As I sat on the cast iron chair in my private garden-sit-out, breathing in the crisp mountain air and fawning over the vast crystal lake in the distance, I almost thought I was dreaming. But the winds reminded me that the chills were real! I was in Mulshi - a part of Maharashtra far removed from any big-city chaos. No traffic jams, no crowds and no pollution. Just the gently rolling hills of Tamhini Ghat, a boundless lake and the soft chirp of birds.
After many months of deliberation and delay, we had finally planned a family trip to a place that was driveable from Mumbai. The long drive to Mulshi took us about 5 odd hours, including the breakfast stop at the food court off the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Mulshi is further 2 hours' drive from Pune.
The long journey culminated at Residency Lake Resort, a beautiful boutique stay with villa-style accommodation. Equipped with 12 well-appointed rooms, this luxury resort boasts of a spa and a banquet hall as well. If you're looking for a place for your destination wedding, this property has a sprawling lawn for outdoor functions. Otherwise, the spot is great for some stretching and a game of cricket.
Tastefully decorated, the en-suite rooms have paintings and murals on the pastel walls. You have access to plenty of sunshine when you open the blinds and let the natural light fall on the chaise longue or the foldable futon (which expands into a bed). Nevertheless, the rooms have many Victorian lamps to brighten every corner.
Residency Lake Resort's beauty is not just indoors. The lush greens are surrounded by the Western Ghats on all sides, this range being the Tamhini Ghat. Eucalyptus trees tower over the neatly manicured plants that add more colour to all the shades of green and brown. A giant outdoor chess board awaits players who like to play their matches in the open.
Swing By The Pool When You Can't Swim In The Pool
As our first day wore on, we had our tea by the pool (which was closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions). They have a Dip Bar to serve their drinks to the drenched. The swings at the bar are inviting - age no bar! Apart from the main pool and a shallow baby pool, the resort has a bonfire enclosure and a separate canopy with inlaid benches for the monsoon.
We arose early next morning to catch some dew and indulge in a bit of birding. With their naturalists on leave, we could not name the various avifauna that enthralled us on our morning walk. Yet, we loved strolling along the trail that goes all around the resort and through it, bridges, steps, slopes and all!
Residency Lake Resort is best for a relaxing getaway from your humdrum city life. Rejoice at the sight of ducks that wade across the man-made pond when you're not gawking at the expansive Mulshi Lake right before you. Sometimes, these ducks also paddle into the garden.
The best part of our day-2 was catching the sunset on the banks of Mulshi Lake. Be sure to arrive at "Hotel Mulshi Lake Sunset Point" least half an hour before the officially published sunset time so you can actually watch the sun go down. The bucolic farmlands, the mountain backdrop and the serene waters only make the sunset experience more memorable. You will have to navigate through some farms and hike down to the valley to get the best angle.
Dine At The Cliff Cafe With A View
This resort offers a gorgeous dining space at the Cliff Cafe - its only in-house restaurant. In the chilly winters, it is more comfortable to have your dinner in the warmth inside, but outdoor dining is also possible. You can even ask for a special table decor and butler service in the garden if you're planning to propose or even are just on a date. The food is delicious and filling.
Our 3rd and final day in Mulshi saw us roll out of our plush beds and slump on the cane swing chairs in our balconies. We wished time would stand still and we'd never have to check out of Residency Lake Resort.
Discover more of these secret stays in Maharashtra on my travel blog - Oindrila Goes Footloose. Do follow me on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook!