Have fun this weekend

Summers are here, and so is the upcoming long weekend. Make the most of it and head out before it gets too sunny for comfort. Ashish Phadnis and Navjyoti Dalal give a list of places that you can explore. Our picks have a destination for everyone — from adventure junkies, to family-time-lovers, to lovers. So head out and soak in the splendour

Rajmachi fort, Lonavla
It is one of the most sought-after monsoon destinations for trekkers for its scenic beauty, dense green forests and plenty of waterfalls. However, even in the summer, several adventure enthusiasts visit it to enjoy the rugged mountains. The trek begins from Tungarli dam in Lonavla. A broad path leads one to the fort after a 16-km walk. The path runs around a deep valley through the woods. The route is a paradise for bird-watchers — golden oriole, scarlet minivet, malbar grey hornbill and crested serpent eagle are seen here. Many adventure enthusiasts prefer this route for mountain biking. It takes about four hours on foot and about 2.5 hours of cycling. Udhewadi, a small village situated at the fort’s footsteps, provides good accommodation and food facilities. On your way back, you can choose steep descending route towards Karjat via Kondivade village and visit the Kondhana caves, famous for their beautiful carvings and sculptures.

How to get there: One can follow the Pune-Lonavla-Tungarli Dam-Udhewadi route, which is about 78 km.

Karnala fort, Panvel
It is known for its famous bird sanctuary and is a great place for nature lovers and amateur trekkers. With a large number of bird species, thick jungles, picturesque surroundings, the fort makes the visit a truly memorable one. The forest is spread over 4.48 sq km and is home to several kinds of trees including kulu, teak, koshimb, mango, asana and kalam. Apart from the remnants, the main attraction here is the pinnacle, ‘Thumb of Karnala’ (Lingoba in local language). Several trekkers visit Karnala for rock-climbing and rappelling activities. Reaching the pinnacle is an experience of a life-time.

How to get there: Take the Pune-Panvel route; the fort is 12 km away from Panvel (Shirdhon route).

Sindhudurg, Konkan
The beaches here have been identified as an ideal site for snorkeling. Underwater, one can explore the Sargassum forest, hard corals, and colourful fishes like the red snapper, zebras, damsels, blueline and groupers (yes, they’re all fishes), along with amazing underwater rockscapes. Even a non-swimmer can enjoy the thrill with the help of trained guides, who are easily available here. However, scuba diving requires a little training and can be done after a short training course. When not under the water, you can explore the Sindhudurg fort, Devbag, Tarkarli and Vengurla rocks. Other attractions include the dolphin safari, night fishing with local fishermen with gill nets, water sports at Tarkarli, and houseboat stay at Devbag. Nivati and Bhogve beaches offer white sand and beautiful blue water lagoon making it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying a picnic.

How to get there: There are different routes one can take to reach Malvan from Pune, however, the tourists are recommended to take the Kolhapur-Gaganbawada-Vaibhavwadi-Talere (NH 17)-Kankavali-Kasal to Malvan route.
 
Kundalika River, Kolad
It is an ideal place for a day’s rafting trips and short overnight trips. Kundalika rafting is the only white water rafting in the state and the river is considered as one of the fastest flowing rivers in Western India. A one-and-a-half-hour run down a 14-km river stretch of exciting rapids is a wild ride. The river originates at a small town called Bhira, and is fed by the excess water from the Mulshi dam project. Adventure lovers have found a unique way of enjoying the release of the dam water. Rafting of grade II and III can be experienced when water is released from the dam. Rafting operations base, at Sutarwadi, is 100 km from Pune. One can also try waterfall rappelling and kayaking.

How to get there: Take the road to Mulshi dam and then take Sajey village route.

Sandhan Valley, Sahyadri range
The valley is located in a remote part of Bhandardara (near Samrad village). This water carved valley is 50 to 150 ft deep and about 2 to 3 km long. Experience the heart-throbbing crossing of deep water (4 to 6 ft) pools on the way. Some adventure groups conduct rappelling activities which include descending rock patches to reach the valley’s base. It is also called the valley of shadow as it hardly allows sunrays to reach its base. If history excites you, then visit the ancient Amruteshwar temple (at Ratanwadi), Ratangad fort. One can also enjoy sight seeing at Bhandardara dam, Khuta pinnacle and Kalsubai (the highest peak in Maharashtra).

