It’s the month of December and
for all those of us living in Bombay it doesn’t really make much of a
difference weather-wise that is. Winter is the one thing that never comes here
(yes yes I just made a Game Of Thrones reference). But December does bring with
it a zeal of festivity and celebration, a time of travel and getting together
with friends. And for all of us who are stuck in the humidity of Bombay even
during the oh so magnificent winter, I suggest a nice long vacation somewhere
cold and if that isn’t working out to be pocket friendly, fret not because we
have lots of amazing places on the periphery of the city that you can escape to
on a weekend. I am not promising snow or sweaters but definitely a pollution
free environment and some much needed break from the traffic.
I recently discovered a tiny
village called Jawhar, which makes for a terrific weekend getaway from the
city. This little hill station-ish
village is perfect for those who love a good trek, evenings by a picturesque
lake and freedom from the hustle bustle of the city life. Jawhar is located at
an altitude of 518m, and is about 80 kms from Nasik and 180 kms away from
Mumbai. Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls, this
is an ideal weekend break.
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| View From The Room |
Because
most of Jawhar is still untouched which means that it is still underdeveloped,
finding comfortable accommodation can be an issue, but we chanced upon this
amazing place called Rural Mania, which is a luxurious villa with beautiful
viewing decks to star gaze from. The couple who own the property are fabulous
hosts and will go out of their way to make your stay more than comfortable.
From mouthwatering homecooked food to helping you out with the trek, everything
will be taken care of. Yes, alcohol is not an issue and you can even set up a
little barbeque if you wish to do so. All this for a mere Rs.1000 per person!
Once
you have reached and settled, its best to enjoy the evening star gazing from
the spacious viewing deck at the property. Jawhar has a beautiful night sky and
is a photographer’s delight.
Early
next morning you must make the effort to go to the lake, which is a short walk
from the property and watch the beautiful sunrise. It does give you the feeling
of being one with nature. Have a quick breakfast at the villa and then drive
down to the point where you have to meet the guide who will take you for a trek
to the Kal Mandavi waterfalls. All of these details will be taken care of by your
host, you just have to inform them a night prior to when you plan to do the
trek.
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| Trek To Kal Mandavi Waterfalls |
The
sun can come out a bit strong and the trek can get a little difficult at times,
but believe me the trek is totally worth it once you discover the sparkling waterfalls
that haven’t been ravaged yet. These pictures are proof of the same!
But
one has to be careful though because a slight miss of a step can lead you
tumbling down head on to the waterfall, which let’s face it isn’t very holiday
like now is it! Once you make it to the waterfall, taking a delicious dip into
the cool running water is a fabulous idea, you can even take a picnic lunch to
have up there because all that walking does whip up an appetite.
Post
the treak you can head down to the village to see some fine Warli paintings as
Jawhar is famous for the same. You can even take a few back as a souvenir of
sorts. And by the time you are back to your villa a piping hot lunch will
welcome you with its mouthwatering aroma.
A
perfect way to spend your weekend, this is once place that should be on your
winter weekend list if your are from Bombay. Easy to get there, cheap and nice
accommodation with meals, fun activities and brilliant weather, what more can
one ask for?!
Getting
there:
The
best way to find your way to Jawhar is via road. A comfortable 2.5 to 3 hours
drive is all it takes to reach Jawhar. There are a few state transport buses,
but who would want to start their peaceful getaway like that now!
Accommodation:
Ph: 99673 58853
Email: rural.mania@yahoo.in
Lovely description! Very well written !
ReplyDeletetruly amazing place to explore
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