The word ‘Hiking” means a “Journey on foot”. So
hiking means to walk or to tramp. And such walkers and trampers are found
everywhere in the world. Some men are extra ordinarily great hikers. Their only
interest and pleasure is walking. They walk on the hills and mountains, along
the banks of a river and the fields. Thus, there are so many places for hiking.
But the question arises as to what are the benefits of hiking. Has hiking got
any merit? Is it a good physical exercise?
First of all hiking is a sort of physical exercise.
While walking the various limbs of our body move. Our legs arms and other parts
of the body come in motion. Thus it provides good physical exercise which keeps
us physically fit.
Hiking in the country-side gives us a feeling of
being independent. There is independence of the mind as well. We are away from
the noise and din of the city life, while walking in a country side, which is
very calm and quiet we get mental consolation. We walk as we like. No
discipline and etiquette is required to be observed. We can chat and gossip
most freely and abundantly. Our suppressed thoughts can be out poured during our
walking tours.
The third advantage of hiking is that we can inhale
plenty of fresh air. The air of the gardens and hills, of the open places and
meadows is loaded with the sweet fragrance of the flowers and is without any
dirt or filth. The cool and fresh breeze revitalizes our life and limbs.
Another merit which walking tours provide to us is
that we can enjoy the scenes, sights and sounds of Nature. We can see nature in
various moods and colors. We can see the gurgling waters of a river, we can
hear the sweet music of a waterfall, we can see the lush-green meadows and
pastures and we can gaze at the bewitching mountains and hilltops covered with
densely grown trees and plants of various kinds. The beauty of Nature thrills
us. Indeed, a new fervor and a new zest are inducted in our life.
Hiking enables us to feel fresh, healthy and
sturdy. Hiking is medicine for some patients while it is a good and great
exercise for most of us. After hiking in a country-side one feels more appetite
and thus enjoys one’s meal. Hiking wards off dullness and boredom of life. It
drives away our sad thoughts.
While on a hiking trip, one enjoys all the beauties
and bounties of Nature. The entire Nature clothed in green garments is seen by
us. We enjoy these pleasures of Nature. Nature appears to us a great teacher,
healer and console.