Chasing Waterfalls

Summary

Vidya Sury shares a personal journey of chasing waterfalls across various locations in India and Canada, reflecting on their soothing effects and the joy of capturing these moments through photography.

Abstract

In a reflective piece titled "Chasing Waterfalls," Vidya Sury explores the therapeutic allure of waterfalls, drawing from her experiences at several renowned falls in India and Canada. She recounts her impromptu trip to Canada where she witnessed the majestic Niagara Falls from both the Ontario and New York sides. Sury also reminisces about her visit to the Ontario Science Museum's rainforest replica and her encounters with waterfalls in India, such as the Nohkalikai Falls in Meghalaya, Bhagsu Nag Falls in Dharamsala, Bhakthang Falls in Gangtok, Hundru Falls in Ranchi, and Talakona Waterfalls in Tirupati. Each experience is painted with vivid descriptions of the surroundings and the emotions they evoke. The article is punctuated with personal anecdotes, including a close call in a bus near Nohkalikai Falls and the spiritual experience of meeting the Dalai Lama. Sury's narrative emphasizes the meditative quality of waterfalls, their ability to provide a sense of peace, and the happiness derived from these natural wonders.

Opinions

Sury finds waterfalls to have a calming influence, capable of erasing worries and leaving only the rhythmic sounds of water.
The author values spontaneous travel, as evidenced by her unplanned trip to Canada at the behest of her friend.
Sury cherishes the memories associated with each waterfall, considering them a source of joy and a way to reconnect with nature.
The article conveys a sense of awe and respect for the power and beauty of nature, particularly in the descriptions of the waterfalls.
Sury appreciates the adventure and physical challenge involved in reaching some of the more remote waterfalls, such as trekking to Bhagsu Nag Falls.
The author's experiences are not just about the visual spectacle but also about the multisensory experiences, including the humidity of the rainforest replica and the taste of ginger lemon honey tea at Hundru Falls.
Sury's encounters with wildlife, such as monkeys at Talakona Waterfalls and even a leech bite in Gangtok, add to the richness of her travel stories.
The article ends with a call to action, inviting readers to participate in a monthly challenge and enjoy the work of another photographer, indicating a sense of community and shared passion for travel and photography.
Sury expresses a desire to give back, asking for support for underprivileged children through her Ko-Fi page, showcasing her commitment to social causes.

Globetrotters June Monthly Challenge prompt — Flow Like Water

Waterfalls have such a soothing effect — they seem to stop time and freeze that moment of happiness as we watch the water flow, over and over. Nothing else seems to matter in that instant and we just want that moment to last forever. I find that if there’s something bothering me it just fades and only the sound of the water rushing or trickling matters.

Have you ever felt that way looking at a waterfall? I chose to write about waterfalls for the “flow like water” prompt because, as I looked through my water-related photos, I found I had quite a few photos of those. And it made me happy to recall the memories of visiting them.

So let’s begin with the mother of them all —

Cheerapunji Falls, Meghalaya, India

Back in India, we visited the Cheerapunji Nohkalikai Falls during our honeymoon in 1997. The craziest thing happened. The bus that took us there backed into the parking lot which was really a flat piece of land. At one point we thought the driver would tip over into the waterfall! Phew!

Photo by MH Rock via Shutterstock — couldn't find the pics we took :-(

Bhagsu Nag Falls, Dharamsala, India

We visited McLeodganj in 2015 and met the Dalai Lama. No matter how many times I say it, I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. So amazing! After that, we headed to the beautiful Bhagsu Nag Falls. It is not a big waterfall but the sound is deafening. We had to trek to it via a narrow pathway along the sides of the mountain — quite the adventure. And yes, we could climb to the top of the waterfall!

Bhagsu Nag Falls, Dharamsala, India Vidya Sury ©

Bhakthang Falls, Gangtok, Sikkim, India

Sikkim was in 2012. It was a wet day and we walked around wearing our raincoats but had a wonderful time. Did not miss a single thing in our itinerary except the Nathula Pass as it was snowed over and closed. Still, the most enjoyable time! Even got bitten by a leech! Ewwh!

Hundru Falls, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

This waterfall was magnificent! We set out at 6 am in the morning before it got warm so that we could enjoy the sight in peace. And we were rewarded by the steadily gushing water that flowed into a mini lake. We heard that during the monsoons one couldn’t get anywhere near the falls as the rocks were barely visible. Had the tastiest ginger lemon honey tea there, poured out of an ancient kettle, watching the water.

Talakona Waterfalls, Tirupati, India

While the waterfall itself wasn’t heavy when we visited, it was delightful. We could walk along the ledges to stand under the water, but were a bit scared as it was too slippery. Also, plenty of monkeys enjoying nature. So we contented ourselves by settling at a vantage point and watching others bathe.