Water, wonderful world

Maharashtra's beaches, dams, waterfalls, lakes and rivers present the vacation-seeker with several refreshing options to head out to, this summer. The Trip has created a handy guide of 12 fantastic getaways to make sure that your ticket to a holiday is topped with loads of chills, thrills and of course, thrills

Waterfalls and dams
Race the winds at Panshet
Though Panshet dam has been notorious in the news for the time it burst in the first year of storing water in 1961 and flooded Pune, over the years it has come to be known as an ideal picnic spot for those who love to stare at gentle ripples on waters as well as those who seek an adrenaline rush. Water sports like kayaking, speedboats, water scooters, swimming and wind surfing make it a super getaway, with the gorgeously green woods serving as the perfect backdrop. Picnickers, are you listening?
At: 50 kms southwest of Pune

Swoosh down Dabhosa Falls
At Dabhosa, you can counter your life's worst fears as you rappel down the massive waterfalls. Weariness and a sense of not getting anywhere even though you try your best might grip you but once you are down and in the waters, there's a sense of achievement that might overwhelm you -- the sorts you would've rarely felt before.

Dabhosa Waterfall at Jawhar in Thane district. Pic/Atul Kamble

The 300-feet waterfall gets too violent in the rains, so now would be a good time to head there. The nearby Nature Trails campsite conducts waterfall rappelling here, along with flying fox, kayaking, valley crossing, trekking and fishing.
At: Jawhar (166 kms from Mumbai);
Call: 66557777 (Nature Trails)

Get drenched in the sea of milk
Amongst the highest waterfalls in the world (and fifth highest in the country), Dudhsagar Falls scrambles through crevices and lush greenery across four tiers to cascade down more than a 1,000 feet in a way that resembles foamy milk. Plunge into the waterfalls, albeit only at places where it seems calmer and only if you are a strong swimmer. But what will be worth it is a view from the top -- climb through vegetation, mossy rocks and water for the spectacular sight. Check in to one of the many resorts around the Falls and don't forget your date with jumbo through the forests of the Western Ghats.
At: The eastern border of Goa and Karnataka (60 kms from Margao)

Dangle the hook at Bhandardara
If you are the sorts who can admire engineering marvels, the Wilson Dam will leave you in awe, for it is the largest earthen dam in the country, and one of the oldest too.

Wilson Dam at Bhandardara

Though you can try fishing (also angling) in the placid lake further down, we suggest you lie back and enjoy the sight of gushing water as it rushes through when the sluice gates are opened, and plummets into the rocks below. Watch out for the fruit bats, though -- they are said to hang precariously low all through the day, from the branches of the gigantic trees around.
At: Bhandardara (200 kms from Mumbai)

Rapid action on the Kundalika
Originating 150 km away from Mumbai, the Kundalika River flows from the Sahyadris to the Arabian Sea. Towns like Kolad and Korlai are located on its banks.

Rafting down the Kundalika River. Pic/Sameer Markande

Excess water from several dams gets released at the river generating river rapids, making it perfect for rafting. Adventure lovers can hurtle down the river in rafts, negotiate the turns and feel the sensation of water crashing over them. Several farmhouses dot the riverbanks where you relax, soak in the calm and feast on yummy mangoes and watermelons in the summers.u00a0u00a0
Call 9969669174 (The Nomadic Quest) / 9869201443 (Freespirit) / 9869474343 (Campfire India); Eail: arunpsawant@gmail.com; Log on to : freespiritindia.in

Get a holy high on the Godavari
Often referred to as the Ganga of the south, the Godavari River originates from Trimbakeshwar. Legend has it that sage Gautama who worshipped Shiva, and lived in the hills of Triambakeshwar inadvertently committed the sin of killing a cow.

Devotees and tourists throng the Triambakeshwar area by the Godavari
River during the Kumbh Mela and otherwise too. Rane Ashish

He prayed to his beloved deity who appeared as Triambak and brought the Ganga to wash away the sage's sins and purify his hermitage. The spot is revered as one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Shiva and the river came to be known as Godavari. Take a dip in its cooling and purifying waters and pay a visit to the Trimbakeshwar temple, which is believed to help you attain salvation. Important festivals celebrated here are Godavari day (February), Mahashivaratri (March) and the Rathayatra of Trimbakeshwar (November).
Log on to : www.maharashtratourism.gov.in

