hill resorts – Award-winning eco-friendly resort in Lonavala

The Naturalist Diaries: Termite Mounds, Soldiers and the Queen.

The Machan is an eco-friendly resort in Lonavala set in a recovering forest ecosystem in the hills of the Western Ghats. Its forests are home to one of nature’s best builders that are often only looked at as domestic nuisances. When you think of termites, probably the only thing that comes to your mind is that they’re wood eaters. However, termites or white ants are fairly interesting creatures with more than 2,000 known species in the world, and there is a lot one can learn about them.

Termites are blind

Termites are small ant-like insects that live in mounds or nests on the ground. An interesting fact about them is that most worker and soldier termites are blind by virtue of not having eyes at all! They have sense organs located on the base of their antennae and tibiae that allow them to sense vibrations. Scientists have observed that some species choose which food sources to infest by sensing vibroacoustic signals emitted by various pieces of wood. They also use vibrations to communicate with one another.

Termites versus Ants

Although their social structure resembles that of ants, termites are the descendants of cockroaches while ants are the descendants of wasps. Unlike ants, termites are strictly vegetarian and feed on dead wood, moss, and lichens. Ants are in fact the number one enemies for termites. Occasionally, termite and ant colonies that are near each other will go to war over territory and access to food.

Termite mounds

The construction of a mound begins from under the ground and has the same height below ground as it has above. The worker termites are responsible for building these mounds by mixing soil and their saliva. Due to its architecture, the mound is essentially air conditioned and remains seven degrees cooler than the temperature outside. Each nest or mound easily houses millions of termites in hundreds of chambers.

The queen and mother of all termites

The inner sanctum or the queen’s chamber is the most guarded chamber of the mound. The queen is the mother of these millions of termites. A healthy female can lay more than 30,000 eggs in a day. She is attended by the worker termites responsible for feeding her, grooming her, and carrying her eggs into another chamber for hatching. Out of these eggs, nymphs are born that grow up to be workers. Termite queens have the longest lifespan of any insect in the world. Some termite queens may live between 30 and 50 years, reproducing annually and founding numerous colonies.

Ecosystem engineers

The height of the tallest termite mound recorded is 42 feet. It is found in the Republic of Congo. Although they are considered pests in houses, they play the role of ecosystem engineers in a forest. This is because they decompose all dead material from the forest floor.

The Machan is dedicated towards the preservation of all the species in its ecosystem. If you think these creatures are interesting, you should explore our naturalist series and find out interesting facts about more commonly seen insects like butterflies and spiders to name a few. Our nature paradise near Mumbai is open for you to take a trail and explore every species from frogs and squirrels to thrushes and monkeys.

Have you watched our previous video on the love story of frogs? Click Here

The Calls and Life Cycles of Frogs

Learn about the lifecycle of a frog from our naturalist neha!

Come monsoon and we begin sighting our favorite jumpy amphibians with bulging eyes, croaking sound, and slimy skin- frogs. Found all over the world, they are among the most diverse animals in the world, with more than 6,000 species. Luckily, the Machan, an eco-centric getaway in Lonavala, is home to some of them. As such, our dedicated team of naturalists have conducted research to study their needs and behavior. We see and hear frogs croaking in and around our houses every year, but how much do we know about them? Read this ‘ribbiting’ blog to learn interesting facts about frogs’ calls and lifecycle.

Only male frogs croak to attract the females for reproduction

As mentioned, frogs are amphibians. Thus, they need both land and water to complete their life cycles. Frogs need to be around areas with a water source to reproduce, but other than that, they are found on every continent except Antarctica and in almost every environment. But a lesser known fact about them is that it is only the male frogs that croak, chirp, ribbit, or hoot. These calls, known as advertisement calls, are to attract female frogs for reproduction. Male frogs advertise themselves as potential partners, hoping to attract a female frog. Since every species has a distinct surrounding call, they can be identified by their calls.

What is amplexus?

Since the purpose of these calls is reproduction, they mostly take place near wetlands, dams, streams, and other water bodies where eggs can be laid and tadpoles develop. When ready to mate, the male and female frogs form what is called an amplexus i.e., a type of mating behavior that shows external fertilization. The female forms a foam and lays her eggs in it. These are fertilized by the male.

