Morachi Chincoli near Pune - The Magical Village of Dancing Peacocks

State - Maharashtra

Location - 50 km from Pune

Known for - Peacocks, Rural charm, Peacock reserve

Serves as - One day picnic spot, Weekend destination

About Morachi Chincholi 

For those who crave to be a part of rural settings and wish to enjoy a day enjoying the life of an ideal Indian village, Morachi Chicholi is just the right option. Located closer to Pune, this ideal picnic spot of Morachi Chincholi which is part of the agricultural tourism, beckons you to be part of the real Indian countryside life. Morachi Chincholi - the name itself suggests, what you can look forward to! 'Mor' which means 'peacock' and 'chincholi' which means 'tamarind trees'. The name of this place itself suggests the true rural feel to it, with loads and loads of tamarind trees and dancing peacocks. This peacock sanctuary manages to preserve the true rural feel which is somewhat on a verge of disappearance.

This village of dancing peacocks is an ideal visit for those who wish to escape the hustle-bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful day amidst pollution free environs. The tamarind trees planted in this village of Morachi Chincholi is said to have been planted during the Peshwe Dynasty - that old! These trees are said to attract peacocks and hence was the actual idea behind it's plantation. And true to it's cause, the village of Morachi Chincholi is said to have at least 2500 peafowls residing in this village. These peacocks are not just protected in this village but they reside amidst the people within the village with no fear. This indeed is an beautiful sight, especially during early mornings or early evenings, when you take a stroll around the village and see peacocks roaming around the village.

Visit to Morachi Chincholi is not just about looking at peacocks! There is more fun to it, then you can imagine. As a one day visit or a overnight visit, one can enjoy loads of rural activities in this village of Morachi Chincholi. Some of these outdoor activities include bullock cart rides, rides on tractors, hurda parties, star gazing etc. Some outdoor activities here include outdoor games, camping, bird watching, kandil nights and village strolls. Children can have fun with some activities specially designed for them  which include magic show, puppet show, and having leisure time with domestic livestock.

Best Time to Visit Morachi Chincholi

Morachi Chincholi is at it's best post monsoon. With lush greenery, dense vegetation and serene beauty, Morachi Chincholi is charming. The light drizzle and the peacock dances are beckoning! Hence the best time to visit Morachi Chincholi is from September to early March.

Activities to enjoy at Morachi Chincholi

Watching Peacocks

Village strolls

Nature walks

Camping

Farm activities such as feeding cow, fetching water from well, watering field

Bullock cart rides

Tractor rides

Kite flying

Children Park

Enjoying livestock activities such as milking cows and goats

Hurda parties

Bonfire

Star gazing

Gardening activities

Bird watching

Early morning jog

Yoga

Booking, Entry Fee and Other Details of Morachi Chincholi near Pune

You can pay a visit to this peacock sanctuary village of Morachi Chincholi either as a one day visit, or a overnight visit or as a weekend escapade. Best way to enjoy Morachi Chincholi is by planning a family excursion for the weekend. More people more fun! The ideal way to visit Morachi Chincholi is set yourself up on the farmstays and enjoy the true, authentic rural feel and cuisine.

Entry Fee per person for a day visit - INR 500

Entry Fee per child for a day visit - INR 250 for children below 10 years

Entry Fee per child for a day visit - INR 400 for children above 10 years

(The above package includes breakfast, lunch and  farm activities such as tractor rides, bullock cart rides, peacock visit and day on farm)

Entry Fee per person for overnight stay in Dormitory - INR 1000

Entry Fee per Child for overnight stay in Dormitory - INR 800  for children below 10 years

Entry Fee per Child for overnight stay in Dormitory - INR 1000 for children above 10 years

Entry Fee per person for overnight stay in Regular Room - INR 1200

Entry Fee per Child for overnight stay in Regular Room - INR 800 for children below 10 years

Entry Fee per Child for overnight stay in Regular Room - INR 1200 for children above 10 years

Entry Fee for family for overnight stay in cottage - INR 1600 per person + INR 800 per kid

(The above package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, packaged drinking water, and a close rural experience)

Check-in Time - 12 Noon

Check out Time - 10 am

Strictly vegetarian meals are served

Alcohol, smoking and tobacco are strictly prohibited

Sightseeing charges are extra

10% discount on group bookings on weekdays (minimum 20 people)

How To Reach Morachi Chincholi near Pune

Morachi Chincholi is located closer to Pune. This ideal weekend getaway is situated near to the Pune - Ahmednagar Highway. If you are driving down to Morachi Chincholi from Pune, you can drive down on the Pune Ahmednagar Highway and turn left onto SH54 after Shikrapur at Pabal Phata. From here drive down, until you pass Ganegaon and Varude. You will reach Morachi Chincholi.

