THE GOAN PANAJI
It’s a group of trekkers dedicated to protecting the environment and ecology of Goa and wherever else they may trek. Started in 2008 by the Himalayan trekker Durgadas Parab, cartoonist Alexyz and other like-minded people, there is a long trail of treks – to be precise 166 so far, and the 167th will be conducted this month on August 25 to Adpai, a scenic, lush green village in Goa with Nitendra Naik Adpaikar as the host.
“This Shravan we are visiting the beautiful scenic, lush green village of artisans – Adpai. It is our 167th trek after a successful trek to Divar last month. We are going to Adpai for the third time in our trekking history. Previously we had visited this hidden village situated at the banks of river Zuari on September 29, 2019 and October 9, 2022,” says Durgadas Parab, founder of Eco Treks Goa.
Since inception, the group has conducted treks in different parts of Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and the Himalayas in association with Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF). “We wish to create awareness about our ecology and conduct treks in an eco-sensitive way. Trekker safety is the cornerstone of every Eco Treks endeavour, ensuring it is a pleasurable outdoor activity without any mishaps,” vouches Parab, adding, “There is one trek every month in Goa that unearths the sheer allure of Goa's hidden spots where nature overwhelms. Adpai trek is for those who want to enjoy the adventure of off-road trekking and waterfalls, after an energetic walk through scorching heat.”
Adpai is an awesome place to visit, vouches Parab, adding the advantages of the trek that gives an opportunity to escape the frenetic rat race of city life and reconnect with nature. Passing through verdant landscape, lush greenery, waterfalls and taking in fresh air, really can be a wonderful experience for all. “Goans are gifted with these heavenly places and we must enjoy visits to them to get rejuvenated and refreshed,” feels Parab.
A relatively moderate and easy trek, the trails are buzzing with lots of wild flowers along with a variety of birds and butterflies. Beside all these, the biggest attraction of this trek is a dip in the small but deep local waterfall. A hot, freshly cooked breakfast and locally prepared lunch also awaits the participants, explains Parab.
A specially arranged bus will leave from Mapusa’s Gandhi circle at 7.15 am and from Panaji’s Heera petrol pump at 7.40 am. The participants from Vasco and Margao can board the bus from Cortalim junction or ferry point at 8.10 am, or can report directly at Rasai/Loutolim ferry point. The fee charges are Rs 750 for bus travellers and Rs 600 for other participants per head that includes travel, breakfast, lunch and tea. All 60 participants should carry rain wear, extra pair of clothing for bath, plate, mug and drinking water. “Shoes are must for the trek,” reminds Parab.
For booking calls can be made to Rajesh Rao (9833155713) Porvorim, Durgadas Parab, (9422445444/7588445444) Mapusa, Nitin (9922428288) Panaji, Sulekha (9764965195), Margao, Prajyot (8806400791) Kundai, Nitendra Naik (9423058027), Vasco. Online payment can be made to Nitendra Adpaikar, State Bank of India, Vasco Da Gama Branch, IFS Code No. SBIN0000511, account number 10539657696.