From tadpoles to adulthood

Once the eggs are fertilized, a frog’s life cycle begins as a tadpole. Tadpoles look like tiny fish and have gills to help them breathe underwater. They feed on small plants and algae in the water and later start to develop two front and back legs. Their tail starts getting shorter as they use the nutrients stored in it as food for development. Once this tail is completely lost, the frog becomes an adult.

Diet and lifespan

With a diet ranging from bugs and spiders to larvae and even small fish, the lifespan of most frogs in the wild ranges from three to six years and varies from species to species. Frogs are social creatures that live in groups. A group of frogs is called an army, colony or a knot. Groups of young frogs will even swim together in schools, much like fish.

The Machan is dedicated towards the conservation and protection of all the species in its ecosystem. If you think these creatures are interesting, you should explore our naturalist series and find out interesting facts about more commonly seen insects like termites and spiders to name a few. Our comfortable nature paradise near Mumbai is open for you to take a trail and explore every species from frogs and butterflies to thrushes and monkeys.

Wildlife in the Western Ghats in Lonavala

The Machan -an eco-centric luxury resort in lonavala– proudly stands on forest land that has been recovering from slashing and burning for nearly thirty years now. Away from the hustles of the concrete lifestyle, the property stands at the heart of a unique system where flora, fauna, and humans can coexist without harming the others’ existence.

In the process of repairing and building this jungle paradise, our team of naturalists have researched the species found in our primary and secondary forests. The Machan is home to a variety of animals and insects like butterflies, frogs, the Malabar whistling thrush, the funnel web spider, etc. Nature is vastly unexplored and there is something new to learn from and in it everyday.

Malabar Whistling Thrush

Did you know that the Malabar whistling thrush is an omnivorous species with a dietary range from earthworms and berries to frogs and even crabs? Found in the Western Ghats and the associated hills of peninsular India (including central India and parts of the Eastern Ghats), this big thrush is blackish in color with shiny blue patches on its forehead and shoulders that are visible only in oblique lighting. Belonging to the muscicapidae family, they are also called the whistling schoolboy for their human-like whistles. You can find them nesting comfortably in a cavity by a stream or sometimes in a nearby building.

Termites or White Ants

Also found in this ecosystem are termites or white ants. Termites are the descendents of wood eating cockroaches; they resemble ants due to their castism. A termite colony has a queen, workers, and soldiers. An interesting fact about them is that most worker and soldier termites are blind by virtue of not having eyes at all! The former is responsible for foraging, food storage, and nest or mound maintenance. Termites consume dead plants at any level of decomposition, hence they are detritivores. Due to this fact, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by recycling waste materials such as dead wood, faeces, and plants.

Malabar Giant Squirrel

Another thriving species found here is the Malabar giant squirrel. These members of the sciuridae family can live upto twenty years with a diet of fruits, flowers, nuts, birds’ eggs, and insects. Generally solitary, they are shy creatures with a deep red to brown coloured body with white patches on the belly and cream colored forelimbs. Their powerful and long tail is light brown with a creamy white tip. They are usually active early in the day and in the evening. During the day, they rest in their large, globe-like nests made of twigs and leaves. Each squirrel has about two to five nests- one for nursing their young ones and the others for sleeping.

Purple Sunbird

The purple sunbird of the nectariniidae family is a glorious jewel in our ecosystem. These ferocious birds can live for nearly twenty-two years in captivity and will call to mob owls and other predators. They prefer lightly wooded country and gardenscapes and mainly feed on nectar. They have a short, downwards curving bill and a dark, short, and square ended tail ending in a white tip.

Funnel Web Spider

Did you know there are more local spider species than just your house spider? For example, the funnel web spider of the agelenidae family. Per their name, they build funnel shaped webs to trap their prey. This funnel leads to a silk burrow that acts like a protective hiding place for quickly grabbing their prey. Males are less successful at this task than females, but all members of this family are very fast runners, especially on their webs.

