The Machan
The Machan is a unique tree house located in the midst of an isolated private tropical forest in the Western Ghats. This private vacation home has recently been opened up to visitors. Surrounded by 25 acres of lush forest and hanging over the edge of a precipice, the breathtaking view of the valley that The Machan offers is really a sight to behold.
The Machan was also recently cited by CNN International as one of the most Harmonious Habitats ever created. Earning it the honor of being inducted into Emerald City, a sustainable eco-lopolis of the future.
Situated a mere two and a half hours drive from Mumbai (one and a half hours from Pune), this makes for an exceptionally accessible weekend getaway. We encourage you to take some time away from work and immerse yourself in this one of a kind experience. Reconnect with family, friends and loved ones in the comfort and privacy of this truly exclusive retreat.
Accommodation:
The Machan has three distinctive bedrooms each equipped with a double bed and two full bathrooms. It has been designed to comfortably sleep up to six adults and is let out as one single unit.
Background on the Structure:
The Machan is a Nut and Bolt steel structure clad in wood, designed to withstand earthquakes and wind speeds of
up to 200 Kmph. The foundations go down to the hard rock and the highest point [the crow’s nest] is 85 ft. from the ground. No machines were used in its erection nor were any trees cut or damaged in the process. The structure was designed to be one with nature and was constructed with that in mind.
It has four levels – i] The Main Deck ii] The Hanging Room iii] The Loft iv] The Crow’s nest.
The main deck [18 ft. x 45 ft.] is entirely encapsulated in glass and provides unimpeded spectacular views of the valley. Devoid of standard brick and concrete walls, it instils a feeling of being in the great outdoors while continuing to enjoy the comforts of modern amenities. The main deck comprises of a large lounge area, a dining table for six and a screened double bed. Extending from the deck are two balconies, one facing east and other towards the north. There are also two full western bathrooms with rain showers and the master is equipped with a bath tub. This level houses the entrance veranda and kitchenette as well.
A spiral staircase guides one down to the hanging room [12ft. x 20ft.] which is suspended from the main deck. With three sides of the room comprising of glass walls, lying on its double bed one gets the feeling of being submerged within the forest canopy.
A short flight of stairs, from the main deck, lead up to the loft. An east facing small room with a huge view – a mountain peak towards the south and a deep valley to its north. You can watch the sun and moon rise from the comfort of its double bed.
The crow’s nest, is a further 40 ft. above the main deck. It is certainly worth the climb to get to the top of this structure for a 360 degree aerial view of Jambulne and its surrounding areas. The nest also makes for a great sit out to lounge in at night, under a blanket of never-ending stars.
The Machan has no grid connectivity what-so-ever. Electricity is generated through our wind and solar farm and pure mountain water is pumped from our 300ft. deep bore, for your consumption.
Location:
The Machan located at Jambulne - in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats – lies in one of 25 biological hotspots of the world. Nearby, are the mountain top forts of Korai, Ambawane & Tungi, as well as, the huge Pauna & Mulshi lakes.
This personal retreat with wild evergreen trees is fenced in, secure & ensures total privacy. The monsoon rains fill the ponds & streams flow through this land. Wild flowers bloom, while the clouds descend all around you. Winters are cool [night temp. 7 C] and by then, the northern migratory birds are also seen nesting here. An evening bonfire provides the required warmth. Even warm summer afternoons are fairly pleasant, under our forest canopy.
This 25 acre piece of Tropical Cloud Forest, situated at 2,800 ft. was acquired in 1993, with an objective to bring back the natural flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. Today with more than 90% of the wild trees/shrubs flowering & fruiting, birds are nesting in greater numbers. A few barking deer have now made Jambulne their permanent home. Small animals like rabbit, mongoose, porcupine, squirrel etc. are a far more common occurrence. An ecologically balanced Forest has now emerged.
Suggested Activities:
Trekking in the forest along 5 km of private paths you may spot barking deer, rabbits and a plethora of interesting birds. If you are an avid bird watcher, then our forest canopy will offer you a perfect opportunity for spotting. It is inhabited by numerous resident and migratory birds . Also, on a clear night star gazing is an interesting option.
