NAVI MUMBAI: After the searing summer months, the arrival of the monsoons has brought a palpable sense of relief across Navi Mumbai. For Kharghar residents, this transition means more than just cooler temperatures; it signals the return of a unique outdoor tradition, as the hills and green spaces transform into vibrant hubs of activity. The air, once heavy with heat, now carries the fresh scent of earth and rain, inviting locals and even visitors from surrounding areas to step out and truly embrace the season.
The Owe Hills, nestled within the vast Kharghar forest area, are a cherished local haunt throughout the year, especially popular for Sunday strolls and holiday outings. However, with the monsoon’s arrival, these familiar slopes undergo a breathtaking transformation, unfurling into a vibrant green carpet that draws unprecedented crowds. While water bodies like Pandavkada waterfall and, to some extent, Owe Dam, remain tempting yet inadvisable due to safety concerns during heavy flows, the undulating green expanse of Owe Hills is now truly abuzz. It’s like a veritable fair nowadays, attracting a delightful mix of youngsters, families, couples, and even little children, all eager for a taste of nature’s monsoon magic.
A typical outing here involves a short, invigorating hike up the well-trodden paths, leading to picturesque spots perfect for capturing those essential monsoon selfies. “It’s so much better than being stuck indoors on our phones,” quipped Yash, an engineering student, residing at sector 12, wiping rain from his face after a selfie. Mobile stalls, set up at the foot of the hills, offer quintessential monsoon treats: piping hot bhutta (roasted corn), refreshing ice creams, and the ever-popular vadapav.
For many, these excursions are a cherished opportunity for quality ‘family time,’ where conversations flow as freely as the streams, unhindered by screens. “The kids absolutely love it here,” beamed Deepika Sonawane, a mother of two from sector 35, as her children excitedly pointed at a small stream. “It’s a great way for them to connect with nature, run around freely, and just have some good old-fashioned fun outside without worrying about screens.”
Couples, meanwhile, find it a romantic escape from the daily grind. “This is our perfect weekend escape,” shared Shreyas and Pallavi, a young couple, holding hands as they navigated a muddy path. “Just walking, talking, and enjoying the greenery together, away from all the work pressure. It’s truly romantic.”
Others, like Aditya, a software professional often seen trekking alone, seek ‘me time,’ finding solace and rejuvenation amidst the lush greenery and the occasional gentle shower. “For me, it’s about solitude and connecting with nature,” he mused. “The calm after the rain, the sound of the wind – it’s my ‘me time’ to clear my head and find some peace.”
Ultimately, for the residents of Kharghar, these monsoon outings to Owe Hills are more than just a seasonal activity; they are an enduring ritual. Amidst the emerald landscapes and the invigorating scent of rain, it’s a cherished chance to reconnect with nature, breathe in the crisp, fresh air, and simply revel in the respite that the monsoons so generously offer. Indeed, it beautifully proves that sometimes, the simplest pleasures, found right here in our own backyard, are the most profound.
Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by Staff Reporter