If you think these creatures are interesting, you should explore our naturalist series and find out interesting facts about more commonly seen insects like frogs and butterflies to name a few. Do you know why frogs call at night? Hint: there’s romance involved! There’s a lot to look out for at our getaway near mumbai.

Celebrate the art of freezing moments this World Photography Day

A moment lived is cherished for eternity via photographs. Digital, printed or polaroids, whatever the form, a single photo is often a collection of myriad memories that brought together people for that one instant.
This World Photography Day, create such beautiful moments and memories at the Machan Resorts in Lonavala. A beautiful tree house resort near Mumbai, the property boasts of lush green forests and views of lofty hills for the discerning traveler.

Why celebrate this day at a Resort near Pune?

World Photography Day is observed to celebrate the magic of cameras, and the photos they bestow upon us. The art of creation is ardently appreciated at The Machan, a Lonavala resort complete with various vantage points to give you that picture-perfect shot.

What all can you capture at The Machan?

Right from simple moments of your significant other or friends relaxing by the pool or in a hammock to stunning sunsets and the pitter-patter of the rains during monsoon season, the resort in its entirety is a haven for photographers. Practice your art with numerous wide-angle shots or simply sit in your private deck and capture the shimmering night sky. You can also carry your camera around the resort to click pictures of different birds and nature trails. At this beautiful resort in Lonavala, there is no dearth of excellent shots.

Capture the Canopy
Kiss the Frog
The Heritage
Zoom into nature
Underwater photography
Create rose bubbles
Bathe in style
Kissed by nature
Be a Jungle Queen

An ideal weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, the resort is a sight to behold in monsoon. Complete with tree house, cottages and villas, the resort is perfect for every kind of traveler. A wooded and serene paradise, this place is replete with nature’s magical vistas and moments of bliss punctuated with solitude. All of which are worth capturing when it comes to the spectrum of human emotions.
Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words and this cannot be truer when it comes to the art of photography, best realized at The Machan. So bring out your cameras and all the tricks to create art with the click of a shutter. We have the ultimate canvas for your next big photoshoot worthy of Instagram and Pinterest.

The Heritage Machan

Experience the quintessential treehouse charm in our ravishing Heritage Machan. There’s a touch of history to it too, as it is the first of all Machans that we built. As the name suggests, it has a unique, inherited sense of identity that clearly reflects our beliefs. The Heritage Machan is one of our most spacious offerings, as it celebrates friend circles that cherish their bond and families who build shared experiences.

The Heritage Machan is a luxury tree house experience for families looking for a great resort near Mumbai, where nature meets grandeur, and you can relish every bit of it when its sights and sounds percolate through the glass windows. It’s built around a wild fig tree, in the heart of the jungle, 45 feet above the forest floor. As the sumptuous shelter stands steadily among the branches, it captures the beautiful forest in all its glory. You wake up in the morning to enchanting sunlight and feast your eyes on the twinkling stars at night.

Rooms in our Heritage Machan are impeccably designed, to balance the earthy allure and the chic elegance. They are devoid of the standard brick and concrete walls, so you can soak in the beautiful scenery while enjoying all the modern amenities. The Heritage Machan is one of the few luxury experiences in a resort near pune and mumbai, as it easily accommodates six adults so you can bring your family or come with a group of friends. Finding resorts in mumbai that provides a disconnect from the city, and a total digital disconnect is impossible to find. Hence, the heritage machan is perfect for larger groups, looking to experience togetherness and joy, in the midst of nature.

It has three distinct sleeping areas, from which you watch the sun rising in the morning or setting back into the valley, all while being nicely tucked in your bed. The main deck extends to a dining area that contains a table for six. There are two full bathrooms where you rinse off your city worries and the rain shower lets you immerse in nature’s downpour. A short staircase will lead to the loft, which promises peace and privacy while you gather your thoughts. The seductive shades of wood tempt you to submit yourself to nature. You also have the private deck, all to yourself, where you reminisce about life with your loved ones in this resort in Lonavala for family.

The piece de resistance is the Crow’s nest, which is an elevated platform that provides an unrestricted view of the forest. You’ll feel aloft as the boundaries eliminate, and be at one with nature. When the crisp air clears out your clouded mind, you’ll be calm and content. At night, you sit out and relax under the blanket of stars, watching nature unveil its best features.