Get high on history at Pavna
The beautiful Pavna Lake near Lonavala has been artificially formed thanks to the construction of the Pavna dam nearby. It's surrounded by acres of greenery and is blessed with a pleasant climate. On its banks, there is a restaurant, a boating club and a garden. Located around 12 km from Kamshet, which is a hub for paragliding, it offers views to the Lohgad, Tikona and Tungi forts and its banks are perfect for enjoying a picnic. For a better view, get seated in one of the motorboats available and enjoy the gorgeous views of forts and hillocks. Also make sure that you visit at least one of these forts during your visit as well.
Log on to : https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/

Row your boat on the Venna
Mahabaleshwar, the hill station known for its strawberries and honey, is pretty popular for its Venna Lake. Originally constructed by the Raja of Satara in 1842, it's a scenic spot for some serious R&R as it's surrounded by greenery on all sides. The river is ten-feet deep and offers activities such as boating and fishing. On the riverbanks, you can touch up your horseback riding skills or browse by the stalls that line the lakeside and if you're hungry after all the walking, there are plenty of food stalls. Kids can have a blast on a mini-train ride. The city market is barely 2 km away so you get to enjoy a pleasant walk as well. While you're in Mahabaleshwar, drop by the several strawberry farms or indulge in mulberries with cream in the summer.
Log on to : www.maharashtratourism.gov.in

Beaches
Get anu00a0Adrenaline high at Mandwa
You may have replayed visuals of donning the cool water babe (or dude) in your head after watching travel show reruns of adventure sport in splashy waters. Now, you get to do just that ufffd try your hand at sailing, kayaking and windsurfing along Mandwa beach's placid waters.

Mandwa's coast is home to Aquasail's adventure water sports activities.
Pic/Bipin Kokate

You can sign up for Aquasail's multiple packages conducted by its qualified instructors will ensure you learn more than just the fine art of maintaining your balance against the wind and the water. Sign up as a group or go solo for a windswept weekend. Don't forget to post those pictures on Facebook.
Atu00a0Mandwa is a boat ride away (from Gateway of India jetty);
Log on to :u00a0aquasailindia.com

Don your biker avatar at Harihareshwar
Enough hasn't been said and written about this beachside getaway. The sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea are even more inviting come summertime. If you sign up with tour groups like Blueberry Trails, chances are that you will not only enjoy a terrific setting at a homestay, enjoy its local Konkani cuisine but also be a part of scenic morning boat rides into the Arabian Sea.

Harihareshwar's shoreline offers a range of activities from
baoting to bicycling and beachside treks

Chooseu00a0 to go on bicycle escapes in the afternoon to explore the boulevards at your own pace and bonfires at sunset to savour an idyllic, fulfilling beach holiday.
At Harihareshwar is 231 km from Mumbai;
Log on to : /www.theblueberrytrails.com/
Compiled by Dhvani Solani, Soma Das and Fiona Fernandez

Make fish faces in Tarkarli's waters
On clear sunny days, you can spot the seabed up to 20km away from the shoreline. That's the beauty of Tarkarli's waters. Apart from lazing around and soaking in this seaside escape in all its untouched splendour, you can also sign up for scuba diving courtesy, Maharashtra's state tourism board.

Tarkarli is being promoted as an ideal location for scuba diving

When we last checked, efforts were in full swing to ensure that the facility gets in shape by April. Choose to laze around the houseboats, luxury cottages, or on hammocks by the sea or hitch a trek to the Sindhudurg fort (6 km away) and a few other temples in the vicinity.
At Tarkarli is 546 km away from Mumbai;
Log on to : www.maharashtratourism.gov.in

Be the beach bummer at Bordi
If you're in the mood to simply sit back and soak in the sun, sand and sea waves, we suggest you zip down towards north Konkan, to the sleepy seaside town of Bordi. There's just one MTDC hotel located bang on the beach, so it's best you check in here (book in advance), for hours of uninterrupted sun-bathing and switch-off time.

Bordi's shoreline is ideal for bumming around

With a sparse population to bother you, you are guaranteed hours of "me-time" along its beach that will lead you all the way to Dahanu. You could also take a walk through Bordi's quiet bylanes for a slice of country life. Chickoo orchards and the Asavali Dam nearby should make for make for fun picnic spots or short treks.
At Bordi is approximately 170 kms from Mumbai. MTDC Resort, Bordi, Post Mukkham, District Thane.
Call 02147-254243;
Log on to : www.maharashtratourism.gov.in