Pune
is fast becoming a busy city with busy lives and very busy roads. Once
it was a retreat for the people of metropolitan Mumbai but now this
pleasant place needs a retreat for itself. And it is surrounded by many
enchanting places with scenes to match the heavens and airs as pure and
soothing as the first morning dew. One can escape into nature and
rejuvenate amongst the cool winds from the Arabian Sea which assault the
Western Ghats and have made them into a kaleidoscope of various shades
of green and more. The adventure junkies can revel in various sports
like paragliding, bungee jumping, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, rock
climbing, etc. or one can just sit back and enjoy the views of nature
from inside a camp tent or explore the scenery while trekking through
the environs.
So
take the edge off and try out the places listed below, wake up the
adventurer in you and challenge your abilities to experience the vast
range of activities around Pune.
PARAGLIDING AT KAMSHET
Situated
just 4km from Pune and nestled right off the Mumbai Pune highway, this
hinterland town is a getaway for many thrill seekers. Built for the
colonizers as a holiday place away from the cities it is now a famous
and safe destination for paragliding. Due to the very friendly
topography, Kamshet is an ideal spot for beginners to get the hang of
this fun filled sport. The flying season starts from January- February
till June and then recommences from October till January.
There
are many resorts that have cropped up in and around this barren land
and many flying shops which provide you with all the necessary
equipment!
LONAVALA
Something
for the extremists awaits here at Lonavala. Hit the rails and de-board
at Lonavala and then approach Kunegaon to experience a variety of
adventure sports at Della Adventure. It's a place that provides everyone
from all age groups with something to do. So take a weekend off and
unwind here at this hill station.
Bungee
Jumping is the main attraction here with a mighty platform at a height
of 150ft, the jump lasts for about 4-5 minutes of sheer exhilarating
thrill. There are other fun filled activities like zorbing, rock
climbing, paraglinding, etc.
LOHAGAD TREK
Built
amongst the green hills of the Western Ghats, this humongous fort
speaks of the history of various empires including the Mughal and the
Maratha. An ideal place for a trek on a weekend, Lohagad Fort boasts of
scenic trails and enticing pathways. Explore the scorpion tail, the
"Vinchukata Fortification" and enjoy a scene filled with green and
greener down below. The weather is pleasant all year round while the
monsoon months just add to the charm of the surroundings. Different
types of bugs and birds can also be spotted.
Lohagad fort is located near Lonavala and can be reached by the old Mumbai-Pune highway.
DABHOSA WATERFALL
This
is one of the perennial and the highest waterfall in Maharashtra. It is
a crater shaped oasis of pure water which supports many activities such
as rappelling, kayaking, valley crossing, cliff jumping, rock climbing,
trekking, nature trails, and many more. Many resorts offer
accommodations with rooms opening onto the scene of this majestic
waterfall.
The
best time to visit this divine place is June to February and can be
reached by train. This place is 20km from Jawhar on the Jawhar- Silvassa
Road.
KUNDALIKA RIVER
Kundalika
RIver flowing through the tiny village of Kolad offers all year round
white water rafting (the only place fit for all year round rafting).
Kolad is 2 hours away from Mumbai and Pune and offers grade II and grade
III rapids for rafting in the Kundalika River. The water is controlled
by the Tata Power Mulshi Dam which releases water at around 8 in the
morning and the rafting begins at 8:15. The exuberating joyride goes on
for 11km and takes up to 1 and a half hours.
Situated
in the Mahad region with the Sahyadris forming a beautiful backdrop,
Kilad also offers paragliding, river crossing, trekking, etc. The best
time to visit the Kundalika river is during the monsoon months.
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