The Heritage Machan embodies the values that we propagate and provides an unparalleled experience to our guests. It is truly, a must-stay.

The Sunset Machan

Sunset is the moment when we actually witness the transition, the juxtaposition of the ending day and beginning night. Imagine sitting in your private deck at the Machan, at dusk, sipping drinks, feet stretched in relaxation, and all of a sudden, the sky changes colors. You witness a magnificent sight at this weekend getaway in Pune as the sky paints itself in multiple shades of red, yellow, and orange. You’re awestruck as the spectrum of colors hits your iris and penetrates straight to your soul. As the sun sinks in the valley of the Western Ghats, it melts the trivialities of the outside world and fills your heart with bursting bubbles of happiness.

The Sunset Machan is a floating loft-suite build amid the dense forest. It not only constitutes all the luxuries of a 5-star suite but also adds in the Machan charm. It is perfect for couples as well as families of four with its four posture kind sized bed and an upper loft that offers an additional bed and attached bath. Recycled old ship lamps and antique brass fittings complement the eclectic décor. Immaculate, glossy wooden ambiance gives it a rustic charm. This weekend getaway near Pune is surrounded by diverse flora to accompany you through the large glass panels that make up for a sublime experience.

Sunsets have been a source of inspiration for poets, writers, and romantics alike. At the Machan, you can channel this inspiration into your life and use it to organize your thoughts as you disconnect from the chaos of city life. This weekend getaway near Pune is all about combining natural therapy with sheer extravagance. Here, you can soak in the beauty at dusk while being soaked in the open sky bathtub that bejewels your private deck. Your privacy is carefully ensured at the Machan and you can candidly enjoy your personal space.

The intangible sunset has a transcendent spiritual element that can have a positive, healing, creative and restorative effect on the minds of anyone that witness it. Visit the Machan to make the most of it.

The Woods Machan

We find love. A union, soulful embodied unification that possesses the power to heal us from our fractures and help us grow and develop in ways we can’t even fathom. But the desire for adventure continues. We want our hearts blasting open to the wonders of the world and travel beyond the horizon that leads to the ultimate awakening. Having both of these elements, the incandescent, effervescent thrill yet not losing the sight of your partner, the intimate communion and commitment that you share, is heavenly. The best of both worlds.

Blending these inclinations and creating the most perfect space where hearts syncopate with amusement as well as tranquility seems arduous but we’ve made it happen at the Woods Machan. The Woods Machan is one of the best couple resorts that promise extravagance with ecstasy which shifts your mind from the trifling trivialities of every day to the vast openness of nature. Here, you are present at the moment as you connect with the environment and your loved one while disconnecting from the outside world.

Our decked Woods Machan is a ground-based accommodation that is authentically designed to generate the feeling of a bygone era. It is decorated with tastefully handpicked relics and artwork for you completely immerse in the period feel. The solid brass light fixtures have been salvaged from ancient ships. The Woods Machan has a master bedroom, that extends to a wooden deck that is made from 100% recycled hardwood. The modern bathroom has hardwood teak floors, a standalone bathtub as well a full glass shower cubicle.

The Woods Machan is curated with the thought of blending the forest grandeur into the room so that you can be at one with the forest. Therefore, it is devoid of standard brick and mortar. Instead, we went with wooden work and glass panels so that it syncs with the tone of the forest and simultaneously offers an uninterrupted view of the same. Your vacation will constitute sipping cocktails on the private deck with your loved ones, feasting your eyes on the variety of birds and magnificent views of the Western Ghats. This kind of experience is rarely offered in other couple resorts in Lonavala.

The memories you make at the Woods Machan will top those from other couple resorts and always be cherished as you’ll remember the splendid moments you’ve shared alongside the crackling timber which lulls you to sleep.

Unveiling the Starlight Machan experience

The journey towards disconnect, revival, inner peace, and enlightenment requires a safe space. Space where you can be free from having to manage external concerns so that you can be free enough to take a journey inward. Your mind shifts from survival-based orientation to a more poetic, whimsical, and creative state of being that soak in the beauty and ignores outwardly muddle. That’s why at the Machan, we have thoughtfully designed these spaces for you so you can fully immerse in nature’s goodness.

