THE BEAUTIFUL" LAVASA VALLEY" IN WESTERN GHAATS (MAHARASHTRA )

                                                             

                                                                         

                                                                             

A VISIT TO LAVASA  VALLEY  NEAR PUNE

“ Sir , It was a planned as a smart city  amidst Hills of western Ghaats  by Seth Ajit Gulabchand Of Hindustan Construction Company. The   covered area of the city is about 100 Sq Kms . Seth Ajit Gulabchand had copied the layout and architecture of an Italian town for this  pollution free Smart city .  The city  plan includes  small townships, Educational Institutes , Hospitals, Country clubs , Convention centre , Cafes , Restaurants , Boulevard around the lake, Stylish  Housing for , Water sports , Art Galleries,  Golf club and Fun square Miniplex etc. Though many things have come up but the planners have landed in some controversy for acquisition  of land ,violation of  environmental laws   and political interference. “

This is what the  Manager of a Restaurant  located on Boulevard told me.

“ Isn’t the smart city LAVASA  coming up now? “

“ Yes , But you see those incomplete  structures near the international convention centre . Construction has come to Halt due to some stay orders or litigation. Some more structures on that side have also not come up . And then many shops on this Boulevard rmaain unoccupied . many residential apartments need buyers . In LAVASA City , Only DASVE Township has been developed . More needs to be done.”

 “ What about Tourists ?”

“ Not Many foreigners  come to this side though some groups keep trickling . We have a great inflow of Locals from  Mumbai or Pune . They come round the year due to ideal climatic conditions over here . Almost all Hotel Rooms are sold out on weekends. They come in cars , Taxis and Motorbikes. Those coming from Mumbai also visit  Lonawala or Khandala . Students in large numbers come from Pune.”

“ What about these shops on the Boulevard ? “

“  Sir we  have Restaurants and cafes mostly . Many shops are in the process of opening and getting started . there are some vacant shops as well .”

“ Any Shop selling Handicrafts ?”

“ Yes one shop KASHMIR CRAFTS  on the Boulevard on that side of the lake . He is probably a man from Kashmir . Look  there at that corner . He sells some handicrafts but earns from sale of plastic wares , sandals , Umbrellas and decorative and gift

 items that he buys from Mumbai. “

I am in Lavasa  valley for a family vacation planned and arranged by Sandeep Mota .It is   about 215 kms from Mumbai via Panvel- Lonavala and roughly 65kms from Pune. It is built on the principle of New Urbanism which implies that everything has to be located within walking distance .Nestled amongst green Hills of western Ghaats , it is just three hours car Drive from Mumbai though Pune -Mumbai express Highway .

I am informed that it is planned to hold a population of 3 lakhs . Planned like a European city,   LAVASA has  a city Manager. All   services are unified with a clear focus on quality customer service and CMS ( City Management services ).

 DASVE ,  the first small township developed in Lavasa valley remains full of    attractions. So many Waterfalls joining  to form a rattling brook that passes through the heart of the township.  And the Brook finally ends up in a lake .A Boulevard around the lake with tiled pathways and green trees .An array of cross culture food Malls and restaurants  all along the Boulevard .Water sports , Cafes and Boutiques  , A country club. Apollo Hospital , Christ University ,Green Bazaar selling Fresh Fruits and vegetables , 1-2-3 room apartments with special attractions for senior citizens .And  all this located in majestic hills of  Western Ghaat  with cool shades ,  ample  Flora and fauna and  Pollution free air  .

Walk on the Boulevard carrying your umbrella.    Clouds and Rains come anytime and every time. Enter any Restaurant and you find a space for your umbrella. Open the window of your room and you listen the rattle of the brook that joins the lake . An experience  Quite closer to   Lidder stream of  Pahalghaam  in Kashmir valley .

A colourful  Promenade at DASVE  brings a picture   of the Mediterranean elegance. It runs alongside the Lake sporting Cafes,  Restaurants , Green Trees  , Tiled Pathways  and a street side Buzz that evokes the spirit of Italian Riviera .

And you have  the   Living apartments around the lake with   majestic view of  SAHYADRI hills . I am told that the apartments are meant to cater to the practical requirement of  the owners . You have special apartments for Artists . These apartments have Studios as well .You have Villas and Plots as well. A Town hall at DASVE  gives you all information you may need. LAVASA INTERNATIONAL CENTRE ( 020-64731020/1024 and 020-66759000 ) at  Portofino Street  DASVE  is ever ready to help you

 Enjoy a boat Cruise in the lake .Go for Segaway Rides on the Dasve  Promenade . Go for Rock climbing or rent a bike .Enjoy Lebanese Non Vegetarian Food at TABAKH restaurant on the Boulevard .

We had a Hot water bath inside  Hotel MERCURE  in july this year . Yes we felt we needed it to feel comfortable .

I found an International Convention centre ready at DASVE- LASVASA. You have Christ University and Apollo Hospital over here . Banks and ATMs and  Hassle free WiFi connectivity is an added attraction.

So Long so much for LAVASA ..

( Autar Mota )

PS

(1) In J&K State , HCC has also executed some Major works of Banihaal- Qazigund Railway line  Under a subcontract from IRCON .
(2)All Photographs clicked by Autar Mota at Dasve Township LAVASA . You can see the Boulevard , lake , The Brook , Shops , Walkways , Hills , Residential buildings and Hotels.

CHINAR SHADE by Autarmota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 India License.
Based on a work at http:\\autarmota.blogspot.com\.