On the hunt for a dreamy weekend escape, I stumbled upon a fantastic deal for Aamby Valley, thanks to MMT and Agoda. The allure of exploring unique attractions became a magnetic pull, and and soon I found myself heading to this well-planned city.
Our journey from Pune to Lonavala led us to Aamby Valley around 2:30 pm(check-in time is 2 pm) marking the beginning of our exploration at the end of Lonavala.
Securing our stay ticket was a prerequisite for entering Aamby Valley. The check-in reception is at the starting point of the place but a little far from the main entry gate. The process was seamless, resembling a self-guided adventure. They handed us a pamphlet with all the details and attractions of the place along with timelines and directed towards the direction for reaching the cottage we booked.
Upon reaching the security of our designated cottages which was approximately 4 km away from reception, a warm greeting set the tone for our stay. The cottages, with their exclusive parking and private electric buggies, added a touch of exclusivity. They have dedicated parking; we parked our car. They took our luggage and us in a buggy and left us at our cottage. Personal vehicles are not allowed after parking.
Opening the door to our cottage revealed a charming wooden abode. Despite the property’s age, impeccable maintenance and tranquil surroundings created a serene atmosphere. The wooden haven, clean washrooms, and refreshing air conditioning provided a comfortable retreat. The presence of panoramic glass windows, covering about 80% of the cottage, allowed us to immerse ourselves in the natural surroundings. Whether you wanted to embrace the natural surroundings or create a cozy cocoon, the choice was yours.
Pausing to relax and explore, we were amazed by the beautifully preserved nature. After a short break, we strolled around. The green surroundings and quiet atmosphere added to the refreshing vibe. We enjoyed walks and moments of peace during our exploration. It had been a while since we experienced such quietude—only the soothing symphony of birds, unfamiliar yet comforting. The empty roads added to the calm ambiance, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle.
One highlight was the rare pleasure of driving through the area. The roads, lined with lush greenery, provided a scenic backdrop for our quiet drive, making our weekend stay at Aamby Valley truly memorable.
Our exploration continued as we visited the lakefront cafe for dinner after spending evening at fountain show and giant swings. Although the menu had limited options, the picturesque location made up for it. The tables adorned with candlelight, the open-air setting, and the pretty lights on the trees created a romantic atmosphere. Despite the menu constraints, we cherished a delightful evening.
As we made our way back to the cottage, a stroke of luck graced us—a deer gracefully crossing our path. It had been a long time since I saw a deer walking freely without any restrictions.
As the next morning dawned, I found myself waking up early, greeted by the mesmerising sunrise. The view from my bed, framed by the trees, was a different kind of spectacle. After a brief walk and some journaling, I headed to ‘A~cafe’ for breakfast. While the spread was decent, it leaned more towards filling the stomach than tantalizing the taste buds.
Post breakfast, a bit of morning rest rejuvenated us, and we set out to explore the diverse offerings of Aamby Valley. Following the pamphlet’s guidance, we discovered the lakeside area, fishing spots, the gaming room, Kali Mandir, Bharat Mata statue, go karting, and more. There is even a department store where you can buy any basic thing be it snacks, veggies, clothes, swimming costume etc.While some parts felt less maintained, the overall lush greenery and clean routes were appealing.
For evening snacks, we visited TAPRI, a place with a view. Despite not being pocket-friendly, it offered a picturesque setting for tea and evening snacks. A stroll led us to BANARAS GHAT, a "A serene spot where we immersed ourselves in tranquility, captivated by the soothing flow of water. We spent nearly 2 hours seated on the grass, gazing at the water, and sharing thoughts about life. The place was so enchanting that we lost track of time, and before we knew it, the sun had set. Undoubtedly, it became the highlight of our stay—the most recommended place of the entire experience.
As evening fell, the temperature dropped, bringing a chilly contrast to the earlier warmth. We gathered around a campfire for a cozy touch, embracing the winter vibes of the night.
Choosing GLOBAL CHASKA, a Punjabi restaurant(there are a few more multi-cuisine restaurants in the vicinity), for dinner, we found the food to be just okay.
The next morning, as we checked out, we reflected on the trip. Aamby Valley, with its diverse room categories, offered a unique experience. While the property showed signs of aging, its planned city charm stood out. Away from the chaos of our daily lives, it provided moments of calmness and peace.
The service, though moderate, could use improvement, especially in housekeeping and in food . The restaurants boasted beautiful ambiance, but the food taste was average. Alcohol was available but came with a good price tag. Smoking zones were designated throughout. Despite staying for close to 3 days, we couldn’t visit all the attractions and restaurants.
I visited during winter, experiencing hot days and cold nights. The idea of exploring Aamby Valley in the rainy season crossed my mind, picturing lush greenery. While a vehicle is recommended for thorough exploration, as attractions are situated far from each other, taxis and buses are also available for guided tours with time limits.
Aamby Valley proved to be more than just a destination; it was a fulfilling experience. Whether you’re seeking a delightful visit or planning a peaceful staycation, this place has something special to offer. It had long been on my bucket list, and the tranquil greenery exceeded my expectations. However, it’s advisable not to set very high hopes for the food options, as they are limited. Nevertheless, the quiet and green experience will undoubtedly make you feel good. I am already looking forward to visiting again, perhaps during the next monsoons, to immerse myself in the unique vibes of Aamby Valley.