The Starlight Machans strikes a perfect balance between natural bliss and modern comfort. The ideal, translucent roofs of these Starlight Machans, let you soak in the distinctive beauty of the forest and the night sky. The elegant space provides you comfort, peace, and privacy along with all the contemporary amenities.

The forest takes on a distinct life of its own under the influence of the night sky. You will indulge in that immersive experience in our luxury resort near Mumbai. Each of our five Starlight Machans offer a unique and captivating ambiance, that’s perfect for a romantic stay.

The Starlight Machans have duplex bedrooms, with separate bathrooms, so they easily accommodate a family of four. The charming settings to dine and unwind, including a four-poster bed, and an antique writing table. To top it all off, there’s a pool underneath the guest bedroom for you to just laze or revel in.

The large glass walls of the Machans, including the ceiling section above the bed, offer an unrestricted view of the surroundings. At night, the sky reveals all its glory, providing a rare opportunity for urban dwellers to immerse themselves in its sensational beauty. In monsoons, rain pours through the glass and strikes the ceiling, creating the most beautiful orchestra. It makes you forget all those ear-splitting traffic horns.

The private deck in front of the master bedroom contains a bathtub and an open shower so you can soak in the beautiful sunset while dousing in the plunge bath. At Machan, we are very cautious about your privacy. It is ensured by dense trees, bordering all the Machans, which hide them from one another. The resort is beautifully planned without disturbing the natural foliage in the area.

The Starlight Machans provide an escape from city noise and blinding lights. The sight of starry nights is a rarity in most metro cities, as the sky is curtained by pollution. Here, at our luxury resort near Mumbai, you witness what nature has to offer. You gaze upon the distant yet mesmerizing constellations such as Orion, Cassiopeia, Andromeda, Ursa Major/Minor, Sirius, Venus, Mars, etc. October through May is the best time to visit our luxury resort near Mumbai if you’re particularly interested in watching constellations. Our naturalists accentuate your star-gazing experience with facts, myths, and stories.

The most sensual thing one can experience is mysterious. While stargazing, it’s hard to be self-centered as you submerge into the enormity of the universe. The stars are calling, from our luxury resort near Mumbai, and you must visit.

The Machan Architecture

” Our thoughts shape our spaces, but our spaces return the favor. .”
Steven Jonhson

We shape our environment and our environment shapes us back, we are a product of our surroundings. A way to mediate our interiority, aside from mindful self-inquiry and meditation, is through harnessing the power of the built environment, which is Architecture. It is a revolutionary concept that we can architect the mind by architecting the space around us.

Why do form and function matter?

The design, shapes, shadows, and forms have a great impact on human subjectivity. Holy spaces, Cathedrals are monumental in nature, and witnessing majestically beautiful designs and spaces transcends us to a state of aesthetic arrest. The open corridors, spacious halls, high ceilings, and floating treehouses in the midst of the forest are a few of the things that inspire awe.

The Machan started with a vision of creating an accommodation that reflects the idea of, “designing with nature”. It is built to portray that construction doesn’t mean the demolition of the surroundings. Our purpose is to dissever our guests from the city life. Our guests are not contained or limited to a small view from a window. Rather, they are exposed to an unrestricted view of the vast, endless, and majestic forest that leaves them spellbound.

The location was a mountain slope and the area was limited. So, we decided to make the house around a wild fig tree. On the one side we had a ramp that connects it to the falttish part and the tree becomes a coutyard where the house is built.
Shabbir Unwala, the architect

Every single Machan is a universal space. We refrained from putting walls between the living and the dining area so that the guests can enjoy a big open space. Bedrooms are concealed by wooden partitions. We are meticulous about the privacy of our guests that’s why all the Machans are intelligently placed where they are curtained by dense trees. It strikes the perfect balance between life and luxury. Nature’s therapy can be enjoyed while being nicely tucked in the comfort of your machans.

