About 55km south of Pune, in the Raigad
district, is one of the most beautiful weekend getaways for folks living in
Pune - Madhe ghat, the photographers’ and nature lovers’ paradise. Nestled
among the Sahyadri mountains 1,950 metres above sea level, it makes for a great
trekking spot and weather permitting, an incomparable nature photography spot.
The best time to visit this place is between June and December, although the
weather is perfect for a holiday even in the month of May. Still a developing
hill station and not yet very well known, Madhe ghat is surrounded by forest
and is very cold and foggy, so make sure to carry a jacket and an umbrella or a
raincoat too, to protect yourself from the rain.
The route to Madhe ghat is not well
developed, so brace yourself for a rough ride. The easiest way to get to this
place is by bike or on foot, although you can manage to get here by car. The
two ways to get to Madhe ghat are via Pabe Khind and via Nasrapur. A lovely drive
hour long drive through ghat sections and curved roads later, you’ll be greeted
by a waterfall and the most breathtaking sights.
Right from bright yellow sunflower
fields to dense green, fog filled forests and beautiful sights of clouds
descending on the hills, this place makes you feel as though you’re living in a
dream or like you’ve set foot in heaven. Cattle in the fields that you pass
will be barely visible, so thick is the fog. Low visibility may not be the only
thing to slow you down though; on your way to Madhe ghat from Pune, make sure
to stop for some hot missal pav to fight the cold and keep hunger at bay. Once
you hit Velhe village, you have reached the base of Madhe ghat and you can go
forth and explore.
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| A treat to the photographer's eye |
As it happens, “Madhe ghat” is the ancient
route along which the body of Tanaji Malusare, one of Shivaji’s great warriors
who died fighting at the Kondana or Sinhagad fort, was carried to his native
village in Konkan.
Madhe ghat offers some of the best
views and there is almost always a blanket of cloud over the hills. Walking
around here gives the impression of walking through the clouds. So why not make
a weekend trip out of this lovely, scenic place? All you need to do is get on any pune flights, rent a car to make your way up to Madhe ghat and enjoy the chilly
yet picturesque surroundings. Soak yourself in this beautiful place to relax
before you get back to greet the week ahead with a content smile.
