Thoseghar - A Paradise Near Pune....

Around 150 kms from our very own Pune & 3000 meters above sea level is located a calm and serene place called "Thoseghar". Located near Satara this place was made famous by Suzlon with their windmills project, however not many know that Thosehar is home to, two amazing water falls (one 500 meters high & the other being 1000 meters high.) which create a loud noise in the calm nature. The waterfalls are accompanied by high hills and dark woods and heavy fog during rains & winter adding beauty to the place.
There are some good dahbas near Thosegahr which serve you excellent home cooked food, however the closest lodging option is Satara.

Best Time to Visit: Any time between July & Novemebr is execllent to experience natures splendour.

Things to Carry: Mineral water bottles, extra pair of clothing, some salt (Thats the best way to get rid of leeches if they stick to your body).

Leave the week behind.. cme enjoy the weekend....

Dawn is just moments away. As sunlight filters through the dense tree canopy to awaken the sleepy village of Virdi in the valley below, mist clears the sprawling landscape and the forest comes alive with incessant chatter of the Hanuman Langurs and the mellifluous notes of a Malabar Whistling Thrush. The transformation of a silhouetted tract of land into a carpet of greens, the sight of vast stretches of undulating rugged terrain and the soft rustle of leaves amidst occassional alarm calls of a male Sambhar, all announce the vibrancy of a paradise.A paradise which is a mere one and a half hours away from the hub and din of urban Goa and yet very close.....

(A sneek peek of the eco-cottage)
Located on the Goa-Karnataka, border, amidst picturesque settings and serene surroundings at a height of 800 mts above sea level and overlooking the Vazra valley, and a panoramic view of the entire Goa, that wildernest, the first eco-tel, in the region has evolved. With 18 specially designed eco-huts that put you in close proximity with nature and its wonders and yet offer comfort and hospitality of the highest eco-tel standards, wilderness is all about experiencing nature in its vividity and vitality. Waking up to the sounds of silence, crystal clear birdsong, and vibrant vocals in the background every morning to sharing a sunset with natures mystic wonders, wildernest is for those who want to experience peace, tranquility, joy and comfort in natures realm.

(Waterfall at the enternace)
Wildernset welcomes you with amazingly warm hospitality & attentive service. The restaurent offers you an excellent view of the valley while the chef dishes out some mouth watering delicisies on the traditional chullas. You can enjoy a drink at the garden bar or just pamper yourself with natural water therepy.

(Swimming pool overlooking the valley)
The valley boasts of 140 species of birds and is considered a bird watchers paradise. The resort organizes daily trekking & bird watching activities along with a village tour, however if you just wish to relax in the relam of nature the resort offers you various options of machans, hideways & hammocks offering breathtaking views.

Adopt the myriad moods of nature fused with culture on a special evening as local artisans perform with dedication and honor at activity centers.

Travel Genieee recommends a visit to the resort and offers execllent deals for the same.
Travel Trip: Ideally club the trip with a visit to Goa spend a night or two at wildernest and then proceed to the land of beaches.

Shrivardhan (An Ideal Weekend Getaway)

The coastal region of the state of Maharashtra, especially Konkan region, has been liberally sprinkled with a profusion of long stretches of serene and beautiful virgin beaches. These beaches, many of them unexplored even by the most ardent tourist, have an uncharacteristic appeal that has started drawing hordes of people from all walks of life....
Shrivardhan comes along as place equally blessed by the Lords. Bestowed upon with majestic white sand coastline splattered with palm groves shades and mango plantations. Shrivardhan blows one off the feet with the shear amount of variations the beauty offers. Add the numerous other attractions like the daunting places of religious worship, exotic culinary spread (seafood to be particular), verdant pastures and bucolic lifestyles of the local fishermen and you have the best combination of an all-round tourist destination....
A history of Shrivardhan for over 200 years is replete with glorious tales of Maratha warriors and their hounding efforts to maintain the “Hindavi-Swaraj. The famous Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath was born here and was later chosen as the First Peshwa by the Maratha Ruler Chatrapati Sahu Maharaj. The Peshwa’s continued to rule the Maratha kingdom on behalf of the Kings for over a century till the British overtook them....
Diveghar, is another marvellous spot around 15 km from Shrivardhan. The spot is popular for its stunning beaches. However, watch out for the crowd that throngs the exclusive temple housing a pure gold (12 kg) idol of Lord Ganesha. The idol is rumoured to have strangely exhumed in a chest full of cache of diamond almost 1000 yrs ago. The drive to Diveghar, along the coastline, is breathtakingly magnificent and the scenic drive combined with the overwhelming joy of watching the “Suvarna Ganpati (Golden Ganesha) is beyond words. The long stretch of Diveghar beach is just the ideal place to continue in the serene atmosphere accompanying the temple....