24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story

Tripoto

Photo credits - Grassroutes

Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story by Saumitra Shinde

Purushwadi, a village with 105 houses, sits proudly on a hilltop surrounded by the towering mountains of the Sahyadri. The beauty of this region is reflected through the warm smiles of villagers. Even though the fireflies are the crowd puller in this village, the hospitality of the Koli community is commendable. And so, to experience life in the highlands of Maharashtra, I spent a whole day at this village, only wishing to come back to it.

Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 1/8 by Saumitra Shinde
From Mumbai to Kasara - The landscape changed as the train crossed the city's border
Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 2/8 by Saumitra Shinde
Kasara to Rajur - The ST bus is a lifeline here in rural Maharashtra and a ride on it is one of the best experiences you can have
Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 3/8 by Saumitra Shinde
Purushwadi - The humble abode of a family in Purushwadi
Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 4/8 by Saumitra Shinde
These are sour berries called Karwanda which can be eaten raw. They also come in a sweet taste as the season progresses
Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 5/8 by Saumitra Shinde
Captured this on my way up to the sunset trail in the evening
Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 6/8 by Saumitra Shinde
The hazy sunset shedding light on the grandeur of Sahyadris
Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 7/8 by Saumitra Shinde
Even they enjoy grazing with a view
Photo of 24 Hours in the Highlands of Maharashtra - A Photo Story 8/8 by Saumitra Shinde
Experience the twinkling of the fireflies during monsoon at Purushwadi - Photo Credit Grassroutes

How to get there

Closest Metro: Mumbai (4.5 hours)

Closest Airport: Mumbai

Closest Bus Station: Rajur

How to get around

The fastest way to reach Purushwadi from Mumbai is by train to Kasara, followed by a two and a half hour bus journey to Rajur, and then a 45 minute bumpy ride on a jeep to the village.

Mumbai to Kasara - Two and a half hours by train from CSMT, Dadar, or Thane.

Kasara to Rajur - Two and a half hours by ST bus

Rajur to Purushwadi - 45 minutes by taxi

Where to stay

Grassroutes, which runs community based rural tourism, is ideal to let people experience home-stay or camping in a rustic surrounding.

Cost: Rs 2500 per night, which includes food, accommodation, village activities and trails.

Do not expect luxurious rooms and amenities. It's a simple village that promises a great home-stay experience.

What to pack

Modest clothing, Odomos, sunscreen, warm clothes

Best time of the year to visit

Between June and February

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