Do you love unexplored places, seek adventure away from the mundane life, surrounding
yourself with nature & getting lost in the wilderness of lush tropical forests? Of course, you
do! And so, do I. If you are a city dweller like me then welcome to the club.
My search for such unexplored adventurous destinations unearthed Koynanagar, also
known as Koyna. Nestled in the lap of Sahyadri\u2019s aka the western Ghats, Koyna is renowned
for the largest dam in Maharashtra, the largest completed hydroelectric power plant in India
and the gushing Koyna river that originates from another popular hill station in
Maharashtra, Mahableshwar.<\/p>

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  Koyna manages to hold the rawness and charm that quench the thirst of a wandering soul
  and itchy feet. It gives that scented feeling of being on an escape, a forest escape. While one
  can opt for a weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, one can also plan beyond the
  weekend. The surroundings are beautiful and perfect to do a little soul searching and
  immerse oneself in nature.
  
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  Best time to visit Koyna:<\/h2>

  This hidden gem of Maharashtra is a year-round destination. The monsoons are an inviting time to
  chase the majestic waterfalls of Koyna that pour in all their glory. The cooler temperatures during
  the winters are best for camping and trekking through the dense wild forests. The summers, though
  scorching hot during the day, are equally pleasant around sunset. And family barbeque dinners need
  no schedule 😊
  
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  How to reach Koyna:<\/h2>

  If you are planning a weekend trip from Mumbai or Pune, a self-driven trip is the most
  convenient way to reach Koyna. It is a near 6 hour drive from Mumbai & only 4 hours from
  Pune. The scenery during the journey transitions from little houses along the road to the
  calm river flanked by an endless stretch of dense trees.
  Alternatively, one can hop on to a bus from Mumbai to Koyna. The buses plying on these
  routes are non-ac seaters with a fare of Rs.400 per person during off season and Rs.600
  during peak months. The pains from the uncomfortable journey in cramped bucket seats
  will surely diminish at the sight of an early morning, misty-aired Koyna.
  There are no direct trains to Koyna. The nearest railway station being Chiplun is 40 km away & cabs from the station are easily available.
  
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  Where to Stay in Koyna:<\/h2>

  Koyna is slowly evolving as a tourist destination especially for weekenders. Stay options
  are far & few, each offering its own unique experience. On a long weekend trip to Koyna, I
  stayed at two different properties; one was a budget stay and the other had a dash of
  luxury.
  
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  Wind Chalet:<\/h2>

  My first and the most preferred choice is Wind Chalet, an undiscovered stay
  option in Koyna. It is perfect for budget travellers and for those who prefer a bit of solitude.
  A place that spells tranquillity and peace away from the concrete jungle, the melodious
  chirping of birds is divinely soothing. Wind Chalet sits at the edge of a hilltop with a few
  rooms catering to families & backpackers alike.<\/p>

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