Ozarde fall
Gursale resort
Koyna dam(Photography: Mr.Ashish Ambekar)
Koyna Nagar is situated in Satara District of Maharashtra and is well connected by road. Take Pune - Bangalore national highway no. 4 going southwards from Pune towards Kolhapur. Around 160 kms from Pune. Koyna Nagar is known for the famous Koyna dam built on Koyna River. The dam was a feat of engineering and was a construction marvel of its time. Koynanagar is situated with natural surroundings, as excellent climate during monsoon season which falls between July to September, when the rains are at its peak and having lot of waterfalls adding beauty The entire area looks like having worn a lush green outfit and looks very beautiful. The destination is relatively unknown and less exploited than the overcrowded hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. There are some reasonably good resorts that have come up recently situated on the hill overlooking the dam and the backwaters. Besides there is a Gursale Resort is on the one of high Mountain which gives a excellent view towards Koyna Dam and beauty of Koynanagar. You can be relaxed at Gursale Resort in peacefully climate in natural beauty. Resorts serve the typical Maharashtrian home cooked food. We first proceeded to visit the Ozarde falls and then onwards to the Nehru garden. On the way to the Ozarde fall, comes the Nehru Garden which provides the view of the Dam and its backwaters. Nehru Garden - Delight for couples, families with kids and nature lovers. It has water bodies, exhibition on Koyna dam, models, "Making of Koyna Dam" - Documentary screening at 11:00 am and 5:00 PM, landscaped garden, rose garden, restaurant and plenty of open space with good view of the dam. It is open till 8:00 PM in the night. Photography is strictly prohibited. On the way further there comes the gigantic Ozarde waterfall. The Ozarde Falls was certainly the star attraction of the trip. Scenic but at times steep trek of about 2 kms takes you to the bottom of the falls. You can experience sprinkles reaching the bottom of the fall due to the steep walls. It is a tranquilising experience where you can't stop admiring the glory of Mother Nature. The time stayed still and I was silent and mesmerised by the beauty all around me
