‘Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai’ kept ringing in my head as I took in those cute little cascades and lush greenery all around en route via Western Ghats to Lonavala in monsoon. Headed further uphill through winding pathways, it took us to Chavni Lohagad Heritage Resort.
Flanked by Lohagad and Visapur Forts, the 18-key boutique resort resembles a fort in black stone architecture and makes room for several antique curios. A 150-year-old Ganesha statue, a 250-year-old wooden bull, ethnic brass utensils and many more await to intrigue. The concept took us back in time to the Maratha rule when Lohagad served as treasury of Shivaji Maharaj that he plundered from Surat while he kept a watch over it from Visapur Fort. When his entourage travelled from one fort to the other, they rested in tents or ‘chavnis’, and that’s exactly the spot where this resort is built with the same name and theme.
Misty Mountains And Ethereal Vistas
A golf cart took us to our Royal Cart room. I was thrilled to enter the bullock cart replica replete with all luxurious amenities. It sports the décor of Maratha royalty with finesse. Crafted in wood and decked with bamboo, jute and rosewood with brass work, an attractive ethnic roof canopy hung down on the Sheesham bed. The spacious bathroom too is equipped with antique-looking brass and copper fixtures and fittings.
The panorama from the sit-out of the cart was mesmerising, especially when the heavens opened up. Dense forests cloaked in emerald green after the onset of rains, a serene infinity pool and a jacuzzi with stunning scenes of overcast mountains and the foggy head of Fort Lohagad transport you to a dreamy, celestial plane altogether!
Eat, Repeat At Randhanhaat Restaurant
The multi-cuisine restaurant welcomes with glimpses of breathtaking sights and delish food coupled with prompt, friendly service. While the alfresco, island table setting is idyllic for a romantic dinner, the shamiana-style seater inside is cosy too. With ceiling frescoes depicting the Ramayan, the pitter-patter of raindrops to the soft lilting music of Shivom in the background, we relished the varied, sumptuous and delicious menu curated by Chef Sonu Dhokriyal and Chef Vinod Banali.
Don’t miss spicy shengdhana and mirchi thechas that sit invitingly on a grinding stone. Breakfasts range from delicious South Indian snacks like uttapam, idli, and vada, to chole bhature, kanda poha, and vada pav. Meals come with lip-smacking veg and non-veg dishes; desserts of gulab jamun, jalebi and phirni. Traveller’s food is packed for trekkers, pit-cooked hunting meals are available on pre-order while seasonal vegetables and fruits are a constant. Get ready to pig out on Maharashtrian sub-regional food from Konkan, Marathwada and Vidarbha here. High-tea enjoyed in the private garden area of our cart was therapeutical.
Museum For History Buffs At Chavni Lohagad Heritage Resort
Get your dose of antique ogling – from grinding stones, artilleries, arms, vintage coins to Shivaji Maharaj’s pagdi, royal real silver saris, nutcrackers, ornate doors, locks-keys and more, lay bare the glorious past of the Martha rule, at Shivshahi Museum, housed next to the resort.
Extremely helpful and courteous staff along with delectable food and luxurious amenities, surrounded by nature’s pristine appeal made our stay tremendously enjoyable!
What To Do
You can visit the Shivshahi Museum, Satavahana Caves and Bhaja Caves. Lonavala is nearby. Paragliding, trekking, and enjoying the waterfalls from a safe distance are advised.
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Where: The Chavni, A Heritage Boutique Resort, Lohagad, Pune.
Cost Per Night: Rs.7000+ for tents, Rs.15,000+ for Royal Cart and Rs.40,000+ for Yeshwant Wada (for 6 persons). Includes breakfast, lunch, hi-tea and dinner.
Contact: +91-772105999/+91-8788001140
Cover Image Credits: Gita Hari
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