Not many Indians are aware of Aamby Valley City — a magnificent destination where tourists are few and exclusivity of a high standard is maintained.
The magnificent Sahyadri Mountains are home to a spectacular development encircled by pristine nature and lush, virgin greenery.
Subroto Roy Sahara, chairman of the multi-business conglomerate, Sahara India Group, had a vision and this incredibly pretty city is the fulfillment of his lofty ambitions.
Situated 120km from Mumbai, the sprawling city is spread over 10,000 acres of open land.
It is unique — India's first master-planned hill station, completely self-contained and oozing with luxury.
Massive, imposing gates, with high brick walls topped by an electric fence, and round-the-clock security make it a safe haven.
The mesmerising city captivates visitors from the moment the impressive twin arched gates are traversed.
Security is high; policemen on motorbikes escort each car to its destination.
A few minutes down the road from the main gates is a gigantic monument, a magnificent depiction of Mother India on a Roman chariot drawn by a pride of lions.
Primarily meant to be a housing development, this fascinating city has the appearance of a rich man's luxury holiday destination.
Once the check-in formalities have been completed, cars can be parked by valets and for the rest of your stay, transport within the city is taken care of by golf carts or diesel Mercedes vans.
Wide, empty roads are a pleasant change and there is zero pollution.
Beauty at every turn
As the road scales the hills, exotic features of the well-planned city slowly come into view.
Hidden in alcoves are spas, party halls, conference rooms and restaurants.
Blooming flowers, colourful fountains and manicured lawns add to the picturesque scene.
Five man-made lakes and gorgeous fountains — and altitudes of 2,500 feet — bring summer temperatures down.
Horse riding, trekking, yoga sessions, walking tracks, cycling paths, aqua sports, rock climbing — Aamby Valley City has it all.
An 18-hole floodlit golf course, which hosts the Aamby Valley Asian Masters, is a star attraction.
Rows of colourful flowerbeds, abundant foliage and spotless, well-lit streets combine with the natural backdrop of valleys, lakes and hills to provide a perfect setting for classy designer villas.
You can see quaint timber cabins by the lake and also notice massive Spanish villas that overlook the valley.
Stunning splendour
Stone, brick, glass and wood façades give the homes a rustic, earthen look.
The interiors are done in Italian marble and pearl finishes, and Jacuzzis and butler service promise the ultimate in luxury.
The rooms are spacious, vastly different from cramped homes in crowded cities.
Nightlife in the Titanic-style discotheque is enjoyable.
At night, the city looks prettier, like a fairyland with fountains gracefully spurting water as tiny, vibrant lights cast a captivating spell.
A massive dam, with sail-like structures on top, adorns the largest lake; colourful floodlights at the base illuminate and
enchant.
Everything here is meticulously perfect — not a leaf is out of place, no potholes, not a piece of litter is strewn on the streets … Visions of dirt and grime, overflowing trash cans and crowded streets, part of city life, seem like a distant memory.
Tranquil surroundings offer sheer ecstasy and complete privacy and it has now become a place for the elite, an escape for the rich and famous.
All reviews and descriptions of this magnificent glory are unable to express the magnitude of nature's bounty and the picture-perfect planning of this exquisite destination … No wonder, it has been aptly described by celebrities as “a paradisiacal abode''.
Food ... Feast on variety
When it comes to food, the variety is infinite.
Well-equipped modern kitchens dish out appetising food, catering to every palate — Chinese, Continental, Indian and Italian.
You name it and the chefs prepare it.
For a leisurely dinner, a seven-star, classy glass-walled restaurant with a swimming pool is the rage.
Beach volleyball and a wave pool make this restaurant alluring and perfect for lazing around and unwinding.
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