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Lavasa has been planned as a vacation city and this new hill station in India created quite a buzz during its inception. Complete with stunning waterfalls, scenic lake, a great waterfront and wonderful accommodation, this planned city was being developed and maintained by the Hindustan Construction Company. The city has been modeled on the Italian town of Portofino and stretches across three hills. The most striking and beautiful feature of this planned hill station is the Promenade, the open space to walk on in front of the water. The houses and hotels in Lavasa have Italian architecture and they present a beautiful sight when seen against the hills of Lavasa in the background. The pastel buildings have been fitted with all kinds of amenities. If you have always to go to Italy but you have never been there, then this is the place to head for.
You will be able to enjoy quite a few things in Lavasa and although the city has not been completed, you will find no dearth of activities here. Here are some of the things which you ma try in this picaresque city.
The first thing that you can indulge in here is photography and shutterbugs will love the beauty of nature here. Even before you have reached the hill station, the drive from Mumbai and Pune will leave you spellbound. Once you have entered the hills, there are many places where you can stop to admire the beauty around. The greenery, dotted with waterfalls, is a pleasant sight and soothes your senses. It is a great feeling to visit the city right after the monsoons when the city s lush with greenery as the hills around come alive with fresh vegetation.
From Pune, Lavasa is located at a distance of 65 km and it is about a 2 hours drive. The road to Lavasa is curvy once you reach the hills so it is advisable to carry some medicines to avoid motion sickness. The roads to Lavasa will offer you stunning views of the hills and there are so many mini waterfalls along the way. From Mumbai, Lavasa is located at a distance of about 190 km.
On reaching Lavasa, you have to pay a parking fee of INR 200 for two- wheelers and INR 500 for cars.
When to Visit: If you really want to enjoy the beauty of the hills, then it is recommended that you visit Lavasa during the monsoons, that is, between June to August. At this time of the year, the city is covered with greenery and with clouds and the misty feeling feels almost dreamy. However, at this time of the season, you will not be able to enjoy the water sports which are shut due to rains. If you want to enjoy them, then you have to visit post- monsoon, which is from October onwards. For this very reason, Lavasa offers a spectacular combination because you do not often get a chance to enjoy water sports in hill stations in the southern parts of India. You will fall in love with the pleasant ambience and it is perfect getaway for the family.
Lavasa is so beautifully planned that no matter where you stay, you will get to enjoy splendid views of the city. The city is surrounded by the hills and the wonderful Dasve Lake. Waking up to such views every morning is really like a dream come true. One of the most renowned resorts here is the Ekssant- the Retreat, which offers splendid views of the Lavasa City. A day trip from Lavasa to Pune or Mumbai can also be planned.
Things to do in Lavasa:
The Promenade happens to be located just beside the Dasve Lake and that kind of highlights the beauty of the city. The Promenade starts near a bridge which is constructed near a waterfall and from there one can walk to the open area, with the apartments and hotels in the backdrop. The Promenade is lined with cafes, and there are benches to sit and relax. You can have coffee and snacks, enjoy a conversation with your partner as you gaze over the waters. You will really get that feel of being on an Italian waterfront. There is hardly a better place to take a stroll after dinner here.
Lavasa is a beautiful place to walk around and if you want to cover long distances, then you can also cycle in the city. There are cycles on hire and you can take them for a tour around the hills. The rental rates for bicycles are as low as INR 100 and it is in fact, the most delightful way of exploring Lavasa. You will not get such clean roads and beautiful surroundings to cycle through in any city. A segway can also be hired and rental rates for them start from INR 400.
The Lake at Lavasa has been created so water sports can be enjoyed by the holiday goers here. There are options for going for jet skiing, and then you can also try kayaking. Those who are not into adventure sports can also go for boating and zip lining. These activities are, however, shut down during the monsoons due to the heavy rains. So the best time to enjoy these activities is during October to June. The beauty of the hills, combined with the water sports will make your summer vacation all the more special. The timing of the water sports are between 10 am to 6 pm.
If you want to go camping and do not want to rough it out too much, then this place is perfect. You can go camping in AC tents and there are also options for rock climbing, rappelling, valley crossing and more. If you want to traverse the hills on foot and want to seek out some adventure, then there are quite a few trails which will help you do so. You will discover a whole new beauty of Lavasa as you go trekking and the woods are full of birds and wild flowers.
What is a vacation without some good food and there are quite a few great restaurants in the city to help you satiate your taste buds. There are multiple cuisines to choose from, like Italian, Chinese, Mexican and even street food. The Portofino Street and the waterfront of the Dasve Lake are full of cafes. You can try Food Stop, the Chor Bizzare, the Happy Sandwich and more. The pizza and paneer wraps of the last one are especially noteworthy. There is also a Lebanese Restaurant here, known as the Tabakh. You will also love the various other items available here like crepes, pastas, pizzas and wraps and most importantly, the desserts here are heavenly, with some of the best chefs of the country making them.
With so much on offer, your vacation in Lavasa is surely going to be a most special one and you will soon be planning others trips to this lovely hill town.
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April 15, 2024 
