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Lavasa is still a city under construction but it has already gone at the attention of tourists. This is being planned as a hill station and happens to be a planned city which is constructed by the Hindustan Construction Company. Although the city is in India located near Mumbai Maharashtra, this city is being planned with a very international Outlook. It is being modeled on the Italian town of Portofino and the buildings will have a distinct Italian style to them. What has really made the tourists excited about this place is that they will have yet another hill station to go to during the summer, and this time they will be able to enjoy their vacation in a really posh city.
This planned city will be spread over 25000 acres and will be spread over three hills in the Lavasa region of Maharashtra. There are a number of surrounding villages and the local residents are also eager to see how this hill station turns up because it will mean a scope for additional employment for them.
Lavasa is located near Pune in the Mulshi Valley of the Western Ghats. A number of hotels have already been constructed here and the city is complete with Manchester City based Football Academy, as well as an internationally designed Golf Course. There is theme park near as well which is spread over 65 acres.
Construction of this city was stalled for a while because of environmental issues and land procurement but it is expected that the city will be completed sometime in the future, with sections of the city being thrown open to the public in phases. Once the city has been completed a number of exciting places will be open to the public.
Here are some of them:
The prominent will definitely be one of the most striking places in the entire city. This is where the tourists will come for their walks and in evenings the place will be lighted up spectacularly. This will be the main city square, with restaurants and cafes lining the streets. The city in itself is based on an Italian City it is very likely that the cafe your will sell Italian food in great quantities. You will be able to gorge on original and authentic Italian pasta and Pizzas along with sumptuous Mediterranean and continental food. The Promenade will also host some open air events and you will get the feel of the city just by taking a walk along the beautifully landscaped pathways. The cool breeze from the waters and the stunning Lavasa skyline will be a real treat for the senses.
Lavasa will have provisions for a number of water sports and water activities so that the tourists coming here can have their fill of kayaking, jet skiing and even parasailing on the waters. Those who would prefer something lighter and more relaxing can also opt for pedal boating. It is amazing that how you can enjoy all these amazing kinds of water sports so close to busy cities like Mumbai and Pune. The entire water front will have stunning lighting and there will also be benches and seating area lining up the shore line so that you can look out over the waters in the evening and see the city lights reflected in front of you.
The Tikona Fort is located in the region adjacent to Lavasa and it is where you will get a touch of the old world charm. The fort is really old but once you enter it you will be mesmerized by the ruins. It was once considered to be a strong hold of the Marathas but later became insignificant under the British rule. There are a number of caves around the region as well which is said to have been dug during the Satavahana reign because they were used as hideouts. Once atop the Fort, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the surrounding landscape along with the lakes and the forests. There are a number of lakes and a few waterfalls a little distance away from the Fort, and they are a joy to discover as well. If you are here, then do not forget to visit the Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple, which is greatly revered by the locals. The temple itself is very old, and the shrine is hardly discernable, but it is said that it has great strength and powers.
This place has been developed so that the tourists can have their fill of fun and adventure without having to go far from the city. The place has a number of activities like ziplining, rock climbing, paintballing, and there are also open grounds for camping. It is basically a theme park which has a lot of adventure sports options and the rugged terrain of the region will make you feel as if you are in the midst of a forest land but you are very much in the heart of the city all the time. Even if you do not want to go for Lavasa sightseeing, this place alone will make up for it. It is a great place to hang out with friends or to come for a day trip as well.
This Dam is located a little way off and is built on a pristine river. Of course, it is very much advisable to watch out for the waters if you are visiting during or after the monsoons, but at other times of the year, the ambiance around the dam is very peaceful and quite tranquil. The surrounding of the Dam becomes lush green at this time of the year and many birds and insects come alive in this greenery. The river on which the dam is built is also being developed for water sports and other fun activities so that employment may be generated. With a wide range of luxury hotels just nearby, it is a great place to spend an ideal family vacation.
