During the inter-monsoon period, morning and evening showers are near-daily occurrences.
It might sound like a reason to stay indoors, but it’s actually the perfect invitation to venture into the woods.
Rain breathes life into the jungle. Everything seems to pulse with renewed energy: fresh green shoots pierce the soil, mushrooms materialise overnight and moss glows more vibrantly.
There’s something magical about hiking in the rain.
Trails fall quiet, the air cools and you witness nature’s response to the drizzle in real time.
After months of drought, torrential rains spark life like a spell – delicate fungi, blooming flowers, scuttling insects and amphibians emerge as if conjured.
For those who relish photographing nature’s minutiae, rainy hikes are a dream.
Of course, wet weather brings challenges, but there are ways to overcome or embrace them.
Rainy hike essentials and tips
1. Smartphone or camera
Opt for a waterproof smartphone with stellar close-up photography skills. Rain-beaded mushrooms and dewdrop-laced leaves make mesmerising subjects.
2. Ziplock bag and cloth
Stash electronics in ziplock bags. Pack a quick-dry cloth – wet fingers and touchscreens are foes.
3. Footwear
Slippery trails demand grippy shoes. Choose trail footwear with deep, chunky lugs for stability.
4. Leech defence
Land leeches thrive in dampness. Spritz vinegar or leech spray around ankles, and wear gaiters with knee-high socks in infested areas. Leech bites are harmless but leave itchy wounds that linger for weeks.
5. Mosquito repellent
Rain breeds mosquitoes. Lemongrass oil repels effectively and smells fresher than chemical alternatives.
6. Gloves
Shield hands from thorns with gloves. On steep, wet slopes, scrambling on all fours becomes easier with grip-protected palms.
Fingerless gloves allow smartphone use mid-hike.
7. Knee guards
For seniors or knee-injury sufferers, padded guards ease kneeling for macro photography.
8. Portable tripod
Steady shots in low light? A mini tripod is essential for time-lapses or capturing raindrop trails.
9. Spare clothes
Leave dry clothes and sandals in the car.
Add a portable shower kit and seat protector – you’ll cherish them post-muddy trek.
Final thoughts:
Rain needn’t cancel plans – it transforms hikes into meditative escapes.
With the right gear, grey skies become an invitation.
So the next time a storm looms, step out. The forest, glistening and alive, awaits.
