Kamshet: Adrenaline Rush

Surrounded by panoramic views of paddy and sunflower fields fringed by hills, Kamshet is a back-to-nature weekend par excellence. Its history has been shaped by the hills here. Once known for breeding fierce freedom-loving guerrilla warriors, it now plays host to bands of fearless paragliding pilots and adventure lovers.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Whether you are looking for adventure sports opportunities or wish to enjoy the breathtaking views in solitude, you will not be disappointed here.

Vadivali Lake

This artificially created lake is a delightful body of water and a habitat for a variety of birds. Vadivali stretches for miles, and is circumscribed by the surrounding hills. The Native Place Guest House is located here.

Adventure Activities

If you have always wondered what a bird’s eye view really is, give paragliding a shot. The intricacies of this delightful adventure sport can be mastered over two weekends. If you’re not prepared to do it alone, a tandem ride (a joyride in which an experienced pilot does all the work) should do the trick.

Stone pillars, Bedsa Caves

Kondeshwar Temple

The isolated Kondeshwar Temple stands among wild flowers and a gurgling stream that runs behind it. The stream turns into a pleasant three-tiered waterfall in the monsoons. A few metres ahead is a clearing flanked by cliffs on both sides. This is a perfect place for a quiet picnic. However, if you have a rope and the right skills, a hike to Bhairi Caves on the cliff to your right can be a satisfying experience.

Bedsa Caves

This set of caves is very different from the famous Karla and Bhaja caves near Lonavla. To get to them, drive towards Kale Colony and Pawna Lake. About 8 km down this road you’ll see the caves on your right, halfway up the hillside. A motor able road leads to the base village of Bedsa. From there it’s an easy half-hour climb. The majestic pillars in front of the main chaitya look almost Roman and are visible from far away. These Hinayana Buddhist caves are believed to date back to the 1st century BCE. Take a close look at the sculptures of animals and dancing figures here.

Paragliding high above the fields at Kamshet

Punit Paranjpe

WHERE TO STAY

The Native Place Guest House (Tel: 02114-286007, Mumbai Tel: 022-26493110, Cell: 09323708809; Tariff: ₹5,000-12,000, tents ₹1,800 per person, dorms ₹1,800 per person, with meals) on the Vadivali lakefront, organises nature trails and walks to the waterfalls. For those who want solitude, their isolated Nirvana Cottage (Tariff: ₹6,000-12,000) is a good bet. Specify your meal times and a basket will be left at your doorstep.

YMCA Camp Lakeside (Mumbai Reservations Tel: 022-21026391, Cell: 08451871803; Tariff: ₹800 per person per day from Monday to Thursday, Rs. 900 per person per day from Friday to Sunday) is about 40 km from Kamshet, on Andhra Lake. There are ten cabins and ten tents. Activities offered include rock climbing, trekking, archery, nature treks, zip-line, swimming, kayaking, etc.

WHERE TO EAT

Apart from the food at the hotels and camps, highway restaurants in the dhaba tradition are Sunny and Babi da Dhaba for tandoori rotis, Mughlai food and Indian-Chinese fare. Rangoli Restaurant, also on the highway and just outside Kamshet town, is perfect for a filter coffee and a quick Udipi snack.

When to go Nature trips and spur-of-the-moment weekends can be indulged in throughout the year. October-June is for paragliding. Monsoon is waterfall-spotting time Location 17 km ahead of the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavla, 2,100 ft above sea level Rail Nearest railhead: Lonavla