Tag: hill resorts

World Bicycle Day: Finding the balance

We all remember that sense of accomplishment when we rode a bicycle successfully for the first time. Constantly worried about falling down, but as we grew up, we realized that riding a bicycle is just like riding through life. We are always trying to perfectly balance ourselves on those slim wheels of life, without plummeting on either side…

Those nostalgic bicycle rides with our childhood friends used to be our daily dose of happiness and joy, but the pollution of modern-day city life seem to have clouded those memories. This world bicycle day, we at the Machan try to revive and relive that same experience in the midst of nature, and hope to find the right balance between nature and luxury.

Why World Bicycle Day is celebrated?

We celebrate the uniqueness and longevity of the bicycle to reimagine, recreate and restore the future. In a study conducted by the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy, it was found that in the present scenario, bikes and e-bikes make up 6% of total miles traveled in world cities. If by 2050, bikes and e-bikes make up 14% of travel, there would be an overall 11% reduction in carbon emissions.

World Bicycle Day 2021

2021 is the era of eco-awakening. It draws attention towards a futuristic and sustainable transportation system that promotes economic growth, reduces inequality while supporting the fight against climate change. In many progressive and eco-centric countries, people are making this switch from cars to bicycles whenever they can.

Bicycles are simple, affordable, and environmentally sustainable means of transportation. It is an amazing sight when a group of bikers in their pointy little helmets and gears, pass you by in whoosh. You instantly get motivated to ride a bicycle yourself!

Cycling along the Western Ghats at the Machan

Riding a bicycle among lush greenery amplifies its physical and psychological benefits. The Machan is the only resort in Lonavala that lets you explore a biological hotspot in the Western Ghats within the protected paths of the Machan. Hop on to one of our bicycles and take it for a spin anytime you want!

Benefits of cycling to the environment

Riding a bicycle reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the impact of air pollutants like methane, carbon dioxide, and chlorofluorocarbons. The largest car factory is 70 million square feet, making 3,800 cars a day, which is 13,87,000 cars in a year, which is an additional 63,80,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. Doesn’t that number shock you? Be a part of something greater than yourself to save valuable green spaces from deforestation by adopting the habit of riding a bicycle. The global average carbon footprint per person is 4 tons, which needs to drop to 2 tons by 2050 to ensure a sustainable future. Won’t you like to be a part of this revolutionary journey?

The Eco- Awakening Movement

We often forget the fact that over a million species on this planet are prone to extinction! The millennial generation has been declared as the most charitable, environmentally sound and caring generation in history. The global search percentage for terms related to biodiversity have increased over 65% globally, since 2016. It’s heart-warming to witness this wave of change that has the potential to rinse the old and detrimental human practices that harm nature. Rising concerns over the destruction of biodiversity are being reflected upon social media, as people show a great level of interest. We are currently a part of the eco-awakening movement that’s escalating quickly throughout the globe.

What is Eco-Awakening?

Eco-Awakening means that we as human beings are being increasingly mindful of the disruption that we cause towards nature and its gifts. We’re moving towards more sustainable ways of living and conducting business that is harmonious with the environment’s well-being. This provides humanity a golden chance to fix its relationship with nature and re-establish a stronger positive one.

Frequent protests are being conducted against government deals that deteriorate forests and wildlife. The youth is raising questions and demanding solutions for the problems created by generations before them.

Since today is National Endangered Species Day, we would like to raise awareness regarding a few majestic species that are prone to endangerment in the Western Ghats.

  • Pangolin: Pangolins are often hunted as they are a source of protein and have unfounded medicinal benefits. They are traded in the international market, particularly in China and Vietnam for their meat and scales. According to the Seizure reports, around 3,000 Pangolins were hunted from 2009 to 2013. During the same period, 5,000 kg of Pangolin scales were also confiscated in 25 seizures. IUCN has declared these creatures as critically endangered.
Pangolin

