Poised to become India’s first and largest planned hillstation – Lavasa is till in the development stage. Some parts like the community centre and Ekaant Resort have already been built plus the water sports department is up and running. AutoCar (Apr. ’09) takes a weekend off…

The roads leading to Lavasa are from the Chandni Chowk turn off NH4. About 4 hours from Mumbai and 2 hours from Pune – it’s the ideal weekend getaway. The vision behind Lavasa is to promote maximum living and celebrate life to the fullest. No doubt it is a holiday or weekend destination but once it is fully developed you could easily live life here. There are schools, apartments, villas, retail outlets and hospitals planned. The aim is to create a unique setting to live, work and learn in harmony with the highest environmental standards. The drive itself hints at the height which is 2000 to 3000 feet above sea level. Lavasa is spread over 25,000 acres of lakes and hills with an extensive master plan covering half that area. At present, the Ekaant Resort is operational and the views of the hills and the lake from it are fantastic.

Though there is a flurry of construction underway currently, the water sports facility is up and running and this is what makes a visit here right now worthwhile. The facility has luxury where you can go for a gentle stroll in the river and then there are water scooters for joy rides and also kayaks and paddle oats. For the kids there are unique water bumper cars that are great fun as they also have their in-built jet sprays with which you can give each other a jolly dousing.

Lavasa will also have a professional 18-hole golf course, where club and amateur tournaments will be conducted on a regular basis. The surrounding environs will also feature 50 nature walks and trails. The town centre itself is planned to have a promenade resembling a European waterfront. Called the Portofino Promenade, it will feature boutiques and cafes and will give visitors several reasons to stretch their legs, shop or just hang out.

Lavasa is on track in becoming a hill-station like one India has never seen before. Drive there and you’ll know what we mean.