Hello my lovely people!!! Always wanted to head for a long drive just to tuck into tasty vegetarian dishes or spend a cosy weekend ??? Saj By The Lake, a new resort by the lake in Malshej Ghat is warm and welcoming.
Your journey will offer a panoramic view of the Sahyadris, and you would be greeted by manicured lawns, a play area, a swimming pool and 15 rooms (including a suite) that offer views of the mountains, the lake and a nearby farm too. With an unobstructed view of the lake from the balcony, spacious and well-furnished room would make it comfortable for you and will take a fancy to an indoor garden in the washroom (of course, separated by glass doors). The interiors are done by the Busride Brothers.
The resort is pure vegetarian, as you step into Maati Baani restaurant with trepidation, expecting cottage cheese and potato overdose. However, a look at the menu will allay all fears. From a separate section featuring local delicacies like Methi Pithle and Baingan Bharta slow-cooked in earthen pits to a shorba infused with nachani, regional Maharashtrian, Kashmiri and Rajasthani fare along with innovative egg recipes, the menu packs a punch in terms of flavours and pricing too, with all the dishes capped under Rs 300. Dont forget to try the tangy-spicy, smoked bharta, the piping-hot Nachani and Kulith soup (perfect for cold evenings), the well-cooked Kala Vatana Ussal along with the melt-in-the-mouth rice bhakris.
Not only there is a swimming pool but also a few adventure activities that the resort offers at its poolside area. These include body zorbing, water zorbing, archery and crossbow. Guided by a trained expert, you put on our body zorbs (a cushioned bubble-like ball) and try bumping into your opponents.
Refreshed, post an uninterrupted night’s sleep, you would be embarked on a morning walk to the lake. In five minutes, you would reach the banks of the Pushpavati river (Pimpalgaon Joga Dam has been built across this river), flanked by the mountain ranges. You can soak in the serene environs and speckle with a few local folk, going about their daily chores. Soon, the resort is planning to add camping and bonfire spot.
Post a hearty breakfast of various egg varieties – including Bhareli Ande, stuffed with sautéed onions, tomatoes and local spices – One can make its way to the nearby ancient Karneshwar stone caves and a Shiva temple (with pretty stone carvings on its ceilings), flanked by the nearby Shivneri and Harishchandragad peaks, with experts in tow. Satiated by the sights and delectable, local flavours, we are sure you would be happy to have found a new spot for an amazing monsoon getaway.
Address: Saj By The Lake, Kalyan-Ahmednagar Route, NH 222, District Pune
Contact: 9664151190
Email: [email protected]
Mumbai – 150 kms ( 3 hours drive from Mumbai)
