If you are looking to getaway for just a day or for a weekend then this is the place for you. Kamshet is fast developing as a paragliding spot as the weather here is aptly suited for paragliding and the high rise hills offer the perfect jumping spots. Kamshet is 3 hours drive from Mumbai (118 km) and 2 hours from Pune(85km).
From Mumbai you take the expressway and get off at Lonavala and take the old Mumbai Pune highway past Karla and to Kamshet on your left. After the left turn its about ½ hours drive to Native Place or Paragliding Ashram, roads a little narrow and rough so take it easy. Drive around the beautiful Pawna lake & dam to reach this place where life stands still amidst nature.
We went on the 24th of April, luckily it had rained heavily and the surrounding was lush green. We stayed at The Paragliding Ashram ( http://www.pgashram.com) formerly known as Melissa’s place. Native place 10 minutes down the same road is the other choice but more commercial. PG ashram is just out of this world very close to the lake. Check out this site and you will get all the information. She has one dormitory for six people (450) and double rooms (600) and tents (my choice) at 400. All these are per person per night rates inclusive of breakfast with tea, lunch and dinner (home cooked & vegetarian). They make non vegetarian at extra charge on prior request.
If you are not a paragliding buff then just lay back and relax, lie down on Melissa’s front porch and watch the stars twinkle at night. The tents are the best thing for couples very safe and waterproof, try them. Melissa is a wonderful person and just mingles with you so easily with her black Labrador Zulu.
We had a portable bar-b-que with us with all the paraphernalia, jacket potatoes, tandoori chicken, roasted sweetcorn. And tandoori phulgobi. Obviously we had marinated all the stuff from home. Don’t forget the chilled beer to wash down all this.
If you are coming from Mumbai turn off left just before Rangoli restaurant on the old highway and if from Pune turn right just after the restaurant. If you have small kids all the more better, they’ll just love it.
Melissa asked me not to advertise about her place cause she likes her place to run by word of mouth. So if you plan to be rowdy and do not enjoy nature naturally please avoid this place and don’t give my reference and spoil my reputation.