With slush, streams and difficult terrain... Off-roading trails are trending among Indore's bikers

Besides offering a healthy dose of greenery and waterfalls, the monsoon also brings along a season of off-roading trails, and city-based riders are making the most of them. Leaving the tarmac behind, they are opting for the slushy, rocky experience of jungle and hill trails. And though they make off-roading look like a breeze on their video streams, they insist that this is not for beginners. "The routes we take may appear thrilling and beautiful. But the challenges faced on these trails are dangerous, which is why I personally ensure that only riders with good experience and balance go for it," warns Nirmesh Singh Chauhan, an architectural photographer and seasoned biker from the city. We spoke to a few experienced off-roaders from the city, who shared their list of unexplored bike trails near Indore, with us.Deogarh, 80 kmsDifficulty level: ExpertRide perks: The view on top"An absolute must for adventurers," is how Nirmesh, who leads a group of bikers, describes this trail. A winding uphill road with boulders, gravel and loose soil is what Deogarh is all about. But a sheer drop of close to 100 feet is what awaits if there is one wrong move. "This trail is only for expert riders who can keep their calm and have complete control over their bikes. The rains make it even more treacherous and slippery. But the view on top is what makes the ride completely worth it," he shares, adding that his route poses the maximum number of challenges to riders, so it is advised to have backup of everything, from first-aid to fuel.Taraniya village, 75 kmsDifficulty level: ExpertRide perks: A picnic by the perennial riverThis village in Khargone district is a hidden jewel of Khalghat. Sharad Tripathy, a 28-year-old graphic designer who loves exploring shares, "The road till Katkut takes one through the amazing Khalghat which provides a panoramic view of the Khandwa forest. Taking an off road from Katkut, one has to take bumpy, muddy ride across jungle to reach the reserve forest area of Taraniya. Once there, riders have to take special permission from forest department to go deep into the jungle trails." Lately, camping permissions have also started by the perennial river of Shipra that flows by Taraniya.Punjapura, 65 kmsDifficulty level: ModerateRide perks: Three ghats and multiple streamsPunjapura near Bagli forest has been on every riders list. The seclusion and silence of the route is what puts this one on riders' trail lists. Rahul Radhakrishnan, a financial consultant and riding enthusiast shares, "Along the road, there are multiple waterfalls and streams that become active providing water crossings too along the route." But the entire stretch has no network or fuel stations, so he advises to be prepared. "While being off the grid is a perk, it can also prove hazardous if you lose your way along the ghat. So saving an offline map, on a fully charged phone is advisable. So is a full tank of fuel."Gidiya Kho, 50 kmsDifficulty level: ModerateRide perks: Water crossings and a stunning waterfall at the end of the routeOnce a preferred breeding ground for vultures, Gidiya Kho now features among the topmost off-road tracks for bikers. Plenty of slush, mud and water crossings makes this an adventurous trip along the Indore-Nemawar road. G Meenakshi Rao, a DY CTI at Western railways and founder of an all women bikers group shares, "It was mostly a trekking rote, but now bikers have been riding till the waterfall, which is a difficult road and poses trouble due to thick mud and streams running through the path. A lot of monsoon riders prefer this route to experience off-roading." Since network is quite erratic on the route, it is recommended to seek local help to find the exact location of the waterfall. Expert advice* Use a lighter bike with off-roading tyres preferably* Do not be technology dependent. Keep offline maps handy* Seek local help wherever required* Ride only between sunrise to sunset* Keep your relatives and close ones informed* Complete, professional riding gear, with boots, jacket and full face helmet, is a must