Karjat

Nestled on the bank of the Ulhas River, Karjat is a popular weekend getaway for Pune and Mumbai residents. The place is full of scenic natural beauty, forts, ancient rock-cut temples, caves, and mountains. And all these make Karjat a favorite destination for picnic and trekking. 

Karjat is at an average elevation of 636 ft. The routes in Karjat are tranquil, along with color-changing fields of paddy on either side. 

The climate of this place and picturesque views make it suitable for adventure activities like hiking, rappelling, rafting in the Ulhas River, and waterfall climbing. About 10 km west, visit Morbe Dam, the perfect place for boating. The perimeter of the dam is an ideal place for a picnic with kids and family. Some parts of Karjat were seen in the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. Also, do not miss spotting the city in the song "Lean On.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Chanderi Fort trek, Peth Fort trek, and Matheran Trek via Rambagh Point are the three most popular trekking trails among adventure seekers. For those who are endeavoring adventure, the monsoon is the best time of the year to visit Karjat. Experience white water rafting in the neighborhood. The rafting is arranged on the higher sections of the Ulhas River. The best time to go rafting is from July to September. River rafting in Karjat is an activity that will let you enjoy the extreme flow of the water and will let your heart go up and down. If you are an adrenaline freak, you will love this activity. If you are not, you will become one.

Most of these adventure sports start from Kondana Village. The village is about 15 km from Karjat. The city has great things to offer, be it peaceful family time or experiencing an adventure with the squad. Peth Fort, Ulhas Valley, Kondana Caves, and Bhor Ghat are not-to-miss places when in Karjat.

In the 1st century BC, the Kondana Caves were discovered during an excavation. One can figure that these caves are like three sisters along with Baje Caves and Karla Caves. 

All these caves were mainly used by the Buddhist monks for their meditation, especially during monsoons. Kondana Caves is a set of 16 caves. And like every other cave, these caves houses Chaitya, serene Viharas, Stupas, and intricate designs on ancient sculptures. All these depict the Buddhist history along with the exact illustration of the old methods of Buddhist style architectures. Among all other rock-cut Buddhist temples found in Maharashtra, Kondana also secures its place in the list.

AROUND KARJAT

Situated midway between Mumbai and Pune, Khopoli is a hidden gem in Maharashtra. The place is mainly known for its Imagica Water Park. Nestled at the base of the verdant green Sahyadris, the small town is home to dense woods, fantastic theme parks, blooming gardens, mesmerizing waterfalls, and ancient temples, which also makes it one of the most popular weekend getaways from the adjoining cities. Although it has lately been converted into an industrial town, it has somehow managed to retain its original charm, beauty, and tranquility. It is flocked mainly by tourists looking for solitude and quality time amidst bounteous nature and natural beauty.

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN KARJAT

Karjat provides with a wide range of eateries, starting from stalls that sell local snacks like vada pav to large restaurants serving continental dishes. You can find several options in the market near the railway station. 

FESTIVALS OF KARJAT

People of Karjat preserve their traditions and festivals wholeheartedly. Vijayadasami’s Bhaland Bandhani Ceremony (भाळंद बांधणीचा सोहळा ) at the Jagadamba Mata Temple of Rashin, the celebration of the Khandoba of Shegud, the festivals of each Ekadashi or the Dargha’s Sandal (दर्ग्याची संदल) are celebrated with great enthusiasm. From this, social cohesion is maintained. Traditional sports like wrestling have a prominent place in the Jatra.

Many traditions such as birth anniversary, death anniversary, samadhi ceremony, village rituals are still practiced by the villagers, and they are celebrated in the same traditional way. For many such festivals and Celebrations, Karjat Jamkhedkar has been sincerely taking honest efforts for the preservation of his culture for centuries.

WEATHERS OF KARJAT

Winter Season

The temperature during winters, i.e., from the month of December to February, is generally between 11°C to 27°C. Winters does not fail to surprise, and visitors can discover and explore some beautiful destinations of this region.

Monsoon Season

Monsoons start from the month of July and carry on till September. The rainfall during the monsoon season is of medium level. Undoubtedly, travelers like to visit the region in the monsoon as Karjat looks stunning during this time with gorgeous greenery. The city under the carpet of green can attract anyone at the first flash. Hence, monsoons are the best time to visit Karjat.

Summer Season

The summer season in the city starts from the month of March and ends in June. Summer season in the town is quite warm with temperature which ranging between 27 °C and 39 °C. It is advisable to avoid visiting this city from April to May due to the humid and hot climate. 

PLACES TO STAY

In the city, some famous hotels include River Touch Resorts, Prakruti Farms, Dr. Modi's Resort, Rivergate Resort, Satya Resort, Piccadilly Country Club and Resort, Pinewood Resort, and many others, which provide excellent accommodation services to its guest. These hotels and resorts are designed with the hi-tech feature, which offers excellent services during your stay here. There is a wide range of hotels and resorts, including economical resorts and hotels, grand hotels, cheap and budget-friendly hotels, and the city.