Citizens flock to scenic spots for late monsoon getaways

Pune: Late monsoon trips in and around Pune are gaining popularity among citizens seeking to enjoy lush green landscapes and gushing waterfalls. "We are planning to visit Malshej Ghat this coming weekend. The area becomes extremely scenic in the late monsoon. The weather is cool, and there are many unique flowers in full bloom. One can also spot many birds," said Girija Kadam, a resident of Kothrud. It is also a good season for trekking, as there are many restrictions during peak monsoon. "We plan to visit Lohagad and Visapur forts in early Oct. The climb is steep, but it will be enjoyable at the end of the monsoon," said Devansh Gupta, a resident of Baner.The monsoons also make locations like Bhandardara magical. "There are many popular lakes, waterfalls, and temples around Bhandardara which are nice to visit. We are planning to drive down to Bhandardara for a two-night, three-day stay this weekend to enjoy the greenery around," said Nitin Chavan, a resident of Aundh."We are seeing a steady flow of bookings as people look to enjoy the monsoon and late monsoon environment. Bookings are likely to increase further as the festive season comes closer," said a representative of a resort near Tamhini Ghat.Some are also booking independent stays at Airbnbs for an extended weekend. "The advantage of booking an independent stay is that it is cheaper than staying at a hotel, and it gives that exclusivity. We have booked one week at a farmhouse in Mulshi. We will be working from there and also driving around to nearby areas in the evening to enjoy the cool weather and fresh surroundings," said Sonali Pagar, a resident of Hadapsar.Hill towns like Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are also expected to draw huge crowds as many properties have opened late monsoon. "We usually stay at The Club in Mahabaleshwar, which is shut during the peak monsoon. We are looking forward to visiting early before the tourist season starts to enjoy some great weather and lush green surroundings," said Neelam Sinha, a resident of Kondhwa.