UNTOUCHED CHARM

Deolali: Peaceful vibes, thanks to pleasant weather and lush cover

- NACHIKET KELKAR

Simon Bhandare has worked at the Deolali cantonment for 40 years. While a lot has changed in that time, he says, the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful weather of Deolali remain the same.

“I come from neighbouring Nashik, and the changes in the weather there are not visible here,” he says. “The atmosphere in Deolali today is just as it was 40 years ago, thanks to the green surroundings.”

The pleasant weather, perhaps, was the reason why the British set up base here. Deolali is perched on a 2,000ft high plateau on the banks of the river Darna. It was established as a class one cantonment in 1869. A year later, the Deolali camp was opened as a main depot for the arrival and departure of troops.

“The temperature in Deolali is moderate through the year,” notes Rahul Gajbhiye, CEO of the Deolali Cantonment Board. “Deolali was set up as a transit camp for British troops, who would acclimatise themselves here before being deputed to various places around the country.”