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Durshet

Experiential journeys will make you a storyteller
About Durshet
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri ranges, Durshet is a town settled between Mumbai and Pune. The area is surrounded by hillocks and plateaus with rivers and waterfalls decorating the premises. This accustoms the travelers with an aura of rejuvenation and wanderlust.

In Durshet, you can conquer the mighty hills and you can have a glimpse of the ethereal beauty of nature. The hillocks with waterfalls traversing through them, the verdant greenery and natural beauty all around has made it a renowned tourist destination.

Durshet is also a haven for trekkers and mountaineers. The area around River Amba is an abundant natural reserve for exotic wildlife and flora of the area around. There are several ancient ruins of temples and heritage sites around the area, including the collective Siddi Ashtavnayak Temples. These temples flaunt all their grandeur to the devotees and visitors that come to seek the blessing of the gods. They offer a magnificent view of the surrounding lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. 

Due to the recent tourist influx, the place has also become a hotspot for watersport activities, including the established IMAGICA Park within its proximity. There are several other activities for those seeking excitement and thrill to make their adrenaline go berserk. These include walking across the magnanimous Burma Bridge, rappelling, wall-climbing, or mountaineering along the rocky terrain, nature walks for nature lovers, laddering, and Tarzan Swing.

Also, the Uddar Hot Spring here is a frivolous place to submerge into hot water on cold days. If you are wondering about the nightlife of Durshet, then there is plenty that it has to offer. The sanctuaries have a night safari to explore the flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Durshet has a particularly humid climate, hot in the summers. It receives unpredictable showers during monsoon, often heavy, which makes sightseeing around the area difficult. However, winters are the best time to explore the waterfalls, rivers and wander about in the wilderness. The post-monsoon season further makes this place even more alluring to travel as the entire area gets covered with greenery. 
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Durshet FAQ's

Which are some famous places to visit in Durshet?

1. Varad Vinayak Temple - This is one of the most famous Durshet tourism attractions in the region. It was built in 1725 AD by Peshva Sardar Ramji Mahadev Varad Vinayak Biwalkar. The Temple may be slightly worn off from the outside but it is one of the finest examples of architectural splendour of that era. The pillars, the magnificent 25-feet high dome and statues of Varad Vinayak in white marble one of which is completely covered in vermilion. On the northern side of the Temple there is a Gomukh which means a cow’ mouth. Another important attraction of this Temple is the Nandadeep which has been burning continuously right from 1892 AD.

- Location: Village Mahad, Tal Khalapur Khopoli, Dist, Mahad, Maharashtra 410202

2. Pali Fort - Located just a few kilometers away from Durshet are two magnificent mountain forts that dates back to the 2nd century. The Pali Fort comprises two mountain forts - Sarasgad and Sudhagad Forts. It is of great historical significance and a major attraction for avid trekkers and adventure seekers. Sudhagad Fort is a large one and it is a replica of the famous Raigad Fort.

- Location: Sarasgad, Maharashtra 410205
- Price: INR 220 per person for Sudhagad Fort
             INR 180 per person for Sarasgad Fort

3. Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak - This magnificent temple was built back in 1760 AD and it houses two lakes. This is also the only Ashtavinayak temple which is dedicated to Ganesha’s devotee, a Brahmin named Shri Ballaleshwar. The Temple is divided into two sections -  a big and small sanctum and has beautifully designed pillars all around. There is a large hall measuring about 40 feet long and 20 feet broad and the ceiling of this  hall is ornamented with bells that are designed in ancient European styles.

- Location: Taluka Sudhagad, Pali, Maharashtra 410205

4. Uddhar Hot Springs - The Hot Spring is one of the most visited spots in Durshet City. This hot spring is located near the Pali Ganesha Temple and its sulphur infused water has excellent healing properties especially for skin ailments. There are three ponds or kunds; one is open while the other two are covered. One of the covered one is for men and the other for ladies. The surrounding area is a haven for nature lovers with its amazing views. The place also has a mythological significance as it is believed that it was here that Jatayu left its body for its heavenly abode.

