More often than not, by the end of the week, the constant roars of the traffic and sea of hustling people can wear anyone down in Mumbai. By the time the weekend comes, it feels like a task to go out without a blanket of dust coating the city. But the outskirts of Mumbai hide expansive hill stations and weekend getaways that are only a roadtrip away. A little ahead on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a sharp turn before Kanhe Phata leads you to an otherworldly landscape. With a view of the sprawling Sahyadri plateau, Kamshet is a little town spread across golden grass, basalt cliffs, and a peek into Maharashtrian rural life. But apart from its ultra-scenic view, its weather and unique terrain make it a zone for heart-racing adventures, especially paragliding. If you are looking for a dose of nature escape and adrenaline thrill, then here’s everything you need to know before heading to Kamshet.
Things To Do In Kamshet
With its fusion of natural vistas and exciting adventures, there is something to do for everyone. If you are the kind to lie down and take in the panoramic views of the valleys, there are homestays and campsites that allow you to have that relaxing staycation. Further on, you could walk along its shimmering lakes, check out its ancient caves, and enjoy the spicy ruggedness of its local cuisine. Yet, what makes Kamshet stand out is its love for adventure sports. Taking you soaring up for its breathtaking sunset views, the town is dotted with multiple beloved paragliding spots. If you are a thrill seeker, this one should definitely be on your bucketlist.
High-altitude ridges like Tower Hill and Shelar carve the perfect thermals for flying. If you are a first-time flier, fear not, a tandem joyride is for any newbie flier. With no training needed, all you’ve got to do is sprint across the grassy slope and feel the wind take your sail soaring 2000 feet up in the air. To guide you through the clouds and hold your clammy hands, you will have an experienced flier alongwith. UFly Paragliding has packages starting at ₹2,999/- that include GoPro videos and photos. For a duration of 10-15 mins of flying across Pawna Lake, you could check out Bluesky Paragliding. Feel a bit daring for your first time? Acro Tandem paragliding takes you high up in the sky with the pilot performing wingovers and spiral aerobatics. We recommend pre-booking your joyride early in the morning for refreshing views and fewer crowds.
Nevertheless, if your hunger for thrill is not satiated, you can get your very own pilot course and get licensed at the many paragliding schools present, notably, Nirvana Adventures and Temple Pilots Paragliding.
Beyond Paragliding: For Hikes And Trails
Away from the mad rush, Kamshet provides a much-needed tranquillity to the heart and soul. If paragliding is not your cup of tea, the endless natural artefacts around town will keep you busy admiring. With their beauty peaking the highest in monsoons, the Kondeshwar Temple waterfalls and Bhaje Waterfalls hide a memorable trail. Additionally, a short hike away lies the Bedse Caves with a peek into a lost civilisation. Carved directly into the heart of the basalt cliffs, they are the ruins of a 1st century BC Buddhist monastery. For a lakeside sunset, skip the tourist-known Pawna Lake and follow the trails of the local fishermen. You will stumble upon the serene Uksan Lake. Hiding in plain sight of the Uksan dam, a short hike up takes you to Pale Caves, known to house Jain inscriptions from the 2nd century BCE.
Homestays to Villas – Stays at Kamshet
With the extraordinary view, an overnight stay is a shame. With temperatures cooling and the air crisp around the hills, Kamshet makes for a thriving camping ground. A stay in the wild and rugged hills, and a night bonfire to cosy you up, camping is for making new friends and a nature retreat. Across Uksan damn, under the twinkling fairylights, Camp 18 Degree North certainly provides snug tents, interactive group activities, and an unlimited classic Barbeque bonfire. However, if you want to level up with the homely comfort in the wild, OrangeLife Glamping provides the luxuries of a plush bed and rainfall shower in the middle of the forest. Mogra Organic and Riyasatkar Heritage provide space for those seeking a homely stay and handmade comforts. But for luxe chasers, Ama Stays’ galant and regal private villas overlooking the Andra Dam offer an exclusive retreat.
Eating Through Kamshet
With a backdrop set across the stretching paddy fields, Kamshet’s culinary experience is like its landscape itself. Holding on to its Maharastrian roots, the authentic food of the town is soulfully rustic. Mornings start fresh with breakfasts at Shabari Foods, a few kilometres away from Kondeshwar Temple. The misal pav here is a secret boost to the start of a thrilling day. For lunch, a local favourite is Gavran Chicken, a down-to-earth village-style fiery curry or Pithla Bhakri, a thick gram-flour curry with hot rotis. For Maharastrian delights, such as the latter, dhabas such as Pooja Gavran Tadka are your best bet. Their secret is in traditional chulvarchi (wood-fire) cooking that gives the food a distinctly addictive and smoky aroma. Mind you, homestays and camps often provide their own meals and BBQs, which are equally enjoyable. Moreover, yet another culinary experience is a picnic and forest cooking during one of your trails to the caves or waterfalls. Please avoid littering and clean up after your picnic to protect the natural environment.
How to get there?
Kamshet is easily reachable from Mumbai and Pune. For Mumbai travellers planning to take the wheel, the drive is only 2 hours via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The routes and tunnels certainly promise a worldly scenery. Yet another budget-friendly option is to travel by train. Take the suburban train from Dadar in Mumbai towards Lonavala. Kamshet fall on this very route. You can take a taxi and rickshaw to your destination from the station. However, do remember to book your train tickets and check the train schedule beforehand.
This article is written in association with Lonavala Local. Highlighting the lives in the hills, the #vocalforlocal initiative brings together homeowners, small business owners, tourists, and travellers. With holistic, sustainable development and opportunities in the hills, the initiative supports locally run businesses and curates community events to showcase local culture and traditions.