04 June,2015 08:15 AM IST | | Krutika Behrawala
From a riverside retreat in Dandeli to a jungle machan at Lonavala, hit the road and head to one of these tree-house getaways for some rain revelry
A heritage tree house at The Machan, an eco-friendly resort located at Jambulne, near Lonavala
A heritage tree house at The Machan, an eco-friendly resort located at Jambulne, near Lonavala
Bask in the banyans
Amrutes' Nisarga Sahavas, Dapoli
Distance from Mumbai: 250 km
Located in Ratnagiri district, this agro-rural homestay accommodates a tree house, balanced naturally on the branches of a banyan tree, 25 feet above the ground. Enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains, the paddy fields and spot birds like Indian Pied Hornbills from the tree house. You can also sign up for a guided tour of a plant nursery on campus as well as enjoy local Folk dances during your stay.
How to reach: A six-hour-drive from the city, follow the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH 17). Turn right at Lonere phata and pass Mandangad to reach Dapoli.
Call: 9422052095
Log on to: www.nisargasahavas.com
Cost: Rs 4,500 per couple (inclusive of all meals)
Go offline
The Hermitage Guesthouse, Nersae, Belgaum
Distance from Mumbai: 523 km
This quaint family-run retreat should be your go-to if you're keen to switch off. With nearly zero network, a comfortable tree house and an open-air swanky bathroom tucked in acres of green, you're guaranteed solitude, 24x7. And, if you'd like some action, there are activities on offer around the scenic, lush Western Ghats.
How to reach: Fly into Goa's Dabolim Airport. From here, it's a scenic but at times, bumpy three-hour drive to reach the site that can be organised by the hosts.
Call: 9341692211
Log on to: www.thehermitageguesthouse.com
Cost: Rs 2,500 onwards (per head)
Outdoor bliss
Sajan Nature Club, Thane
Distance from Mumbai: 115 km
Stay in an air-conditioned tree-top room at this sprawling 35-acre property, that's one of the resorts offered by Nature Trails. You can take part in indoor and outdoor fun activities like kayaking, valley crossing and a visit to an Emu farm. You can also explore the nearby Tiger Caves, Jawhar Palace as well as the Kohoj
Hill Fort.
How to reach: Take the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway to reach Sajan.
Call: 65302020
Log on to: www.naturetrails.in
Cost: Rs 7,000 for two persons (including all meals and activities)
By the riverside
Hornbill River Resort, Dandeli, Karnataka
Distance from Mumbai: 583 km
This tree house is built in the lush green forests of north Karnataka and overlooks the river Kali. During your stay, opt for sports activities like white water rafting, rappelling, rock climbing or spend time close to nature with bird watching, safari, and a trip to a nearby island where you can enjoy a natural Jacuzzi bath.
How to reach: Approximately a nine-hour drive, either board luxury buses between Mumbai to Dandeli or fly into Goa and reach the resort via a two-hour drive.
Call: 9880683323
Log on to: hornbillriverresort.com
Cost: Rs 5,000 per couple (all inclusive)
Luxe and lush
The Machan, Jambulne, near Lonavala
Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
This eco-friendly resort offers 14 elevated machans, raised 30 to 45 feet above the ground. For a royal retreat, opt for the Heritage Machan built around a wild fig tree or enjoy the spectacular view of the Western Ghats from the Forest Machan, towering over the trees.
How to reach: About 2.5 hour drive from the city, take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to the Lonavala/Khandala Exit (onto the old highway NH4). Follow the Aamby Valley road, turn left from Cloud 9 resort and take the immediate left towards Essar Agrotech. Turn left onto a private access road and follow it to the Machan.
Call: 26716033
Email: reservations@themachan.com
Cost: Rs 8,000 (per couple) onwards
