As you drive up the mountain road, the mist rolls around you. The monsoon laden breeze blows across your path, and the lush greenery beckons you. And as you come closer to your destination, the mist clear and before you lies a shimmering lake, against the backdrop of mountains.
This is Tapola, a lesser known spot near Mahabaleshwar. And aptly called Mini-Kashmir, because it is as beautiful as the Himalayan paradise.
At a distance of 28 km from Mahabaleshwar, Tapola is a rural hamlet with a magnificent Shivsagar Lake in the Satara district of Maharasthra. Tapola is situated at the convergence of the rivers of Koyna and Solshi. The magnificent Shivsagar Lake is formed by the Koyna reservoir.
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In near proximity of the Koyna Sanctuary, Tapola also houses a thick forest with variant animal and bird life. This makes it a more serene spot than the crowded and frequent Mahabaleshwar.
Tapola is also the base for many jungle trekkers. Hiking around this part of the Sahyadri has its own charm in the rains. There are many unknown forts in the dense forest around the lake in Tapola like Vasota and Jaygad. Tapola is also the base village to the Vasota fort famous for the arduous jungle trek. Vasota located within the Koyna wild life sanctuary is cut off from civilization and can be reached only in a boat. The permit for the trek can be procured from Bamnoli.
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If you plan to stay the night in one of the village homestays, you will wake up to the chirping of birds, and an air so crisp, you will feel cleansed of the city smoke. A visit to the lake in the morning is something you must do to enjoy the serenity.
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You should also not miss the local Maharashtrian cuisine. The warm bhakris and the spicy chutneys make a perfect meal in the chilling weather. The strawberry cream is also a popular dessert in the region.
So, if you want to escape into the mountain mists this weekend, Tapola is a perfect getaway.
