Lake View Cottage Lavasa, Lonavala Maharashtra

 MTDC ( Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation ) has a number of associate hotels in locations where it doesn't have its own hotel or resort. Lake View Cottage Lavasa is its associate in the hill station of Lonavala, in the state of Maharashtra. Located by the bank of the Warasgaon Lake on 8 acres of hilly land,the landscape is terraced. Surrounded by serene beauty of the Sahyadri mountains, the hotel gives the typical ' Hill Station ' vibes. 

Here are more details regarding the same.

Facilities

Fitness center

Free Wifi

Business Center

Groups allowed

Laundry Service 

Room Service

Spa

Tour guides

Geysers for hot water 

Double beds

Fresh linen and towels

Outdoor Garden : 8000 Sq.m  garden connecting to the lake 

Activities : Children's playground, Boating, Indoor games, Forest trails, Bird watching, Trekking and other exciting adventure sports.

Food & Drink : Punjabi, Chinese and Maharashtrian (Veg & Non-veg)

Parking : Free

Services : 24-hour front desk, Room service etc.

*Accommodation and Tariff

1. Double Occupancy AC Room - ₹ 2500

(Total 2  Rooms)

2. Triple Occupancy AC Room - ₹ 3000/

(Total 5 Rooms)

3. Quad Occupancy AC Room - ₹ 4000/

(Total 3 Rooms)

4. Extra Bed Cost - ₹ 500

   
   
   

*Taxes and Meal plans extra 

Terms and Conditions

1. Two children below 12 years FREE, if sharing a bed with parents.

2. Tariff is subject to revision as and when required.

3. Pets are not allowed.

4. Online Resort/Hotel Reservation tourists should carry a printout of booking receipt / Email copy or SMS & copy of photo I.D proof and produce it to the Resort/Hotel Manager at the time of check-in.

5. Refundable deposit of ₹ 200 to be paid at Check in.

6. Refer to the website for detailed terms and conditions.

   
   
   

Contact Information - 

Mobile Number : 

92235 94602 / 605 / 609

92235 94601 / 98190 28633

(11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Office Number 

(022) 24474488

24459333 / 777

Email : contact@mtdchotels.com

reservation@maharashtratourism.gov.in

Website : https://www.mtdchotels.com

Bank Details For Payment:

• ICICI Bank : Sai Bless Hotels N Resorts Account Number : 032005001159

IFSC Code : ICIC0000320

Branch : Mahim West Mumbai

• HDFC Bank : Sai Bless Holiday Services Private Limited

Account Number : 05412000005124

IFSC Code : HDFC0000541

Branch : Mahim West Mumbai

Details like the exact address etc can be got via email communication with MTDC.

Images : Click here 

Monsoon Magic - Treks and Trails in Maharashtra

 Monsoon is a magical time all over our country, but more so in places with high mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls and hill forts that turn a lush green due to the rains and the views become mesmerizing. The state of Maharashtra with its towering peaks, deep valleys, dense forests, hidden hamlets and villages, historical hill forts that tell the history of thousands of years and the many rulers gone by, picturesque landscapes and hill stations is a trekkers and nature lovers dream come true. It has an innumerable number of forts built in the western ghats that offer opportunities for adventure seekers with facilities for trekking and hiking. These places become hot spots for monsoon lovers who love to seek out thrills in the rainy months. Although utmost caution is to be taken as the trails become slippery and the places with rock steps have water cascading down in huge quantities. 

Here is a list of few such places that are a must-visit in the monsoon months that start from June and last till September.

1. Torna Fort 

Name of the trek - Torna / Prachandagad 

District - Pune 

Base - Velhe Village

Elevation - 4603 ft

Level - Base level is Easy, Last stretch is Difficult

Time - 2 to 3 hours, one way 

Nearest Railway Station - Mangaon at a distance of 35.23 kms

Distance from -

Pune - 38.43 kms

Mumbai - 195.6 kms

*Note - It is the highest hill fort in the district of Pune 

2. Harihar Fort

Name of the trek - Harihar Fort

District - Nashik

Base - Harshewadi Village, Nirgudpada Village, Kotamwadi Village 

Elevation - 3676 ft

Level - Moderate to last part being Extreme

Time - 3.5 hours, one way 

Nearest Railway Station Igatpuri at a distance of 48 kms

Distance from -

Pune - 155  kms

Mumbai - 256.5 kms

*Note - Last 200 feet is at an 80° incline and must not be attempted by beginners

