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Monsoon Mania

From being the getaway of the well-to-do, Khandala and Lonavla have now become the Mecca of middle-class picnickers in Mumbai. India Today's Sheela Raval analyses the pros and cons of the new trend.

For globetrotters Rajeev and Kanchan Shah, Khandala has a very special place in their hearts. Much before filmstar Aamir Khan put the picturesque getaway on the national map in Ghulam with his irrestitable "Aati Kya Kandala", this couple who run a jewellery business in Mumbai were drawn to the misty magic of Khandala. "Nothing can be as romantic as soaking in the rain here," they say.

It's a feeling many others echo. Symbolising everything from romance to an unleashed sense of freedom, Khandala along with Lonavala and other towns nestled in the Sahyadri Hills has long been providing a quick monsoon getaway for those residing in Mumbai's concrete jungle. And for good measure, the novelty of taking in the bounty of nature—the mist, the rain, the greenery and the shimmering lakes—never seems to wear off.

For the Mumbaikar constantly battling against time and space, the hill resorts hold a compelling attraction. Says Anees Cementwalla, media consultant: "My only want is to be able to listen to my heart's call to take a quick break from the daily rut
in the city's limits." Come monsoon and Mumbaikars like Cememtwalla make a beeline to the Sahyadri Hills. The twin towns of Lonavla and Khandala are at an altitude of 625 metres at a distance of 103 km from Mumbai. While Khandala overlooks
a picturesque ravine with fine waterfalls, Lonavla is equally popular by virtue of its greenery and misty weather. They are
not just convenient and popular "cheat scene" spots for Bollywood filmmakers. Be it for Raj Kapoor's Ram Teri Ganga Meili or Satyam Shivam Sundram or Subhash Ghai's Taal, Khalnayak, Yaadein, or the latest Humraaz of Abbas Mastan. Neither are they second homes only to Bollywood celebs and big-time industrialists. Today, they are the Mecca of middle-class picnickers and others. According to a study by the
ation (MTDC), there has been a 25 per cent rise in week-end visitors to Lonavla-Khandal in the past two years. Says Ashish Kumar Singh, MD, MTDC: "Getting wet and rustic in these places is the new mantra. For some, it is even therapeutic."

According to Lonavla Municipal Council estimates, an average of 1.25 lakh visitors add up to the basic population of 50,000 in Lonavla and Khandala on week-ends during monsoon, especially after the opening of the expressway between Mumbai and Pune. The expressway has reduced travel time down to 90 minutes from the earlier three hours. On national holidays. the population figure touches 5 lakh. Says Dhruv Agarwal, municipal vice-president: "Monsoon is the peak business season and the economy actually thrives between July and September."
Cashing in on the monsoon craze, hoteliers have begun to provide add-on facilities like casinos, video parlours, water parks, amusement parks, rain dance disco floors, tennis courts, jogging tracks, snooker and billiard rooms. Some even have ayurvedic spas and yoga centres. Says Kumar Ailani, MD of Kumar Resorts: "The buzzword is wholesome entertainment which involves a bit of rustic outings, a dash of dancing in the rain and then lazing around in entertainment parlours."

Even the outdoor activities have become more organised—and commercial. Tour operators like The Explorer and Countryside offer attractive packages that cover visits to spots like the Bushy Lake, Valvan Lake, Duke's Nose, Tiger's Leap, Monkey Hill and the Kune Falls. Nature walks in Rajmachi, Lohagad, Visapur, and Kahoj fort are also a major draw. Rock climbers also take a trip to Kondana and Karla and the Bhaja caves.

Boasting of high-profile corporate clients, these operators also offer exclusive packages which are designed to help stressed out executives unwind. Says Alok Bajpai of The Explorers: "Monsoon outings have become a vital part of management programmes." Oglivy and Mather, HSBC, Herbert Sons, Lubrizol and EXIM Bank and government bodies like Bureau of Indian Standard such services. Says Sandhya Kaul, senior executive, HSBC bank: "Walking in the misty mountains during rains is time for introspection."

All this, however, has had a negative impact as well. As crowds flock to the twin towns, prices of for lodging and boarding have skyrocketed. Hotels like Fariyaz, Dukes and Kailash Parbat claim to have sold rooms at rates 20 to 40 per cent higher the regular charges. Says Samson Sailekar, general manager, Kailash Parbat: " We don't give discounts but charge a premium for week-end stay." Sailekar logs a profit of Rs 25 lakh in the rainy months. Even a tea at Tiger's leap, Ramlal Yadav makes a decent sum.

Business everywhere is brisk, the demand pushing up prices unrealistically. The rates of the popular chikki and fudge, for instance go up to Rs 450 kg. Deamnds are so high that orders are sometimes booked a week in advance at Cooper & Co fudge. The chikki business is a classic case how a household hobby has turned into a Rs 2 crore small-scale industry.

The price-rise apart, the rush of tourists has taken a toll on the region's infrastructure. What is causing concern is the availability of basic amenities like electricity and water. The rush to acquire property has also resulted in haphazard building activity. Like everything else, this too may eventually rob the twin towns of their natural beauty.

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