The Six Minute Tunnel to a Different World
In my last story, I left you with a whisper of a secret, a path for the truly curious. Today, we finally take that turn together.
The moment you commit to this road, the world you know simply falls away.
The last of the weekend traffic vanishes from your rearview mirror, and for the first six minutes, you are held in what feels like a living tunnel.
Trees, heavy with the memory of a thousand monsoons, lean in from both sides. Their branches intertwine overhead, filtering the bright sun into a soft, dappled light that dances across the road in front of you. As you drive through, you can feel your own rhythm begin to slow. The air grows cooler, rich with the earthy smell of damp soil and green leaves. You find yourself easing off the accelerator, not from caution, but from a sense of reverence for the profound peace that has enveloped you.
And then, the tunnel of trees gently parts, and you arrive at a simple, unassuming bridge over the Mula River.
This is a place where you must stop.
Standing here, you get to see something few people from the city of Pune ever witness. This is the Mula River in its purest form, as it was born in the hills. It is a clean and vibrant ribbon of life, flowing gently between green banks, its spirit untamed and innocent.
It’s a deeply poignant moment, because a part of you knows the long journey this beautiful river has ahead of it. You know that it will eventually enter our city, where it will be met with the harsh realities of urban life. The Mula so many of us know is a choked and tired shadow of the river that flows with such life and clarity from this bridge. It's a powerful feeling, like seeing a beautiful, innocent child, full of promise, and knowing the difficult world it is about to enter. This view isn't just a scenic spot. It is a moment of unfiltered truth.
This is just the first six minutes of our journey. The road ahead holds even more secrets, more quiet hamlets, and more breathtaking views. We have only just crossed the threshold. Join me next time, as we continue our drive deeper into this hidden paradise.