Rate Chart:
- Offering 7 reviews of The Machan & Camp Canopy in Lonavla
The Machan |
Mon - Thu |
Fri - Sun |
Per Night (up to 6 Adults) |
Rs. 20,000 |
Rs. 25,000 |
Extra Guest (Max of 2) |
Rs. 3,000 |
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Children up to 5 yrs |
Free (No extra bedding) |
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* Rates not valid for Public Holidays including Christmas, New Year and Select Long Weekends
* Tariff subject to change without prior notice
- Rates include Dinner & Breakfast for our guests
- Guests have the option to Lunch with us as well, do inform us in advance if you would like to do the same
- A minimum two night stay is required on weekends between Fri, Sat & Sun
Booking Instructions:
Please fill out the reservation form on our Contact us page to secure The Machan. Do remember to select "Staying at The Machan" when filling out the "Interested in" field.
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Guest Comments
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“Every visit to Jambulne (and I have made many) has been unique. The ambience overwhelms one; the immediate sense of serenity pervades every cherished moment. Just as the resplendent flowers in bloom, I have found the place eminently conducive for my creative juices to flow fully and freely. The recently added Machan has made this heavenly abode an even more exhilarating experience.” Thank you for living such a dream! And for letting me sharing it.” – Ravi Baswani, actor “This is the kind of house one only fantasies or dreams about. Hats off to the owner for dreaming such a dream and to his architect for giving this complex lofty structure a form. To say that the view from every room and window is breathtaking is an understatement! You've got to see it to believe
it!” "Einstein said “the most incomprehensible fact about nature is that it’s comprehensible”. It’s obvious that the owner knew this when he bought the land and worked out the design for his Machan. Its only when you enter and are in the Long Gallery, you are
hit by the grandeur of the vista laid out in front of you through the magnificent 10ft x 10 ft plate glass windows stretching easily 50 ft across.…
It’s awesome. There is no other word to describe the feeling of being there
within and above nature in this way. – Sunil S Mehta - traveler, artist & travel writer, sunilsmehta@vsnl.com "We just couldn’t believe it when we saw it! A perfect holiday resort- a unique treasure that will not be hidden for long. We spent a night there recently and were totally floored by its rustic elegance and stunning valley views. Just the concept of living atop a tree was amazing - a definite encore!" – Sarita Barshikar, freelance writer "Complete - The Machan has it all! If you are not one to connect with nature then a visit here will change all that. An unforgettable experience that brings you close to nature in the lap of luxury. The travel time is ideal if you live in Mumbai/Pune and the climate is pleasant throughout the year. Now if you are a nature lover and care about your carbon footprint, then the Machan is a must see! The entire place is very carefully planned out and has a very low carbon footprint in terms of design. Even lower is the carbon footprint for running the place. This is definitely a national best practice! Bird life is abundant and fortunate ones will see deer, wild boar or rabbits in the vicinity. It is very pleasing to see hospitality going green in India. The Machan, with 100% renewable energy is a breath of fresh air. The house needs no artificial lighting or cooling throughout the day. Now if luxury is what you seek, then get set for an excusive 5 star holiday in the middle of a forest! This place simply cannot disappoint (provided you are able to make a booking). It has a constant wow factor and one spends up to 2 hours simply admiring the place upon arrival. The food and service are good. There are also several forts and lakes around the region for the more enthusiastic vacationers. Value for every rupee spent! A must see! Must do! " – Gautam Kirtane "We had a 3 day memorable stay, being a fan of the outdoors we had a lot to do from trekking, cycling to simply enjoying nature from the rooftop!! The best part is the feeling of complete isolation when staying here. The staff was courteous and extremely hospitable. Dara Singh was always present to give us anything we needed. The food was good and plenty. The packed meals we carried on our