That One Weekend at Tailbaila I’ll Never Forget

I didn’t think I was that kind of person, the one who climbs vertical rock walls for fun. But somehow, one random weekend plan turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

I had signed up with SL Adventures for a Tailbaila climbing and rappelling trip near Pune. Honestly, I was excited but also very nervous.

The journey itself was super smooth. We started early, and everything was well arranged, so there was no stress about how we’d get there or what would happen next. It actually felt nice to just sit back, enjoy the road, and slowly watch the city fade into greenery.

When we reached the base village, the vibe instantly changed. Quiet surroundings, fresh air, and some really good local food waiting for us. Simple food, but exactly what you need before doing something physically demanding. Everyone was still in that weekend picnic mood at that point.

And then we saw Tailbaila.

That’s when it hit me.

The rock face looks massive in real life. Like properly intimidating. I remember just standing there thinking, am I really going to climb that?

But the team from SL Adventures didn’t rush anything. They took their time explaining everything, how the equipment works, what to do, what not to do. The gear they gave us felt solid and safe, not something you would doubt for a second.

What really helped though were the leaders. They were calm, patient, and surprisingly good at reading people. You could tell they have handled nervous beginners like me many times before.

And then there was Lahu Ughade.

He was not just the owner standing somewhere giving instructions. He was right there with us the whole time. Checking everything, talking to people individually, making sure no one felt left out or overwhelmed. There was this one moment when I was halfway through the climb, completely stuck, overthinking every move. He just calmly told me, don’t look up, don’t look down. Just focus on the next step.

It sounds simple, but it worked.

That one line stayed with me the entire climb.

Slowly, step by step, I made it to the top. And the feeling up there, it is hard to explain. A mix of relief, excitement, and a little disbelief that I actually did it.

Rappelling down was a whole different story. Leaning back off a cliff goes against every natural instinct you have. I remember laughing nervously before taking that first step. But again, the team made it feel controlled and safe. Once you trust the rope and just go with it, it becomes fun. Scary, but fun.

Another thing I appreciated was how prepared they were. First aid kits were always around, and you could tell they were not just there for show. It gave a sense of comfort knowing that everything was thought through.

And then came one of the coolest parts, drone footage.

I did not think much about it at first, but when I later saw the clips, it honestly felt like a movie. Watching yourself on that huge rock face from the sky hits differently. If you are someone who likes capturing memories, this is totally worth it.

By the end of the trip, everyone felt a bit different. More relaxed, more confident. Also a bit more connected, because shared experiences like this just bring people together.

On the way back, I kept thinking about how I almost did not sign up because I was not sure if I could do it.

Now I am just glad I did.

It was not just about climbing a rock. It was about getting past that voice in your head that keeps saying maybe not.

And sometimes, all it takes is the right people around you to prove that you actually can.