Just a few miles from Mumbai..

Dr. Krishnaja A. P.
26th January 2015

Just a few miles from MumbaiGives a glimpse of few easy to access weekend getaways within
driving distance from Mumbai, which I had explored now and then. I have tried to give a feel of the place
through a few shots and a very brief description. When oppressive weather and hectic life-work schedule
make you crazy, a planned drive out of the city to one of these quiet peaceful havens is respite indeed. You
return home relaxed and rejuvenated in Mother natures lap.
(1. Igatpuri 2. Bhandardhara 3. Nagothane 4. Uttan 5. Mulshi 6. Nandgaon 7. Karjat 8. Vasind)

Igatpuri June 2007..at.Igatpuri Manas Resort

Located at a distance of 120 kms from Mumbai, this quaint scenic hill station is set amidst the high
mountains of the Western Ghats. Vipasana meditation centre at Dhammagiri is a major attraction. The
rugged terrain and lush trails of Bhatsa River Valley beckon trekkers. Tringalwadi Fort is nearby and one
can spot Kalsubai, the highest peak of the Sahyadris. Soak in the quietness of this quaint hill station.

Bhandardhara. Verdant nature at its best. Lush greenery, waterfalls, mountains, peace and tranquility
define itthough not in summer.

The Arthur Lake is beautiful skirted by the thick forests of Sahayadri

Range. One of the oldest dams in the country, the Wilson Dam built over Pravara river stands at a height of
150 m. Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra at 5400 feet is a popular tourist spot. The summit
is an ideal trekking destination. Bhandardhara has a lot to offer ..

Igatpuri 1

Igatpuri 2

Igatpuri 3

Igatpuri 4

Igatpuri 5

Bhandardhara 1

Bhandardhara 2

Nagothane 2009at................Kamat Residency

The picturesque Kamath Residency, a tryst with nature tucked away hidden from the Mumbai-Goa national
highway is just 100 Kilometers from Mumbai. An unbelievably natural and rustic environment is recreated
by verdant growth of varied plants and trees. The dense wooded hills behind the residency with cascading
waterfalls during monsoons create an impression of being in a valley. When you look out of the window,
an expanse of paddy fields and sweet sounds of a variety of birds greet you

Nagothane 2

Nagothane 3

Nagothane 4

U-tan sea resort. December 2010atUttan

U-tan sea resort with its well designed tranquil surroundings and an exhilarating view of the sea from the
cliff is the ideal place to unwind on a lazy weekend. Very close to Mumbai city limits, Uttan located in
Bhayender, is about 1.5 hour drive from Andheri. The resort atop a hillock overlooking the sea is accessed by
a somewhat smelly drive through the fishing villages of Uttan, Pali and Chowk. At Uttan you drive past the
fishing village, replete with fishing nets, sails, hundreds of boats lying around in murky waters, rows of
Bombay Ducks hung to dry even in front of small Mother Mary shrines..Untouched by all this, the resort
is another world. A whiff of wind at times is a reminder of course

U-Tan Sea Resort 2

U-Tan Sea Resort 3

U-Tan Sea Resort 4

U-Tan Sea Resort 5

U-Tan Sea Resort 6

Lake Residency Club June 2011.atMulshi.

Lake Residency, with its picturesque cottages, nestled amongst the lush greens of Mulshi valley giving a
scenic view of the Mulshi lake is a perfect weekend get away, in Gonawadi village in Tamhini ghat on the
crest of the Western ghat mountain ranges known for its dense woods, scenic waterfalls and lakes. The
beauty of Mulshi lake is beyond words. Endless blue waters with dense greenery around is
mesmerizing. Lake Residency Club, the calmness around here grips you. You can spend hours looking at
mountains, manicured gardens, beautiful landscape with dense greenery and tall eucalyptus trees. a place
for introspection.

Lake Residency 2

Lake Residency 3

Lake Residency 4

Lake Residency 5

Lake Residency 6

Mahua Bagh March 2012..at.Nandgaon

Mahua Bagh, a farm with an exotic coastal ambiance is a sprawling

mango

orchard along with

an

abundance of palm, cashew, chickoo, banana, guava, and custard apple trees. Situated in the peaceful
Nandgaon village near the historical town Murud, Mahua Bagh, at a distance of 135 kms from Mumbai is
one of the most beautiful locales along the Alibaug coast lined with profuse coconut and betel nut
plantations. You heave a sigh of relief to see your bones intact as you reach Mahua, after the last 1 km drive
through a rough forest terrain, an unforgettable bumpy ride shaking hands with strange tall cactus plants
on either side. Hidden away on the backwaters of the creak, you find natural beauty, serenity and finally
experience the farm feel. We had a memorable stay at Mahua Bagh inspite of the most unexpexted intruders,
two snakes and a squirrel. Mahua with its serene surroundings and amazing staff (service with a smile) is
unique. What sets apart Mahua in my mind is its unique staff, warmth and hospitality.

Mahua Bagh 2

Mahua Bagh 3

Mahua Bagh 4

Mahua Bagh 5

Mahua Bagh 6

Rivergate Resort.. June 2013.at.Karjat

The Rivergate Resort, within driving distance from Mumbai and Pune, is an ideal weekend gateway nestled
in the foothills of the majestic Sahaydris, near the hill stations of Matheran and Lonavala. The resort created
on 30 acres of land is now a lush green landscape with dense woods, rolling lawns and the river Pej flowing
along the periphery further accentuating its beauty. Located just 12 km beyond Karjat, about 90 & 120 kms
from Mumbai, Pune respectively, getting there is quick and convenient, with the drive along the charming
local countryside with its rustic appeal. The resort a unique blend of

modern luxury in pristine

surroundings conjures up the spirit of celebrations, togetherness and retains the vibrancy of a family resort.

Rivergate Resort 2

Rivergate Resort 3

Rivergate Resort 4

Rivergate Resort 5

Srushti Farms..June 2014at..Vasind

Srushti Farms' lush green surroundings bring in peace and take you back to nature. Located at the banks of
scenic river Bhatsa in Vasind village, it is hardly an hours drive from Thane. You can sit for hours watching
the serene beauty of Bhatsa rivers almost still waters, the occasional ripples further mesmerizing you.. or
enjoy the sunset while boating. This is a place to experience the silence within, where you rediscover
yourself.

Srushti Farms 2

Srushti Farms 3

Srushti Farms 4

Srushti Farms 5

Srushti Farms 6