Road trips became integral to my life when I came to Mumbai 7 years ago. The urge to visit places be it the Western Ghats or the Coastal belt of India, has always fascinated me to do some road trips. From weekend getaways to long holidays were on my list throughout the year. However, post-COVID-19 these experiences were limited to merely sitting at home and watching others giving travel updates on Instagram. To add to the chaos, my vehicle (Nissan Micra) was also getting old, and service was denied for even road trips to Lonavala. After waiting patiently for 2 years, one fine day I decided to upgrade my car and now I am restarting my journey on the roads with my all-new Hyundai Venue.
It was Diwali night and I was prepping up for the next day to start my road trip to Lavasa. It was designed to be a planned hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, however, the project never got completed due to environmental clearances and non-compliance of regulations. Mostly famous as a ghost town nowadays, it was designed to resemble an Italian town (Portofino) with its lakeside setting and Mediterranean-style architecture. The town is situated at an altitude of around 3,000 feet above sea level, along the banks of the Warasgaon Lake, offering breathtaking views and a mild climate.
Time taken to reach Lavasa:
From Mumbai, I started at 08.30 in the morning. Being the next of Diwali, the roads were pretty clear and I crossed the Kamshet Toll gate by 10.30 in the morning. I took the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and it was quite a charm driving through the beautiful winding roads of the Lonavala Khandala stretch. Post-crossing Pune, the roads became narrower. We crossed some densely populated areas until we resumed the journey through the serene yet narrow roads of the western ghats. The total distance from Mumbai was approximately 220 Km and it took me 6 Hours to reach including snack breaks and bio breaks. Though there are not many hairpin bends, however, the ghat roads were single lane and sometimes it was getting difficult to pass through big vehicles on that route. The entire route was scenic with the Warasgaon Lake visible throughout the route. It’s the month of November so some part of post-monsoon greenery was still visible along the Sahyadri Mountains.
Things to do:
Upon entry, the four-wheelers are charged INR 500/- as a maintenance fee. The charges for two-wheelers are not known to me. Practically nowhere. There is Lavasa Bridge which is an ideal spot for photography, watching the sunset, and spending some quiet time and a deserted promenade of the little colony which never gets settled. The condo apartments which are a replica of the Portofino town of Italy were standing along the bank of the Warasgaon Lake. You can book these serviced apartments as staying options; however, the food joints are not operational and as dusk approaches, I believe the promenade doesn’t get lit up with lights either. A water sports jetty is there for the tourists where boating and jet-skiing on the lake can be done.
There are ample viewpoints along the route to reach Lavasa, so practically I did not feel the urge to visit any dedicated viewpoints. For trekkers, it’s a good place to explore the nearby vicinities.
Regarding accommodation, we chose an uphill mid-range resort (The Ekaant Retreat) which had rooms with a private balcony overlooking the Warasgaon Lake. Also, the property had an in-house restaurant cum bar which serves Indian, Chinese, and Japanese food. A variety of liquor options were also available. There are a few other resorts also available.
In conclusion, my road trip to Lavasa was a much-needed getaway after a long break. Although Lavasa is still unfinished and mostly empty, its beautiful views, Italian-style buildings, and peaceful atmosphere make it a special place to visit. The drive through the Western Ghats was enjoyable, with scenic roads and lots of spots for photos. While the town has limited facilities, the quiet retreat by the lake and the comfortable stay at a nearby resort made it a memorable trip. It was a perfect way to reconnect with nature and get back on the road after so long.
The content of this blog is authored by me and reflects my personal experiences, opinions, and observations. Certain historical information and factual details about Kumortuli have been supplemented with the assistance of AI-based tools to ensure accuracy and completeness. While I strive to provide reliable and accurate information, I do not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content. Readers are encouraged to conduct their research or consult relevant sources if they seek further information. This blog is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only, and I disclaim any liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the content of this blog.
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