I write to warn all readers of about bungalows hired out to unsuspecting visitors. 90% of these bungalows are nothing more than “booth bangalas” (without the ghost). They are located away from the main hub and lack even the most basic of facilities.
I and six of my friends decided to visit Lonavala on Janmastimi day and much to our dismay found that all the top hotels in the area were fully booked. (This was one month prior to our holiday). Our travel agent “Poornima Travels” located opposite Shoppers Stop in Andheri, Mumbai, mentioned to us about a “great bungalow with private swimming pool, fabulous views, great food etc. Price was Rs 8, 500 for one night all inclusive. Trusting him (we knew him for many years and he did all our travel / holiday arrangements), we went for it.
The bungalows are located exactly behind Fariyas hotel. The approach road to the bungalows was so bad that our driver was sacred to take our Innova on that road. The bad road itself was the first sign that something was terribly wrong. Our suspicions were confirmed when we reached the bungalows – there was not a crow in sight. We managed to locate the watchman who said we were expected and showed us the “bungalow”.
The Bungalow: Let me put it this way: If I was paid Rs 8, 500 to stay there for a night I would not have. Forget about paying for it !! All bungalows were in a very delipitated condition. The doors were bloated due to moisture and had to be kicked to be opened. (several were broken) the walls were badly leaking and covered with moss. Condition of the roof was so bad that rusted iron rods could be seen poking out of the concrete. There was absolutely No furniture. No towels, No nothing. And it cost us Rs 8, 500/- Not wanting to allow the incident to ruin our holiday, we booked ourselves in a small lodge nearby. While staying there the hotel staff mentioned to us that most of the bungalows in the region are all in very bad condition and at least 50% of these are not even completed.
Back in Mumbai we had a tough fight with out travel agent who grudgingly acknowledged that he had not seen the place before selling the deal to us. After a lot of threats we managed to get back 50% of our money. The bungalows are being marketed to unsuspecting visitors by a company – unfortunately, I do not recollect the name since we had to give back the receipt. We did not suspect anything because it all looked nice and official.
If you plan to holiday in the Khandala – Lonavala region DO NOT book any bungalows unless you or your friends have stayed there earlier. Best is to book early in some hotel of good repute.
It hurts me to accknowledge that we were royally cheated that too by a travel agent we did lots of business with. But this scam was / is so outrageous that we felt people should be made aware of it. We simply want all of you to know that ’’Ati kya Khandala’’ may not be as romantic as you expected specially if you have booked a bungalow.