India is known for its unique natural beauty, which leads to an astounding number of places one can visit during vacations and for special occasions. From rivers and waterfalls to deserts, we have it all. Whether you’re a winter bride looking for honeymoon destinations or a friends group planning a Christmas getaway or a family going on a New Year’s holiday, India has something for everyone. While everyone knows Goa doesn’t make it out of the group chat, who knows your group might end up here instead for a YJHD experience like no other.
Winter wonderland but make it Indian: Wai, Maharashtra
This small Maharashtrian village is the highlight of many cinematic shoots at Menavali Ghat, from Swadesh to Chennai Express. With its mild winters, perfectly suited for outdoor activities, stargazing, and its climate-forward and responsible agrotourism resorts, you get to bask in nature while supporting local crafts and businesses that want to make a change for the better. You might not get resorts and premium services like you would at a popular destination such as Goa, but you’ll experience Maharstrain farm culture, local food, and the Indian town life, something Bollywood and we city-dwellers love to romanticise.
While many influencers would recommend it’s a one-day trip for those in Mumbai or Pune, making it extremely budget-friendly, we would personally recommend taking another day, if viable, to enjoy the agro tourism Wai boosts of. Whether it be tree planting, stargazing, fossil collections, farm-to-table food, or a tractor ride, many resorts in Wai offer special attractions that bring you closer to Mother Nature. And if you wish to take a moment to get close to Bappa as well, Wai is known for its many temples, but especially the Dholya Ganpati Temple, which some say has an idol carved out of a single stone. For the history buffs in the group, Wai has several forts that are linked to both the Mahabharata- because the Pandavas spent their year in hidden in modern day Wai (back then it was the kingdom of Vairat)- and also on your way back to Mumbai or Pune, you can stop at Bhor and see the Rajgarh Fort where some say Shivaji Maharaj took his oath for Swaraj for India.
For geology enthusiasts, near Wai you can find several cave systems to explore with ties to various religions and if you wish to support local art, you can add a day to enjoy Mahabaleshwar and the nearby Devari Art Village. This Art Village is known for its brass and metal-infused paintings and has several workshops one can enjoy.
Mahabaleshwar also boasts of the Mapro Factories with their chocolate-making experiences, several lakes and waterfalls, alongside numerous gardens and scenic points. Arthur’s Seat is particularly famous for its unique ability to throw back at you whatever you throw down it. While the vegan of the group might not like this, there is also a Silk Village near Wai that fabric enthusiasts can enjoy. There is also Sydney point and nearby tourist attractions, known for their scenic views, hiking trails, the lake where the ending of Bajirao Mastani was shot, aged trees, and the village where Raja Hindustani was created.
The adventure junkie in the group won’t be disappointed by Wai either. While some say Harrison’s Folly doesn’t offer much in terms of view, it more than makes up for it with its adventure sports. Or you arrange to go camping on the banks of the Krishna River. Just be sure not to catch a chill at Dhoom Dam!
From fields full of wildflowers at Khass Plateau, if you visit post July, to scenic views at several aforementioned points, Wai is filled with the wonders of nature and culture, making it the ideal gateway for a friends group looking to unplug! As sustainable tourists or planet-focused Gen Z, the ideal is to not leave a trace if possible when travelling taking trash souvenirs or supporting local low-impact businesses. On your way from Pune or Mumbai, that can be done by eating authentic Maharashtrian cuisine at the dhabas that line this scenic route. Sustainability-focused folks can take a chance, going further ahead of Wai to see the many wind farms atop hills, amongst the clouds, and bask in the presence of natural cloud water streams.
Yet, wherever we travel, being responsible tourists is important. Let’s remain respectful to local cultures and traditions while enjoying this hidden haven and leave it as beautiful as we find it, especially since being a small village-town, it doesn’t boast of BlinkIt or Swiggy services and instead relies on you to carry essentials like medicines and more. You must also be careful while choosing a stay and travel option, as local cabs aren’t always available here. Regardless of these, many have posted videos of the enjoyment and serenity they found in this versatile town, and who knows, your trip could become a creative retreat with the wonder of Wai, Maharashtra.
Stay tuned to NB news to get more insights on places and events taking place in India
