We at the machan have always tried our best to inspire and initiate the creative journey of artists and explorers. We thank and congratulate 16 year old Anvit Khade for validating that belief by capturing the moon at the machan from his homemade telescope.
Our curiosity paves our future and having said that we wish Anvit a bright and starlit future.
This refractor telescope is made by Anvit on 19th December 2020. This was his first attempt at making one from scratch. Anvit is studying 10th std Euroschool -Airoli Navi Mumbai. He has a deep passion for the subjects physics and Mathematics. Mr. Udayan Sathe (HOD physics at Euro school) has inculcated an interest in this subject in Anvit from 7th std. The astronomy club at the school also helped him to get more knowledge in stargazing. Stargazing was the main attraction of visiting Machan. As the location of the resort is just perfect.. away from city light pollution and truly in laps of nature. Anvit could explore his photography skills from macro photography as well as astrophotography. For our family, this was a very good break and a lovely experience at Machan. Apart from stargazing we really enjoyed nature trail, forest bath, private bonfire, night walk studying insects (I forgot the name of an expert who guided us for these activities..she was wonderful). We liked literally everything at the machan. Actually, we were looking out for Starlight machan experience, but unfortunately as per our schedule, it was not available. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share our experience.
Ar. Swapna Navin Khade ( M/O Anvit)
We are glad the machan was a part of this creative process. Let’s also hear a few words from the Anvit himself about his creative journey.
I referred 10th std Physics ICSE text book.. did all necessary calculations of focal length etc. Apart from pvc pipes from local shop, everything else was recycled from old stuff at home. I was quite excited to watch jupiter saturn conjunction for which I assembled this telescope.
Anvit Khade
Isn’t it exciting to see the new generation being so much more concerned about the environment!? We are glad that the machan philosophy of preservation,. conservation and community reflect in Anvit work.
Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected. We live in a society based on production, where we are indeed very productive, but we often forget to be creative. The people who are building the future, they need poets and artist to make sense of what the future actually is. And somewhere between the traffic, and fast-moving city life, many talented artists often fail to find the time to create something magical and everlasting.
One of the main reasons why we believe in offering a disconnect is that so that many artists can find the peace and quiet to reconnect with their inner self and let their imagination paint the canvas, with colors and poetry. The results of our efforts have truly been fascinating and extraordinary. We are extremely flattered to have been a small part of the creative journey of these wonderful artists.
We would like to share some of these beautiful
creations that make us think of a simpler, quieter time. Here is a poem about
being in the state of true presence, where all your senses are elevated by the
sound of birds and fresh air, a moment where we don’t think about the past, or
worry about the future, a moment where we are truly present.
“Sunlight filters through the canopy of leaves, Leaves crunch beneath soft feet, Birds sing and gentle winds whistle, And the trees sway in unison, as one, And as they sway, the forest dances, Pulsating with life So I let nature speak I close my eyes… I breathe I listen I feel Till I can hum with the birds, And dance with the trees, And hear my heartbeat fall into sync with the movement of the winds through the branches
And I feel calm I feel at home I feel alive”
picturing_poetry
Here is a painting of the reception area at the machan, painted by our talented guest Darshana Thatte
Painting by Darshana ThattePainting by Zainab Tambawalla
Flip through this wonderful machan sketchbook created by our guest @siddhisurte about her machan experience.
Sharing beautiful moments when art and beauty are born is always inspirational. We hope this short compilation inspires the artist within you to create.
“With a treehouse and a little imagination, you can go almost anywhere. “
Anonymous
Keeping this in mind, we launched the machan gallery to celebrate the best photographs clicked by our guests at the machan.
The Machan Gallery Vol 2
We defy impermanence with our films, poems, and photographs. Each photograph has a hidden subtext that says ‘I will not let go!.’ Every month we get to see so many amazing pictures clicked at the machan. And a few of these amazing pictures are truly extraordinary.
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”
Jonathan Swift
Hence, we decided to support their creative vision by nominating them for an award. We believe even a small event like this could lead to greater things for our talented guests.
We have managed to conduct two contests so far, and the response has been beyond our wildest imaginations. We are glad that a small tree houseresort in Lonavala can inspire people to be creative, and they help us see the world through their colorful lens, changing the way we perceive things. The winners of the contest receive vouchers and goodies for their next machan visit.
Let us hear what a few of our winners have to say about their victory.
Thank you so much for nominating me. This made my day.’ –
Priyanka Deshmukh
Thank you
Kreetika Sharma
‘Thank you so much for the appreciation, when I was clicking this picture, I didn’t realize it will reward me back in such a pleasurable manner. As they say, you do good and good things comes back to you. My stay at machan was one hell of a great experience and now this is like a cherry on top.’
Mukul Vaswani
A creative moment occurs
when something bigger than ourselves finds its way through us. Creativity is
the interconnection between disparate concepts or ideas to reveal something
new.
