It’s interesting to see how much noise there is, in all our lives with television, constant music (sometimes too much as a way to procrastinate), social media, newspapers with everything going on. The only time you realise how much noise there was, is when the noise is cut out and you start focusing on yourself.
I recently went to Upper Deck Resort in Lonavala, it’s at the highest point on Lonavala with breathtaking beauty surrounding it. As I woke up, I started my drive from Mumbai, with a nice Jazz playlist on Spotify, I began the drive. Stopping as usual at the Mac D to get a Piri Piri fries, I continued the drive and reached Upper Deck Resort in no time. It was such a breeze ride away.
No wonder, when I reached the property, I was awed by the beauty of greenery and mountains surrounding it. I walked around to find creepers growing in the outdoors of the buildings as sustainable spaces of the future. The architecture was interesting and futuristic like those inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Singapore.
As I swam in the blue waters of the pool, I enjoyed a direct mountain view and I enjoyed my swim coupled with some music from a new playlist I had made. Exploring new music after long made me feel like I was away from all the work which the city brings with it.
This was an idyllic getaway from me because the area, with limited network, gave me ample opportunity to spend time with myself and cut the noise from my life. I enjoyed a great work out session at the gym which faced the mountains and got a cool breeze from the open windows making me feel like I was working out in the lap of nature itself. As I took a head massage at the spa, I realised how stressed I had been in the city and how weekends like this played in important role in making me feel more at home, and giving me a space where I could be more me.
“Very often, in cities, we forget ourselves in our chase for a better job, a better life, getting our kids to school, or maybe just studying for exams. Taking a break from all that ruminating makes life more memorable”
At Upper Deck Resort, I found myself spending most of my evenings peacefully as I sat on the outdoors of the restaurant and enjoyed a dosa with different varieties of chaat. Sandwiches and Indian Bhajiyas were loving delicacies from childhood. I watched the sunset over the beautiful mountains as I sat and enjoyed some green tea. Every evening from 7:15, I could also hear the distant aarti at a temple on a hill opposite the hotel.
In travel time, the temple on the hill is just a 5 minute drive from the property but it looks like it’s really far away. That’s one of the wonders of the mountains, things appear farther than they are. Just the opposite of rear view mirrors. The Aarti at the temple is interestingly organised by a set of 4 children who ring the temple bell, play drums, and sing the aarti on a Mike. It is a place worth exploring with a wondrous view of the lake nearby as well as a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains. It’s a great photo spot as well and really inspiring for old people to see children so thoroughly involved in prayers for Gods.
My lavish dinner at the property generally included a live counter meal: Malpua, Tava Veg or Noodles. There was also a live roti counter with some of the best Lachcha paratha I have ever tried. The dining area had a beautiful view of the mountains around which felt so close that I thought I could almost touch them.
Right under the dining area, there was a small pond with ducks and fishes. UUpper Deck Resort has multiple mountain gazing points which makes it perfect for couples and families. As I took pictures of the stunning view, I observed many couples, young and old alike who were enjoying their time at the property together.
Exploring the view from multiple different decks allowed me to try my hand at some photography. I enjoyed gazing at the night sky where I could see multiple stars. Generally, I read books about travelling when I’m in the city, but here I felt so awed after seeing the night sky that I did not need a book to fall asleep.
“Nature has everything you need to feel awed and calm, it can make you feel every emotion that possibly exists”
Upper Deck Resort did make me feel a multitude of emotions, from the very time I woke up till I slept, maybe even in my dreams. The feeling of calm always stayed. My love for long drives took me to Mapro Garden, just 10 minutes away where I tried some classic Woodfired Pizza and fantastic strawberry cream. For those who don’t know, Mapro is a strawberry farm in Mahableshwar, they specialise in creams, pizzas and I’m still confused if their fries beat Mc D. But let me tell you, it was a pure delight to try their food. We did not want to eat much because the food at the property was so fantastic and had so many options. Being a mumma’s girl, I generally don’t like outside food, but the food here was so homely in preparation, it just beat anything there is. Maybe it doesn’t classify as a restaurant to me, because the food is more home to me than my own home food.
I woke up every morning, in my cozy and spacious room, with dim lighting, to a balcony which gave me a direct view of the mountains. Had the peaks been snow capped, I would’ve almost confused this place to being the Himalayas. Almost like, it was a dream come alive or my wildest fantasy which I was living. I enjoyed coffee From my balcony and some breakfast at times, just to feel like I was on top of the world.
What makes it different
What makes this property most different according to me is that it’s away from all the noise you get in Lonavala these days. It’s built around pristine beauty which is still untouched and dreamy, unheard of beauty during these times of rapid commercialisation. What I duly enjoyed about the property was it’s fantastic views which took my breath away.
How to get here.
You can just put it on google maps, it’s very easily accessible. The best way to go is to self drive so that you can enjoy the pristine beauty and stop to get pictures when you want them. Driving is also like therapy.
What to make sure you have
Make sure you have a great playlist, a camera for great pictures, a costume, some pretty clothes, none of your worries, limited gadgets, a room with a balcony that offers the best views.