One of the greatest challenge is building the machan was to keep the modernity and the automated comfort intact while blending in the natural elements. We ensure this convenience in our Stargazing Machans with the retractable roof, that unveils the mesmerizing night sky with a single click. The architecture of the Machan is crafted to give you a completely immersive experience of the surroundings.

Every Machan is unique in itself. As they have a personality of their own, guests find it easier to choose one as it matches their requirements and their desired aura. This leads to a more personalized experience. Below are the highlights from each of our Machans:

The Heritage Machan incorporates a hanging room that makes you feel aloft while you savor the scenery. A Loft is also built 40 feet above this Machan, which provides a complete 360-degree view of Jambulne and the surroundings.

The Starlight Machan is your doorway to the stars as it lets you sleep under the night sky bejeweled with stars. The experience in bewitching. It also allows you to witness several constellations through the telescope that we provide.

The Canopy Machan is made from 100% recycled hardwood that contributed to the master bedroom, a bathroom, and a private deck. It has only glass walls so guests can have uninterrupted views of the surroundings.

The Jungle Machan truly brings out the jungle experience as real trees, sprouting from the floor are fully stretched through the roof. The goal of living in harmony with nature is completely realized in the Jungle Machan.

The Forest Machan is truly fascinating as it floats 45-55 feet above the ground. This Machan is perfect for a family getaway as it is children-friendly and offers spacious rooms where you can spend time with your family.

The Sunset Machan is designed as a loft suite that has four distinct sections. It is known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views. It is perfectly placed for guests to soak in the morning sun and watch the sky showcase brilliant shades of red and yellow when the sun goes down the valley.

The Cabin: The Machan also offers a secluded cabin for those who love their time away from the noise. It is built on the ground so it has a different look to it. It resembles those ancient samurai houses in Japan with its sliding rood that bends on the edges and the open porch with a water feature.

Woods Machan: Our Woods Machan is designed to be cozy and snug, with its fireplace, to keep you warm in the chilly nights. Sunlight filters through the tall trees and reveals seductive shades of solid brass in the Wood Machan. It’s both couples and eco-friendly.

The architecture of the Machan is planned to mirror our main purpose, which is, being at one with nature. It is uplifting to see our vision coming to life.

Carbon Neutrality at the Machan

As we idly sit by locked up in our homes and waiting on the world to change, we must realize that it is up to us to change it. This year let’s focus on reimagining and recreating the future by restoring the environment. We are capable of great deeds but often lack the emotion to execute them. Let’s find it in our hearts to be gentle to the future generation by increasing biological diversity, eliminating waste, and reducing our carbon footprint.

The Hospitality Industry and its Carbon Footprint

The hotel industry is currently responsible for 21% of the global carbon footprint and is projected to increase up to 25% by 2035. An average hotel uses its energy on space heating (31%), water heating (22%), refrigeration (31%), cooking (12%), and lighting (3%). This seems to be a very heavy price to pay for luxurious living. Can’t we find a balance between life and luxury?

Carbon Neutrality

Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. This can be done by balancing emissions of carbon dioxide with its removal or by eliminating emissions from society. As of today, the world generates 36 billion tons of carbon each year, while in India, one person is estimated to generate 1.91 tons each year. India as a country produces 2.5 billion tons of CO2 every year, which is 6.8% of the total global emissions. We all must do our part to decrease our carbon footprint, and achieve carbon neutrality for a sustainable future.

Carbon Neutrality at the Machan

At the Machan, we follow the sustainability model of people planet, and profit. This reflects in our philosophy of preservation, conservation, and community. The Machan is targeting to achieve carbon neutrality by 2023. We hope we can inspire other resorts worldwide to start their journey on becoming carbon neutral.

The journey towards Carbon Neutrality

Carbon neutrality can be achieved in the hotel industry through the following ways.

Using Solar and wind energy: We are primarily powered by solar and wind energy and built sustainably for the future.
Barren Land Adoption and Tree Plantation: Over a thousand new trees are planted every year, which has been a 25-year long effort of converting barren land into lush greenery.
Protecting Biological Diversity: We protect 100 acres around the Machan from hunting, overgrazing, and tree cutting.
Greywater Recycling: We recycle all grey water and utilize it to water the plants.