Destination decided. Parashar Agro Farm (PAF), Rajuri, Junnar District, Maharashtra. This was after marathon search on the Google. All prominent monsoon resorts in Maharashtra were booked for the weekend. We were looking for travel distance of around 200 KM from Mumbai, not more. Finally I was landed on the website of PAF. It was quite pleasing.
After having some hope, I visited Tripadvisor for reviews. To my pleasant surprise out of 24 reviews, 14 were Excellent and 10 were very good. Nothing below that. A very rare feat. Now my next challenge was having a vacancy there on my designated days.
I called Mr. Manoj Hadawale whose number was there on the site. He is the owner. He confirmed the availability of rooms. Advance was paid, others were roped in to join and the journey begun on 8th July 2016.
It was 7.40 in the morning. We travelled by Hyundai Grand i10 and other two couple were in a separate vehicle. Google map was set up for direction. It was showing 180 KM. from Dahisar Check Naka.
Route:
Dahisar Check Naka – Ghodbunder Road – Thane – Kalyan – Murbad – Malshej Ghat – Alephata – Rajuri
Breakfast point immediately after Bhiwandi Kalyan Junction on Kalyan Road.
Beautiful Kalyan Ahmednagar Highway – NH 61. Near Murbad.
Straight roads and greenery on boths side, very less vehicles.
Our road companion near Murbad
Small pleasure of road journey. 12 KM before Malshej Ghat . Bhajia/Pakora and tea point.
Thundering Malshej Ghat.. Vision blurred…but excitement was at its peak.
Waterfall at Malshej Ghat.
Driving in clouds.
It was journey worth doing at Malshej Ghat.
Rock. The route was closed a day before. Even it was closed on our return journey. Landslides.
Cautions driving. Rock and rain.
Tunnel at Malshej Ghat.
Destination, Parashar Agro Farm. It was sharp 2 o’clock and the lunch time.
The owner is post graduate in Agriculture. He was working in SBI, left his job and this is his startup. He is also promoting local Junner tourism.
Best part of the farm is: No Smoking – No Alcohol – No Non Veg and No TV and even No Pizzas and Pastas. .
The room.
Inside view.
The Farm House.
Traditional Maharashtrian Food.
Jaisa desh waisa bhesh.. Traditional Maharashtrian Attire.
The agro farm. Pomegranate and corn plantations but we were not in the right season. November is the rights eason to see the crops on the trees.
Village cattle farm.
Cattle food processing.
Coconut
Aneghat, 12 KM from Rajuri on Ahmednagar Highway, Natural water made rock bride.
View from the bridge.
We were surrounded by Farm and hills.
Agro tourism without a tractor ride? Not complete.
& the nightmare begins. We were told by Manoj on Sunday, the day of our departure that Malshej Ghat route is closed due to landslide. We will have to take Rajuri – Alephata – Chakan – Talegaon – Pune Expressway – Lonavala – Airoli – Borivali route.
Bumper to bumper traffic on the road at each small town junction and pathetic road condition. How many hours it took us to travel 236 KM?? Any guess?
Some solace…
3 Km long traffic ended at this Toll plaza.
It took us 10 hours plus to travel 236 KM.
On the whole it was a beautiful journey travelling through Murbad – Malshej Ghat road. Konkan belt is known for its greenery, but this road was no less. Parashar Agro Farm was a different experience and I agree with the average review of 4.3 on tripadvisor. No hotels and resorts, this Agrofarm cum home stay will certainly rejuvenate you. (Caution go only if Malshej Ghat route is open).
Blog: http://wethecouple.com
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