HYDERABAD: When was the last time we all went on a e-detox (no calls, internet, notifications) and been on a nature diet - waking up to the chirping of birds, opening the door of the tent house to see a beautiful river flow in the middle of the forest, hot cup of ginger tea and life would look divinely?
With holidays popping out of the calenders, there is so much to do, especially go on a unconventional holiday, where we are either alone or just with the loved ones and no external disturbances.
On a pleasant rainy day, I started my journey from Hyderabad to Khopoli, to visit Nature Trails Durshet Forest Lodge, a Sterling Holidays subsidiary. This sprawling seven acre property is designed for those who love the outdoors. Equipped with 16 AC cocoon room and host of adventure activities is the quintessential outdoorsy getaway and a nature-lovers paradise. Upon arrival, guests are greeted in a traditional manner by a tikka and welcome drinks. Breakfast, lunch and tea were served as a buffet spread. The food was cooked by locals, homestyle, and it had the authentic touch to it. The food was homely and tasty.
There are a host of activities like river rafting, zip lining, Burma bridge, Tarzan swing, mountain rappelling and more to choose from. The 35-acre, private teak and silver oak forests are ideal for quite rejuvenating strolls accompanied only by the chirping of the birds and the picturesque views of the magnificent Sahyadhri Range. Fed by River Amba, the Durshet Forrest Lodge is a sanctuary for trekkers and birdwatchers. You can also go rafting on the River Kundalika, scout the Umbarkhind battlefield or you go Mountain biking in this place, the options are unlimited.
While lazing in your room, you can see the gardens and lawns in the place magically come alive with a natural waterfall during the monsoon season making this an ideal place to rejuvenate and relax. Perfect for day picnics, corporate outdoor training programmes and family weekend the resort is an hour and half drive from Mumbai.
There are lots of sightseeing options close to the lodge, upon request they can arrange a car for you to visit these places. There is a Pali and Mahad Ashta Vinayak Ganapati Temples, the majestic and mysterious Thanala Rock Cut Caves, the hot water springs, the historic battlefield of Umbarkhind where Shivaji won victory over the huge imperial army led by the general Kartalab khan are some of the sight-seeing spots near the Durshet Lodge.
One of the best experiences at Durshet is the river rafting. With Western Ghats in the background, rafting in Kundalika River feels blissful. Thanks to my luck, I was the only tourist on the boat. These rafting experts from Uttarakhand let me raft leisurely and enjoy every moment. They kicked me out of the boat at one point, so that I could kick the fear out of me! The second time, I myself jumped into the river and body surfed up to four kilometers! 14 kilometers of rafting in the river not just filled my memory jar but also gave me four new friends.
If you are lucky, you get to walk into the wild and say hello to a few reptiles and flies, watch the flowers blossom. I managed to climb the slippery rocky terrain, reach the adventure spot, did some Tarzan swing, crossed the Burma Bridge, got down the cliff through zip lining, reach the water fall spot, managed to do the rappelling and of course got introduced to new birds and insects.
Best time to visit
February to March and from September to December are the ideal months. During the monsoon, you can witness the natural waterfall that magically appears in the place. The weather is pleasant during these times of the year. The resort has 11 rooms, 4 dormitories, 13 tents, a swimming pool, a conference room, and a common dining hall which is open from 8:30 am to 11:00pm. The common dining hall provides delicious vegetarian meals, while the small swimming pool gives you a chance to take a relaxing dip.