outdoor excursions were delightful. However, the following need a little attention:- While the staff is very courteous they tend to require a little prodding and gentle reminders to get tings done, such as turning down the beds. All in all a great stay and we look forward to coming here again. " – Gul Panag, Capt. Attari & family "The Machan is extremely beautiful and exotic and beyond expectations. Beautifully designed place amidst nature. We enjoyed every bit of our stay here and will cherish these memories forever. Thank you for the warm hospitality and great food ... Thank you and your lovely staff for making this holiday delightful. " – Gaurang, Urvi, Vrushali, Apurv, RaviRaj & Geets, Mar. 25, 2010 "Absolutely breathtaking … A place made with a lot of love, passion and patience … Love the effort gone behind the detailing within … Lovely service. A place worth coming back to again and again … Just absolutely fantastic … No words of praise can do justice to the place … Just superb …" – Prachi, Nimay, Ruchie & Surbhi, Mar. 21, 2010 "Beyond Expectations: A little heaven on earth! Keep it that way. Don’t let this secret paradise become another cookie-cutter resort. Reserve its uniqueness and integrity with its natural surroundings. Gorgeous furniture, design and architectural details. What a delightful staff and the cuisine was absolutely superb. Wah! Wah! Phir milenge! P.S. I made it to the “mandir” on the mountain and paid my respects. " – Jyotin Sachdev, Mar. 11, 2010 "Having only seen the cities of India, coming to the Machan was an absolute pleasure. It’s a true getaway where you can constantly connect with nature. I love the “green” concept of it as it blends with the land in every way. The interior design, architecture and engineering of this place is top notch – as is the food & service. Our guides on our trek up the mountain were so wonderful and literally held my hand on the rocky walk down! The food and service were impeccable. We will definitely recommend this place to our nature loving friends. " – Rana Sachdev, Mar. 11, 2010 "The Machan has been one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. The staff were courteous and accommodating. Food was outstanding. Our hike up the mountain was breathtaking and our guides were friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the local surroundings. These folks practice what they preach – it is very refreshing. My only recommendation is that they open a location in the USA!! Thanks for the experience!" – Adam Laskowski (USA), Mar. 11, 2010 "When my son put forward the idea of staying in a tree house – I was a little sceptical. Being an urban person completely I expected it to be very basic. A lovely surprise awaited us. The Machan is done up very tastefully and the staff is extremely courteous – not only the setting is aesthetically pleasing, but also the surroundings are extraordinary. We have been to many places in India and abroad for holidays – this was definitely a very unique experience. Do keep it this way only and not let it get commercialized. Kudos to the architect for the conceptualization of the idea and hats off to the person who first thought of it. My husband requests for a small cupboard to put the bags in to as not to mar the beauty of the perfect décor. Once again a very beautiful place to have a thoroughly relaxing holiday." – Suman Madan, Mar. 5, 2010 "Thank you for an amazing weekend. You have an amazing place; a perfect distance from Mumbai. We are very grateful that you came up with this concept. We all feel like we have been away on a long holiday. Thank you also to your wonderful staff. See you soon." – Patsy, Emma & friends, Feb. 28, 2010 |
"Me and my friends had a great time here. One of the best places to be in Maharashtra, close to Mumbai. Definitely recommended!! The Machan is made to perfection. The interiors are great and the place has a nice warm feel. The birds chirping throughout the day is too beautiful a sound. However the food is below average and desperately needs to be improved in terms of taste. Rest all is great. I hope you improve the food."
– Pooja & Arun Lalwani, Feb. 20, 2010
"The Kumars & Sonigs had a great time here at the Machan. The peaceful and refreshing Machan is just right for a getaway from Mumbai. The trekking, star-gazing, and the home-style food were perfect activities for the weekend. Special thanks to Varun for the binoculars!! For Wasim, Dara, Ramesh and the rest of the kitchen staff – a special thank you!"
