I am a writer, sitting amongst a group of creative geniuses in a creative agency. I try to pull out creativity from everywhere I can! Just by simply looking at the walls inside my house... Or maybe by watching the rain outside the window... Or maybe from the stars in the galaxy. 

I had to meet a deadline and the date was absurd. 

My mind was not working and I knew that no amount of coffee can help put my mind back on track.

I put my head down for a while and tried to come out with the best ideas possible. But that was of no avail. In the meantime, I was asked to take a call. My senior was on the other end of the phone. He asked me to take up another project which involved a lot of travelling. He said, “I am sending you a ticket to explore your imagination in some places in Jharkhand. Please, write a travelogue on it. ” 

Jharkhand, for me, has been nature’s hidden jewel waiting to be discovered. From the historical legacies and numerous waterfalls; from the scenic locales, azure blue sky to the tribal communities eased to the struggles of the hard conditions, Jharkhand is a place doubly blessed with nature and has everything that can really tickle an imaginative mind. 

Hearing travel and Jharkhand brought a smile back to my face. 

*****

I went to Ranchi first. From Ranchi, I was asked to take a bus first to the Patratu Valley. And this 40 km long drive from Ranchi, was thrilling to the core! With my camera, writing pad and the regional map in my hand, I recorded every bit of adventure that I experienced. Passing through serpentine roads, weaved with hairpin bends, gave me jitters at times, but the trees and bushes which exploded into carnival green along with the small hill coverings,  seemed like they were dancing in romance with the cold breezy air. The lake waters meandering over the undulating rocks, with birds chirping and humming all over the sky seemed like a little girl singing and dancing over the rocks. And when the sunlight sparkled over the sprinkling lake water; oh what a zenith of beauty it was!   

With butterflies in my stomach for more adventure, I visited Betla National Park, the next. Knowing it to be a reserve of Bison, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, and a variety of deers. I took a jeep inside the forest, crossed bridges on the hilly rivers, winding through foothill forests, exploring the wildlife. I was all engrossed drinking in the beauty of nature until night fell.

I got a beautiful and cozy guest house for the night stay, which not just made me feel close to nature, but the amazement remained even when I returned.

And this project?

It was the best one that I had ever handled.