Utsav

Utsav is a Sanskrit word meaning 'celebration,' and the name is a deliberate signal of the venue's purpose. The space is designed around the idea of festivity and togetherness, making celebrations of all kinds feel appropriate and well-supported. From intimate family gatherings to larger organized events, the venue's character aligns with the spirit its name conveys.

The resort is located in Khandala, Lonavala, approximately 83 kilometres from Mumbai and around 65 kilometres from Pune, with access via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. This makes Utsav one of the more conveniently reachable hill-station venues for guests travelling from either city. Journey times will vary depending on traffic conditions, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

Yes, Lonavala railway station is served by intercity and local trains on the Mumbai–Pune Central Railway line, making rail travel a practical option for guests coming from either Mumbai or Pune. Guests arriving by train would need to arrange onward transport from the station to the resort. The events team can advise on local transfer options when enquiring about a booking.

Pune International Airport is the more proximate air gateway for guests flying in to attend an event at Utsav. Guests travelling from further afield via Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport can also reach Lonavala using the expressway or by train. It is advisable to confirm transfer arrangements in advance, especially for large groups.

Meritas Picaddle Resort is a full-service resort with accommodation, which is one of the key advantages of hosting an event at Utsav. Guests can stay on-site across a multi-day wedding celebration or corporate retreat, removing the need to coordinate separate hotel accommodation. Specific room availability and group booking rates should be confirmed directly with the resort's reservations team.

Exact capacity figures for Utsav have not been independently confirmed and will vary depending on the event layout — seated dining, cocktail-style, theatre, or classroom formats each accommodate different numbers. The Meritas Picaddle Resort events team is best placed to share current capacity details and recommended setups for a specific event type and guest count.

As a Meritas Hotels property, Meritas Picaddle Resort has its own hospitality and food and beverage infrastructure, which typically supports event catering in-house. Whether outside caterers are permitted is a policy detail that should be verified directly with the resort's events team, as this can vary by event type and contractual arrangement. Enquiring early about menu customisation, dietary requirements, and bar service options is recommended.

Utsav is positioned to host corporate offsites, team retreats, and conferences, which implies the availability of some audio-visual and technical infrastructure. The specific equipment available — projectors, screens, sound systems, microphones, and connectivity — should be confirmed with the events team when submitting a requirement brief. Corporate clients planning presentations or hybrid sessions should communicate their technical needs in advance.

The resort context at Meritas Picaddle Resort, combined with on-site accommodation and multiple event areas, makes it naturally suited to hosting separate pre-wedding functions across different spaces or days. Whether Utsav or another area of the resort is used for specific functions like mehendi or sangeet would depend on guest count and the available venues at the time of booking. Couples planning a destination wedding are encouraged to get in touch with the weddings team for a tailored proposal.

Khandala sits within the Western Ghats and offers greenery, cooler temperatures relative to the plains, and a scenic hill-station atmosphere that a city banquet hall cannot replicate. For events where the journey and the destination are part of the occasion — such as destination weddings or corporate retreats — this backdrop adds an ambient quality that enhances the guest experience. The natural surroundings also make the resort an appealing option for events where outdoor spaces and leisure facilities are part of the programme.

Meritas Picaddle Resort is a leisure and hospitality property, and guests staying on-site for an event at Utsav have access to the resort's broader amenities. Specific facilities available should be confirmed on the resort's official website or with the reservations team, as offerings may vary by season or availability. This resort-wide experience is a key differentiator for event planners looking to offer guests more than just the event itself.

Enquiries for Utsav can be directed to the events team at Meritas Picaddle Resort via the official website at meritashotels.com or by contacting the property directly. Providing an event date, estimated guest count, event type, and any specific requirements will help the team respond with accurate availability and a tailored proposal. Booking in advance is advisable, especially for peak wedding and holiday seasons.

The hill-station setting of Khandala, combined with the resort's leisure infrastructure and dedicated event space, makes Utsav a practical and appealing option for corporate groups seeking an offsite environment distinct from a city conference room. The expressway connectivity from both Mumbai and Pune means the travel time is manageable for a day trip or an overnight retreat. Teams benefit from the change of environment, which can support engagement and focus during workshops and strategy sessions.

As part of the Meritas Hotels brand, Meritas Picaddle Resort operates with an established hospitality infrastructure that typically includes event coordination support for venue bookings. The extent of planning assistance — from décor coordination to vendor management — should be discussed with the events team at the time of enquiry. Clients with complex requirements, such as multi-day weddings or large corporate programmes, are encouraged to reach out early to allow sufficient planning time.