Malshej Ghat, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is a picturesque mountain pass known for its lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, serene lakes, and historical significance. It is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views. It was once a crucial link for merchants and travellers moving between the Deccan Plateau and the coastal regions. You may visit https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/nature/malshej-ghat/ for more historical information.
For me, Malshej in the monsoons is not a destination but a soul salve to rejuvenate my entire being. I have been visiting Malshej since the early 1980s when MTDC was the only resort with just four cottages and all of them facing Harishchandra gad. We had a select group of friends who used to frequent this place for rejuvenation almost every year. Riding there used to be fun with all the twisties and waterfalls. Sometimes we used to encounter landslides too which would delay us by a few hours but it didn't matter because the destination was always as important as the journey in this case.
Then there was an unfortunate incident when a friend of ours got his death wish granted there. He always used to say ‘Marna hai to Malshej mein!’ He was there with his friends during the monsoons sitting on the edge of the cliff facing the valley enjoying the ambiance when he was struck down by lightning. After that incident I had not visited Malshej for a few years for whatever reasons not necessarily related to the incident. MTDC Malshej resort had expanded. There were plenty of new rooms added and the charm of the resort had diminished. More resorts and homestays had cropped up nearby but none could beat the location of MTDC. Unfortunately MTDC failed miserably to capitalize on it and continued to degenerate possibly hoping to lease it to some private property for a fat sum.
However after a long hiatus I visited this soul regenerator this monsoon with my wife.
Since the old route from Mumbai via Ulhasnagar was reportedly bad we took another route via Bhiwandi which had comparatively better roads except for a few potholes that reminded us to go slow and enjoy the scenery. The drive in the mountains was taking us deeper in the clouds
with a constant light drizzle and innumerable waterfalls along the way. There was one nicknamed carwash as you could be assured of a pressure wash when you drove through it.
And at every waterfall, however minor, tiny stalls have cropped up selling drinking water,
tea/coffee, biscuits and more importantly corn on the cob for all the waterfall enthusiasts.
When we finally checked in we realised that the room was as bad as it could be but the location helped us overcome the sad condition of our ‘Super Deluxe Room’ where we spent minimal time.
The canteen was good where the food was good and the service excellent.
Had a lovely sojourn in the clouds.
The walk around the property was as good as it always was. The valley would be shrouded in
clouds in a blink of an eye and clear in the next. The mountain air had a freshness that could
freshen any jaded mind and soul.
We returned after a couple of days stay, feeling on top of the world despite the bad condition of the resort. The ambiance wins every single time! MTDC knows it!
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