The Lake at Lavasa is a manmade one, but that does not make it any less beautiful. Like all the other water bodies in this area the lake is also being developed as a hub of water sports and experienced trainers have been brought from other countries to help develop the safety features here. There are provisions for Jet skiing, playing water volleyball and also pontoons. The trainers ensure that the patrons have a completely comfortable and safe time here. The shoreline of the lake has been planted with small trees and plants and there are some fruit trees in the distance as well.
The Temghar Dam is located on the Muther in Lavasa and happens to be one of those regions from where you will not feel like coming back. The lush greenery of the surrounding makes it a location right out of the picture postcards. One thing to remember here is that although you may come here for a picnic it is advisable to bring your own food items because there aren’t many restaurants or eateries in the region. However, you are sure to marvel how this man-made wonder blends in seamlessly with the nature around.
This Fort is located in the heart of the Tamhini Ghat, and if you are looking for a location for a day trip from Lavasa then this is the place for you. The fort itself is quite old and most of it is in ruins but it does have a very dreamy and almost mysterious air about it. This is why it is a splendid attraction for those who seek some adventure, and the meadows around the Fort are also great for holding family picnics. One way to reach the Fort is to park your car a little way of and then trek through the forest lands and till you reach the Fort itself. One interesting fact about this Fort is that it was once used as a prison and had seen many dynasties of the Marathas, the Peshwas, and even the British Empire using it. It is advisable not to venture too deep inside the fort because parts of it are in ruins and it might cause an accident. The outer staircase is, however, more or less intact and if you can somehow manage to get to the top, you will be offered a panoramic view of the landscape around the Fort.
One of the most stunning waterfalls in this region is the Devkund Waterfall it is indeed a hidden gem in the hills around Lavasa. The waters of the fall are extremely pristine and about in the pool below can be quite refreshing during the summers. The waterfall dropped from a height of 220 feet and will never fail to amaze you. The true beauty of the waterfall is a scores revealed right after the monsoons when it is duly fed by the waters and takes on its full Glory. It is advisable not to go to near to the waterfall at this time because the water plunges with full force. The region surrounding the waterfall is equally stunning and their flat planes around are great for camping under the stars. Numerous trails did away from the waterfall as well and there are a number of opportunities to go trekking and hiking.
You have to visit this quaint place if you are looking for a market where you can get stunning items of home decor. Handcrafted goods and local commodities made by expert craftsmen are to be found here and most of them are made from sustainable products like cane, bamboo, jute and even the shells of coconut. Bamboosa is actually a showroom as well as a place for manufacturing this product at the same time. Renowned craftsmen are known to come here and spend time making materials from their hands. A number of local artist have been employed and it has also generated employment for them. You can get a wide variety of pen stands, huge wall hanging ,baskets, bowls, statues, boxes, lampshades, table cloths and other items which are not only great for your own home but also make as lovely gift. The photo frames and the mirrors are especially enticing and so are the knives with their carved wooden or stone handles. The prices are also quite reasonable and those that are a little expensive are worth paying every penny for.
If you love greenery and nature then nothing can be more attractive to you then the beautiful landscape of the Ghats. Lavasa is a beautiful city but it is also made of stone and concrete and it would be a great pleasure to come out of it from time to time and admire the work of nature. Tamhini Ghat is like a little oasis for every traveler and there are refreshing lakes and delightful woods which are great for taking a walk or simply to sit around and chat. If you want to go for a long drive then the paths and lanes around the Ghat are ideal for it. The Ghats take on an especially dreamy appearance right after the monsoon and during the winters and at this time of the year the place also happens to get a little crowded. However, it is everything that you want in a tourist spot and you must carry your camera to capture some of the stunning locals around the Ghats.
Lavasa will not fail to impress you and with some many delightful things to do here and places to explore, you will cherish the time spent here. It is amazing how you can be so close to a busy like Mumbai or Pune and yet enjoy everything that makes your dream of an ideal vacation come true.
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April 15, 2024 
