Quick Guide Lavasa, Maharashtra

FAST FACTS
State Maharashtra
Location Surrounded by the Sahyadri range, 57 km from Pune
Distance 195 km SE of Mumbai
When to go Lavasa can be visited throughout the year since the weather is always pleasant. Between June and August the area experiences heavy rains. At this time the valley becomes quite picturesque
Tourist Office Lavasa Tourism, Shop No. SB6-2, Portofino A, Promenade, At & Post Dasve
Lavasa, Taluka Mulshi, Pune
Tel 020-64731022
website www.lavasa.com
STD code 020

Getting there
Air Nearest airport Pune
Rail Nearest railhead Pune
Road (from Mumbai) Drive down the beautiful Mumbai-Pune Expressway. After you cross Viva Inn, get on to the Chandni Chowk exit take a U-turn to reach Chandni Chowk Toll Plaza. Continue to reach Lavasa via Pirangat and Ghotawade Phata.

Located at a distance of approximately 195 kms from Mumbai is the planned hill city of Lavasa, nestled within the majestic folds of the Sahyadris and on the banks of the unspoiled Warasgaon Lake. The beauty of the surrounds belies the magnitude of the Lavasa story. A first-of-its-kind project in India, this city is an ongoing lifestyle development enterprise, aiming to provide urban comforts in the midst of nature in a sustainable manner. Developed along the concept of New Urbanism, Lavasa will act like a satellite city for Mumbai, which will house permanent citizens as well as promote tourism on a large scale. For now, the amazing vistas of vast, green open spaces and a scenic natural water-front ensure a steady influx of tourists.

Lavasa consists of three smaller settlements namely Dasve, Mugaon and Dhamanohol. Each of these is purported to have its own signature ethos. Dasve is the principal town being developed as the urban hub, Mugaon is to be the entertainment centre and Dhamanohol is a work-in-progress which would feature high-end residential properties.

There are various art installations strewn all across the city that are considered symbols of Lavasa&rsquos unique worldview. They pay homage to water &ndash one of the four elements, reinforce the idea of courage and celebrate birth, development and progress.

In addition, a unique concept of bespoke Lavasa Holidays has been introduced for tourists. Packages namely Adventure Break, Nature Break, Family Break and Unwind Break have been designed for the benefit of travellers keeping in mind their expectations.

Things to See and Do
The weekend can start with a trip to the Lavasa Experience Zone (LEZ), located within the Lavasa Information Centre. The LEZ is nothing but an arcade with detailed information about the various aspects of the township. The highlight is a city orientation for visitors through audio-visual simulation. There&rsquos also a Children&rsquos Play Area with gaming consoles and other activities. Visitors who wish to take in all of Lavasa in a single sitting can opt for the bus tour.

A whole host of activities such as jet-skiing, angling, kayaking and bumper boast rides are on offer on the Warasgaon Lake, which forms the centrepiece of the township. The X-Thrill Adventure Academy also organises exciting activities for the adventurous souls. Besides rock climbing, zip-lining and rapelling, they also host Corporate Training Camps on request. Team-building activities include paintball games and treasure hunts. On the other hand, if you simply want to unwind, a trip to the Dasvino Town and Country Club is a must.

Weekends are booked months in advance, while weekdays attract the conference and seminar crowd. There are several restaurants here, including fast-food joints and the little cobblestoned area in front of the eateries, dotted with pretty benches, makes for a pleasant stroll.

Where to Stay
Lavasa has some very good stay options nestled between the lake and the picturesque mountain ranges. The Waterfront Shaw (Tel 020-66541414, Cell 09920080133 Tariff INR 7,500-10,000 www.waterfrontshaw.com) is right on the promenade with fully equipped apartments, 15 restaurants, a club and a spa. Fortune Select Dasve (Tel 6790444 Tariff INR 8,400-15,640 www.fortunehotels.in) offers rooms and suites with restaurants, bar, swimming pool and a fitness centre. Another good option by the lake is Mercure Lavasa (Tel 67929001-01 Tariff INR 3,500-9,500 www.mercurelavasa.com) with a restaurant, bar, WiFi, gaming arcade and watersports. Ekant &ndash The Retreat (Tel 67983000, Cell 09975044764 Tariff INR 6,500-7,700 www.ekaant.com) is located on a hill. Go there for spectacular views of the valley.

Where to Eat
Eat at the hotel you are staying in &ndash they all have multi-cuisine restaurants with elaborate menus. You could also try the All American Diner or Chor Bizarre amongst the other restaurants on the promenade.