Monsoons are the perfect time of the year in Maharashtra to plan out quick getaways from the city hustle bustle for day picnics or 1-2 night weekend trips.Luckily, Maharashtra is blessed with some ideal getaway destinations, just 100-200 km out of its prime cities: Mumbai & Pune!

Durshet in Maharashtra is a quaint little village surrounded by dense forests of the Sahyadri ranges.  It’s peaceful yet approachable location makes it a great weekend getaway for a day picnic or overnight stay in coming monsoons.

In the local lingo, Durshet mean Far away farms or forests! However, the name is deceptive as Durshet is not that far away from Mumbai-Pune & is within 2-3 hours reach from both these places. What makes this place distinctive is that it has the best theme park as well as nature’s bounty within 20 km radius of its locality. Situated on the banks of river Amba, this small village has recently turned into a hub for adventure activities & water sports like river rafting.
There are many activities one can indulge into when you plan a trip to Durshet. Some of the mentionable sightseeing activities are listed below:

1. Trekking:

Nature lovers can set afoot for nature trails in the dense forests surrounding Durshet or plan a hike to the forts Sudhagad & Sarasgad. The views from the top in monsoons are not to be missed!

2. Adlabs Imagica:

This award-winning 300-acre theme park is a must visit for all. The park is divided into a Theme Park, Water Park and Snow Park & is a powerhouse for thrilling adventure rides & entertainment.

3. Pali & Mahad Ganesh Temple:

The Ganesh temples at Pali & Mahad are two of the Astavinayakas (8 Ganeshas) & are highly revered. Staying in Durshet, you can plan early morning visits to the temples to beat the crowds.

4. Hot Springs at Uddhar:

These are natural hot spring with high concentrations of sulfur. These are not only relaxing in the monsoons, but also very good cures for skin ailments.

5. River Rafting & Water Sports on Kundalika River:

The Kundalika river near Durshet offers many water sports & activities like river rafting, crossing, rappelling. Tourists flock the river for these adventure activities & more.
With a land blessed with both the natures’ best offerings as well as best adventure & entertainment activities, this is definitely not a destination to be missed this monsoon. So plan out your holidays & hit the roads for the land not-so-Far away – Durshet!

How to Reach Durshet:

Durshet is easily accessible by road & rail. Private taxis, as well as state transport buses, ply the route. While travelling on Mumbai –Pune expressway, you may alight at Khopoli & travel further by local transportation to reach Durshet.

Best Places to Stay Near Durshet:

Given its proximity to the most preferred theme park, Imagica, Durshet has a myriad of options for accommodation. Right from 5-star hotel rooms to budget lodges the place as everything in the vicinity. Also popular are forest lodges & Farm stays around the village.

For those keen on exploring the nature, farm-stays would be a better choice to stay around Durshet given the proximity to trekking & forest trails.

The locals are very helpful & this has further promoted agro-tourism centers in the place which also offer a unique stay experience. You can also explore farm-stays in nearby villages like Pali, Mahad, Udhhar.

Best Time to Visit:

Durshet is at its best during the monsoons & winters. Best time to visit would be from June to February.