– Nandini & Alok Sonig & Ravish Kumar and Arushi, Feb. 14, 2010
"Nestled in the hills of Lonavala is the cosy and luxuriously hidden getaway called “The Machan”. If you ever dreamt of a perfect second home, extending into the lap of Mother Nature, then this is the place. My eyes feasted on the myriad hues of green. My ears loved the sounds of the birds and the forest at large. My nose took in the smell of the vegetation in a refreshing morning walk. My skin felt hydrated deep within which the best of massages never managed. And above all my mind found a sense of calm, which one almost forgets in the hustle bustle of the city. I bonded with my wife like never before and with Nature too. I urge all to visit “The Machan” to pamper your senses, to see things how god meant it to be, to let your mind find unexplored places within yourself. A day here will change your life. Experience it! Keep coming back so that you are in touch with yourself and Nature. "
– Shrikant, Feb. 12, 2010
"What a beautiful place. True paradise. Unbelievable tree house with a fantastic view. We truly believe it was a great privilege to stay here. Would love to come back and stay another weekend"
– Sridhar Kalmadi & Dr. Shashi Acharya (Anaheim, CA), Feb. 9, 2010
"“THE MACHAN”, I must say is a fantastic creation! We were spellbound, mystified by its presence. We enjoyed, relaxed and experienced a wonderful holiday at “THE MACHAN”. The woody, mystic, over the top scenery just kept us in awe all the time. With a very personal and warm staff who took good care of all our needs, I once again proclaim this place as “THE BEST”! We are coming again! Cheers and keep it up! (Don’t change anything in it) "
– Mahesh & Vidya Menon, Jan. 24, 2010
"One of the most peaceful places we have ever been. Brilliant Architecture. I look forward to returning to take more treks through the untouched trees. The food was also great. I love that it is both a Romantic and Family place. Rest assured we will be recommending the place to a lot of our friends. Thank you! "
– Jay & Neha and cousins, Jan. 17, 2010
"Perfect place to disconnect from Mumbai’s materialistic world and connect with nature mother! This place is Amazing! Kids didn’t even miss TV & video games. More nature activities – Trekking, rock climbing, etc can be developed around this place. The House is tastefully done. Staff is excellent and food is good. Thanks for the nice time."
– Dr. Uday Gandhe & family, Feb. 17, 2010
"Wonderful, awesome and incredibly warm!! Appreciate the little attention to details. Efficient staff, eager to please – to sum it up – We had an amazing time. Thank you and keep it up, MACHAN TEAM!!!! All the very best. "
– Capt. Paul Gosalves and Family, Jan. 5, 2010
"We heard a lot about The Machan. Always wanted to come. We're extremely glad that we made the trip. It is a beautiful property, enviable location & amazing house. We had an awesome time. Want to come again and experience all the seasons. Always imagined a perfect getaway home like this. Thanks to you and your family, got to experience it.
'Keep it Secret keep it Safe' - Gandalf the Wizard"
– Himadri & Sital Thakkar/Chintan & Purabi Patel
"Very scenic, very comfortable. Enjoyed all the sights & sounds!"
– Rohan Bagde, Aug. 16, 2009
"It's amazing how this beautiful structure is seamlessly blended with such a unique marvel of 'structural engineering'.
We really enjoyed our stay."
– Sekhris, Aug. 15, 2009
"Thank you for opening your gorgeous home to us!
We had a fabulous time - quite and contemplative. We specially appreciated the special attention to all our small requests. Thank you Varun."
– The Batlibois, Aug. 13, 2009
"Refreshing change - Service was good and we were well looked after by Varun and his staff. The home was a unique experience and surroundings were overwhelming. The location was in the midst of a Forest with trees, water falls and natural surroundings. Amenities were good and Varun has taken care of us to feel the 5 star experience personalized.
Best Liked: The Tree House and View. Least Liked: The drive back to Mumbai.
We would like to come back again sometime in the future. Had a very refreshing and good holiday."
– Subroto Roy, Dr. Nandita Roy & Family, Aug. 12, 2009
"AMAZING! Thank you"
– Radhika Khandpur, Aug. 11, 2009
"Unique peaceful hideaway!
There really can be few places in India quite like the Machan. A short drive from Lonavala in some beautiful forest rises a spectacular fully equipped modern bungalow - 45 ft. in the air! Crossing the drawbridge into the main living area takes your breath away as you catch your first sight of the wonderful panorama. Surrounded by glass on all sides aides the feeling of being in the jungle canopy, even more so in the 'hanging room' which sits under the main area. The staff were friendly and eager to please and the food was wholesome tasty home cooked style. As I sat in front of the open charcoal fire looking out as the sun set below the distant hills, I knew that the Machan would be a life long memory and a place I would recommend to anyone."
