4 of the best aqua getaways

With the monsoon rearing its head again, Kasmin Fernandes picked out the top 4 weekend getaway destinations that come alive thanks to heavenly waterbodies that lie there

Tariff: Rs 5,500 to Rs 6,500 per couple for an overnighter (includes breakfast and one meal).
Call: 24042501 / 02355u00a0 259081u00a0u00a0
This peaceful little town has become a veritable stopover for road trippers on the legendary Mumbai-Goa NH 17 route, because of the variety of activities it offers. You can take a motorboat ride in the Vashisti River, alongside which the town is located, or check out the virginal Guhagar Beach lapped by waters of the Arabian Sea.
Where to stay: Quality Resort Riverview (early known as Taj Gateway Riverview Lodge, Chiplun). This hotel atop a hill spread over nine acres of landscaped terrain, is a walk or short drive away from all the places above. You get a view of the meandering Vashisti river and the mountains beyond, from all the rooms.

Kelva Beach, {Palghar}

Tariff: Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per person for an overnighter that includes all meals. Day trippers can opt for a Rs 440 per head day-package that includes breakfast, lunch and tea.
Call: 3292 2038 / 22022051u00a0
Ever wanted to enjoy an entire stretch of a golden beach on a horse-driven buggy with the evening sea breeze whistling by? At Kelva Beach near Palghar, you can do that minus screeching kids, hawkers and garbage. The tall Suru trees have a surrealist charm. At the southern end of the beach is the Janjira or Kelva fort. The walk to the watchtower is quite a long haul, so be prepared to spend a fair bit of energy. The fort is inaccessible during high tide, but local boats are available till sunset for hoisting the vikings to the top with the help of a pulley. Ten kilometers away is the Kelva Dam, the route to which makes for an excellent cycling trip.
Where to stay: Kelva Beach Resort. It has a breathtaking view of the sea. Green thumbs will love the accommodation. There are eco-wooden cottages, deluxe tents and romantic "coco-hut" cottages built from bamboo and eco-friendly material.

Wilson Dam, {Bhandardara}

Tariff: Rs 17,000 to Rs 25,000 per couple for 2 nights (includes meals), depending on choice of accommodation and time of the week.
Call: 9920311221 / 2604 7290u00a0
Built way back in 1910 on the Pravara River, Wilson Dam in Bhandardara is the largest earthen dam in India. At the base is a garden with gigantic trees that are home to hundreds of harmless fruit bats that hang precariously from branches all day. With the water level at an all-time high in the rains, the sight of the open gates releasing a torrent of water for miles below, is one to behold.
Where to stay: Anandvan Resort. It's a rustic luxury resort overlooking Arthur Lake, and arguably the only one in the quaint little hill station. Row a boat, or pedal it along, while you are there. If you are in a group, they can organise a rappelling, camping or fishing session. Each cottage has a private garden with a view of the lake and the Sahyadri range.

Lake Kalote, {Khopoli}

Tariff: Rs 1,100 per person and Rs 2,100 per couple for an overnighter which includes breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.
Call: 26423281 / 9892780475
Not more than an hour's drive from Mumbai, Lake Kalote in Khopoli is a picturesque lake fringed by hills on three sides. Out here, you can safely set off on your own nature trail, find a private waterfall, explore Manikgad fort and Palasdhari and Bhilawale lakes around the corner, or take a dip in the cool waters of the lake.
Where to stay: Eden Lake Farm. Spread over 3 acres, it's a laidback sanctuary where you can lounge in a comfy cottage a few footsteps away from the lake or relax on one of the waterfront terraces. The cottages are self-contained units with a spacious verandah, three rooms with attached bathrooms, a pantry, dormitory, living room, TV set and music system.

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