For those who drive down from Pune via Aundh or Chinchwad, the ideal way to drive down on the Pune - Nashik Highway up to Bhosari. Once you reach Bhosari take the immediate right before Alandi foot over bridge and travel up to Shel - Pimpalgaon for the Shikrapur route and then continue the previous route.

People traveling from Mumbai to Morachi Chincholi should drive down to Panvel and carry on the journey with the old Mumbai - Pune Highway. From here drive down up to Lonavla towards Talegoan. Once you reach here take the Chakan road. Once you reach the Chakan Talegaon Chowk, you can either take the Shikrapur route or turn left towards Rajgurunagar and continue the journey to Morachi Chicncholi.

Distance of Morachi Chincholi from Pune - 50 km

Distance from Morachi Chincholi to Mumbai - 186 km

Distance from Morachi Chincholi to Ahmednagar - 80 km

Distance from Morachi Chincholi to Nashik - 176 km

Distance from Morachi Chincholi to Aurangabad - 194 km

Contact Details for Morachi Chincholi near Pune

Morachi Chincholi

Pune
Pincode - 412218
Maharashtra

Contact number for tour guide Mr. Janardan Thopate - +91 9960663530 / 967949305

Website - http://www.chincholimorachi.com/

Rajmachi Fort in Lonavla: Exhilarating Trek

State: Maharashtra

Sources: Google

Location: Closer to Lonavla

Serves as: Trekker's Paradise, Ideal Picnic Spot, Weekend Holiday Spot

Height: 2710 ft approx.

Base Village: Udhewadi

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year

About Rajmachi Fort in Lonavla

Located around 6.5 km from Lonavla, Rajmachi Fort is much popular for its trekking opportunities. Due to its proximity to Mumbai and Pune, this place is a popular trekking option for people living around these cities. The other positive point which helps its popularity is the accessibility. Rajmachi Point is located 2710 feet above sea level. The climate is extremely pleasant and offers a breath taking view of the valley from the top.

An ideal trek for beginners, this fort was built by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. Rajmachi Fort overlooks the Borghat Pass. It offers picturesque view of the Sahyadri Mountains and breathtaking scenic beauty of Lonavla. One can export two forts during its trek .i.e. Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Shrivardhan Fort is 3250 feet high and is called Bale Killa of Rajmachi. Then there is other fort, the Manaranjan Fort which is around 2700 feet high. This fort has strong wall, door and water tanks. Then there are old temples, cave and monuments that can be visited at Rajmachi.

How To Reach Rajmachi Fort in Lonavla

Rajmachi Fort is 6.5 km from Lonavla, 55 km from Pune and 77 km from Mumbai. You can be here by motorable roads from Mumbai and Pune via Lonavla. You can also get down at Lonavla Railway Station as well as Karjat Station and hop in the tumtums that take you to Rajmachi. Then there are regular S.T buses which run between Rajmachi Fort and Lonavla S.T stand.

Sources: Google images

Trekking in Rajmachi Fort

- The difficulty level of Rajmachi Fort is moderately tough. It is yet a fascinating trek and considered ideal for beginners. The climbing is much enjoyable.

- Rajmachi trek is a 5 to 6 hours trek and ideal time to start would be early morning say about 5 am to 6 am. If you start at 5 am you may reach the top by 11:30am  to 12 noon

- It is advisable to order lunch in the morning before you begin the climb.

- Rajmachi Fort is a moderately tough trek but certain areas are difficult and slippery specially during monsoon.

- The base village for Rajmachi trek is Udhewadi village.

- An easy and interesting start for Rajmachi trek would be to start the trek through Tungarli Lake. Little time-taking but one may find it worth a while.Apt for nature lovers, this trek takes you through forest, lake and small waterfalls.

- During the trek you come across cool reservoir for good and refreshing splash. The water is not drinkable though!

Activities at Rajmachi Fort in Lonavla

- Trekking, Climbing, Cycling, rock climbing

What to Carry on Rajmachi Trek

Carry enough dry snacks, energy bars and drinking water.

