From the serene lakes of Panshet to the dreamlike silence of Fairyland, Lavasa  

Sometimes the most memorable journeys are the ones that are not planned at all. During the vibrant festival of Holi, when colours fill the air and joy fills the heart, we suddenly felt the need for a quiet retreat away from the rush of daily life. Since it was a long weekend, we decided to take a short break immediately after work. What followed was an enchanting journey through serene lakes, lush forests, and a mysterious town that seemed to belong more to a fairytale than to reality. Our destination began with the peaceful landscapes of Panshet and led us to the strangely beautiful and silent town of Lavasa.  

We began our journey at 5.30 in the morning. The roads were still quiet and wrapped in the soft light of dawn. After a short midway break, we reached Panshet around 9.30 am.  

Panshet Dam, also known as Tanajisagar Dam, is built on the Ambi river, which is a tributary of the Mutha river. Located about fifty kilometers southwest of the city of Pune, this beautiful dam is surrounded by hills, forests, and vast stretches of water that create a breathtaking natural panorama. Nearby stand three other important dams, Varasgaon Dam, Temghar Dam, and Khadakwasla Dam, all of which play a vital role in supplying drinking water to Pune.  

Panshet is not merely a dam. It is a tranquil retreat where nature unfolds in all its quiet majesty. The surrounding Sahyadri hills embrace the shimmering waters of the reservoir, and the atmosphere is filled with a refreshing stillness that instantly relaxes the mind.  

The government guest house where we stayed enjoys an exceptionally scenic location. The manager kindly accompanied us to a nearby point on the dam. From there, we witnessed a mesmerising sight. On one side stretched the vast lake, calm and hypnotic, reflecting the sky like a mirror. On the other side, a lively stream flowed down the hillside, winding gracefully through the valley below. The landscape extended far into the distance, presenting an expansive view of forests, hills, and water that seemed to merge with the horizon.  

After lunch, we walked down to the stream where a small bridge crossed over the flowing water. The stream had gradually widened into a gentle river that flowed over pebbles and rocks through the forest. As we dipped our feet into the cool and refreshing water, tiny fish gathered around our toes and began playfully nibbling at them. It felt like a natural pedicure offered by the river itself.  

In the evening, we went boating on another lake nearby. The experience of gliding over the quiet waters surrounded by hills was pure joy. After the boating session, the owner mentioned that he had recently started a night jungle safari. The idea sounded thrilling and I immediately agreed.  

After dinner, a large gypsy vehicle arrived to take us into the forest. The driver even suggested that we could sit on the roof if we wished, and we gladly accepted the adventurous offer. Driving through the silent forest under the glimmering light of the almost full moon was deeply nostalgic. The moon occasionally peeped through the tall eucalyptus trees, casting mysterious shadows along the path. The cherry-blossom flowers were shimmering like stars on the branches in the moonlight. Though we did not encounter a tiger or an elephant, the excitement of quietly exploring the forest at night created an unforgettable sense of adventure.  

The next morning, we set out for Lavasa, located about thirty kilometres away.  

Lavasa is often referred to as a ghost city today, yet it remains one of the most beautifully planned hill towns in India. Inspired by European-style lake towns, it was envisioned as a modern urban retreat nestled within the Sahyadri mountains.  

The drive from Panshet to Lavasa was nothing short of spectacular. The road curved gently along the circumference of the lake, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Cherry blossom trees lined the roadside, their delicate pink flowers blooming gracefully beside the water. The contrast of pink blossoms, blue lake water, and green hills created a scene that felt almost dreamlike.  

We stopped for a while to watch the sunrise on the far side of the lake. The quiet morning air and the golden rays of the rising sun painted the landscape in soft glowing colours.  

As we entered the town of Lavasa, I suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of serenity. There was a profound stillness in the air, as though time itself had slowed down. Crossing the bridge into the town, we saw rows of beautifully symmetrical buildings painted in bright colours. The architecture gave the town a charming European character. It reminded me of the picturesque town of Rotenberg along the river Rine in the countryside of Germany.  

The mountains stretched from east to west across the northern skyline. The morning sun rose behind the eastern mountains and its light fell gently upon the still waters of the lake. The shimmering reflections awakened the lush green mountains on the western side like a carpet of living emerald.  

Yet as we drove further, we noticed many buildings that appeared abandoned. There were grand convention halls, residential apartments, and large structures that once promised a thriving city. Despite this quiet emptiness, the town remained marvellously planned and aesthetically designed.  

Christ University also maintains a beautiful campus in Lavasa, which brings some youthful life to the otherwise silent town.  

Although the town seemed deserted in parts, to me it felt like stepping into a fairytale land. Without much hesitation I decided that we should stay there for a night.  

While having breakfast in a small restaurant in the market, I asked the owner about accommodation. Earlier we had seen two beautiful glass cottages perched high on the mountain like luxurious resorts. As soon as he confirmed that they were indeed available for stay, we decided to check in immediately. On our way there, we also passed lovely residential cottages where a few residents still lived peacefully.  

Our room offered a breathtaking panoramic view of the lake, the valley, the mountains, and the quiet town below. The moment we entered the room, my heart felt filled with joy and peace. I silently thanked God again and again for bringing us to such a serene place.  

The entire day passed in tranquil bliss. As evening approached, the sunset transformed the lake into a sheet of liquid gold. The sight was mesmerising and unforgettable.  

After nightfall, we went into town for dinner where we happened to meet a group of students from Christ University. They shared that life in Lavasa can sometimes feel lonely because the town offers hardly any entertainment and remains unusually quiet.  

That night was a full moon night. Our room had a cozy balcony covered with soft grass, and I was excited to sleep there under the open sky. Around two in the morning, the full moon rose over the western horizon and shone brilliantly upon the lake, our balcony, and the room behind us.  

I settled there with my camera and a few scented candles. The moonlight reflected gently on the water and illuminated the mountains in a soft silver glow. It was a magical and deeply romantic night where the beauty of nature blended perfectly with the thoughtful architecture of the town.  

The next morning, we continued our journey toward the ancient Buddhist caves of Bedsa, Bhaja, and Karla, driving through magnificent forest-covered mountains along another lake.  

Yet the memory that remained most vivid in my heart was the silent beauty of Lavasa and the peaceful charm of Panshet. One offered the untouched serenity of nature, while the other revealed the haunting elegance of a dream city paused in time.  

Lavasa touched my soul in a way few places ever have. It left behind a lasting impression and one of the sweetest travel memories of my life. As we drove away through the winding mountain roads, I quietly promised myself that someday I would return to this enchanting town once again. 

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