We hope that the machan
continues to inspire people to be more creative, which will further spread our
message of conservation, preservation and community.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment, take a moment and make it perfect. Check out the other nominees in the gallery below.
It was such an amazing experience staying at Machan resorts in Lonavala. Words can’t describe its beauty and the way it is designed in between the forest. It is all away from ear-splitting traffic horns and the buzz of the city. It is so good that there is no network which is an add-on to the peace and calmness of the place.
There are narrow pathways covered with trees and plants all around connecting each area of the resort. All the patches around the pathways were covered with lovely flowers, hedges, and green ground covers. I really enjoyed open to sky breakfast with the chirping of birds to the dinner with forest darkness.
There were so many sitting
and get together spots all around. I enjoyed sitting near the bonfire and the
area overlooking the pond.
The Machan Resort Lonavala
We had a mesmerizing stay at starlight Machan which is the premium of all the Machans, having duplex bedrooms with a bathtub on the deck, morning view from the private deck was breathtaking with the hills in front and the forest as we see down, open to the sky shower area and a private plunge pool. The most amazing feature of this Machan as the name suggests is a translucent, retractable roof to enjoy the monsoon rains in between the forest and starry sky of summer nights.
Every category of Machan is distanced from each other. Perfect care has been taken of privacy by separating each Machan by thick forest cover, trees, and nature acting as a visual barrier giving complete privacy. To bring you more close to the nature, Machans are constructed using wooden planks, bamboos, stone, etc giving a woody colour and texture everywhere. The resort is beautifully planned without disturbing much the natural terrains and slopes of the area.
I wish to visit the place
again and even suggest people to visit the place.
And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. – John Muir
If
only there were more places to travel in my own country that are sustainable
and mindful of the environment. There is nothing more rewarding than an
ecological living.
The Starlight
Machan
Have you ever seen a constellation in a bathtub? I have. At midnight, tucked away not into bed, but a cradle of warm water, out on the balcony where the bathtub was. The sky looked so different from my pent house in Mumbai, and with stars both above below me, floating on the surface of the water, I wondered if the stars would be reflected in my eyes. My dad, who joined me on the balcony a while later (pretended) to identify constellations. “See that bear? Those three sisters?” and I played along with the infallible confidence of a child as he pointed them out. I’m pretty sure that night we saw even Mufassa’s face in the stars and that’s when I knew staying at The Machan was the perfect place to celebrate my last Children’s day.
Earlier that day, when I was still at
home, I wasn’t even sure of coming. I really needed wifi to submit my
assignments and I was afraid it would be sporadic in a treehouse. Eventually, I
thought to myself, “Since when did wifi get to decide the places I go?” and
trust me, upon reaching our Starlight Machan, I forgot all about my
assignments. I forgot all about wifi and social media and I think for those
brief few minutes upon arrival I even forgot I was in the twelfth grade as I
raced about like a child, wide-eyed, so excited about the treehouse I had just
walked into.
The Machans are designed in a way that is both vintage and contemporary. On one hand, you’ll see traditional Indian paintings, the four-poster bed of Indian royals and seductive light and dark wood furnishings. On the other hand, you’ll see modern, socially conscious ideas in design, such as Upcycling. The majority of the Machan’s furniture is handcrafted by them onsite, made from recycled or sustainably farmed wood. From using parts of an old ship, to hand-carved ancient screens, to rugs made from recycled PET bottles and old cycle tubes. And I know one probably only looks at how cozy the bed is when they step into a hotel room, but it fills me with pride to have chosen to stay at a hotel that cares enough to give natural resources another lease at life. It’s a concept I’ve always admired abroad but this was the first time I’d seen it in my own country. When you stay in an aesthetic place your entire outlook towards life changes. It’s like forcing yourself to exercise and go out when you’re having the most tragic day and your hair is falling out. Over the valleys of Lonavla, one breathes different air, a lighter air, it’s addictive.
In fact, the design of the Machans perfectly reflects their philosophy: Conservation. Preservation. Community. When you arrive at The Machan, you’ll most likely take a path through the trees on the way to your treehouse. You’ll see natural water holes brimming with fish sunbathing on the surface. A butterfly might rest on your shoulder, just for a second if you’re still enough, and bright yellow birds I can guarantee you’ve never seen in the city will greet you with singing.
The Machan really does go out of its way to give to an environment that gives to them. You might not know this, but 10% of The Machan’s profits go towards preserving the flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. One of my favorite natural things to see as I ate breakfast was a corner of the open dining area where a tree was growing, and the edge of a table was cut out like a jigsaw piece to accommodate the branch of the tree. It was such fine detail, barely even noticeable if you weren’t looking for it, but it made me so incredibly happy because it seemed like there was a place for everybody, including the trees. This is something you need to see, our country is so beautiful in places like these, places that accommodate everybody.