How to get there: Take the Pune-Narayangaon-Alephata- Bota-Bramhanwada-Kotul-Kotul Phata-Rajur-Randha falls- Ratanwadi Phata-Shendi-Bhandardara-Panzare-Udhawne- Ghatghar dam and Samrad village route (about 180 km from Pune)

Japalouppe Equestrian Centre, Talegaon
While the name does say it’s an equestrian centre, Japalouppe is more than just that. While the highlight remains horse riding (there are ponies for children, and horses for adults), the place also doubles up as a farm where one can spot birds and animals of various kinds. So your little ones can climb trees, or play with Tughlaq, the Australian cockatoo who sings and talks to the guests, the mommies and daddies can have fun with the rest of the animal kingdom — a Yorkshire pig, a hill goat, a baby bull, a variety of dogs, Persian cats, fishes, geese, ducks, turkeys, garden fowls.

How to get there: Situated 30 km from Pune station, Japalouppe is located in Talegaon and is an hour’s drive from Pune. The place is reasonable and costs between Rs550 to Rs1,200 depending on the choice of cuisines one opts. But one should book the place well in advance. You can contact Rohan More on 9890920183 or Lorraine More on 9158004102.

Machan, Lonavla
Machan’s highlights are the unique tree houses that are 30 to 45 ft above the forest. The place has no cellular network, or internet connection, which makes the stay a true ‘getaway’ from the humdrum. Run strictly on sustainable resources, Machan is slightly steep on the price front. One can soak himself in nature, go for forest treks, birdwatching (this is the most active time for birds by the way), and star gazing (you will be surprised to spot many constellations). During the day, you can explore some historical forts and caves that dot the vicinity like Koraigad fort, Lohagad fort, and Karla and Bhaja caves (dating back to 2nd and 1st century BC).

How to get there: Located at Jambulne, near Lonavla, Machan is a 1.5-hour drive from Pune. Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and then the Khandala exit, follow the Aamby Valley Road and turn left after Cloud 9 resort and then towards Essar Agrotech, the road will lead you to Machan. You can contact reservations@themachan.com or 07303158658, 09594053113.

Della Adventure Park, Lonavla
Touted to be the largest adventure park in India, this is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. The place offers 86 adventure activities from the conventional rappelling, and dirt bike racing, to the unconventional zorbing (four types), paintball, mountain cycling, paragliding, and trying the rocket launcher (which shoots you in the air for many metres in the sky. Don’t worry you’re harnessed to the ground so you’re not going to get lost in the space). What’s unique though is the blend of adventure with scenic beauty. Della also has enough sight-seeing opportunities. The adventure park has a resort inside, with comfortable and luxurious rooms, where one can relax after a good day’s play.

How to get there:
Located off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the adventure park is about 65 km from Pune. One can also take a bus ride from the city and get off at Khandala exit on the expressway, or the Lonavla market stand (if you’re taking the old highway), Della is about 15 to 20 min from there. Call on 8605018362 or 020-41208856.

Kamshet
Most of us have, at least once in our lives, wanted to fly like a bird. And this is where Kamshet comes into the picture. Barely known before the paragliding boom struck it, Kamshet is now one of the premier locations for this adventure sport. Various paragliding schools operate here, but go for a certified one. Most schools first train you in paragliding with 3 to 7 day course. We recommend Fly Nirvana and Temple Pilots. Both the schools are located in Kamshet, and offer various courses in paragliding. They also have guesthouses by the lake, so one can enjoy nature before (and after) having a bird’s eye view of it while gliding.

How to get there:
Kamshet is just 45 km from Pune and is just an hour’s drive away. Contact Temple Pilots on 9970053359, and Fly Nirvana on 022-26053724, 0211-4 286287/ 286007