3. Visapur Fort

Name of the trek - Visapur

District - Pune

Base - Bhaje Village

Elevation - 3556 ft

Level - Moderate to Difficult

Time - 2 hours, one way 

Nearest Railway Station - Malavali, at a distance of 5 kms

Distance from -

Pune - 60 kms

Mumbai - 100 kms

4. Ratangad Trek

Name of the trek - Ratangad Trek

District - Ahmednagar

Base - RatanWadi Village

Elevation - 4255 ft

Level - Easy to Moderate

Time - 3 hours, one way 

Nearest Railway Station - Igatpuri at a distance of 50 kms

Distance from -

Pune - 174.2 kms

Mumbai - 177 kms

5. Lohagad Fort

Name of the trek - Lohagad, Twin Fort of Visapur

District - Pune 

Base - Bhaje Village

Elevation - 3389 ft

Level - Easy

Time - 1 hour, one way 

Nearest Railway Station - Malavali, at a distance of 5 kms

Distance from -

Pune - 60 kms

Mumbai - 100 kms

6. Rajgad Fort 

Name of the trek - Rajgad

District - Pune 

Base - Gunjawane Village

Elevation - 4514 ft

Level - Moderate

Time - 2 hours, 30 minutes, one way 

Nearest Railway Station - Pune

Distance from -

Pune - 35 kms

Mumbai - 125 kms

7. Duke's Nose Trail 

Name of the trek - Duke's Nose Trail ( Cobra Head / Nagphani )

Location - Khandala Hillstation

District - Pune

Base - Kurvanda

Elevation - 766 ft

Level - Easy

Time - 4 hours

Activities - Nature Walks, Treks, Trails, Hiking 

Nearest Railway Station - Khandala

Distance from -

Pune - 72 kms

Mumbai - 79 kms

*Note - Last stretch is almost a vertical climb up the rocks and need extreme caution 

8. Kalsubai Peak 

Name of the trek - Kalsubai

District - Ahmednagar

Base - Bari Village

Elevation - 5400 ft

Level - Moderate to Difficult

Time - 4 hours, one way

Nearest Railway Station - Igatpuri at a distance of 32 kms

Distance from -

Pune - 169.5 kms

Mumbai - 153 kms

*Note - Kalsubai is the highest peak in the state of Maharashtra and is referred to as Mount Everest of Maharashtra

9. Devkund Waterfalls

Name of the trek - Devkund Waterfalls

Base - Bhira Village

District - Raigad

Elevation - 2700 ft

River - Kundalika

Activities - River Rafting, Nature Walks, Picnic

Nearest Railway Station - Khopoli

Distance from -

Pune - 99.7 kms

Mumbai - 125 kms

*Note - Swimming is prohibited

Images - wikipedia and www.thrillophilia.com

Secret Waterfall in Maharashtra

There are only a handful of perennial waterfalls in the state of Maharashtra. One such wonder of nature, lying in the lap of the natural beauty of the Sahyadri ranges is the waterfall commonly referred to as 'Secret Waterfall', ,the Bedgaon Waterfall. It is a plunge waterfall falling from a height of 262 ft ( 80 m ) and is a confluence of three streams. It forms a pond between the rocky terrain that attracts trekkers and nature lovers from far and wide. The best season to visit would be the monsoon, due to lush greenery all around on the way through the forest over winding trails, riverbeds, streams, lakes and valleys. The trail is risky at places due to elevations, rocky terrain and slippery pathways. 

Reaching the waterfall would take roughly 2 hours at a moderate pace. The sight that awaits the visitor is awe inspiring to say the least.  

Name - Bedgaon Waterfall

Type - Plunge Waterfall

Altitude - 80m

Rivers - Kanadi ( कांनदी ) and Shivganga

Village - Patnus ( पाटणूस )

Nearby Towns - Roha Ashtami, Mahad

Taluka - Mangaon

District - Raigad

State - Maharashtra

Region - Konkan

Trekking Distance - 6.5 kns, From Bhira to Devkund it will take about 2 hours 

Distance from some of the major cities -

Lonavala - 52 kms

Pune - 71 kms

Mangaon - 30 kms

Alibag - 68 kms

Mumbai - 98 kms

How to reach -

From Mumbai and Pune - Karjat - Pali - Bhira

Via Roadways - 

NH965DD  and NH66        

Via Railways - 

From Mumbai - CST to Karjat / Khopoli 

From Pune - Pune to Khopoli

Via Bus / Cab / Private vehicle  - Khopoli to Pali, Pali to Bhira 

This region is replete with many more places to visit such as the Tamhini Ghat, Kundalini river, Andarbhan, Mulshi lake, Bhira dam which are again very popular for trekking, nature walks and water sports. The locals refer to the waterfall as the Bathing pond of Gods due to its mythological importance. 

Points to remember 

1. Swimming is strictly prohibited.

2. Taking along a local guide ( at a charge of ₹ 100 / head ) is mandatory after a few accidental deaths.

3. It's advisable not to take any eatables due to the presence of wild animals that may be attracted by the smell of food.

4. Be considerate so as not to litter and spoil the clean and beautiful surroundings.

5. There are three streams on the way that have to be crossed. It is advisable to avoid during peak monsoon season as they swell up considerably so as to become risky.

6. Go in groups and stick together to avoid getting lost in the dense forest

7.  Take all caution for a safe trip.

8. Check with the local authorities before planning as sometimes the place is closed to the public to avoid unfortunate accidents.

9. Novice / Beginners should go with trained trek members and groups 

Images - Wikipedia