A Weekend Nature Walk – Rozka Gujjar & Sehjawas

It’s been a few months now, and I’ve been almost regularly going somewhere… or the other.

It started as a random photo walk a few years back with a local group based here in Gurgaon (Delhi NCR), but over time it developed into a routine, something I look forward to every week.

A merry band of photographers – beginners, amateur, and professionals – we try and head out on Sundays (sometimes Saturdays) to discover new places and to capture through our lenses – phone, point & shoot, Polaroid, and of course DSLRs – the wide variety of architecture, nature, animals, art, streets, people that come along our way.

Over time the sense of camaraderie that has developed between the regulars makes the trips full of friendly banter, intense social issue discussions, and of course an opportunity to share notes on photography.

Some of our previous excursions have included a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, Crafts Museum, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Lodi Art District and even shoots in local villages like Mangar.

Another important aspect of our walks is food. We love to eat and incorporate a fun new place to try out after each trip. It’s mostly breakfast since our trails are usually early in the morning, so if you are in search of an excellent breakkie place in the city, ask us.

This previous weekend, a few of us headed out past the village of Sehjawas into the open lands that comprise of the famous Damdama Lake, and the area beyond it called Rozka Gujjar.

It was a slightly different experience than our usual walks, but a fun one nevertheless. The rains had resulted in a thick coat of greenery all around making the land look fresh and alive. The city was a distant memory as we made out way past muddy puddles, animal excreta, and thorny bushes into the vastness of Rozka Gujjar.

In Rozka, we were hosted by a local – through the contact of a participating member – who fed us the softest and lightest homemade rotis with spoonful of butter and a deliciously spicy garlic-chilli chutney for breakfast. On top of that, there was a gratifying glass of the smoothest buttermilk I’ve ever had, to finish this rustic meal.

The setting and location was welcome change from the hustle and bustle of city life. It also highlighted the joys of simple living, however it also proved to be a stark reminder that no matter where you live and how pretty the scenery is around you, life continues to be a combination of many struggles.

The Rozka Gujjar walk brought us closer to nature and challenged our photography skills with limited subjects, but also provided us with culinary delights and a chance to witness a peacock dance in merriment on top of a roof (in the distance).

A Saturday well spent I’d say.