The
Machan is a green building if there is, with a minimum carbon footprint.
It generates its own power thru wind turbines and photovoltaic cells. It
is an experimental structure in keeping with a future that will
hopefully be non-polluting and non-intrusive on a minimalistic palette.
The Machan is a
unique tree house located in the midst of an isolated private tropical
forest in the Western Ghats. This private vacation home has recently
been opened up to visitors. Surrounded by 25 acres of lush forest and
hanging over the edge of a precipice, the breathtaking view of the
valley that The Machan offers is really a sight to behold. Situated a
mere two and a half hours drive from Mumbai (one and a half hours from
Pune), this makes for an exceptionally accessible weekend getaway. We
encourage you to take some time away from work and immerse yourself in
this one of a kind experience. Reconnect with family, friends and loved
ones in the comfort and privacy of this truly exclusive retreat.
The Machan has three distinctive bedrooms
each equipped with a double bed and two full bathrooms. It has been
designed to comfortably sleep up to six adults and is let out as one
single unit.
The Structure
The Machan is a Nut and Bolt steel
structure clad in wood, designed to withstand earthquakes and wind
speeds of up to 200 Kmph. The foundations go down to the hard rock and
the highest point [the crow’s nest] is 85 ft. from the ground. No
machines were used in its erection nor were any trees cut or damaged in
the process. The structure was designed to be one with nature and was
constructed with that in mind. It has four levels –
-
The Main Deck
-
The Hanging Room
-
The Loft
-
The Crow’s nest
Suggested Activities
Trekking in the forest along 5 km of
private paths you may spot barking deer, rabbits and a plethora of
interesting birds. If you are an avid bird watcher, then our forest
canopy will offer you a perfect opportunity for spotting. It is
inhabited by numerous resident and migratory birds . Also, on a clear
night star gazing is an interesting option.
Location
The
Machan located at Jambulne
- in the Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats – lies in one of 25
biological hotspots of the world. Nearby, are the mountain top forts of
Korai, Ambawane & Tungi, as well as, the huge Pauna & Mulshi lakes.
This
personal retreat with wild evergreen trees is fenced in, secure &
ensures total privacy. The monsoon rains fill the ponds & streams flow
through this land. Wild flowers bloom, while the clouds descend all
around you. Winters are cool [night temp. 7 C] and by then, the northern
migratory birds are also seen nesting here. An evening bonfire provides
the required warmth. Even warm summer afternoons are fairly pleasant,
under our forest canopy. This 25 acre piece of Tropical Cloud Forest,
situated at 2,800 ft. was acquired in 1993, with an objective to bring
back the natural flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. Today with more
than 90% of the wild trees/shrubs flowering & fruiting,
birds are nesting in greater numbers. A
few barking deer have now made Jambulne their permanent home. Small
animals like rabbit, mongoose, porcupine, squirrel etc. are a far more
common occurrence. An ecologically balanced Forest has now emerged.