I recently visited MTDC Resort in Karla ( 12-15 Feb’10 ) along with my family and it was a wonderful experience. I did had a experience of staying at MTDC Resort earlier at Mahabaleshwar and so was very well aware of what to expect from MTDC Resort. One can really enjoy their stay @ MTDC if they decide not to compare it with any other private hotel or resort as MTDC do not have facilities like prompt service , room service for food , rooms with all latest amenities etc.
All MTDC resorts are located at best place available in that particular territory and MTDC Karla was no exception to it. Resort is spread across a huge area and has thick greenery surrounding the entire place.
It offers options of different room types and we booked special suite which had two separate rooms and a common hall. It was almost like a tiny bungalow with all greenery around.Resort has a Indrayani river passing through it and has a boat club and a water resort inside.
One can book online maharashtratourism.gov.in/ Booking well before 15 days is recommended if you are planning to visit on weekends as it is houseful almost on every weekend.
Getting there - From Mumbai place is around 100 km and very well connected through expressway. It took us 2 hours to reach place from thane in our private car. While coming from Mumbai make sure you are taking second exit and not the first one for Lonavala.
Food - MTDC Restaurant is decent for Veg meals. If one is Non veg fan then u must visit Toni Da Dhaba some 12 kms from MTDC towards pune on old highway n do try Roti ki tokri there.
Stay - In rooms , do carry additional mosquito mats. TV is there but reception quality is poor but TV watching should not be a priority at place like karla.
Overall a wonderful refreshing break from hectic city life at a very reasonable cost !!