Carry trekking shoes, sunglasses, toiletries, first aid kit, mosquito repellent (if planning an overnight trip), camera, sleeping bag and good backpack.

Where to Stay at Rajmachi Fort in Lonavla

Udhewadi Village below offers good food (basic Maharashtrian lunch at moderate price) and accommodation (simple rooms with basic amenities such as bed and blankets).  You can also stay on the top at night. One can find accommodation at Rajmachi Village on top. Good Maharashtrian food is made available by locals at moderate prices.

Other Places of Attraction Nearby

Other than various points of Lonavla, you can visit Kondhane caves nearby.

Mhaismal in Aurangabad

Mhaismal

State: Maharashtra

Location: 25 km from Aurangabad

Famous for: Lake, Balaji Temple, scenic surroundings

Serves as: Hill Station, Picnic Spot

About Mhaismal:

Mhasimal serves as an small yet beautiful hill station within Aurangabad. Mhaismal is located around 12 km from Khuldabad, right on the way to Ellora Caves. Mhaismal, orginially referred as Maheshmal for the Maheshmal Village withint he place, is a popular picnic spot among locals. The reason for the place serving as a hill sattion is the location of Mhaismal which is on an altitude of 1067 m on a hill top. One can overlook beautiful vallies surrounded by dense greenery. Moreover Mhaismal also houses a Balaji Temple that is a perfect replica of Tirupati Temple. Moreover just beside the temple is a small yet beautiful lake which is popular among tourists. One can also visit the ancient Girijamata Temple present in the vicinity.

Best time to visit Mhaismal:

The best time to visit Mhaismal is during monsoon, when the small hill station is surrounded by dense greenery. The ideal time to visit Mhaismal is from June to early May.

Back to Aurangabad

Malshej Ghat - Enchanting monsoon retreat

State: Maharashtra

Location: In Ahmednagar districts, 154 km from Mumbai and 140 km from Pune

Famous for: Misty mountains, pristine lakes, waterfalls

Serves as: Ideal picnic spot, weekend destination and monsoon retreat

About Malshej Ghat:

Now that monsoon is near, Malshej Ghat is the perfect spot one can think of if you want to enjoy a splendid splash. Amidst dense mist and curvy ghat, fragrant forests and capturing lakes, lies the most popular attraction of Maharashtra, particularly know for its huge and amazing waterfalls. This place is none other than Malshej Ghat which serves as an ideal picnic spot during monsoons for Mumbaikars. But not just Mumbaikars, but people from all over Ahmednagar, Kasara, throughout the Western range make it a point to visit Malshej Ghat during monsoons.

Malshej Ghat also serves as an beautiful hill station which attracts nature lovers for its enchanting beauty. Not just the waterfalls, but there is much more associated with Malshej Ghat. There are the historic forts, the rugged mountains, the pristine lakes, the sanctuary as well as the presence of colorful birds which add to the existing beauty. Not to forget the Migratory Flamingoes who flock in abundance at Malshej during the pre-monsoon period and also during monsoon.

The accessibility and location of Malshej Ghat is an additional advantage. Moreover the adventure sport option makes it more attractive as well as popular. Then the MTDC has made great arrangement for people who plan to stay over at Malshej.

Moreover places like Shivneri Fort, Bhandardara are also at a proximity which comes as an additional advantage.

 Best time to visit Malshej Ghat:

Malshej Ghat is at its best when visited during monsoons. Summers can be really very hot. The ideal time to visit Malshej is from June to February.

What to do in Malshej Ghat:

Relax

Enjoy the Splash

Soak yourself in the magical spell of nature

Visit Lakes

Welcome the migratory guests (flamingos) and make them feel at home.

Go trekking

Go hiking

Visit places of interest nearby

Have a great picnic

Read: How to reach Malshej

How to enjoy a great picnic at Malshej Ghat:

If you wish to enjoy a great one-day picnic at Malshej, then here's what you can do:

- Start early.

- Pack good lunch and some snacks. (anything else as well is understood)

- Carry lots of drinking water.

- Carry fresh towels and clothes.

- Don't forget to carry your digicam.

- Reach early

- Enjoy good splash

-  Have a great meal

- Visit place nearby or go for some adventure sport option

- Retire for some time

- Start back home early.

Malshej Ghat experiences heavy mist, to such an extent that the road may not be visible even in broad daylight. So it is better to pack off early from here for comfortable and safe driving.

