We were looking for a weekend trip around Pune. Our criteria were, it should not be very far (don’t want to get tired in driving), slightly less crowded and very close to nature. After couple of hour of research we found out Malshej Ghat. I must admit most of our findings were from mouthshut!
It was month of June (2006), monsoon was already arrived but not in its full strength. We left Pune one Saturday early morning. The Nasik highway is really nice with lots of trees on both sides, we also crossed a small but beautiful ghat (I don’t remember the name). We went through the grape cultivation of Narangaon, and then reached a place called Ale-Phata. We took a left turn here from the Nasik highway (this road goes straight to Kalyan, by which lot of Mumbai people come Malshej). Malshej ghat is around 30km from this place.
This drive was extremely beautiful. within 10-15 km ghat started; and we were middle of the nature; small lake one side, less populated small picturesque village on one side! and ultimately we reached Malshej ghat section!
And we were spellbound! one side steep hills with clouds on their heads other side deep valley and lake! We reached there around 10am, not many people were there and we were kind of "woowww"!!
But there are couple off issues, one there were not many places to stay. We just two hotels, one is MTDC other is private! and that’s it! the booking of MTDC is also not very trivial. We actual did not book priory but because we reached early we got the reservation. We checked in around 10:30, when we came out from our room after light snacks I saw around 10 more cars outside MTDC. So you better be early! also room condition in MTDC is good (lot better than the private one) and priced around 800-1000 per couple per night. Food is also an issue as there are not many restaurants around so choices are limited.
Now coming back to nature!! As I mentioned earlier it is very less populated area and lot less crowded than any other hill stations in MH. No pushing vendors, no rubbing shoulders! About the tourist spot the whole ghat is extremely beautiful, you can park anywhere and enjoy. But best place is MTDC resort. They are located on a hilltop from where you can have full view of the ghat and valley. General people can go the hilltop without a booking in MTDC. Most popular location is small stretch of the ghat road, which is almost hanging from a steep rocky wall, magnificent! There is a lake, where you can simply sit and enjoy the breeze. Also if you cross the ghat (towards Kalyan) you will be middle of a forest; one can park there any explore.
Note that if you are going there for some kind of activities like boating horse/camel riding then don’t go the Malshesj! But if you want to be really close to the nature and spend some time in serenity its a perfect place. I would advice you to slow down and enjoy every elements that malshej has to offer.
Malshej is suited for both one day sightseeing trip and multiple day chill trip!