Experiencing the Wonders of Lonavala

Fortune Select Exotica, Navi Mumbai

I had been looking forward to a trip to Mumbai and as luck would have it, we had a company sponsored trip to Navi Mumbai for a training program. We stayed at the Fortune Select Exotica Hotel in Navi Mumbai for a week and it was a comfortable stay. Though we had the rooms on a sharing basis, they were spacious, so we didn’t feel cramped. The rooms also had Wi-Fi and a LCD for entertainment as well as a mini bar. We didn’t have to go out to eat; there was a lounge, coffee shop and fine dining restaurant at the hotel. The training was held at the hotels’ business center and went without a hitch. Everything we required including snacks and beverages were taken care of by the hotel staff. We also got to relax by taking a swim in the pool.

As the meeting was only half a day on Friday, my colleagues and I decided to make the most of our stay here and visit nearby places. We were in luck as there are two well-known hill stations in the vicinity. Lonavala is just an hour away and we make it in good time as it is a smooth drive. We stop to pick up some of its famous chikkis. Shutterbugs can have a field day at the Rajmachi Point en route to Lonavala. From here one can take in the formidable fort from the time of Shivaji’s rule. Another spot is the Tiger’s Leap and we get to see the mountain that bears an uncanny resemblance to the shivlinga. Towards the Khandala side, Shooting Point and Duke’s Nose are great spots. The verdant rolling hills, fluffy clouds drifting lazily add a touch of romance.

Lonavala, like many hill stations around India, boasts of lakes. We stop at the Lonavala Lake and later the Tungarli Lake, where it is peaceful. It is a pleasant getaway for people from both Lonavala and Khandala.

We join the people thronging towards the Shiva Temple, located at Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the architecture. There are also the Buddhist shrines at Karla Caves. I feel like I have stepped into a different world. It is unbelievable to set foot into a place that has been in existence since the 2nd century.

For fun, we head to the Celebrity Wax Museum, this region’s very own version of Madame Tussaud’s. We pose with Shah Rukh Khan and even Sai Baba. Towards the evening, the weather gets cooler and is the perfect way to let our experiences sink in and stay warm is with piping hot masala chai and vada pavs.

Mesmerising Mumbai and its Mystical Monuments

Hotels in Vashi - Fortune Select Exotica, Navi Mumbai

Mumbai is referred to as a city that never sleeps, and rightfully so! This throbbing cosmopolitan is all about fun, frolic, glamour and excitement. Catering to whims of the tourists of all ages and from all walks of life, this city is known for its cine delights, energetic markets, historical monuments, ocean fun and yes, the pulsating nightlife.

Tourists travelling with families are on the lookout for good family hotels in Mumbai. Comfortable, elegant and affordable, like those belonging to the Fortune Group boast of all amenities to keep your kids and spouse busy, as you attend your meetings and other business commitments. Whether it is about spending long hours in the swimming pool, spa or gym or watching their favorite TV channels, playing online games or simply lounging in the comforts of well furbished rooms - these hotels serve to meet the discerning requirements of all their clients.

If you are planning to visit Mumbai and desire to visit its famous historical monuments and other bounties, then remember to check out these places of great sightseeing interest and you will not be disappointed!

Gateway of India

One of India’s most recognised monuments; the Gateway of India was erected to

commemorate the historical visit of King George V to Mumbai. Completed way back in 1924, this monument is a symbol of the British Raj in the country. The last British troops had left India in 1947 through this very Gate. The looming Gateway was designed to be the first concrete structure that visitors can view while coming by sea. It is an inspiring place to begin your exploration of the other parts of this pulsating city. Located in South Mumbai on the waterfronts in Colaba, the Gateway of India is in close proximity to the Taj Palace and Tower Hotel.

The Heritage Buildings of Mumbai

While travelling across the length and breadth of Mumbai, you will come across many heritage buildings that make you marvel over their intricate colonial architecture and aesthetical opulence, in more ways than one. Ranking among the best are the Gothic Prince of Wales Museum located within the Kala Ghoda art precinct, the Bombay High Court (that allows you to wander within its sprawling corridors and be entertained by a trial in progress), the Victoria Terminus Railway Station and the buildings of Horniman Circle situated in the Fort area.

Explore Mumbai - the right way, by planning your itinerary in advance!

Guest Service at Hotels In Navi Mumbai is Exemplary And Immaculate

Hotels in Mumbai - Fortune Select Exotica

The most beneficial aspect of a planned settlement is the relative ease with which the same settlement can keep developing over time, while still retaining its planned structure. Navi Mumbai is one such planned settlement in the maximum city that Mumbai is. This west coast settlement was specifically created for urban living. Some estimates suggest that it is the planet’s largest and best planned city. The beauty of the city takes many people aback and it is a favourite for hotel aficionados. With a place that looks so good, hotels were only meant to spring up in the picturesque area.

The Central Park area in Khargar is often equated to the famous Hyde Park in London. It is a beautiful park that is known to draw many people from Navi Mumbai and outside as well. It is a park that has been created keeping the needs of modern people in mind and what they desire out of an experience at one. You can spot many happy families just having a good time here. Many hotels that are famous for their grandeur are found near the Central Park area.

Mango Garden is another charming location in Navi Mumbai. With many varieties of tree and a prodigious stretch of land for the relaxation of the visitors, it is indeed a spot that should not be missed. You can see little kids have fun in the park area with their parents watching their backs and having a good time themselves. There are few things that compare to the joy of a lazy afternoon in an ideal spot with your loved ones.

Navi Mumbai was created with the intention of shifting some of the population from Mumbai in order to relieve some tension off the maximum city. Some industries and businesses have moved to Navi Mumbai subsequently and hence there has been a surge in the number of quality hotels in the area. As there is a demand for good accommodation at reasonable rates, Navi Mumbai has emerged as a premium hotel destination.

Guest service at hotels in Navi Mumbai is remarkable as can be gauged from various trip advisory websites and reviewers. Many of these hotels come with in-house restaurants that are known to provide their patrons with delicious food and great beverages. Service is expected to be impeccable following the high standards of hospitality that are a norm in the region. Many of the guests at these hotels make it a point to return to these establishments and have another stay there. All a hotel has to do for its patrons to be happy is provide good service and the hotels in Navi Mumbai excel in the same.

Make it a point to visit Navi Mumbai even if you are not on a business trip and spend some time there. This is so that you can experience the marvel of being in a planned city. If only more of our cities were constructed in this way, but there is hope always in the form of new cities like the beautiful Navi Mumbai.