Exercise and endorphins (or ‘happy hormones’) are old friends. And yet, the motivation to exercise is rare or non-existent unless… there’s added incentive. And what could be a better incentive to hit the road and chase the happy hormones than the prospect of exploring the famed Forsyth Trail?
Making its way through the forests of the Satpuras and the Pachmarhi mountain range, the trail was apparently first ‘discovered’ by Captain James Forsyth, while leading his troops towards Jhansi, back in 1857. This trail can be experienced in many ways, and one doesn’t have to follow any specific direction. On the Satpura side, one can start from Singanama, and on the Pachmarhi side, from Pachmarhi Naka.
Expect to spot a few pugmarks along the way, as it’s an active stomping ground for tigers. Though spotting a tiger on the trail is quite rare, spotting a pugmark could be equally thrilling in its own way. It’s best to take a local guide along to ensure safety, and a more informed, immersive experience. Gaur, Chital, Nilgai, Sambar, Owls, Wild Cats, Bears and Civets are some of the other animals to keep an eye out for.
An interesting pitstop on the trail is a mound of stones, which locals worship as a deity known as ‘Banjari Maai’. A protective goddess, she’s an embodiment of human faith in nature. Apart from the physical beauty of the trail, the fables and folklore that abound in this region also deepen the experience, especially if you have a raconteur for a guide.
The slow pace of hiking allows one to savour the many moods of the forest and to commune with nature. While the trail can test the limits of your body, it can also calm your mind. If you’re tired and need a respite from the scorching sun, rest under the humongous trees or by the cool, freshwater streams in the jungle.
The Forsyth Trail is 32km long and takes about 3 nights and 4 days to complete. However, one can choose to do a daylong section of the trail to get a sense of the place. The village of Kanjighat is a good spot to start a day-hike on the Forsyth Trail from Pachmarhi Naka. Beginners should ideally prepare for the hike for a month before they arrive in Pachmarhi.