Let me start writing this blog backwards – which means I shall write the conclusion first. So here we go…
Conclusion: The traveler in me was satiated after being in lockdown for 6 months !!!! Since this was a unplanned trip I couldn’t do much about it but if you are planning to travel to a resort/hotel these are some tips you should keep in mind:
- Carry sanitizer spray and sanitize the room before using it. Wipe the door knobs and switch board with sanitizer.
- If possible carry your own bedsheet and towels to calm down that anxiety if you have any.
- Try and alter your meal times if you can.Try to reach first before the crowd sets in. Always go for room service rather than going to restaurant if the property permits. In our case the property didn’t allow room service 🙁
- Wear mask at all times when in public areas.
- The advantage of going in boutique isolated properties is that you can even remove mask and walk around.
- Try and beat all common public times. Step out when the crowd steps in. That way you can freely move around without wearing mask.
Well now you know the conclusion…. Lets get on with the story:
Sahyadris become magical in monsoons and this year due to lockdown we couldn’t go for our hiking trips and small weekend getaways in the mountains. As the travel restrictions eased a bit I thought the least we could do was to go for a drive in the mountains and satiate our travel starved souls!!
So we packed our bags for the day trip with our usual junk food, jacket, an extra pair of clothes as we would definitely get wet in the rains.
The kids were so excited to pack bags for a day trip after so many months!!!!
The weather was fantastic as we drove along the Mumbai Pune expressway. Once we reached Lonavala, and were driving around enjoying the weather and mountains, the traveller in me was pushing me towards staying for an overnight. Heart was saying yes, mind was saying no !
Finally I succumbed to my heart!!!! Go corona go !!!!
Since the e- pass rule was still valid we decided not to take a risk of booking until we reached the place. When we reached the gate I booked my room and voilà ! The first overnight trip of 2020!!!! Phew!
The resort has temperature checks of each and every person at the gate.
The resort was a super hit as soon as we entered the gates. As we drove uphill the driveway opened to beautiful mountains. There was even a small waterfall along the way inside the resort. The cute boutique place is snuggly tucked in the mountains away from the maddening Lonavala crowds.
The rooms are not very luxurious but the views from rooms more than makes it up for the luxury. You would get 360 degree views of mountains when walking around the property. The grounds are also well manicured and add to the natural beauty around.
If you like walking in the woods and mountains there is a small walk around in the property which will pass through a waterfall and also a view point. The rmanagement has placed benches for the guests to sit back and enjoy the views.
The lush fluorescent green mountains with the mountain mist and fog would surely rejuvenate you from all the corona stress!!! The name Upper deck justifies the awesome viewing deck it has in its kitty.
Be prepared to play some hide and seek with the views here. The pic below is the viewing deck in the evening fog.
The same deck early morning opened to these beautiful green vistas with a serene lake in the distant. You can actually walk to the lake too.
Some fun in Covid times sans crowd!
Let me know about your first trip post lockdown 🙂