A scenic and quaint getaway from Pune.!

          It is a popular fact that Pune is blessed with serene and beautiful getaways which are hardly an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In my previous blog, I had shared my experience of riding an Activa via the route Pune - Wai - Mahabaleshwar - Pune in a single day just for the adrenaline rush for riding through those scenic Western Ghats and my love for strawberries. So, to cut to the chase, I have been an ardent admirer of Pune's surrounding beauty because of my inclination towards Photography since a few years.

         Right here, I just wish to share a quaint experience which I had in an eco-friendly resort which is approximately 50kms away from Pune. I would be mentioning its name in the end, first let me take you to my memories filled with the lush greenery of the Sahyadri Valley and yes, some cute four-legged companions. I was accompanied with my mom and brother, Jatin with the occasion being, my mom's birthday. We left by a private car approximately by 9am estimating that it would take us 2 hours to reach our destination considering the condition of the roads and the constant blessings of the rain Gods. Yes, it was raining cats and dogs that day but it didn't stop us from having a little adventurous birthday.! As soon as we entered the Panshet - Lavasa Road we were welcomed by the fresh monsoon green beauty. As usual we stopped because I had to fulfil my desire of capturing the beauty of nature at each and every turn I could find (well it kind of starts to piss off my fellow travelers every time, but who wouldn't stop for some Insta-worthy shots?).

          Finally, the whole focus was brought back to the main occasion of the short trip i.e., my mom's birthday and we reached our destination till 11.30am without any trouble of finding the location which is easily available on Google Maps. We were greeted by some adorable fluff babies just at the entrance who were excited to meet us just like they would at any other day.! Those cuties followed us till our room as the resort is a pet-friendly area.

          We noticed that the property is located on a foothill which contributes to the massive and bountiful construction of the resort which is completely surrounded by various flora and fauna. Our room had a breath taking and wide-ranging view of the Varasgaon Dam Backwaters and soulfully waving coconut trees within them.

          Not just the view but the resort greeted us with such delicacies and a humble staff. The restaurant is a bit away from the rooms so they even provided us with umbrellas as it couldn't stop raining. By early evening we were blessed with some sunshine and only then we could embrace ourselves with such varied activities and views the resort provided us with. We were surrounded by sounds and sights of Mother Nature.! Each and every nook and corner are filled with intricate wooden railings and numerous flower beds as you can see in the pictures.

          Though it was during post lockdown period the resort was not occupied with people. Fortunately, it was a weekday and we were the lucky ones to book the place just when the resort was done being the venue for a grand function the previous day! We had the whole area to ourselves and we were only running out of time to click pictures (not mine but the birthday girl's pictures!) as well as to immerse ourselves in the relaxing environment. It was getting dark and the surroundings were wet and slippery because of the rain so we couldn't stay out within the huge gardens post sunset. Well even good things come to an end but they ended with some good food and gracious hospitality.! This is just a blog sharing a simple experience for fellow travelers so that they to visit such a tranquil place which is so close by the city. The name of the resort is Surya Shibir Resort and it is easily available online for bookings as well as the location. Quite a recommendable place for a simple, peace seeking and nature loving person who can stay away from the outside world as the place barely has any network coverage. Till then Happy Exploring.!