Adventures & Sports

Rock Climbing & Trekking
The Karla mountains, probably dating back to 160 BC, harbour the largest cluster of Chaitya caves. Their sheer rock faces provide the appropriate terrain for a rock climber to reach up to the white, fluffy clouds. Another popular adventure spot could be at Bhandardara. Bhandardara is 180 kms by road. It has one of the most beautiful lakes in the country surrounded by majestic hills. You can go off on long treks around the surrounding hills like Ratangadh, a favourite fort of Shivaji or Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, to the sprightly Randha falls or to Amriteshwar, a 1200 year- old temple.

Various forts in the Sahyadris also provide a good base for trekking activities. Forts around Pune like the Sinhgad,Lohagad, Visapur, Shivneri, Purandar, Rajgad, Raigad etc. are some of the few forts. Besides this Pratapgarh near Mahabaleshwar, Panhala near Kolhapur and Torna near Bhor are other exciting options. There are various clubs and private institutions, which organise trekking expeditions on a regular.

There is good news for water sports lovers too. MTDC and various private clubs have introduced water sports at various lakes, areas near irrigation dams and the coastline. Imagine the rush of water and white foam coming up as you kayak or windsurf in these clean waters. Aqua sports no longer need be the preserve of a privileged few. Panshet Aqua sports centers located 40kms near Pune has various activities like speed boats, water scooters, kayaks, and windsurfing. Esselworld at Gorai near Mumbai is an amusement park with roller coasters and water slides.

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Esselworld
Location At Gorai Village on the outskirts of Mumbai.It covers 64 acres of thrill and adventure. It is the largest amusement park in India.

How to reach there: From Mumbai there are following options to reach Esselworld.

1. By Ferry-From Malad Rly. Stn. Take a bus or auto to Marve Beach or from Borivali to Rly Stn to Gorai creek. From here Esselworld's own ferries are available to take you across.
2. By Road Take the western express highway. Turn off onto the Bhayander road, after Dahisar check naka on the highway. From here onwards, it's a winding, 17km semi ghat road to Esselworld. Easy to follow signs are there.
3. Direct bus services are also provided by Private Tour Operators Water World at Pune-Khopoli Highway also provided a large number of water sports activities.

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Sailing
A legacy of the British, sailing has been kept alive by diehard enthusiasts who have made sailing the most established water sport in the country. The main centres are Bombay and Pune.

PUNE, has a number of picturesque lakes where you can go out windsurfing, like Pawna, Panshet, Mulshi and Khadakvasla. Equipment is available only at the Khadakvasla Lake. Windsurfing on the crystal clear water of these lakes is a unique experience. In the summer months, you can get some super-sonic rides on these fresh water lakes. Do not venture too far as the wind here can drop without giving any notice and you may take hours to sail back a distance which took only a few minutes when the wind was strong. Rescue is not available except if you are sailing out from the Khadakvasla windsurfing centre.

With its vast natural resources and unspoiled hills and forests, Maharashtra provides loads of adventure and fun for those who may seek it. MTDC runs resorts in many beaches and hillstations which provide for water sports, trekking, boating and other adventure sports. More facilities are added to the resorts each year, and MTDC also has plans to increase the number of resorts which are aimed at the adventure sports and leisure tourism segment.

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Bhatye
Bhatye is in the outskirts of Ratnagiri town. You can camp across the bridge in MTDC's tent resort, amidst whispering casuarinas. Water sports facilities at Bhatye offer you some exciting options. Join the excursion to Pawas to see the Swaroopanand Swami Ashram.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Mumbai. Nearest railhead us Ratnagiri 6 kms. on Konkan Railway. Mumbai-Ratnagiri, 356 kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Kolhapur and Pune to Ratnagiri and also form Ratnagiri to Pawas via Bhatye.

Accommodation: MTDC has a resort in Bhatye.

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Panshet
Set in an idyllic location, between Panshet Dam and Varasgaon Dam, Panshet offers you a holiday option that's radically different. There are water sports galore! Kayaking, windsurfing, exciting rides in speedboats and on water scooters-all planned to excite the child in you. Besides, you can see Sinhagad fort and Sinhagad National park, Khadakvasla and the forts Torna and Raigad.

Getting there Nearest airport is Pune, 45 kms. Nearest railhead is Pune. Mumbai-Pune, 170 kms. Pune-Panshet, 45 kms. (Pune-Khadakvasla-Sinhagad-Panshet).

Accommodation: Self-contained rooms (29 blocks) and Suites (10 blocks) Water sport facilities available (Expect during monsoon).

Check out time: 12.00 noon.

Reservation: Pune and Mumbai.

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