INTRODUCTION
If you ask a Mumbaikar for suggestions for the weekend, you will probably get the tried and tested: Lonavala, Alibaug, Karjat, and perhaps, Igatpuri. Wada is hardly ever mentioned. Which is why it’s good to know about it.
Wada is a quaint town in Palghar district that’s located about 90-100 kilometres away from Mumbai, and is surrounded by patchwork rice fields, rich mango and chikoo orchards, and the slow, lazy bends of the Vaitarna river. There are no overflow of crowds at scenic spots, no jostling for elbow room at the local market, and no queues at the lake boat. What it has is open space, fresh air, and some of the most idyllic farm-styled houses you’ll find around here.
Here’s everything you need to know on how to reach, what to do, and when to go, and how to pick between villas in Wada for a weekend out of the city that truly makes you feel out of it all.
Where is Wada, and how do you get there?
Wada is north-east of Mumbai after Bhiwandi. The conventional route through Thane and Bhiwandi on the Bhiwandi-Wada road. The travel time is two and a half hours but can be three hours and more if you get caught in the traffic around Bhiwandi on Saturday morning, so leave early.
Some travellers take the highway towards Mumbai-Ahmedabad and Manor (go online to check live traffic before leaving). There is no railway station in Wada, so you can get there easily and can also commute in the area by car.
Why choose Wada over the usual getaways?
So the quick answer is: quiet. Wada is not designed with tourists in mind and they have not come in. Life revolves around the farming schedule: sowing in the monsoon, harvesting in autumn, and low, lazy sunny winters.
It’s just the place to go when you want a weekend to relax and not tour. Families with active kids, romantic couples, a home-away-from-home for writers, or just a gathering of friends around a campfire will love Wada’s relaxed pace.
What to Do near Wada
Kohoj Fort
Kohoj is a hill fort that is slightly steep, features some rock-cut water cisterns, and offers broad views across the country. The trek lasts for a few hours. During the cooler months, begin early and with someone familiar with the trail.
Vaitarna river, Tilse
The Vaitarna runs through the area and there is a nice drive along it, particularly after the monsoons. There is an old Shiva temple at Tilse on the banks of the river. It is a nice place for a morning trip.
Vajreshwari and Ganeshpuri
About 30 km away is the Vajreshwari temple, with hot springs in the vicinity which many families visit for a bath. The tranquil Ganeshpuri is also a popular ashram. These two temples can be conveniently visited in half a day.
Tansa lake and forest
If you love driving in forested areas, a drive through Tansa lake, which supplies water to Mumbai, is a good idea, since the forest is part of a wildlife sanctuary. Birders will be delighted to get up early.
Village drives and local produce
Many of Wada’s best experiences are on impromptu drives. Visit stalls on the side of the road to pick up fresh vegetables and fruit when in season and pick up a bag of Wada Kolam fine, fragrant rice grown in the village.
What to eat in Wada
The food is humble, fresh and local. Get the villa’s chef to rustle up a home-cooked Maharashtrian meal of bhakri and vegetable bhaji, dal and the star – steamed Wada Kolam rice. In the rains, you may find wild greens and specialty vegetables cropping up for a limited time only. Little dhabas on the highway serve misal pav and vada pav for a quick breakfast on the go.
Best time to visit wada
October – February is the best season, you can enjoy all the sunny days, cool evenings and golden fields of the harvest. The monsoon (June – September) makes all the paddy fields shine brilliant green and brings plenty of water to the rivers, but some village roads are muddy. Summers are hot and you’ll want to visit the pool in the afternoon.
What makes villas in Wada different?
Land. Villas in Wada tend to have bigger plots than lower-cost houses close to town, with grass, fruit trees and wide-open vistas of farmland. There’s space for children to play, and grown-ups to breathe.
Are Wada villas good for big groups? Very frequently yes. A number of the villas feature a number of bedrooms and spacious outdoor areas, making them perfect for family reunions and friends’ getaways.
Is a farmhouse in Wada good for?
Yes, if you want a rustic, outdoor vibe. A farmhouse in Wada will usually have plenty of lawn, a sit-out in the shade of the trees and room for a bonfire and barbecue.
Prior to booking a farmhouse in Wada, enquire about the access road (some are just small village roads), power backup, water supply and if the caretaker can cook. Shopping options will be limited once you head out of town.
Why book a villa in Wada with a pool?
During the morning the weather can be a little warmer, more so from March to May. An outdoor villa with a pool in Wada from March to May makes those warm afternoon hours the most enjoyable of the day!
What to look out for? Is the pool illuminated and shaded during the day, enclosed for little children, and tidied up in readiness for your arrival? At a Wada villa with pool, a covered sit-out by the pool is an ideal place for grandparents to relax and observe.
How does Wada compare with other villas near Mumbai?
Wada is a bit beyond Karjat or Panvel and the drive through Bhiwandi can be slow. In exchange, you get much less crowd and much more countryside than most villas near Mumbai offer.
If nightlife, dining options, and a bustling market are more your scene, Alibaug or Lonavala are great options. However, for the villa lifestyle near Mumbai where the only noise you’ll hear at night is the chirping of crickets, there’s no better choice than Wada.
Should we get a private pool villa near Mumbai for a short stay?
Yes, at least for a night, in fact for those travelling in groups and with families, definitely. A villa with a private pool near Mumbai offers you an entire destination in your house.
With a private pool villa close to Mumbai you’ve got more than enough space to keep the masses at bay. Instead of other structures, they’d find a view of nature.
One Weekend’s Worth of Ideas
Day 1: Depart Mumbai at 7 am, breakfast en route and check in time is either late morning or the early afternoon. Relax by the pool, village drive at the sunset and finish with a bonfire.
Day 2: Climb Kohoj Fort early or drive to Vajreshwari for the hot springs. Return for a late lunch, then rest, and leave before evening/peak traffic.
What to pack
– Mosquito repellent, especially around dusk.
– A torch for walks along village lanes in darkness.
– Snacks, drinking water and basic supplies.
– Wrapped shoes for Kohoj and village walk.
– A light jacket for winter evenings.
Planning your stay with Eko Stay
After a trek along a fort trail or an evening at the hot springs, returning to your Wada home away from home, of course, feels all the more special because you’re in a private home nestled amidst nature. Eko Stay offers villas in every corner of Maharashtra, sorted into collections for families, groups, pets, and budget accommodations.
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Wada from Mumbai?
Around 90-100 km, it takes about two and half to three hours by road, depending on Bhiwandi traffic.
- What is Wada famous for?
Its farms, rice fields, such as the aromatic Wada Kolam rice, and peaceful countryside along the Vaitarna.
- What are the best places to visit near Wada?
Kohoj Fort; Tilse on the Vaitarna; The Vajreshwari hot-springs; Ganeshpuri and Tansa area.
- Are villas in Wada family friendly?
Yup. They usually have large lawns and kids also have ample space. Check access road and power backup before booking.
- When should I visit Wada?
October to February for the best conditions; monsoon for the paddy fields.
- Is Wada good for a one-night trip?
Yes, if you depart early Two nights is enough time to unwind without having to rush.
Conclusion: The weekend nobody told you about
Wada is for those looking to slow down, green up, and truly get away. Forget the crowds of the vantage points, substitute lakeside drive and rice paddies, and let the house do all the work. When you’re ready, check out the other Ekostay properties in Maharashtra and discover your Wada stay.
