Explore Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani in the most unique way

Akshay ShettyCome Easter and its time to get away from the busy life of the city And with summer in full blast what better place to head to than the cool of the forests and hills If that seems passeacute heres a chance to do it differently Known as the strawberry ride this threeday getaway to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani is one with a difference Not only does it give you the chance to embrace nature like youve never done before but it also allows to do all that and more on bicyclesMumbai has a number of midnight bicycle rides doing the rounds I for one have been passionate about the hills and have explored this part of the state on my cycle Firstly I enjoy the quiet all around and the fact that I am in the lap of nature breathing fresh air Secondly riding the cycle helps me complete distances that I wouldnt have managed to on foot says Akshay Shetty founder of Honey Bee Adventures that conducts the tripMy cycle rides have taken me to villages where I started interacting with the locals Theres so much to learn from them I wanted to do something to help these droughtaffected farmers and thats why I started these tours I usually bring a small group because I do not want to interfere in the locals lives and cause trouble he informs The tour takes care of your need to relax and also to refresh the system for the long grind ahead Whats more Theres a farm full of strawberries to marvel at or learn about Read onElephant head in MahabaleshwarThe rideChallenge your family and friends to ride all the way up to 1372m above sea level Here surrounding the Venna Lake is the highest hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra Mahashybshyaleshwar used to be the summer capshyital of the governor of the old Bomshybay Presidency Around 30 viewpoints here give you a panoramic view of life and nature When it becshyame uninhabitable during the monsshyoons the British retired to Panchshygani for respite from the downshypour Here they planted many specshyies from the western hemisshyphere of which silver oak and poinsettia continue to flourishEnjoy a ride with your family and friends through the forestsHorse along 45 km on cycleRide on the tracks that were once used by the horses of the British Now forgotten and unused they are almost covered by undergrowth that makes trekking slightly difficult But on your bicycles this road less taken will literally take you to the lap of nature help you know about trees and come out of the journey refreshed and rejuvenated Starting at Panchgani the rides pretty long So dont waste timeacircAcircAcircu00c2u0080AcircAcircu00c2u0088stopping for selfies Better still give your cameras a break and take mental images if you canBoats on the Venna LakeBerry bay 45 km on cycleIf you are a fan of all things pink and strawberry this is the route for you It takes you directlyacircAcircAcircu00c2u0080AcircAcircu00c2u0088to the heart of a strawberry farm in a village called Bhilar Stop to learn about the fruit and ways to farm it Dont go plucking the produce until told to Bhilar is also called the village of knowledge thanks to all the free libraries there Every house has books on one particular subject or genre that is open to all for reading You can find your way to the books with the help of boards on the road With nature and stories by your side this ride can never get boringOn March 30 to April 1 2 pm onwards Starting point Panchgani Email honeybeeadventuresindiagmailcom Register googlYN43JyCost Rs7300 including stay food first aid and mountain bikes and gears