Please note: One should visit Malshej Ghat during weekdays other than weekends for some quiet retreat. Weekends are too crowded and hence may get a little disappointing.

Where to stay in Malshej Ghat:
Though there isn't much to place under this category as not many hotels and resorts are available at Malshej, yet MTDC Malshej Ghat has made a great arrangement for accommodation on a small plateau overlooking the Malshej Valley. MTDC Malshej also known as Flamingoes is one of the best option one has at Malshej.

Read: MTDC Holiday Resort Malshej

Activities at Malshej Ghat:
The activities that one can enjoy at Malshej Ghat include:

- The great splash in roaring waterfalls of Malshej

- Trekking

- Hiking
  
Places of interest in Malshej Ghat:

Not just one, but there are many waterfalls in Malshej, though a couple of them are more popular than the rest. In and around Malshej Ghats lie, number of walking trails ideal for relaxing walk. Moreover the hiking and trekking trails also make it an interesting place to visit among nature lovers. Additionally Shivneri Fort to is located very close, just about 40 km from Malshej. One can also visit Naneghat which is very closer to Malshej Ghat and is famous for trekking

Pictures courtesy: My Bro, who has recently been to Malshej Ghat. Thanks a lot bro!

Matheran

State: Maharashtra

Location: Near Karjat in Raigad District

Famous for: Hill station, enchanting hills and scenic beauty

Serves as: One day picnic spot or weekend holiday

About Matheran:

Matheran is one of the smallest hill-station India has. This hill station is located on the Western Ghats around 800 meters above sea level. Matheran serves as a unique one day picnic spot due to its proximity to cities like Mumbai and Pune. So what makes Matheran so special? Its the beauty of this place which is so enchanting. Moreover being an eco-sensitive region, no cars or other vehicles are allowed in this area. Hence one can expect to breath some unpolluted fresh air within the scenic surroundings of Matheran. Matheran has muddy roads, as no tarred roads are built in Matheran. Several measures have been taken to maintain the original charm of this place. The only vehicle one can see here is the bicycle or man-pulled rickshaws. Other than one more mode of transport is horse back.

Waterfalls post monsoon

Best time to visit Matheran:
Matheran is at its best all year around except for monsoons. But the ideal time would be from October to March. I would suggest visiting Matheran right during Post monsoons, when the nature splashes its charm in form of beautiful waterfalls and dense greenery. It just adds to the existing beauty of Matheran.

Please note: Monsoon is mostly a slack season, as due to mudslides, most of the hotels and shops are closed.

What to do at Matheran:

Have a breath of fresh air

Enjoy the panoramic beauty

Visit the panoramic points

Enjoy good food at the local restaurants

Indulge in some adventure sports like Trekking, Valley crossing, Horse riding, Walking (that's what you do most of the time)

Places of interest in Matheran:

Charlotte Lake

Here's a list of few notable points that you should definitely make it a point to visit:

- Panorama Point, also known as the Sunrise Point is spectacular and also serves as a main point.

- Monkey Point, another known point. Prepare yourself to see some large group of monkeys here.

- Malang Point, which gives an excellent view of Haji Malang situated close-by.

- Charlotte Lake, one of the great places and really very picturesque. Once you are here don't forget to visit the Pisarnath Temple. Its ancient and beautiful. Then on the left hand side of this lake, there are two points that you can visit Echo Point and Louisa Point.

Few other worth seeing points include Porcupine Point, Rambaug Point, Chowk Point, Khandala Point, Honeymoon Hill, One tree hill and many more.

Please note: In Matheran, once you are down the road, trekking around each and every corner of the hill is one point or the other. Maybe you would be the one who would discover his own point!!

What to shop in Matheran:

In Matheran you can shop for Chikkis, footwear, handicraft work, wooden articles, walking stick, wall hangings and leather goods.

Please note: Do bargain for a good deal.

Where to eat in Matheran:

Matheran has lots of restaurants that serve Indian and Chinese cuisine. So eating is just no problem, once you enter the main market area, there are so many eateries and restaurants that serve good food. Moreover the food is not very costly. You can find both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian eateries in Matheran. In fact for die-hard vegetarians, there are few Gujarati Restaurants that serve amazing Gujarati Thali.

Read How to reach Matheran?

Where to stay in Matheran?

Hotel Rangoli Retreat 

Hotel Panorama 

Regal Hotel