  • Nilgiri Wood Pigeon: These beautiful native Indian birds are found in the Western Ghats and are distributed in the states of west Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. They occur in altitudes from 50 to 2,250 meters.  Nilgiri Wood Pigeons require dense forests to survive, and they feed on wild fruits, berries, flowers, and leaves. According to IUCN, they are vulnerable to extinction.
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon:
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  • Nilgiri Pipit: The habitat of this little bird, which is the grassland, is gradually being converted to plantations of tea, eucalyptus, and silver wattle. It’s common to find the Nilgiri Pipit at heights of 2,000 metres but it sometimes descends as low as 1,000 meters. Its typical diet includes creeping grass in the valley. It builds a nest in marshy grasslands with slightly taller grasses and sedges, particularly near streams. It has also been declared vulnerable to extinction by IUCN.
Nilgiri Pipit
  • Kondana Soft Furred Rat: This furry rat is only found in Sinhgarh, a small plateau of about one square km at altitude of 1,270 meters in south-western India. It’s a tad bit larger than common rats. It lives in tropical and subtropical dry deciduous forests, and scrubs. It’s losing its habitat to overgrazing and increased disturbance due to unfretted tourism. It also falls under the category of critically endangered species.
Kondana Soft Furred Rat
  • Red Sand Boa: It’s a non-venomous snake found in India, Pakistan, and Iran. It’s also identified as the two-headed snake for its round tail that looks like a head. Its reddish-brown thick body with small keeled scales looks glossy. It can grow up to 2-3 feet on average. It feeds on rodents and other little snakes. Its IUCN status stands at Near Threatened.
Red Sand Boa

At the Machan, we believe in the principles of preservation, conservation, and community. Hence, we heavily patrol the 25 acres at The Machan and 50 acres around us to prevent deforestation, hunting, and over-grazing. We are devoted to doing our part, it’s time you join us too.

Activities at the Machan

Has your life been a little monotonous lately?

The award-winning luxury retreat is here to your rescue! The Machan provides an array of soothing activities that will help you unwind and elevate your spirits.

Bid adieu to the stressful city life and indulge yourself in The Machan experience. All this while protecting the wild treasures of nature.

At the Machan, you can find privacy and freedom in the lap of nature. We believe in the concept of preservation and conservation, while enhancing the community. A place to calm your soul amidst the forest; to recharge and rejuvenate.

A set of activities at the Machan for you to connect with nature:

Trekking

At the Machan, you can enjoy a 2.54 km long trek, with panoramic 360 views of the Western Ghats, on our private protected path. Where you can be intimate with nature and challenge yourself to higher peaks.

In this resort in Lonavala, guests are delighted by the serenity, an experience they cannot get enough of. The morning zephyr whispers the song of energy and adventure and is worth getting up in the morning to watch the sunrise.

Yoga

Yoga can recharge and revive your mind, body, and soul. Our trained yoga instructors know how to calm your senses through various asanas and transcend you to the river of reality.

Yoga at the Machan helps you appreciate in little things in life.

Spa

The sybaritic Aranya Spa is a hymn to nature, intriguing to the senses yet calming to the mind. The slow sound of the falling water, the fine incense of ouzo and anise, and a variety of treatments offering different experiences designed to awaken your senses.

The Aaranya Spa at the Machan is crafted specially for full body massages by expert therapists specialized in Ayurvedic therapies.

Shinrin-Yoku

Experience the ancient Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku at the Machan. The Japanese embraced this art and used it as an Eco–therapy. The purpose of Shinrin-Yoku was twofold. Firstly, they to offer an eco-antidote to the everyday technological fatigue, and also to inspire residents to reconnect and protect the forests. The sound of leaves and the scent of wood provides us a sense of comfort. In our protected forests, amid the chirping of birds, you’ll connect with the forest. You will be at one with nature, and nature will be at one with you.

Star Gazing

Gaze into the open cluster of the celestial hunter, Orion in our private stargazing session. The clear sky above our luminous forests is home to millions of stars that puts city lights to shame. You can rejoice under the twinkling stars or gape deeper into the universe through our high-end telescopes.  After that, you’ll have the best good night’s sleep ever.

Private Bonfire

Watch the embers reflect upon your loved one’s eyes at our private bonfire. Wander and decorate your memories with love and epic adventures. Collect stories people won’t believe and memories that’ll keep you warm in your twilight years. These are just a few things that you can do at the Machan. Nature has a lot more, waiting for you. All you need to do it find it.