– Liam Gallacher, Scotland, Aug. 10, 2009
"I haven't known a holiday experience this perfect, ever. I can't help feeling very, very possessive about the house, almost as though the people who went before, and all those that will come after us, are all encroaching. We are going to make sure we leave before the next guest(s) arrive.
At five in the morning begins a perfectly orchestrated symphony of bird songs - warbles and whistles, seductive coos and persuasive grunts, rising to a crescendo as sunrise approaches.
Fog drifts in from the mountains and comes to peep into the balcony, curiously, wondering at the humans, here today, gone tomorrow ... We sat and ruminated on all this mortal and otherwise; fueled by an endless supply of delicious, well-made, tastefully served food. Food for the body, food for the soul, no TV, no radio, no cell phones, no honking horns; living in the clouds with the clouds for company, in a house with walls that seem to be alive all around us, lighted by the wind and the sun.
Bliss!
Thank you. God bless the vision, the thought, the visionary and the thinker. We shall return."
– Govind, Aishwarya, Suja, Radhakrishnan & Suma Aug. 7, 2009
"First, I'd like to appreciate the house. It's a very well made house and even the environment can't get any better. The surroundings only keep getting better as the day progresses.
The good service only makes the experience wholesome. Even the location of the house can't get any better than this. Awesome place!! The food is also very good, just take care of the quantity that is served."
– Shaunak & Crew Aug. 1, 2009
"The best place I have ever stayed at; loved the house, the view and the service. Felt peaceful and pampered. I loved the uniqueness of the idea and the non-commercial aspect of this place.
Baban's been a darling, really efficient and well trained. I will definitely come back with more friends.
Cheers!"
– Sheetal Fernandes Jul. 31, 2009
"Out of the world and just as I imagined, that was the experience. Every single detail and every piece of furniture seemed passionately picked and the place feels like a home I have always dreamed of having. I'd love to keep coming back to this place and hope nothing changes here.
Love it just the way it is. Congrats and all the best."
– Sonya Fernandes Jul. 31, 2009
"A beautiful place with a very scenic view from the house that is amazing. I haven't felt so nice about a vacation before (at least for some years now!). The crows nest at the top of the Machan is a perfect place for a barbeque. Loved everything about The Machan - the food, service, hospitality, view, the interiors ... and the list goes on :).
I am glad we came here, the right place at the right time.
Thank you for all the wonderful arrangements. It is a perfect holiday destination for a weekend."
– Neha Jul. 19, 2009
"The most exciting thing about the Machan is the concept - the fact that it is a tree house. It's done up beautifully proving the designers involvement in every aspect and detail.
We've had an awesome time and I'm sure few of us will definitely be back soon."
– Mansi Goralia Jul. 12, 2009
"The Machan is a place to unwind and relax with its beautiful surroundings and amazing weather. It's an out of this world experience and very convenient since its close to home.
Peaceful and relaxing I will surely visit again very soon.
PS. The service was great"
– Nikita Modi Jul. 12, 2009
"A unique experience from the time your get down from the car and walk up the beautiful gangway to the villa hall. Suddenly you feel like you have entered into a different world, your are dumbfounded with admiration for the owner of the property to have conceived a beautiful forest villa up on top of the trees. This is very very different from the villas and resorts that we have visited in India and overseas. Ever item of furniture and decoration you look around at is rare and antique and must have picked up after a lot of research, thought and imagination.
We've thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and felt very relaxed and close to heaven.
It had been a very enjoyable experience with our family and children and we will be visiting quite often to enjoy the peaceful surrounding and the green nature around."
– Nakra Family Jun. 28, 2009
"The Tree house is fantastic. Never have I ever seen a place like this before. You really feel the ambiance of living in a forest. Hospitality is great, this place is just out of this world. One can really see that it was made with a passion for nature, a unique experience worth every second spent there."
– Devika Tripathi Jun. 16, 2009