- Location: Uddhar Hot Water Springs, Nagothane

5. Durshet Forest Lodge - Set in the midst of a sprawling 35 acre private property, Durshet Forest Lodge is a haven for trekkers and bird watchers. With the majestic Sahyadri ranges in the backdrop this amazing resort has the River Amba passing right across the property. The property is a major hotspot for Durshet tourism and offers rappelling, rock climbing, night treks, barbecues, campfires. Kayaking and lots more. The resort has rooms as well as tent facilities and it is ideal for day outs, picnics and corporate meets.

- Location: Durshet, Maharashtra
- Price:  INR 7000 onwards for one day stay.

What are the best things to do in Durshet?

1. Indulge in Water sports - There are several water sports clubs near the River Kundalika which visitors can indulge in. These clubs offer adventure activities such as kayaking, river rafting, river crossing, rappelling and lots more.

2. Adventure Sports in Durshet - Durshet is also home to a variety of adventure sports which include Burma Bridge, Ziplining, rappelling, rock climbing, treasure hunt, Tarzan swing and many more.

3. Jungle Safari - Durshet is home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna and a trip to Durshet city is incomplete without a safari tour. Enjoy a close view of the magnificence of nature’s bounty with a ride into the thick greenery of the forest of Durshet. Watch the animals in their natural habitat and the colorful birds that fly about. The rich greenery offers a perfect backdrop for those keen in nature photography.

4. Night Safari - Add a little adventure to your trip by indulging in a night time safari. The whole forest changes into a different world after sundown. The lights of the stars and the sounds that the inhabitants of the forest make lends a very eerie yet fascinating aspect to the whole experience. You can enjoy the company of night owls hooting, jackals howling and hear insects buzz and ring as you explore the forest.

5. Trekking in Durshet - Durshet offers fantastic terrain and destinations for avid trekkers. The most famous ones being the Sudhagad Fort and the Sarasgad Fort. These forts are massive and offer a wide variety in terms of terrain, views and difficulty levels. Several hiking and trekking groups throng these forts during weekends.

6. Explore historical monuments -
Durshet has quite a few historical monuments right from majestic old forts to beautifully carved temples that stand to testify the greatness of the cultural heritage of the region. The two forts - Sudhagad and Sarasgad, are massive and blend history with adventure seamlessly and enthrall its visitors with its imposing character.

Which are some famous places to stay in Durshet?

1. Durshet Forest Lodge - Set in the midst of a 35 acre teak forest, this resort is one of the best places to stay in Durshet. It has a variety of accommodation that you can choose from. You can pick from 11 rooms, 4 dormitories and 13 tents for your stay in this amazing property. Freshly prepared vegetarian meals are served in the common dining hall. The property also  has a swimming pool and various other facilities for day outs as well as stay.

2. Sterling Nature Trails - Set in the heart of a wooded area, this resort is just 9 km away from the famous Imagica Theme Park. The resort provides air-conditioned dorm rooms with shared baths while private rooms have ensuite baths. The property has a kids' play area, an outdoor pool, a waterfall, a zipline course, barbecue facilities, indoor and outdoor games, a firepit and more.

3. Novotel Imagica - This luxury hotel is just across the Imagica Theme Park and offers excellent rooms with mountain or pool views. Suite rooms have separate living areas and balconies. Other features that the hotel provides are a large outdoor pool, a game room, a kids’ play area, a buffet restaurant, a cafe and a bar, an event space and a chic pool bar.

What is the best time to visit Durshet?

November to March is the best time to visit Durshet. This is the winter season and it is ideal for all kinds of sightseeing and adventure activities. The temperature is between 13° C to 30 °C during this time. After the monsoons, the facilities are great for water sports, trekking and hiking.

How many days are enough for Durshet?

3 to 5 days are enough to explore Durshet and also include some nearby destinations that are at short distances from Durshet city. This will give you ample time to explore the forts, the temples, add adventure activities and safari to your itinerary.

How to reach Durshet?

1. By Air - Durshet does not have its own airport and the nearest airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 83 km from Durshet. From Mumbai you can book a cab or travel in the state/private run buses to Durshet.

2. By Train - The nearest railhead to Durshet is Khopoli which is well-connected to several major cities of Maharashtra and other parts of the country as well.

3. By Road - You can drive to Durshet from several nearby cities. Buses both private and state run are available that can take you up to Khopoli which is 16 km away. From Khopoli you can book a cab to Durshet.

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