Hidden Treasures on a Road Trip in Maharashtra.
I had no idea what a road trip near Mumbai might reveal. Turns out, pristine lakes, virgin beaches and stunning villages await on a road trip in Maharashtra.
I am transiting through Singapore on my way to South Australia as I pen this. Amid the excitement of visiting the land down under, I find myself looking back fondly at the last week, which we spent road tripping through rural Maharashtra.
Just 2.5 hours away, this road trip near Mumbai revealed many hidden surprises! We drove along pristine lakes, stayed at a work-in-progress art village just off Panchgani, and lazed in the warm afternoon sun on virgin beaches along the Konkan coast.
Here’s my visual ode to the state – and some ideas for your own road trip in Maharashtra:
READING MURAKAMI BY PAWNA LAKE
near Lonavala, finishing this picture of tranquility.
A GORGEOUS SELF-CATERING ABODE IN PAWNA NAGARÂ
on a hill, overlooking Pawna Lake – making for a perfect stop on a road trip in Maharashtra.
A PRISTINE OUTDOOR OFFICE
by the mango trees, quaint villages, untraversed hills and pristine lake of Pawna.
GOLDEN SANDS ON THE KONKAN COASTÂ
shining at sunset. Who knew a stunning deserted beach awaited us on a road trip near Mumbai?
FINDING A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE
at Devrai Art Village, just off Panchgani. A highlight on our road trip in Maharashtra.
TASTING CORN DELIGHTS IN MAHABALESHWARÂ
Corn is grown widely in the region and this little restaurant serves innovative and delicious corn snacks.
LIFE IS MADE FOR MOMENTS LIKE THESE
on a virgin beach along the Murud-Alibaug route. This evening alone made our short but sweet road trip in Maharashtra feel worth it.
AFFLUENT BUT HARDWORKING, THE VILLAGE FOLK
of this part of rural Maharashtra. Land values have gone through the roof, especially along the coast. Yet they choose to live simple lives, working on their fields and sending their kids to school.
THE COSY DEVRAI ART VILLAGE HOMESTAY
The art village is a work in progress by a local NGO, that helps families from Naxal-affected areas to relocate to Panchgani and work on their Dhokra Art from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, as a sustainable source of livelihood.
SPRING IS IN THE AIR
and the serenity of a road trip in Maharashtra is everywhere.
THE VIEW AT THE END OF A FOREST HIKE
This trail in Mahabaleshwar was first charted out by the British. It has long been forgotten and covered by the hideous facade (think boating and horse riding) of touristy Mahabaleshwar. Luckily, we met someone who knows these forests like the back of his hand!
Have you been on a road trip in Maharashtra? What gems have you discovered?
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Welcome to my blog, The Shooting Star. I’ve been called a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveller, vegan, sustainable tourism consultant and environmentalist. But in my heart, I’m just a girl who believes that travel – if done right – has the power to change us and the world we live in.
wow..that’s amazing, I live in Maharashtra, and despite what Maharashtra offers, we hardly get tourists from outside(although we have loads of local tourists).
The konkan coast is gorgeous, you can easily find beaches all for yourself.
It really is amazing, Ashwin. More people need to discover what the state has to offer! And I agree, so many stretches of virgin beaches along the Konkan coast.
Oh yeah, there are many beautiful gems hidden around Pawna. You must check out Madh village…there’s a pristine lake over there as well. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestion; I will next time!
great post, simplicity at it’s best. i loved malvan-tarkarli, it’s gorgeous !
Thanks Shruti! It’s a beautiful region indeed.
Shivya you probably get this a lot but your posts are so inspiring girl! I love how you unearthen offbeat destinations that are just so beautiful! Enjoy your trip down under!
Thanks Pallavi! Glad this photo essay inspired you. And thanks, I’m having a great time in Australia.
Lovely photos and they make me miss India even more! Saw your photos too on Jaisalmer and Asian. ..beautiful!
Thanks! I hope that means you’ll come back soon?
Oops I meant Assam..sorry, auto correct on d phone 🙂
Great Wrap up !! Good to see Murud- Alibaug beach here … our favourite was Kashid beach.. untamed 🙂 . BTW welcome to South Pacific – if u r planning to NZ do visit Auckland
I’ve heard Kashid is lovely. Missed it. Next time! No NZ this time, didn’t have time to apply for a visa + not enough money 😉
Amazing photos! You really know the knack of finding hidden gems. 🙂
Thanks Renuka; Maharashtra sure surprised me with its hidden gems!
Awesome photos
Thanks!
Thnx much guys! 🙂
There is so much to see and experience in India itself, my bucket list keeps increasing and loved this off beaten destination you just chronicled 🙂
That’s great Soujanya! Time to take that list and hit the road then 😉
Hi Shivya, nice post! Having grown up in Pune this post brought back nice memories from home 🙂 A couple of years ago I did a motorcycling trip from Goa to Alibaug all along the coastal roads. Was awesome! I randomly stumbled upon unexplored and uncommercialised beaches, a bit of history and very nice people! Hope you find the post interesting
http://where-is-hrishikesh.blogspot.in/2013/02/konkan-coast-bike-ride.html
Hi Shivya! I keep coming back to your blog for travel ideas and these are so inspiring, one day I am sure I’ll end up giving my corporate job too! I have a suggestion – if you could share more details on where you stay, it would be a great help. For example, I cold not figure out what the self-catering place in Pawna was and how does one go about booking/renting it out.
Sounds like a beautiful area to explore! 🙂
wow…just..wow!
Konkan is next on my list. Do not miss camping at Kashid Beach when you’re there next. I think Letscampout (or something like that) can arrange camps/tents for you.
Interesting blog you have got here. Kudos!
Wow Shivya, your post looks amazing and so does all your trip. I admire the way you have decided to follow your passion. I must say you are doing a great job and the posts are fun and interesting to read. So keep sharing 🙂
All pictures of your travel story are captivating! Even being a Maharshtrian myself never got a chance to explore such beauty, How unfortunate I’m. Once I had Deoghar trip, I’m sure you’d love to explore it in your future trip… Thanks for sharing, my instinct says i will visit these places one day 🙂
Liked this so much . Some moments are priceless
Nice click with good description
hi Shivya, i absolutely adore your blogs! Could you tell me how you travel within cities (public transport, etc) and how much budget do you keep aside for local and international destinations for road travel?
Simply just awesome!
Try to visit forts in Maharashtra you get better experience
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