West

The rugged Sahayadri mountain ranges provide a backdrop of imposing hill forts that are steeped in Maratha and Mughal history. With easy access from Mumbai, getting to most places is never time-consuming. The landscape undergoes dramatic changes during monsoon. Dry burnt hill slopes get covered in verdant green and empty streams become gushing torrents. The Sahyadris have a unique profile – there is a steep 2000 ft. drop to the West and a gentle slope towards the East. Towards the East, there is a series of lakes created by dams. This adds to the scope of adventure activities that are possible here.

Garudmaachi

Placed on the edge of the Sahayadri’s in the middle of ever green forest Garudmaachi is a unique purpose built site for conducting Oudoor programmes. Approximately 170 km from Mumbai and 75 km

from Pune, this is one of the most favorite destinations for most of the corporates in the country. Spread over an area of 21acres, the site offers an ideal platform for conducting various outdoor activities like treks, climbing, Rappelling, Rope courses, Camp outs, rafting and raft building and many other adventure and group activities. The site provides comfortable stay options in luxury tents and Bunkers/Dormitories with all the necessary amenities built in along with dedicated spaces for conducting training sessions.
This site can accommodate more than 100 people at a time and has unique and adventures facility for small conferences and presentations too. A 40 ft. rock-climbing tower is another highlight of the site. This is clearly one of the best sites for outdoor programmes, not just in Western Ghats, but in India.

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Fort Sinhagad

Fort Sinhagad, a very popular historic destination is situated about 30 km from Pune city. Of its 2000 year old history, one of the famous legends being the Tanaji’s daredevil attack in midnight to win the fort makes it a point of inspiration. Fort Sinhagad provides great ambience for conducting various kinds of Outdoor programmes and activities. Several prominent ridges sun down from the top to the base; this makes if possible to design several trek-routes.

High Places have two separate following venues on Fort Sinhagad for outdoor programmes.

The Mountain Hut – This is definitely one of the most picturesque properties on Sinhagad. It is a stone structure near the Northwest corner of the fort. Accommodation is in dormitories and rooms and can accommodate about 32 persons at a time.  It is an ideal place for outdoor and indoor work.

Tilak Bungalow – This ancient bungalow is more than 100 years old and is a well-known

landmark on the fort. It belonged to Lokmanya Tilak, who spent days writing his famous book, ‘Arctic Home in the Vedas” in this bungalow. The bungalow has been renovated to make it suitable to accommodate groups for corporate outdoor programmes. Accommodation is in dormitories and can occupy about 22 persons at a time. IT is a great place for small groups.

Dabosa : Site with options of rooms, dormitories and tents in the edge of a mountain overlooking a gigantic waterfall that offers possibilities of high adventure activities.

Durshet :  A forest lodge with rooms and dormitories and ample open spaces supports large group outdoor programmes.

Sajan : A large campsite with options of rooms, dormitories, tents and tree houses. Vast open spaces and possibilities of water based activities like kayaking and raft building. This site can also support large group outdoor interventions. This is about 120 km from Mumbai.

Karjat – Has options of rustic outdoor sites to plush AC resorts in the midst of mountains and offers scope for various adventure activities and experiential programmes. About 2 hours from Mumbai and Pune.

Panvel – Programmes possible in resorts away from the crowd yet a great outdoor ambience with comfort stay options.

Aurangabad – Possibilities of various outdoor activities along with fort visits and a great historic ambience. The stay is possible in luxury resort away from city yet close to the city.

Nasik – Bhandardara – With back waters of the dam and surrounded mountain ranges offers different grades of treks, camps and other adventure activities. Has various kinds of stay options.

Kolhapur – Panhalgad – A wide spread fort, huge trees, silent and serene ambience. This is good place for outdoor and indoor programmes with accommodation in resorts.

Mahableshwar & Panchgani – The most popular twin Hill station in Maharashtra, has dense forests and valleys with enough options for stay of various kinds is a great destination for serious as well as recreational interventions of different kinds.

Dandeli – One of the only locations in south & west known for white water rafting and fishing camps. A good option for Outdoor programmes with stay in resorts.

Goa – Most popular for its culture and beaches, Goa also has a different side to it which has beautiful mountains and waterfalls and perfect ambience for Outdoor activities, with options of tented sited to high luxury resorts.