Karla – A Beautiful Weekend Getaway from Mumbai, Pune

karla- weekend gateway

Maharashtra, a state located in western India is a perfect tourist destination with diverse attractions and experiences. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, ancient monuments, and modern cities. It is also a home to many popular destinations like Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Karla.

Karla is a beautiful weekend getaway around Mumbai and Pune. Karla is located nearly 90 kms from Mumbai and approximately 56 kms from Pune. Karla is known for its ancient caves, scenic views, and serene environment, making it a popular choice among tourists.

Read : Explore Aundha Nagnath Temple During Religious Tour of Maharashtra

How to Reach

Other than a car, you may choose train to reach this beautiful destination. The nearest railways station is at Lonavala. The station here is nearby and you can take an auto-rickshaw to your place of stay.

Things to do in Karla:

While in Karla, the first stop must be Karla caves. Dating back to the 2nd century BC these caves are one of the main attractions of this place. The caves are carved out of a hillside and are adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings. They are a fine example of Buddhist rock-cut architecture and are considered one of India’s best-preserved examples of ancient caves. These caves are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, which showcase the skill and artistry of ancient Indian artisans.

Apart from the caves, Karla is also known for its scenic views and natural beauty. Karla’s scenic beauty is best experienced through its many trekking and hiking trails. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The hills of Karla are also home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it a great place for bird-watching and wildlife spotting. The hills surrounding Karla offer some breath-taking views of the Western Ghats, and the nearby Bhaja Caves also make for a great day trip.

When in Karla another stop can be Lonavala. It is a short drive and you can enjoy the scenic hill known for its lush greenery, beautiful waterfalls, and serene environment.The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes and winding roads, making it a memorable journey.

You can visit popular attractions like Bhushi Dam, Tiger Point, and Lonavala Lake in Lonavala. You can also explore the local markets and try the delicious street food, which includes a variety of snacks like vada pav, bhel puri, maggi, and pav bhaji.

Accommodation

When visiting Karla over the weekend, it is significant to find accommodation beforehand.You can choose to stay nearby or even afford to stay at MTDC Karla.

The guest house provides cottages to stay. Surrounded by trees, the guest house provides ample land for walks, a boating area, and a park to enjoy nature to its fullest. It also has a water park for both children and adults. The park provides fun and adventurous activities and is a great place for kids and families to spend time together.

Within the premises, you can find a spectacular restaurant serving you multi-cuisine food options to savour.

Also Read : Trip to World’s 2nd Largest Mangrove Forest, Pichavaram in TN

Must TryLocal Food

Karla offers a variety of local cuisine to indulge in. Some of the popular local foods to try in Karla, Maharashtra are:

Vada Pav: This is one of Maharashtra’s most popular street foods. It is a simple dish consisting of a deep-fried potato patty and served inside a bun with chutney and spices. It is delicious and you must not miss trying it.

Misal Pav: Another popular street food in Maharashtra, Misal Pav is a spicy dish made with sprouted lentils, and spices, and served with bread that is a perfect breakfast savour.

Pithla Bhakri: A traditional Maharashtrian dish made with chickpea flour and served with Bhakri (a type of bread made from jowar or bajra flour). You can accompany it with any curry of your choice.

Sabudana Khichdi: This is a popular breakfast dish in Maharashtra made with tapioca pearls, peanuts, and spices and best savoured with chutney or tea by the side.

Kanda Poha: A simple yet delicious dish made with flattened rice, onions, and spices, you can find the best poha anywhere around in Karla.

Solkadhi: A refreshing drink made with kokum and coconut milk, often served as a digestive after a heavy meal, it is must drink local beverage.

Conclusion

Overall, Karla is a great weekend gateway for those looking to escape from the city and immerse themselves in nature and history. Whether it is trekking, bird watching, or exploring ancient caves, Karla has something for everyone.

India is blessed with many attractive destinations and it is not that difficult to choose one for your next vacation. However, instead of picking the routine destinations, this time take your loved ones to any unexplored location and enjoy each moment. TheTravelB.Com is your best guide to select underrated destinations across India. Reach us @ https://thetravelb.com/contact-us/ or send an email to contactthetravelb@gmail.com to share your experiences or for any suggestions.