Khodala: Town in Solitude

This weekend destination par excellence defines what a getaway should really mean. It is not for those people who cannot survive two days without a TV set; but for large groups of people, who would much rather spend their time staying up late at night for gossip sessions, enjoying bonfires in the nippy outdoors and walking idly up and down uncharted hilly routes. If solitude in groups is what you’re aiming at, then there is no better destination than Khodala.

Little-known Khodala is becoming popular amongst enthusiastic tourists and people from neighboring districts, so much so that groups on motorbikes have been known to undertake a gruelling three to four hours’ drive simply for the quick fix of fresh mountain air on offer here. On reaching Khodala, a walk in the hills around will take the kinks out of stiff necks and sore backs, replacing them with a shortness of breath.

Then comes the good part, as the discomfort of the day is drowned in generous doses of alcohol around a jolly campfire with friends up in the distant hills and isolated atmosphere of Khodala.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

There’s not much to do here apart from taking quiet walks, arranging picnics, going on some breathtaking drives, and spotting wildlife en route. But after a busy working week, that’s everything you need to make your weekend truly memorable. This is an ideal destination to relax, do nothing and spend time with your loved ones, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Hanging out at Wild Camp

About 2 km from the market at Khodala, the camp is set on a small lush incline. Run by the Mumbai-based adventure group Time Pause, Wild Camp is not merely a place to find shelter and eat. Here, the human body is always egged on to attain greater heights.

You can rappel down a rock cliff using a rope, or climb a net as soldiers do during military training. There is also rock climbing and garden-variety trekking, or you can rent a bike and cycle into the hills. A jeep safari is organised, which takes visitors on a tour of the Sahyadri hills. The good people at Wild Camp Nature Resort also teach you how to pitch a tent. You can even draw water from the well and bathe in the open and go hunting for fruit in the forest.

A game of volley ball during the day and a barbecue set up at night are favoured activities amongst most tourists here. But the most popular of all is the extremely wise and relaxing activity called ‘hammocking’, where you simply lie down and do nothing but daydream.

Deobandh Temple

Deobandh Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha

Step out of the camp and spend many a blissful moment gazing at Khodala’s hillocks, small soft green plateaus, huge trees and marvellously slow-moving people. Then snap out of your reverie and visit the small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha here. However, you have to descend an exciting yet steep slope to get to the temple. A temperamental stream runs behind the premises. What is no more than a modest trickle during the rest of the year transforms into a full-fledged lake during the monsoons. The spot around the lake is worth exploring, with its hills, rocks and valleys of immense natural beauty.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

Wild Camp Nature Resort (Mumbai Tel: 02225451234/ 25306340); Tariff: ₹4,000–5,000 per head, dorm bed ₹1,500, with meals), formerly known as Mountain Range, now the name of its parent company, is the only option as yet in tiny Khodala, a situation that may soon change given the sylvan town’s proximity to nature-starved Mumbai. The resort has 12 cottages and three dorms.