Boutique eco cottages set amidst the Phasad Reserve forest makes for a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai City. If you are looking for picnic spots near Mumbai then there can’t be a better place than this!
Eco Cottages at Aranya Phansad Alibaug
Arany@ Phansad is like an oasis in a desert. Eco family cottages in Alibaug camouflaged by teak trees all around makes for a good nearby weekend getaway from Mumbai
Eco cottages at Aranya Phansad Alibaug
Location
By Car : Alibaug by Road
By Ro Ro Boat
By Ferry
One can opt for a ferry ride that starts from Gateway of India. It is the cheapest and fastest mode of transport to reach Alibaug Mandwa Jetty. You can either opt for a Air conditioned ferry or a non air conditioned one.
Time Taken: 1 hour approx
Cost: Rs. 150 approx
Companies: PNB, Maldar, Ajanta
From Mandwa Jetty to Alibaug
Upon reaching Mandava Jetty post the ferry ride, one will need transportation to reach Aranya if you dont have your own vehicle. In that case, these are the options one can opt for;
By Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuk is a pool ride that accommodates 7-8 passengers.
Time Taken : 45 mins
Cost per passenger : approx 200 Rs.
Time Taken : 45 mins
Cost per passenger : approx 200 Rs.
By Private Taxi
History
The owners family have been residents of Alibaug for over 2 decades and would always host their friends and family. That’s when the idea of opening a peaceful retreat from the chaos of Mumbai was generated.
Arany@ is not only their daughters name but also means Forest in Indian language which perfectly suits the place where the property is set.
First Impressions
Set in the lap of nature, one is greeted with the sight of Gulmohar,Jacaranda and Amaltas trees. The aromatic smell of the flowers puts you in a trance and the lush greenery is a treat to sore eyes. Butterflies perched on aromatic frangipani trees make for a lovely sight. I instantly fell in love with the property was very excited to explore it!
Nature at Aranya Phansad Alibaug
If you are a bird lover then this place is a treat for you. Phasad is home to over 60 species of birds and is spread over 17000 acres of forest land. I was told that a few species such as White eyed buzzard Common Hoopoe, Shikra, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, White browed Bulbul, Plum headed parakeet, Crimson backed sunbird, Brown headed barbet, Racket tailed Drongo can be sighted.
We were greeted by a caretaker who gave us a quick tour of the estate.
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The Rooms
Cozy rooms in Alibaug cottages at Aranya
Rooms at Aranya Phansad Alibaug
Each cottage is surrounded by teak trees. Set on stilts one has to climb a few stairs to reach the verandah. Each verandah is set by plush chairs and a table. Infact each cottage is named after one of the above Mentioned trees.
Patio in the Cottages
Lush Greenery At Aranya Phansad
One can relax and unwind with a book in hand or just lazy around listening to music.
Each room is air-conditioned and comes with the basic amenities. what surprised me is that the bathroom is almost the same size as the room. The bathroom had a rustic look with small detailing like a ladder placed for décor which can also be used to hang towels, an artistic mirror, paintings on the wall etc.
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Meals
When you check in by 12 pm, after resting you can directly go for lunch, Meals are set by the poolside dining area overlooking the greens. Arany@ offers local and Indian cuisine cooked with love.
The package includes lunch + high tea + Dinner + Breakfast. It doesnt get better than this!
Activities
Pool
Reservoir lake
Games Court
Farm Visit
Cycling
Indoor Games
Bon fire
A bonfire + Soulful Music = Romantic evening with a loved one.
Surprise your partner by asking the team to set you a bonfire for you both. Enjoy a cozy chilled evening with your partner or enjoy a fun filled evening with friends and family by the bonfire.
Phansad Bird Sanctuary
My Experience
Pros
2. The cottages are built in a modern rustic style with amenities such as air conditioner making up for a comfortable stay. They even have a “Jacuzzi” and a “piano” in one of the cottages. Beat that!
3. The cost includes the meals + high tea which in my opinion is a steal deal.
6. Explore the surrounding area, kashid beach, Revdanda Fort, Revdanda beach , murud Jhanjira Fort are a few kilometers away from the property. This is a cheap cottage in Alibaug near Nagaon beach.
Cons
3. Though the rooms are fully equipped they do not have a tea coffee maker. However, one can always enjoy a cup of hot tea/ coffee during high tea served by Aranya.
Property details and booking
Arany@ Phansad – Private Cottages & Villas
Roha, Revdanda – Murud Rd, Kharkhardi, Maharashtra 402109
Phone no : 079776 40918
Website : aranyaphansad.com
