Karjat, a picturesque small town approximately a 2-hour drive from Mumbai is a quick escape from the monotonous city life, to let calm overtake the chaos. While Lonavala and Alibaug are among the most popular destinations for quick getaways near Mumbai and Pune, Karjat is an undiscovered gem that offers a range of experiences for everyone. Be it exploring history, adventure trekking, taking a workation to unwind in nature or celebrating at beautiful private villas in Karjat – this quaint town beckons you for a weekend getaway near Mumbai. To escape the rising summer heat, spend some time in nature with numerous activities to do in Karjat.
Things to Explore in Karjat on a Weekend Getaway
Go on an Organic Farm Picnic
For those keen to try something different on their getaways, take a pick of organic farming in Karjat. It’s a great activity especially for kids in the family, to teach them the source of their fruits and vegetables. A villa in Karjat like SaffronStays One Tree Farm that resides on an organic farm by the river ensures you have fun as well as learn. It is surrounded by paddy fields and plantations of lemon, mango, cashew trees, and seasonal vegetables. There is even a greenhouse on site and the caretaker will be happy to guide you on short hikes.
Have Larger-Than-Life Celebrations
After a year of missed celebrations, the thought of exchanging warm fuzzy hugs and sharing loud laughs with friends is so comforting. If you are considering a much-awaited reunion, make it a themed-one, where nature adds to your ambience. For a large group, guests can book SaffronStays Sundowner, a magnanimous 8-bedroom villa or SaffronStays Mariposa By The River~Sol, Mariposa By The River~Rio and Mariposa By The River~Montana in Karjat – a gorgeous 7 bedroom pool estate with 3 villas that can comfortably host parties – birthday, anniversary, or bachelorettes! Cheer to the good times by the pool and pose with your squad against the backdrop of Sahyadri mountain views, you’ll leave the place with, shall we say, wild memories?
Take Workation With a View
How long will you keep fretting over someone else’s ‘work view being better than yours’? Thanks to WiFi-equipped villas around Mumbai and Pune, the trend of workations is seeing a rise. Karjat may be in the interiors but it can be a good workation destination if you choose private villas with WiFi like SaffronStays Reva Infinity. This pool home in Karjat will switch up your work view to enjoying sunset hues from the terrace every evening.
Visit The Historic Kondana Caves
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Karjat is Kondana caves, a group of 16 caves excavated in the 1st century BC. Nestled within a thick forest, some caverns look like natural hollows on the cliff. The ornamented columns, intricate carvings on these stone-cut structures are fine examples of Buddhist architecture. Lord Buddha is associated with a feeling of calmness but that can’t be felt if you are in a crowded place with others around.
About 1.5 km away from Kondana caves is SaffronStays Olive Greens, a private villa in Karjat that will restore peace with its assorted green surroundings. A dip in the pool or meditating on the lawns, there’s a definite path to rejuvenation in this balmy environment. There are few Lord Buddha paintings in the home to add to its spiritual vibe.
Live The Filmy Dream at ND Studios
If larger-than-life sets, attractive locales and the words ‘Lights-Camera-Action’ have always excited you, then a visit to ND Studios in Karjat is a must. This film and TV production studio takes you behind the scenes, quite literally! Majestic palaces to typical villages, TV sets to retro cafes and fashion streets, a tour of ND Studios steps through it all.
If that set-life leaves you seeking some sort of vanity, a private pool villa in Karjat like SaffronStays Casa Manga, at a 10-min drive from ND Studios is beautifully welcoming. To dance or play in the green lawn outdoors or the bonfire setting for your Bollywood night, keep the entertainment factor ticking. And to have the entire place to yourself with fresh meals served on demand, the honest hospitality here will give you the taste of vanity you desire!
Trek Up The Hills
With mountains, forts and rock cuts terrain Karjat serves the thrill for adventure geeks. Peb Fort, Kothaligad, Sondai Fort, Dhak Bahiri, Bhivpuri point are some of the popular treks around. Instead of painstakingly trekking in the summer heat, you can enjoy nature trails in close proximity to some of these trekking points. Like SaffronStays Sanvina Farms, a private villa in Karjat located near the trail of Kothaligad. You can take a short hike or try your hand at paddy farming in the organic farms of over 2000+ trees here. Spread across 10 acres, it will make your experience of a genuine farm stay complete with the fresh produce meals on your plate.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views of The Ulhas Valley
The Ulhas Valley stretch transforms into a paradise of nature’s bounty with the onset of monsoons. The hills cover themselves in a blanket of green shades with waterfalls designing them. Currently, as the sweltering summers drain out your energy, how about a riverside to rejuvenate? SaffronStays Kamal Farms by the River, as the name suggests, is a private villa in Karjat that sits on the banks of Pej river. Wash away your stress with a dip into flowing water or sit in the verandah overlooking the river for your evening chai! Capturing this perfect landscape on a close getaway near Mumbai could make your picture feed look like a nature photographer!
With so much to offer, this Summer Karjat can be the place for your next trip!
