Monday, January 9, 2012

Weekend Gateway ~ Koyna Lake Resort

Koyna Dam, a new mini Hill Station 3,000 ft above Sea level in the Heart of the Sahyadries could be your next destination over the weekend! Koyna or Shivaji sagar as it is called, is one of the biggest dams in India, 70 Km long backwater running all the way to Mahabaleshwar (Tapola).
Located about 175 kms away from Pune, Spread over 6.5 acres and very scenic location, Koyana lake Resort provides a perfect family getaway for those who want refreshing holidays, away from their routine work. At Koyna lake Resort, you will find typical natural environment. Koyana lake Resort specializes itself in Vegetarian and non-vegetarian Food. Suites perfect for all family sizes. There are lots of things to entertain you. You can roam around on the farm and look at the crops that they grow, relax in hammocks or just sit listening to chirping music of birds. The major attraction is koyna dam & hydroelectric project. Koyna Lake Resort is situated on the hill top of Humabarli ( Koyananagar) and the site is 3200ft.above sea level and the weather is cool, misty and pleasant in all seasons. Especially, you should visit this place when there is full moon night.
Tourist Places around Koyna Dam
· Koyna Dam and Hydroelectric Plant at Pofli /elore - Though entry is prohibited due to security reasons after 9-11, You can visit them if you have contacts in any of the Govt. Agencies and obtaining pass for the same. Else, there are agents who takes you on the guided tour of the premises with help from local contact. It is one of the engineering marvels and must see place.
· Nehru Garden - Delight for couples, families with kids and nature lovers. It has water bodies, exhibition on Koyna dam, models, "Making of Koyna Dam" - Documentary screening at 11:00 am and 5:00 PM, landscaped garden, rose garden, restaurant and plenty of open space with good view of the dam. It is open till 8:00 PM in the night. Photography is strictly prohibited.
· Boating on the Koyna lake reservoir.
· Koyna Wild Life Sanctuary - The wild life sanctuary is a heaven for exotic flora and fauna. One can look and wonder at the treasures of the jungle.
· Sunrise from the Koyna Lake Resort on the backdrop of Koyna Dam
· Sunset and View Points at the Kumbharli Ghat (Road leading towards Chiplun)
· Ozarde Waterfall (during monsoon or post monsoon)
· Ram Madir established by Swami Samarth Ramdas at Chaphal
If you have additional days in your hand, you may also visit Coastal Konkan -> Chiplun (45 KMs from Koyna nagar), Guhagar Beach (45 KM from Chiplun), Shiva Temple and Beach at Velneshwar (10 Kms from Guhagar), Ganesh Temple at Hedvi (15 KMs from Guhagar), Shivshrusti at Dervan (30 Km from Chiplun).

How to reach:
Take NH4 (Mumbai - Bangalore Highway), cross Satara and get down off the highway at Umbraj village around 137 KMs from Pune. Join Karad - Chiplun State Highway after another 12 KMs and reach Koyna nagar . Take a narrow road which goes up-hill from the bus stand to the Humbarli Village and then to Koyna Lake Resort (3 KMs from Koyana Nagar).
Entire road is very good. It takes 3.5 - 4 hrs to reach this place from Pune with 1-2 breaks.

Famous Eating Hotspots on NH-4 :
(With parking facility, open space, good food and clean toilets)
· Joshi wadewale (NH4) -> snacks corner just after crossing the Katraj Tunnel on your right. Tasty food like Wadapav, Misalpav, Tea / Cofee, Wada Sambar etc. Provides lots of space.
· Hotel Natraj (NH4) -> near Khed Shivapur (on your left while traveling towards Satara). Good place for south Indian breakfast. UDUPI management.
· Vitthal Kamath Restaurant (NH4) - in the premises of "Company Operated HP Petrol Pump" on your left at village Kikwi before Shirval. Good food and lots of space. You will get only Pure Veg. south Indian / Punjabi / Chinese food.
· Milestone Food Plaza (NH4) - Between Satara & Umbraj (on your left while traveling towards Satara/Karad). This is similar to SMILESTONE Food Plaza on Pune - Nagar Road.
· Navami Food Plaza (NH4) - just before reaching Umbraj (on your left while traveling towards Satara) - UDUPI Management.

“ MORE JOURNYS….
MORE FUN……………………… “

2 comments:

Pulsurge said...

Hey thats my Pulsar 150 in the pic ;)

Unknown said...

It seems you really had a great time on your journey to Konkan and Chiplun. hotels in Chiplun offer you an opportunity to witness the breathtaking views of nature so that you can get a relaxing experience.