Pick pomegranates, dine near windmills or relive royalty at a rajwada - a weekend to Phaltan in Satara may be just what the doctor ordered
Picture ÂÂu00c2u0080ÂÂu00c2u0088this: You are seated with your partner in a tented canopy, set up under an open sky. Acres of verdant landscape and green-carpeted hills, accentuated by gigantic windmills, greet your eyes.
The passing breeze carries the whir of the windmills to your ears. As the azure of the sky burns ember and turns pale pink with the setting sun, you pop open a bottle of wine and soak in the surroundings. No, this isn't a dream date setting in a far-off Swiss locale but a reality that awaits you in
Phaltan, a city that's a five-hour drive from Mumbai.
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Located in Satara district, the city was a non-salute Maratha princely state during the British rule, under the central division of the Bombay Presidency. Today, it is known for its sugarcane and jowar farms, pomegranate orchards, windmills, forts, temples — one of Lord Ram known as the Gram Daivat of the city — and pristine architecture ensconced in a royal palace.
If you're keen to explore the marvels of this ancient city, plan a stay at Jakson Inns, one of Phaltan's leading properties and sign up for a weekend farm tour in and around the region. "The best time to visit is between September and January. People of Mahanubhava sect identify Phaltan as South Kashi. You also cross it while driving from Pune to Pandharpur. Typically four days will cover the entire city but we can arrange for customised tours.
We've had guests who only come to experience the village life, vineyards, or even the neighbouring Kaas Plateau — there is something for everyone," says Soraya Rebello, vice president (human relations and marketing communications), Jakson Hospitality. During your stay, tuck into authentic Maharashtrian fare including Mutton Rassa, Bharli Wangi, and Zunka Bhakar along with brekkie delights like Sabudana Vada and Missal Pav.
From September 16 to 18 AT Lonand Road, Phaltan.
Call +917774090289
Log on to www.jaksonhospitality.com
Cost Rs 3,000 onwards
Shri bhavani museum
An hour's drive from Phaltan is Shri Bhavani Museum a.k.a Aundh Museum, built by the Raja of Aundh, late Bhawanrao Pantpratinidhi in 1938. It features 500 miniature paintings of all major schools — Jaipur, Kangra, Mughal, Punjab, Bijapur, Pahadi and Maratha — created between the 15th and 19th century. Henry Moore's famous stone structure Mother and Child, last exhibited in Delhi 10 years ago, is also preserved here. Four sections in the museum comprise Western paintings including a Rembrandt self-portrait, In The Prison Of Aurangzeb by AH Muller, Beggar Boy by Barton Murillo and Francisco by L Goya.
Windmill farms
Enjoy a picnic near Pussegaon Windmills, a cluster of gigantic wind turbines constructed in April and set amidst the adjoining hills. An elevator will take you to the top of the windmills that change direction based on the direction of wind.
AjinkyaTara Fort
Located on Ajinkyatara Mountain, the 3,300-feet high fort offers panoramic views of the city. Conquered by Maratha warrior Shahu Maharaj in 1708, the fort helped the Marathas keep a watch on Southern Maharashtra. It was also where Tarabai, wife of Rajaram Bhonsle (Shivaji's son) was imprisoned.
Pomegranate orchards
The season for plucking pomegranates starts this month. So, take a walk through the 100-acre orchards or enjoy a ride on a tractor or a bullock cart and watch the locals pluck fruit. You'll also come across chikoo, potato, chillies, tomato, onion, cauliflower and sugarcane plantations.
Thoseghar Waterfall
What's a monsoon weekend getaway without soaking in a waterfall? Head to Thoseghar waterfall, located near the village of Thoseghar. It's not just one but a series of waterfalls — some 15 to 20 metres high, while one of them is 500 metres high.
Phaltan Tajwada
Comprising heritage halls and six courtyards, the rajwada (a royal residence of the Maratha Kings) was built in 1875. A new portion, named Mudhoji Manmohan Palace, was added to it in 1911, named after the ruler of the princely state from 1860 to 1916, before Phaltan became part of Maharashtra.
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