My advice? Pack shoes. There’s a lot to do. Early morning sip Chai on your balcony then go on a hike. Let the outstretched arms of trees larger than life surprise you. When you’re back and hungry, learn to cook with the chef. Most of the staff employed are wonderful locals. Reminisce about how long it’s been since you last had that much fun cooking. Or the time to set aside for the secret ingredient of patience. Then look complacent about your very own dish. In the evening walk to where you can watch the sunset diffuse like warm tea into the valley. Head to the spa then and forget about the whole world. Treat yourself at a bonfire for dinner. Sleep like a log under the stars.
I haven’t even covered half the things to
do there. Check out their website for more.
It is important to acknowledge places that make the effort towards sustainable tourism. It is important to lift them up high because it is not always easy to think of others, especially if they are flora and fauna without a voice. It sets our country way beyond her years and shows us that the great Indian hospitality that was born as inviting guests for chai ( and not letting them leave without snacks and cold drinks) is still revived in places like The Machan. Look closely at the places you travel to, and choose valuably.
Thank you to all the lovely people that
make The Machan what it is.
The concept of nature lodges and tree houses is fast making its presence felt in the hospitality circuit. In an industry that feels the need and pressure to evolve its offering constantly, going back to the roots has become an important differentiator for hoteliers and resort owners since the turn of the last couple of years. However, it’s one thing to build a nature resort and quite another thing to erect one, slap bang boom in the middle of nature itself.
This is one of the many reasons why The Machan Resort in Lonavala is one of the most sought after destinations in the country for holiday goers who like to vacation with a sense of meaning. Because at The Machan treehouse of your choice, you will not only get peace, calm, and tranquillity in abundance, you will also get your fair share of luxuriating creature comforts to keep you comfortable and regal. And you will get all of the above and more while sharing heart and soul with a biodiversity hotspot in the middle of a tropical rain forest.
Where else could you stay in a Jungle Machan which is built quite literally in the middle of a jungle and holds true to its name unlike most other fancily coined accommodations in this region? The Jungle Machan truly puts a new spin on the term “tree-house”. With living trees sprouting from the floor and going through the roof, the feeling of being one with Nature is fully encapsulated. This suite is divided into three very distinct and purposeful areas for you to explore while you soak in the sights and sounds that percolate from the very heart of Mother Nature.
The Master bedroom leaves you feeling a certain loyalty to the mattress and nothing else thanks to its rustic and luxurious demeanor while the spacious bathroom comes equipped with a tub as well as an open rain shower to help you set the mood if you know what we mean. The wooden deck that you are also privy to is where you can breathe in the crisp jungle air, practice yoga on, have a spa therapy session, and enjoy each other’s company over countless cups of beverages and delicious meals set specially for you.
Apart from the Jungle Machan, there are several other parts of the resort that you can experience to your heart’s content. Start off with nature trails and treks that are enhanced with the sage learnings of a professional naturalist. Climb to nearby historical monuments and learn about the ethos and history of the land that we so often mistake as just another hill station. Sooth away the fatigue of the day at the Aranya Spa, while a team of experts massage away your worries and finally spend time under the stars roasting your favourite of a crackling bonfire, made entirely for you and only your group should you choose to have a night of revelry or bonhomie.
The Machan Booking process and the Machan price for the Forest Machan are both equally seamless as well. All you have to do is visit the official website or then call on the designated numbers and the well drilled back office staff will guide you through your booking. This incredible Jungle Machan and everything delightful that comes with it can be all yours at just Rs13,000 a night. Well, don’t just sit there reading, book away!
Lonavala is an enchanting hill station that is guaranteed to captivate your senses and compel you to come back for more. Perched up high amidst the Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra, Lonavala is a naturally blessed region with verdant hills, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, ancient caves, spectacular viewpoints and the cool and pleasant Lonavala weather.
If all these scenic beauties were not enough, the region is now slowly developing into an adventure sports hub, with a variety of sports activities being offered like paragliding, hot air balloon safari, waterfall rappelling, trekking, rafting and a bunch of other water sports. It is this eclectic mix of nature and adventure that draws in tourists from all over to this petite little hill station.
Lonavala not only serves as a great weekend getaway but is also a great honeymoon destination with the misty environment and cool climes offering the cosiest setup to couples to celebrate their togetherness. There are plenty of attractions that Lonavala has to offer to young couples to make their honeymoon truly memorable. Here are a few must see/do things you can try out in Lonavala;
Tiger’s Leap: Tiger’s leap is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Lonavala. It is basically a cliff top with an absolute drop of more than 650 m that offers captivating view of the lush surroundings, valleys and the majestic Western Ghats. Locally referred to as Waghdari, this cliff top gets its unique name owing to its resemblance to the shape of a leaping tiger. It is a great place to enjoy romantic sunrise and sunset views.
