Our Machans are not equipped with Televisions as we encourage our guests to enjoy the outdoors, through a range of activities such as trekking, birding, stargazing, cycling and visiting surrounding historical sites.
Our Machans are not equipped with Televisions as we encourage our guests to enjoy the outdoors, through a range of activities such as trekking, birding, stargazing, cycling and visiting surrounding historical sites.
Many of our guests also enjoy more traditional forms of entertainment (such as board games, cards, carom). Others relax in our hammocks, read books, do yoga and spend precious time with loved ones.
Our isolated location, devoid of light pollution, offers our guests a spectacular look at the heavens. Gazing up from the comfort of their private decks, our guests from Mumbai particularly enjoy the starry skies – which is quite a rarity in the city today! Depending on the time of day and month, you can spot various constellations and planets such as: Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Orion, Ursa Major/Minor, Sephious, Sirius, Venus, Mars etc. And if you are lucky, you may even see a shooting star!
Typically, October through May are the best times of the year for star gazing. Our staff will be glad to assist you in spotting the constellations in the night sky, as well as relate interesting stories, myths and facts regarding them.
Our property has 4 kms of private paths, which our guests can enjoy in complete privacy and safety. We organize guided treks in the evenings, during which our local staff introduce our guests to the facinating flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. These treks culminate at our very own beautiful sunset point.
For those more adventurous, guided treks to the 1,000 ft. peak above us can also be organized. This trek is recommended for intermediate hikers and the rewards are certainly worth it! From a height of 4,000 ft. above sea level, the views of historical forts, valleys and expansive lakes can be enjoyed.
Our forest canopy will offer you a perfect opportunity for spotting, as numerous resident and migratory birds inhabit our property. We have documented these birds at our Birds page. Feel free to click on the sound symbols beside each bird to listen to the calls that you may expect to hear.
Lohagad Fort:
With a 2,000 year old history and located at 3,400 ft, Lohagad Fort is one of the most majestic forts in the region. It makes a great trekking destination, with panoramic vantage points, huge balconies and impressive gates, one of which aptly called 'Dehli Gates'. Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different time periods. Finally, Shivaji conquered it in 1648 but was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665. He then recaptured the fort in 1670 and used it for keeping his treasury.
Koraigad Fort:
Located 3 - 4 kms from The Machan®, this fort was incorporated into Shivaji's Kingdom in 1657. In the succeeding years, the fort saw years of battle between the Marathas and the British who failed to take control, until March 1818 where an army led by Colonel Prother finally conquered it. The top of the fort is 3,049 feet above sea level and has more of a flat topography. It houses a number of small ponds and two caves, one of which houses an idol of Lord Vishnu. A temple to its patron Goddess Koraidevi also exists, along with smaller temples dedicated to Vishu and Shiva. Recently renovated, one can walk along its fort walls and gates - admiring the view, historical significance and its 6 canons.
Karla and Bhaja Caves:
The Karla caves were built between 2nd and 1st century BC, and served as an important trade route from the Arabian Sea to the Deccan areas. These ancient caves allow a close look at ancient Buddhist architecture and culture through inscriptions and stupas. The main cave features a large, intricately carved chaitya (prayer hall) which features sculptures of males and females, as well as animals such as lions and elephants.
The famous Bhaja caves are a group of 22 rockcut caves, also dating back to 200 BC. Not far from the Karla caves, these are architecturally similar to the Karla caves. Some of the caves at Bhaja are decorative, particularly Cave #18 with impressive sculptural reliefs of Indian mythology. You can read more about the caves here
With our Private Bonfire Experience a member of our service team is privately assigned to you for the evening. He shall setup a lovely candle-lit setting around a crackling bonfire, just for the two of you, under the stars or a private wooded setting.