We started from Mumbai early in the morning. The expressway takes you to Lonavala within 2 hours.
A steep winding road appears from behind the main market in Lonavala. This road basically takes you to all the quaint resorts away from the hustle bustle of the most visited hill station in Maharashtra. We used Google maps in order to reach The Machan as there were no signs on the road!...the property believes in keeping itself private & only follows word of mouth publicity. As we drove nearer to the property we could see one sign on our left directing towards the gate of the property.
An unassuming entrance we were actually not sure if we had reached the right place. Nevertheless we took our chances and entered.
Once inside we went to the reception which was a small thatched hut with a seating area overlooking small ponds of water.
After a quick check in we were escorted towards our Treehouse....it's after this moment that we actually realized how beautiful this property was. The winding rock lined pathways took us to our beautiful tree house.
The Treehouse was a beautiful wooden structure with a tree actually running from the center. It was a spacious little room with a quite balcony & and a huge bathroom. We were actually amazed how nicely the room was decorated, yet keeping the central theme of rugged nature in place.
After a quick fresh up, we headed for our lunch. The lunch at this property is served on a wooden deck a level below the main lawn connected with a few stony steps. The deck was a beautifully done with a few wooden tables & benches, smelled of fresh air & tasty food. After a sumptuous lunch & a quite stroll across the property (special mention for the cozy hammocks on the level above the deck!) we wound up for a small nap.
The property organises nature walks in the evening. We decided to join the group. As a mother, i have always encouraged my 5 year old to be one with nature. We ensure our weekend time outs as well as our vacays are outdoors and not inorganic malls or over-crowded concrete jungles. As a result we have a kiddo who races before us when it comes to climbing hills or taking nature trails.
Coming back to the activity organised at The Machaan, the nature trail takes you through the heart of this beautiful place.
If you are looking for manicured lawns, artificial fountains & artistically pebbled pathways, then trust me this property is not what you are looking for.
The property at The Machaan is raw & pure in its form. The one hour nature trail will take you through uneven narrow paths, flowing streams & thousands of native plants whose significance we have long forgotten. The guide helps you remind of the rich heritage that surrounds us.
At the end of the trail is a small open rock with a few benches (which you are sure to need after the trail!) Here you can rest your tired legs as the sun sets into a beautiful orange before you.
After the trail we went back to our cottages for some rest & assembled in the open lawn at dinner time. The dinner served is basic yet flavoursome, no overbearing spices, no added colours, just the way its cooked by our moms at home ! The fire place, the private bonfires, candle lit tables & the sky lit with a million stars , what more can we ask for!
The day came to an end with this beautiful setting, after a good nights sleep & a hearty breakfast the next day, we headed back to our homes with beautiful memories & a promise to come back !
