The Senate

The Senate can be arranged in multiple configurations to suit different event formats, including theatre-style, classroom, U-shaped boardroom, and traditional banquet-style seating. The specific layout is typically coordinated with the Zaras Resort events team based on the nature and size of the booking. It is advisable to discuss your preferred setup in advance to allow adequate preparation time.

Yes, The Senate is a popular choice for corporate groups travelling from Mumbai and Pune, both of which are within a few hours of Khandala via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway. The venue offers audio-visual infrastructure for presentations and seminars, while the surrounding resort provides relaxation amenities between sessions. This combination of professional facilities and a hill-station environment makes it well suited for multi-day corporate programmes.

The Senate is equipped with audio-visual infrastructure to support conferences, presentations, and corporate events. For specific details on the equipment available — such as projectors, screens, microphones, and sound systems — the events team at Zaras Resort should be contacted directly to confirm what is included and what may need to be arranged additionally.

Yes, The Senate can be used alongside the outdoor lawns and other banquet areas available at Zaras Resort, making it well suited for wedding weekends that span multiple functions across different settings. Families often use the indoor and outdoor spaces in combination for events such as a sangeet and reception. The events team can help design a programme that flows across the resort's various venues.

Khandala, where Zaras Resort is located, sits along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway corridor in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is accessible from both Mumbai and Pune by road in a few hours, making it a practical destination for event guests travelling from either city. The exact driving time will vary based on traffic and departure point.

Zaras Resort does offer accommodation on the property, which is particularly useful for weddings and multi-day corporate retreats where out-of-town guests need to stay close to the venue. Guests attending events at The Senate can remain on-site throughout the celebrations or programme. Room availability and booking details should be confirmed directly with the resort's reservations team.

Khandala has its own railway station, which is served by trains on the Mumbai–Pune rail route, allowing guests to travel without relying solely on private transport. From Khandala station, the resort can typically be reached by local taxi or a pickup arrangement. It is recommended to check with Zaras Resort about any guest transfer services they may offer.

As a full-service resort, Zaras Resort is expected to offer in-house catering for events hosted at The Senate, though the exact menus, cuisine options, and policies on outside catering should be confirmed with the events team. It is advisable to discuss dietary requirements, cuisine preferences, and meal formats — such as buffet or plated service — during the planning process.

As a resort property in Khandala, Zaras Resort is expected to have parking available for guests driving in from Mumbai, Pune, or elsewhere. The specific parking capacity and any arrangements for large event groups should be confirmed with the resort directly. For events with a high number of self-drive attendees, it is worth discussing logistics in advance.

Enquiries about availability and pricing for The Senate can be directed to the events or sales team at Zaras Resort through the official website at zarasresort.com or by contacting the resort directly. Pricing for event spaces at resorts of this type typically depends on the event date, guest count, duration, catering requirements, and additional services required. It is recommended to reach out well in advance, especially for peak seasons and weekends.

The Senate's location within Zaras Resort in the Sahyadri hills of Khandala means events benefit from cooler ambient temperatures, fresh mountain air, and scenic surroundings compared to venues in Mumbai or Pune. This environment adds a distinctive destination quality to both corporate gatherings and celebratory events. The Western Ghats backdrop is often cited as a meaningful part of the overall guest experience at the resort.

Banquet spaces like The Senate at Zaras Resort generally allow for décor, floral arrangements, and thematic installations to be set up for weddings and social events. The specific policies on external décor vendors, installation timelines, and any restrictions should be discussed with the resort's events team during the planning stage. Early communication helps ensure the setup aligns with both the client's vision and the venue's operational requirements.

The Senate is an enclosed indoor banquet space, which means it provides a weather-protected environment regardless of the season — including during Khandala's monsoon months when the Western Ghats receive significant rainfall. This makes it a reliable choice for events planned during the June-to-September period when outdoor venues in the region can be unpredictable. Guests can enjoy the scenic surroundings of the resort while remaining sheltered within the venue itself.

The Senate offers the functional infrastructure of a professional banquet and conference venue — adaptable layouts, AV support, and catering — within a hill-station resort environment that urban venues cannot replicate. The combination of structured event facilities and the relaxation of the Sahyadri hills makes it especially appealing for events where the overall guest experience matters as much as the event logistics. For planners seeking a destination feel without requiring guests to travel far from Mumbai or Pune, it presents a practical and distinctive option.