lord of the jungles 'babaji' looked after everything and that he protects everyone - 'sob xi sai aase', so, there was no need to fear. Hearing these words..I felt re-assured that indeed there was someone looking after all the matters of the forests and it was not necessarily human...but, something much higher and bigger. I went further up...and enjoyed clicking host of photos and videos. I was deep inside Meghalaya by then. The paved road turns into a tiny dirt track after some time and then you are completely one with nature with no human intervention for miles around. Tall trees surrounding the area, I was tempted to go on and on. The feeling is indescribable. If I went more I'd come across Khasi or Garo villages on the other side..so, I decided to head back.


waterfall???someone attached a pipe so that one can drink the natural water...Genius!

coming back...





its pure fun...


moi, will be back...

I thoroughly enjoyed my time. There are countless ways to visit the huge Garbhanga. One popular route is the Basista route, second the Rani route and third this one that I was taking i.e via the Lokhra road...go straight from the lokhra traffic stop. Its a highly recommended place..although, I'd again advice everyone ~ when in jungle territory to respect the laws of the jungles. Its a place of wild elephants and other animals; so take adequate precaution. However, please donot make unnecessary noises when in their territory. Don't litter, enjoy the jungles and come back.

Garbhanga is a reserve forest situated in Assam Meghalaya hilly terrain border near Guwahati at 16km distance. It is one of the many trekkings spot in and around Guwahati. Its a 32km (10hours) round trek.( wiki )
Address : Lokhra Garbhanga Road, Assam/Meghalaya Border.
Read next part - Here! Stay tuned for all my road, rail, flight, cruise & walk trips.
( Images - ©Mine. All rights reserved. )
Our Rating Scale is : 1 to 5 = ◕◕◕◕◕ - It was Awesome!