PATHERSHET - PUNE, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

PATHERSHET, PUNE, INDIA

At the onset of monsoon this year I had been to Pathershet with Sachin and my maternal family. Firstly, the monsoon this year in Pune at least stayed at the onset stage only. And secondly, I know am quite late for coming up with this post. Won't apologize because I post something on the blog only when I feel like writing about it. I can't be routine and regime oriented like the other bloggers. No offense meant. Each to its own.
Anyways Pathershet is a nice picnic spot which is in Mulshi taluka, Pune. You have to pass Lavasa, and then a not so good road takes you to Pathershet. We had booked our accomodations at ECO-VILLAGE HOLIDAY RESORT check this link for all the info. I think thats the only one out there not sure. People who love to stay in mother nature's arms or lap whatever they call it THIS is the place for you. Eco-village Resort is located at the foothills of Sahyadri Ranges and along the riverbank. My cousin had heard about this place from her in-laws who visit this place frequently.

My experience:

ONE OF THE CURVES OF THE GHAT

We had started early for this trip. Not being a morning person and the dirty curvy turns of Lavasa had made me very irritated and motion-sickened by the time we reached the resort. But the moment we parked our cars, mother nature with her enchanting beauty got me fresh as a daisy.
Be careful once you enter Pathershet because you might miss the sudden turn which leads down to the resort. After taking this sudden turn you have to park your car and then walk down to reach the resort. Its actually like climbing down a small hill. So a piece of advice, please pack sensibly. Carrying heavy luggage to and fro ain't an easy job there. Heels and fancy shoes are a complete no no. Also if it rains or even drizzles, a thick layer of red soil of the Sahyadri sticks to the soles of shoes and doesn't come off easily.

NOISY AND NOSEY DUCKS

Resort is nothing but 1 kitchen, two constructed rooms, 2 restrooms and few shacks scattered here and there. One side of this resort sees the mountains and the other sees the river bed. When we arrived the river bed was completely dry. But it rained like crazy in the afternoon and all through the night. And in the morning some water was accumulated. We visited the river bed and played box cricket there. Never  knew rivers runs so deep. The soil over here is very fertile. These guys even provide saplings if you want. We got the Mogra saplings.

MOSI RIVER AT START OF MONSOON

SHACKS

Food served here is simply AWESOME. Very simple yet very tasty. You need to mention your preferences regarding vegetarian/non-vegetarian meals while booking for the accommodations. They also provide yummy snacks and delicious tea when asked for.

COSY TENT 

 At night tents are provided. These tents are erected at the place of our choice. Alas, we weren't lucky to have that option. We had to erect our tents within the shacks due to heavy rains. The winds were blowing like crazy but it felt good. Another tiny advice, please do carry ODOMOS cream or spray along with you. Insects go frenzy when the lanterns are lit in the evening. My nephews and nieces had a gala time running and yelling whenever the huge moths and strange dirty looking insects flew past us. Having dinner peacefully was actually a challenge. Night was an amazing scene because all the trees were full of fireflies.That reminds me I haven't heard OWL CITY'S FIREFLIES song from a long time. Its one of my favorite songs, lifts me up when I am down...

THE SAHYADRI RANGE

MOSI RIVER BED

Early morning the manager arranges a nature trail. Where in he shows us different species of plants and animals. The manager has his own collection of rare plants, insects and animals. He has loads of information and readily imparts his knowledge. He is fluent in Marathi, Hindi and English. So communication is not at all an issue.

ME, READY FOR THE TREK

MANGO BLOSSOM

Nearby mountains are a treat for trekkers. Some hills are good enough for children to trek on.
On and all this place is good for over night stay. A great forest and trekking experience. Having the river bed so near is an added feature. I would recommend trips before and during monsoon. It will be great to experience both views of the river bed.

BEFORE MONSOON

AFTER MONSOON  Source

If I have to rate this place then its 5/5.

Must haves on the trip:

• Camera
• Jackets, rain cheaters umbrellas aren't much help, long night pants for protecting your legs from insects and cold and shorts for the day they are better while trekking and also they come home mud free, right. 
• Odomos and first aid kit.
• Do go for the nature trail.
• Do try the fresh water fish.
• Boat ride if you visit during/after monsoon.
• There are many fruit trees around especially Mango and Cranberry, do try the cranberries they are yum.
• Please carry your junk food and beverages because there are no general stores nearby.

CHAMELEON - IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE

RED VELVET MITE

If you are scared of lizards, chameleons, snakes, huge insects and if you are cleanliness freak and you don't enjoy sleeping in middle of a forest then this place will drive you nuts. Bleh... I survived and enjoyed so am sure you will too...