Tapola

Kashmir is aptly described as ‘paradise on earth’, and you can still get your share of heaven in close quarters. Head to Tapola (aka Mini Kashmir) for your share of scenic environment and adventure activities.

This travel destination can be easily reached from both Mumbai and Pune via air, rail or road transportation. You can reach the Pune railway station and then travel to Tapola or take a flight to the Pune airport and then reach the destination. There are also several bus services available that carry tourists to this location. Alternatively, you can take your car and drive down with your friends and family. This also allows you to pit stop at roadside street cafes (dhabas).

Tapola, is a picturesque hamlet around Pune, near Mahabaleshwar. As you drive to Tapola, you’d love the magnificent vistas en route. Tapola is the base village to the Vasota Fort, which is also popular for jungle treks. Vasota located within the Koyna wildlife sanctuary is cut off from civilization and can be reached only in a boat, and the permit for the trek can be procured from Bamnoli. The best time to reach here is from October to February when the weather is ideal for camping and trekking. Well, those who love the rains, there’s nothing to stop you from visiting during monsoon, where the lush greenery is at its best.

The key attraction to the hamlet is the Shivsagar lake. Water sports enthusiasts will love the diverse sporting activities that can be indulged in from kayaking to water scooter rides, boating, and swimming. The destination is ideal for camping. The lake also forms the backwaters of the Koyna Dam, where you can enjoy lovely sunsets. If you are a photographer, you cannot miss out capturing magical sunsets.

Visitors will also love heading to Kaas, which is a unique biosphere and an ideal picnic spot. The vast plateau turns into a blissful carpet of flowers, and you can visit after monsoon from August to November.

The destination is close to resorts, hotels and homestays where you can pit stop. From here you can also visit other places of interest like Kas Pathar, Paratapgad Fort, Venna Lake, Mapro Garden, Lingmala Falls, Elephant’s Head Point, Babington Point, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Connaught Peak, Arthur’s Seat.