The Heritage Machan - A Tree House in Lonavala

Description from the owner

A unique abode located in the midst of an isolated private tropical forest in the Western Ghats. Surrounded by 25 acres of lush forest and hanging over the edge of a precipice, the breathtaking view of the valley that the Heritage Machan offers is really a sight to behold.

Situated a mere two and a half hours drive from Bombay (one and a half hours from Pune), this makes for an exceptionally accessible personal getaway.

Accommodation:

The Machan has three distinctive bedrooms each equipped with a double bed, two full bathrooms and a kitchenette. It has been designed to comfortably sleep up to six adults.

It has four... levels: i] The Main Deck ii] The Hanging Room iii] The Loft iv] The Crow's nest.

The main deck [18 ft. x 45 ft.] is entirely encapsulated in glass and provides unimpeded spectacular views of the valley. Devoid of standard brick and concrete walls, it instills a feeling of being in the great outdoors while continuing to enjoy the comforts of modern amenities. The main deck comprises of a large lounge area, a dining table for six and a screened double bed. Extending from the deck are two balconies, one facing east and other towards the north. There are also two full western bathrooms with rain showers and the master is equipped with a bath tub. This level houses the entrance verandah and kitchenette as well.

A spiral staircase guides one down to the hanging room [12ft. x 20ft.] which is suspended from the main deck. With three sides of the room comprising of glass walls, lying on its double bed one gets the feeling of being submerged within the forest canopy.

A short flight of stairs, from the main deck, lead up to the loft. An east facing small room with a huge view; a mountain peak towards the south and a deep valley to its north. You can watch the sun and moon rise from the comfort of its double bed.

The crows nest, is a further 40 ft. above the main deck. It is certainly worth the climb to get to the top of this structure for a 360 degree aerial view of the surrounding areas. The nest also makes for a great sit out to lounge in at night, under a blanket of never-ending stars.

Among other facilities the kitchenette is equipped with a gas burner, fridge and microwave. Pure mountain water is pumped from our bore well which is 300 ft. deep, for your consumption. There is hot and cold running water and electricity is generated through our wind and solar farm.Read more

Additional Location Information

8 kms before Sahara Aamby Valley

Location Type Away from it all, Mountain, Tropical

Rental fees

Additional notes from owner

Rates include dinner & breakfast.

What Past Guests Are Saying

Overall Rating

• Ann2314
  Hyderabad

  Mind boggling

  Left on 01/07/2010 for a stay in October 2009
  
  

  Breathtaking view, absolutely serene , good
  service ,
  out of the world experience . Must visit for all
  ages.

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• Gautam Kirtane
  Mumbai

  Complete

  Left on 08/17/2009 for a stay in July 2009
  
  

  The Machan has it all!
  
  If you are not one to connect with nature then a visit here will change all that. An unforgettable experience that brings you close to nature in the lap of luxury.
  
  The travel time is ideal if you live in Mumbai/ Pune and the climate is pleasant throughout the year.
  
  Now if you are a nature lover and care about your carbon footprint, then the Machan is a must see! The entire place is carefully planned out and has a very low carbon footprint in terms of design. Even lower is the carbon footprint for running the place. This is definitely a national best practice! Bird life is abundant and fortunate ones will see deer, wild boar or rabbits in the vicinity
  
  It is very pleasing to see hospitality going green in India. The Machan, with 100% renewable energy is like a breath of fresh air. The house needs no artificial lighting or cooling throughout the day.
  
  Now if luxury is what you seek, then get set for an exclusive 5 star holiday in the middle of the forest!
  
  This place simply cannot disappoint (provided you are able to make a booking) It has a constant wow factor and one spends up to 2 hours simply admiring the place upon arrival.
  
  The food and service is good. There are also several forts and lakes around the region for more enthusiastic vacationers. Value for every rupee spent!
  
  Must See!! Must Do!!
  
  Gautam Kirtane
  
  
  

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

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  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Tourists, Families w teenagers, Romantic, Luxury, Families w children, Rugged, Singles

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• LiamG
  Mumbai and Scotland

  Unique peaceful hideaway!

  Left on 08/15/2009 for a stay in August 2009
  
  

  There really can be few places in India quite like the Machan. A short drive from Lonavala in some beautiful forest rises a spectacular fully equipped modern bungalow - 45 feet in the air! Crossing the drawbridge and into the main living area takes your breath away as you catch your first sight of the wonderful panorama. Surrounded by glass on all sides aides the feeling of being in the jungle canopy, even more so in the 'hanging' room which sits under the main area. The staff were friendly and eager to please and the food was wholesome tasty home cooked style. As I sat in front of the open charcoal fire looking out as the sun set below the distant hills I knew that the Machan would be a life long memory and a place I would recommend to anyone.

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Friends, Tourists, Families w teenagers, Romantic, Luxury, Rugged

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  Was this review helpful? Yes

• Subroto
  Mumbai

  Refreshing Change

  Left on 08/15/2009 for a stay in August 2009
  
  

  Service was Good well looked after by Mr.Varun & his staff.
  
  The Home was a Unique experience and surroundings were overwhelming.
  
  Location was in the midst of Forest with trees ,water falls & natural surroundings .
  
  Amenties were good Varun has taken care for us to feel the 5 star experience personalised.
  
  Best Liked : The Tree House & View.
  
  Least Liked : The Drive back to Mumbai & getting in Traffic Jam.
  
  We would like to come back again sometime in the future.
  
  Had a very Refreshing & Good Hoiday.
  
  Thanks & Regards,
  
  Subroto Roy & Dr.Nandita Roy & Family & Dogs.
  
  

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  Detailed ratings for this rental

  • Check in
    
  • Cleanliness
    
  • Comfort
    
  • Location
    
  • Service
    
  • Value
    

  
  

  
  Would you recommend this vacation rental to a friend? Yes

  Recommended for: Travelers, Groups, Tourists, Families w teenagers, Romantic, Luxury, Families w children, Singles

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  Was this review helpful? Yes