Barely two hours away from Mumbai stands the charming Japalouppe farm where you can drop in for horse riding lessons, to gaze at the stars, or just chill like Brad Pitt did with kids Maddox and Zahara
Barely two hours away from Mumbai stands the charming Japalouppe farm where you can drop in for horse riding lessons, to gaze at the stars, or just chill like Brad Pitt did with kids Maddox and Zahara
As the sky takes on a deep blue colour synonymous with expanding dusk, and twinklers struggle to pop out, Don Mclean's classic Starry Starry Night plays faintly in the background. There cannot be a more dreamy setting to help you forget the chaos that is Mumbai, and let the night envelope you while you sit on a wooden machaan tucked in between massive evergreens.
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Japalouppe Equestrian Centre is the largest privately-owned equestrian training centre in Western India, specialising in horse riding lessons for beginners and grooming professionalu00a0 riders. Recently, the centre has added a couple of cottages to their campus for those of us who want to sample stud farm life.
The farm is spread across 24 acres, where the animal population easily overtakes humans. There are 49 horsesu00a0from thoroughbreds to Gypsy Vanners to ponies and gypsy babiesu00a0a gang of dogs, cats, geese and ducks. Life on the farm revolves around the horses, whether it means waking up at 5 am to groom the horses before taking them out for a trot or riding them towards an adjoining lake as the sun sets in the horizon.
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Opt for horse riding lessons with Rohan More at Rs 400 per session |
Spoilt for choice
If you are not into animals, there are enough corners that'll keep you at a safe distance from the horses. The main area of action is the thatched canteen that turns into a super dance floor, complete with disco lights and large speakers after dark. Beside the canteen is the machaan, the perfect tree top spot to sip your coffee and catch up on your reading by day, or gaze at a star-spangled sky by night. A little away from the hungama of the canteen is the yoga shed, anotheru00a0 thatched roof space that has coconut tree trunks for pillars and cow dung-lined floors. And of course, who's stopping you from exploring acres and acres of farm on foot.
Nearby attractions
The ancient Buddhist rock-cut Karla and Bhaja caves that date back to 2nd century BC are a half hour drive away. The Karla complex also houses the famous temple of goddess Ekvira. The Pavana Lake, a great spot for paragliding, is close by. Stop by at Bhajan Singh da Dhaba right outside the farm for pure Panju khana and cheap booze.
| How to get there? |
| The farm is located at Somatne on the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway, just after Talegaon. If you are taking the expressway, take the exit after the last toll naka. The best option is to drive down but if you want to take the bus, ask the driver to stop at the Somatne exit and More can arrange a pick up from there. If taking the train, get off at Lonavla, hop onto a local train and alight at Begdewadi station from where a pick up can be arranged. The farm is a 2 hour-drive from Mumbai, and an hour's drive from Pune. Cost: Dormitory: Rs 200 per head, Cottage room: Rs 600 twin sharing, Tent: Rs 1,000 twin sharing (exclusive of food). The canteen serves snacks and beverages, preset meals are available on order. Call: Rohan More on 09890920183 or email japalouppe@gmail.com |
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