Fast facts
State Maharashtra
Distance 166 km NE of Mumbai Travel Time By road 31/2 hrs By rail 2 hrs 2 hrs by road
When to go Jawhar is good for a visit anytime of the year but the ideal time would be October-February
STD code 02520
Getting there
Rail Nearest railhead Dahanu Road
Route by road NH8 to Charoti Naka in Kasa, via Manor. Take a right to Jawhar (39 km) via Sava and Balkapra
Founded in the 14th century by a tribal king, Jayaba Mukne, Jawhar has all the attributes necessary to turn your weekend break into an unforgettable experience. It is so graciously and abundantly endowed with natural beauty and scenic locations that you could spread a rug and bring out your picnic hamper just about anywhere you choose to stop. Jawhar, once the capital of a Warli kingdom and now a predominantly tribal hill station, is also the perfect place to repair to if you are in search of your elusive muse.
Here you can simply moon around or moon over, depending on your state of mind. Jawhar&rsquos unhurried pace, laidback life and exquisite natural beauty provides the ideal backdrop for all such indulgences. All it needs is adequate tourist infrastructure and perhaps a few spin doctors who could sell this destination as an alternative to other, done-to-death spots.
However, if you want to be pampered and fussed over, and expect all your whims and fancies to be catered to, then Jawhar, with its embryonic hospitality scene, might disappoint.
Things to see and do
Jai Vilas Palace
This regal structure, belonging to the erstwhile tribal lords, is surrounded by extensive cashew plantations spread over a massive area. Inside the palace, the hall has some lovely portraits of the Mukne clan. Upstairs is the children&rsquos nursery, drawing room, some intricate antique furniture, the royal bedroom, the obligatory stuffed tigers, bathrooms the size of bedrooms and a huge lobby. The guest section is locked but according to the guide, important guests come and stay here occasionally. For instance, Akshay Kumar and his team camped here for 10 days during the shooting of Khiladi. The palace is a popular location for film shoots. It has close to 50 rooms and the terrace affords a great view of Jawhar.
Hanuman Point
Just adjacent to Jawhar bus depot and close to Jai Vilas Palace is Hanuman Point. Apart from a temple dedicated to Ram&rsquos faithful disciple, this place offers a good view of the valley below. From a particular angle you can even see the domes of Jai Vilas Palace silhouetted against the misty hills, giving it an almost ethereal appearance.
Shirpamal
There is hardly any place in Maharashtra where the great warrior Shivaji has not left his imprint. Shirpamal, just outside Jawhar on the Nashik Road, is where the Great Maratha camped on his way to Surat. There is a red welcome arch and a commemorative plaque describing Shivaji&rsquos halt at this place. While the historic importance of Shirpamal must not be discounted, it is the natural beauty that makes you want to linger here. From the top of the podium, where a flag flutters in the breeze, the view is riveting and the air divinely fresh.
Sunset Point
From this vantage point one can see a waterfall tumbling down a hill, splashing its way to the valley below. The sunset from here, obviously, is spectacular. Get here between 6.00 and 6.30pm to watch the amazing cosmic spectacle unfold.
Where to stay and eat
Sunset Point Resort (Tel 02520-222010, 223061 Tariff INR 1,800-2,000 www.sunsetresortindia.com) has dorms, cottages and a restaurant. Symphony Lake View Resort (Cell 09422479643 Tariff INR 2,500-7,500 www.symphonyresortjawhar.com), Hotel Pushpanjali (Cell 09270656666 Tariff INR 800-1000), and Shanti Sarovar Resort (Cell 09270656666 Tariff INR 1,700-2,000 www.shantisarovarresort.com) are other options.
