| Destination: Lavasa |
| Destination Type: Hill Station |
| City: Lavasa |
| Country: India |
Lavasa is just 42Km Off Chandani chowk, Pune. For people coming from Mumbai via NH 4 Bypass road, take Chandani Chowk exit at Kothrud and proceed towards your right to Bavdhan - Ambrosia - Manas Resorts - Pirangut (Mulshi Tamhini Toll Road). At Pirangut, take a left on SH 57 which will take you straight to Lavasa (around 30KMs from here). There are ample signboards at regular intervals so you will not miss the route. Entire road is simply driver's delight and passes through hilly areas, small villages to reach Lavasa. There are two ghat sections, one at Mutha and another before Lavasa. Lavasa ghat is bigger one with few steep hairpin bend curves. During monsoon and winter, this area is covered with thick fog, mist. Hence, you are advised to keep the fog lights or headlights on (remember to switch-off as well). Roads are safe in any season and they are well marked with traffic signs.
There are no Petrol Pumps on this route but there is a Shell, BP & HP petrol pump on Bavdhan-Pirangut road. So make sure that you have enough fuel supply for the return trip through hilly areas.
Very recently, MSRTC have started daily minibus services from Swargate to Lavasa and nearby villages like Mugaon, Dasve, Lavarde etc.
Lavasa free india's largest hill city is merely within 50 KMs from Pune and located between 2500 - 3000 ft above sea level around the 20km backwaters of the Varasgaon Dam. Though, the entire area is dotted with construction activity today, first phase at Dasve is expected to be complete by 2010 & subsequently, entire project will be ready only by 2021. A very big vision and on such a grand scale!
Lavasa will be a planned hill township located on 25000 acres of land (100 sq KMs), which is as big as Paris city in total area and will house 2,00,000 people (permanent residents) and cater to 20,00,000 tourists annually when complete. It will have everything - Water front apartments, Villas, 5-star hotels, economy hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, post graduate education like - executive MBAs, Hotel Management institutes, Golf course, Clubs, spas, adventure sports, shopping malls, landscaped gardens, watersports and many many more.
Temghar Dam (enroute to Lavasa):- This is one of the 4 dams that provides water to the Pune city (khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon & Temghar). The dam is under repair now however when full with water, it is a very beautiful sight.
View Points, Waterfalls (Seasonal):- Entire road passes through the hilly region so there are lots of view points and small waterfalls (seasonal) enroute before you enter Lavasa or on the 8 KM long stretch from the main gate to the promenede.
Lakeshore Water sports:- There are watersports operational in Dasve dam from 10 - 5:30 PM (weather permitting). It is little expensive, but they have all state-of-the-art equipments in good condition like Jet Ski scooters, paddle boats, Kayak, inflatables, Bumber boats (dashing boats in limited area), cruise etc.
Waterfront & Promenade:- made out of stone blocks with no vehicle movement and gives you a feel of visiting any european city. They are illuminated in the night which is a worth site to see. American diner restaurant, Apollo Pharmacy shop, Souvenier Shop and a retail shop are located on the waterfront.
For 30 min Paddle boat, it is Rs.100 p.p. where as for Jet ski it is Rs. 500 p.p for 15 minutes ride which is a thrilling experience.
Enjoy an international watersports experience, with activities like pontoons, bumper boats, jet skiing, water volleyball and pedal boats.
Lavasa Experiance Zone The Lavasa Experience Center takes you on an audio-visual voyage that will reveal everything that Lavasa has to offer you. We have specially-trained guest relations executives to complement your experience, a 3D experiential film for your viewing pleasure, and a kid zone for the little ones.
Bus Tour With artwork by renowned automobile designer, Dilip Chabbria, this bus takes you on an unforgettable tour of the hill city.
Lunch at lavasa After working up an appetite with all the day's activities, it's time to sink your teeth into the mouth–watering menus at Granma's Homemade Patisserie or Chor Bizarre.
Watersports at Lavasa Enjoy an international watersports experience, with activities like pontoons, bumper boats, jet skiing, water volleyball and pedal boats.
Movie at the LEZ at the Information Centre It's time to return to the Lavasa Experience Center for the special 8 PM 'Movie Screening', where there are blockbuster Hindi and English movies playing.
Unwind at Lavasa An eventful day ends with unwinding with a round of drinks and laughter at the soon-to- be-opened Oriental Octopus, Past Times English pub.
Games Arcade Get your gaming suit on and enjoy a variety of games on display like Neo arcade, Electronic darts and Photo play at Neo Spark.
Adventure Sports Unleash your adventurous side with X-thrill and activities like paint ball, rappelling , rock climbing , camping, trekking and lots more!
Nursery, Crèche and other activities Visit the nursery and crèche, take a tour of the villas and apartments or walk along the promenade.
Dinner at Lavasa Your choices include Vyanjan - the multi-cuisine restaurant at the Ekaant, the Zodiac Grill - the 24 hour coffee shot at Fortune Select Dasve, and the American Diner - an outlet from the popular chain of U.S. eateries.
Best season to visit is from September to March when there are no rains and backwater is full.
Lavasa Experience Center Film show on Lavasa, 3D Film (coming soon), and joy ride to visit the different places in Lavasa on board a Toy Train or a AC Minibus with large windows specially designed for Lavasa by none other than Mr. Dilip Chabria.