INDIA. Pune, Maharashtra. Lavasa, a city situated amid eight large hills and surrounding an ancient Varsgaon Dam reservoir, is far away from the hustle and bustle of the big metropolitan cities of Pune and Mumbai. This magnificent city is a wonder of mother nature.
It stretches over +25,000 acres (about 100 Km2). One well-developed route leads to this city providing many twists and turns from one mountain to another. Once Lavasa is reached, the grandeur is evident.
The Dasve hill village and town. A great amount of thought and planning has gone into the making of Lavasa as it stands today. The city began in 2005 and is built with the style of modern architecture. People who visit here are reminded of Portifino, Italy as both capture the iconic feeling of a fishing village.
A place of solitude and silence. Shraiya Madhiraju lived in Pune’s Lavasa Campus while pursuing a post-graduation degree in Management from Christ University from 2017-2019. Now residing in Canada, this 25 year old told Transcontinental Times about her experience of living amid the picturesque landscapes. She is an accomplished artist and delves into creating on her canvas the harmony she discovers in nature.
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Most facilities unknown to tourists. Shreya told Transcontinental Times that “the city has a water treatment plant that strives to ensure continuous water supply all-round the year and solar panels engineered to generate electricity that provides for the ever-growing needs of the inhabitants. The residents of Lavasa are primarily from nearby villages, former small shop owners and senior citizens from various walks of life who chose to retire from their professions in a peaceful and beautiful environment. Unlike most big cities, Lavasa promotes a warm and supportive culture of community living. The town hall is the city center that manages the administration and security for the entire town.”
She said, “The establishment of a university and the scenic beauty of this town has attracted myriad students and tourists from across the nation. There are several recreational activities the city offers, to engage oneself and lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Hiking trails alongside gushing waterfalls, adventure water-sports, jogging by the lakeshore, or cycling on hilly terrain; this landscape could certainly challenge your physical fitness. On the contrary, one could also relax on the promenade, explore a variety of food and wine while gazing at a beautiful view, practice yoga in the lap of mother earth, soak in the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset from viewpoints or go fishing and bird watching into the wilderness.”
She added, “Owing to the pollution-free environment, stars in the clear night sky sparkle. Lavasa beholds a delightful treat, especially for photographers, artists, and creative minds.”
In addition to the natural beauty, Lavasa has a clubhouse, a couple of good hotels like Ekant on the hilltop with an exotic view, and also homestays for those who’d like to rent a house with more space and privacy. There are some fun fair activities for children at the promenade as well. There is an international convention center for conferences and corporate gatherings. There is also a small cineplex for those who wish to enjoy an indoor movie.
Lavasa is a wonderful tourist spot with many hidden treasures and well worth the small challenge to get there.
cineplex closed down. convention hall in ruins, clubhouse is rotting away, 90% of the shops in promenade are closed. This is the harsh reality of Lavasa, i hope someone takes up the project and bring the former glory to it.