The better version of camping is glamping and for someone like me I like my washrooms and bed to be comfortable. Yes, we all love nature but then there are days when a holiday doesn't need to feel like another struggle. I still remember the camping birthday we spent in Australia in the middle of nowhere and all I feared was the reptiles getting inside our tent! Although Maharashtra doesn't have such deadly reptiles like the straya, one thing it has for sure is this amazing heritage boutique resort!
The Chavni is splendid for a weekend holiday especially in the rainy season, the perfect place to skip the crowds elsewhere and stay into the Western Ghats of Lohagad. This resort is suitable for couples, group of friends and families alike. Surrounded by nature, it's a perfect blend that will suit all age groups.
The luxurious resort with royal tents
In Marathi, the name 'Chavni' is pronounced as 'chhavani,' the “n” with a nasal twang. The name denotes a transit camp set up by armies, merchant caravans, or pilgrims as they travelled, in short a place to ‘park and relax’ their chariots, horses, bullock carts in the tents.
Living up to its name the lavish tents of the Chavni are set atop the hilltop fortress in the Western Ghats, offering a blend of luxuriously humble lifestyle. The entrance will welcome with the stone elephants as you arrive in the royal enclave, featuring the 'royal carts.' Aside that us a two-bedroom suite and a pool.
Sitting by your tent it’s easy to imagine the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The 4.5 acre resort is set on a hillside ideal for budget travellers and trekkers. The seven canvas air conditioned 'Rahuti Tents' are spread across the property that come with bathroom and a outside seating.
Along with three 'Sarja Raja' bullock carts they also provide buggies if you want to walk up to the restaurant making it senior citizen friendly.
Food with rustic flavours
Indulge in a Maharashtrian style lunch with regional variations such as chicken gavran (village-style) rassa and masala wangi (brinjal) for lunch.
For dinner look forward to chicken kala rassa (dark brown curry), pithla (thick gram flour curry with onion, chilli, and garlic) and varan (lightly tempered lentil curry). All dishes are home style and best with hot jowar bhakris (rotis).
There are lots of options for vegetarians too, so whatever your choice is you won't be disappointed with the food served here. Head Chef Sonu Dobriyal hails from Dehradun but has spent several years working in Pune and seems to have cracked the Maharashtrian cuisine code, but also serves parathas and North Indian dishes with the same compassion.
Local expeditions
Go on guided tours when you stay at The Chavi and make the most of your trip in nature:
1. Climb Lohagad fort, a 30-45 minutes hike or explore the base of the twin forts on a horseback.
2. Explore the village life as the local women carry firewood on their heads as the shepherds sing folk songs.
3. Set out on a jungle walk in the Western Ghat forests and immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
4. Lonavala is known for its breathtaking waterfalls, which get even more beautiful during the monsoons. Take a walk to the waterfalls and relax in nature.
5. Explore the nearby organic farms and pick some vegetables on your own.
6. Take a 10 minutes drive to the Buddhist Bhaja Caves, a group of rock-cut caves that date to the 2nd century BC. Walk around the stupas, viharas, and a prominent chaityagriha as well as elaborate relief carvings.
Set between Lohagad and Visapur you will get to enjoy nature at the fullest.
Located amid nature and history
The Chavni is located between Lohagad and Visapur forts which were the strongholds of Shivaji and the Peshwas, respectively.
Today there are no military camps of the Maratha Confederacy, but you can still camp here in the lavish tents with your friends and family.
Address: Post Gat No.167, Lohagad Fort, Lohagad Trek Rd, Pavana Nagar, Maval, Pune, Maharashtra 410406, India
Cost for two: Contact property for price
Contact: +91 77210 59999 / 87880 01140, Email: chavnilohagad23@gmail.com
So are you going to book a stay amid nature this monsoons at The Chavni? We are sure you and your loved ones will be absolutely rejuvenated with the surroundings, service and the food that this resort offers!
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