A one day trip to Lavassa
Searching for a one or a two day weekend getaway destination near Pune? Want information about Lavassa? Right here, in this article you will find the details of Lavassa, its location, how to reach, what to see and what to do. Come, read this article and enjoy the trip to from my eyes. You never know, you may wish to visit Lavassa soon.
Last weekend we took a two day trip to Lavassa to relax and enjoy the greens in and around Lavassa. More about this in the later part of the article! I enjoyed the trip and thought that it would be worth sharing with others online and hence this article. What and where is Lavassa? It is a luxury getaway for not only for the elite but for others too. It is termed as a permanent resident place for those who can commute to Pune for work and for senior citizens who can spend their life peacefully in this place. 
Brief about this place
Lavassa is a privately planned city near Pune and is one of India's first hill station since independence. It is constructed by a unit of HCC- Hindustan Construction Company and is based in an Italian town of Portofino with the streets and few buildings bearing the name of that town. It also has many luxurious hotels overlooking the lake. The project covers an area of 8000 acres but is yet incomplete because of various reasons beyond the scope of the article. Did you know that Lavassa has won several awards for its plan and designs. There are several hotels and resorts for a comfortable stay during your visit to this beautiful destination. Check out accommodation in Lavasa.Location and how to reach
Lavasa is developed as a well-planned city coming up on eight hillocks in the Western Ghats of Sahyadri. It is on the banks of the Baji Pasalkar Reservoir and behind the Varasgaon Dam, reachable by an hour's drive from Pune. Some ST buses go to the villages of Dasve and nearby villages. But typically people visit this place by two wheelers and four wheelers. In case you are going from Mumbai, then take the Mumbai Pune Expressway to Hinjewadi and then turn left and drive straight to Lavassa.
A few years ago the ministry of environment and forests reviewed the project and ordered to cease construction activities since the project violated environmental laws. Further the project scale was reduced and they initiated the building of a sewage treatment plant, anti-poverty CSR for the local population. 
What to see and do
We drove to Lavassa, stayed at Gharkul Agro Tourism, a typical homestay about 14 km from Lavassa. A home away from home, simple food, simple and comfortable place, right in the lush green place with mountains all around. You will find many localities selling corn all the way from the dam to the main gate. You need cross several hills to reach the main gate of Lavassa. The view is awesome and the road is maintained by Lavassa staff. No plastic or dirt on the way. The Security staff at the main gate charges Rs 100 for car entry. Even two-wheelers are charged at a nominal price. Come Saturday, Sunday or a holiday and you will see bikers, normal bikers and four-wheelers on the way to Lavassa. The drive is beautiful, the road is good and those who love driving will find this worth it. 
So we drove in the evening to Lavassa, enjoyed the sunset on the way. There are various things you can do once you reach the city.
Cycle: single-seater or a double seater cycles
The wildflowers along almost all the hills were in full bloom and this made the place and the drive memorable. I am sure you will also enjoy a visit to Lavassa.
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