A trip to Karla along with my wife and 2 kids was primarily for getting some peace of mind after a hectic work schedule at Mumbai.
Took a train (Deccan Express) to Lonavla and for there hired an auto rickshaw to the Karla MTDC resort (Rs 80). The place is around 10 km from the station.
We had booked a Cottage Room A/C (Rs.900) from the Mumbai MTDC office at Dadar (Tel: 2414 3200)
The rooms are clean and good with a few small insects here and there.
While we had travelled during June and expected some rain, the rains gods let us down.
The best time to visit this place would be Jul and Aug when the rains are at their peak.
What I liked was the fantastic location of this place, which has greenery all around along with lots of clean air. You wake up to the mornings with sounds of chirping birds. Absolutely breathtaking.
The bad part is the service. There is no room service and the cottages are far from the restaurant.
They did not even serve milk in my room for my 1 yr old daughter...
The restaurant is thoroughly understaffed and very badly managed.
When I complained to the manager about the service, he said this was natural on Sat and Sundays.
The resort is also managed like a pucca sarkari place with the staff least bothered about you.
Once for lunch we had to wait for 1.5 hrs for someone to even ask us for water since the tourism minister had visited the resort and all the staff was serving him.
Overall, the food is tolerable.
The water park is lousy with just 2 rides. Do not go into the water if there is no power as the water is full of insects and mud. The wave pool is good.
Price : Rs 100 extra (not included in the room tariff)
Also, there are 5 hr power cuts everyday and the generator is switched on only at night.
Positives
Excellent location
Lake for boating (the view is good, boating not allowed during rainy season)
Negatives
Pathetic service
Power cuts
Attitude of staff
Tips
If you do visit this place , carry lots of eatables, milk (if you have kids).
Good for people who have their own vehicles as they can go out and eat.
Carry your own towels
Take a room close to the reception