The corporate financial year has finally come to an end and with it, one can finally take a breath of relief and what better way to celebrate it than heading out for a corporate outing to a fun and exciting place to blow off some steam. Here are a few exciting places in Maharashtra that are off the beaten track and offer an enjoyable and entertaining experience.
Wai – Wai is a tiny little hamlet located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. This tiny little hamlet packs a punch when it comes to adventure sports activities and is a great place to head to with your colleagues to enjoy these team activities that would also help boost team bonding. Some of the many adventure sports activities one can enjoy out here include raft building, river crossing, trekking, kayaking and ATV rides among others. There are plenty of great hotels and resorts in Wai that can easily take care of your accommodation needs, so you wouldn’t have to miss out on the creature comforts.
Savarkut Village – Savarkut Village is the perfect countryside team outing destination that offers a refreshing experience away from the hustle and bustle of the cities but this is not the only thing that this village has to offer. In fact, Savarkut village is renowned for white water rafting. Some of the other activities one can enjoy at Savarkut include kayaking, rappelling, trekking and hiking among others. All these activities being team activities you can also expect your team members to get more familiar with each other and thereby, boost team bonding. There are also several great resorts present in Savarkut that can easily take care of your accommodation needs.
Lavasa – Lavasa is the newest hill station of India. Privately developed and stylised on the Italian town of Portofino, Lavasa offers an experience like no other and is a great place to head to for an amazing team outing. There are plenty of local attractions that make for light sightseeing besides that there are numerous activities you can enjoy with your teammates like, jet skiing, kayaking, boating, rock climbing, rappelling and trekking among others. There are also some great resorts present in Lavasa that offer attractive corporate outing packages.
The very technology that was once brought to bridge communication and bring people together is now drawing people apart. People especially young teens spend a copious amount of time fixated to their smartphones and tv. This constant fixation to the smartphone, laptop or the tv, regardless to say, is not only very unhealthy but is also drawing families apart. As such the need for a digital detox is being felt more now than ever before.
When it comes to fostering better bonding among people, nothing comes closer than nature. Many studies have proven the fact that nature helps people connect. Nature appears to stir those feelings among people that help them connect to others and the environment.
Nature holds many magical experiences that only gets enhanced when shared and enjoyed with family and friends. And what better way to connect with nature than heading to a hill station that not only boasts of great weather but is also rich in local flora thus providing a soothing ambience to relax and rejuvenate.
One such great hill station that enjoys massive popularity is Lonavala. Blessed with natural scenic beauty the cool and pleasant Lonavala weather act as the perfect catalyst for a relaxing and soothing weekend away from the scorching summer heat.
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri ranges in Maharashtra, Lonavala is an enchanting destination that is surrounded by dense forests, lakes, dams, waterfalls, caves and several viewpoints. One of the best time to visit this petite hill station is during the monsoons when everything seems fresh and magical with the rains giving a fresh lease of life to the surroundings.
To help you soak in the sight and scenery of Lonavala there are plenty of hotels and resorts in Lonavala catering to varied budgetary requirements. People looking for a nature resorts are also spoiled for choices in Lonavala.
One such great eco resort in Lonavala is the Machan treehouse resort which is like no other resorts in Lonavala. The USP of this nature resort is its unique treehouse accommodation and its unique location. Spread in 25 acres of lush forest the Machan treehouse resort sits proudly 30 – 40 feet above ground thus, ensuring some ethereal views of the surroundings and also giving the treehouse a very adventurous feel.
5 awesome places to visit in Maharashtra this summer!
Every once in a while taking the time off from your daily schedule to relax and rejuvenate is not only very crucial for one’s overall health but also helps in fostering greater bonding with the family. Now with vacation comes the issue of deciding upon a holiday destination where everyone can have fun and at the same time relax and rejuvenate. One such great state to explore is Maharashtra that offers a rich blend of culture, history, fun and relaxation. Here are a few must-visit destinations in Maharashtra.
Mumbai: The first name that comes in mind when it comes to Maharashtra tourism in Mumbai. Mumbai is one of the most exciting places to visit. Home of Bollywood, Mumbai offers plenty of things to do and see in the city besides obviously posing in front of favourite actor’s house. Few of the prominent places to visit in Mumbai include – the Gateway of India, Elephanta Island, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, Siddhi Vinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah among others.
Pune: Fondly referred to as the ‘Oxford of the east’ owing to the presence of several prestigious institutions Pune is a glorious city to holiday in. The city offers plenty of things to see and do right from amusement parks, caves, historical monuments to lakes and dam. Few of popular places to visit in Pune include – Shaniwar Wada (home of Bajirao Peshwa I), Aga Khan Palace, National War Museum, Bund Garden and Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
