Jungle of Joy Homestay, Hetavane-Pen

Hetavane Village, Pen

Hetavane village is located near Pen in Raigad District, Maharashtra. It is surrounded on three sides by Lake Hetavane and Reserve forest on one side and is an ideal weekend destination from Mumbai and Pune; Mumbai being 90kms and Pune 117kms. There are many trek and trails that can be done from here. During summers you can do the River Bhogawati Parikrama, a wonderful 5 km walk (one way) to the origin of the river at the Bhogeshwar Temple.

Just 2 hrs away from Mumbai, this is a forest cottage tucked away in a quiet corner of backwaters of Hetavne Dam. The homestay is totally off grid and is powered by solar power only. The last 1km drive is through Reserve Forest having a year round motorable WBM (Water Bound Makkadam) road and it is advisable to come in a vehicle with high ground clearance. Once you have reached the cottage, you can move around the property on foot. You can take a walk along the lake waterfront (3.5km) and other trails on the 35 acre property assisted by the caretaker. 

There are 3 bedrooms, each with 4 single beds and an attached bathroom. All 3 bedrooms are located on the ground level. The Living room is a large space with a lot of natural light with French windows. Situated at the rear of the cottage, the angan area is completely private and has a commanding Lake, Forest and Mountain view. The Aangan has a Huge Jhoola and a Hammock for guests to enjoy. It is ideal for outdoor activities like High Tea, Dining, Campfire and Barbecue.  

Location: 14 km from Hetavne Dam
Number of Rooms – 3; Total Capacity – 12

How To reach

Nearest Mumbai Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 80 km from pen. Pen has a railway station connected by Day train with Mumbai located at 20km. From Pen railway station you can hire a taxi or local transport to Hetavane Lake.

Tariff

Classic Room: 4000/-
Extra Person: 500/-
Complimentary: Breakfast

Note: These tariffs do not apply during festivals and holidays

Child Policy
Upto 6 years: Complimentary (No Extra Bed)
6-12 years.: 50% (Extra bed provided)

What you pay for a homestay, brings a direct socio-economic benefit to locals. Be proud by not asking for a discount.

Facilities

Internet • Parking • Running Hot Water  • Toiletries • Bonfire  • Barbecue • Open Seating Areas • Pet Friendly  • Smoking Allowed •  Pick and Drop Service (Paid)

Food

They serve simple home cooked breakfast. Meals include a variety of food that includes seasonal vegetables like aloo gobi, rajma, dal, rice etc. Non vegetarian food is also available. Options include Moghlai Chicken, Mutton, Fried Fish, etc. 

Activities

Bird Watching • Reading • Star Gazing • Village Walk • Forest Walk • Yoga and Meditation • Fishing 

Local Attractions

Hetawane Dam (15km) • Sateri Waterfall (18km) • Dhamini (9km) • Kolad River Rafting (20km) • Pandav Caves (20km) • Ratndurg Fort (22km) • Pen (23km) • Imagica Amusement Park (26km) • Balganga Dam (27km) • Tandav Waterfall (28km) 

Excursions

Vadkhal (30km) • Washi (32km) • Khopoli (34km) • Karnala Bird Sanctuary (40km) • Karnala Bird Sanctuary (40km) • Mirgad (45km) • Manikgad Fork (46km) • Panvel (53km) • Alibaug (54km) • Lonavala (55km) • Karjat (55km) • Alibag Beach (56km) • Chinchwali (63km) • Kalavantin Durg (64km) • Navi Mumbai (67km) • Mumbai (87km) 

Treks:– Irshalgad Trek • Brochya Waterfall Trek • Morbe Dam Hill Trek • Mount Mura Trek • Kainath Trek

Know Your Host

Dilip Lala will host you at the homestay with his wife. They are retired IT professionals and live 100 mt from the cottage. Being nature lovers, they have created this place to meet and host like minded people. They always look for ways to give back to nature.

You may like to check more of our Homestays in Maharashtra