Born and brought up in Delhi, it is embarrassing that I never knew
what a gem my city holds. And what is even more embarrassing is the fact that
the person who has brought it to the limelight is not a local.
A tour guide
company run by Jack Leenaerts, a former
correspondent for a Dutch daily De
Telegraaf, who organises bicycle
tours in Old Delhi, was out trekking with some friends in the uninhabited hills of Aravali when he discovered this beautiful fresh water lake, known as Rachna
Lake by the local villagers.
Located in the Asola Wild Life Santuary, this is probably the best kept secret of this large and vibrant city. There are no proper roads that lead to the place and perhaps this
is what has helped maintain its natural integrity intact. Our tour guide Victor
and Raju turned the trip into a two hour trekking expedition, by taking us
through boulders of Granite and steep slopes of crushed Quarts stones. Besides a Nilgai and other wild animals you might find a few cactus
The water is cleaner
than any swimming pool I have been in and the lack of human inventions and
stores makes it a perfectly soothing Sunday getaway.
"We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring. Will be to arrive where we started. And know the place for the first time" T.S. Eliot
22nd March, 2015
PS: if you are planning a visit, I have just one suggestion or
rather a request, don’t! Litter, it’s easier to keep clean than to clean.
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