Palava through my eyes: A senior citizen’s reflection

By Lodha

At Palava, every voice matters and every experience adds a new layer to the city’s story. In this special piece, Dr. N. Purushothaman, M.A., Ph.D., DBM - a senior resident from Lakeshore Greens, shares his heartfelt journey of discovering peace, convenience and vibrant community life in Palava.

From tree-lined avenues to cultural gatherings, he paints a picture of a city that truly cares for its people - including those in their golden years.

I moved to Palava on January 1, 2019. Since that day, I’ve seen an incredible transformation - from a hopeful township plan into a lively, green and self-sufficient city that I’m proud to call home.

At my age - well into my seventies - what I cherish most is peace of mind, safety, access to healthcare, clean air, walkability and a strong sense of community. Palava not only meets these needs but often goes above and beyond.

Palava strikes a thoughtful balance between modern convenience and natural serenity. The wide, one-way roads are kept in pristine condition. Lush trees line the sidewalks and medians, providing both shade and visual charm. Each residential cluster boasts its own landscaped garden and children’s play area, while the expansive community gardens are a daily delight - green, peaceful and full of life.

The skyline features a graceful mix of high-rise buildings - ranging from 18 to 25 floors and newly built ground-plus-one villas, with about 150 of these currently under construction.

Here, the essentials of life are taken care of with ease. Residents enjoy round-the-clock access to water and electricity. Everything you need - from shops and medical stores to restaurants and supermarkets - is just a short stroll away. Cleanliness is not just a rule; it is a way of life.

Palava’s internal transportation system sets a benchmark for modern townships. Air-conditioned shuttle buses run every 15 minutes throughout the township, and the best part? They are completely free!

For those travelling from our complex to Mumbai by local train, AC buses connect to Dombivli Railway Station for a nominal fare per trip, and monthly passes make it even easier.

Parking is seamless, thanks to multi-level facilities for both two-wheelers and cars. Plus, visitors can pre-book parking, which is a thoughtful addition to modern living.

Palava is all about celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. We have beautiful places of worship, like a tranquil Shiv Mandir and a peaceful Gurudwara, which serve as not just spiritual havens but also as gathering spots that foster harmony among residents.

In tune with contemporary lifestyles, the Palava features a Pet Park where residents can enjoy quality time with their furry friends. There are designated dog-feeding zones to keep things tidy and promote a sense of community, showcasing a caring approach to pet ownership.

Health and wellness are integral to everyday living here. The city boasts of fully-equipped gyms, each with its own cafe and even crèche facilities. There are swimming pools for kids and for adults - along with an Olympic-sized pool for professional training.

Additionally, you’ll find tennis courts, squash courts, basketball and badminton courts, and indoor games like chess, carom, table tennis, and pool. These amenities are not mere luxuries; they’re woven into the fabric of daily life.

When it comes to medical needs, residents are well taken care of. Specialized doctors, diagnostic centers, and the AIMS Medical Centre ensure prompt and reliable healthcare.

This brings a sense of security for families, particularly for senior citizens like me.

Palava is a fantastic place for families, boasting top-notch schools like Lodha World School and The Shri Ram Universal School right within the community. There are plenty of pre-primary and play schools that make early education safe, accessible, and super convenient.

Cultural activities flourish here. The clubhouses serve as hubs for a variety of events and activities. I particularly cherish the weekend movie screenings at Palava’s private cinemas - a thoughtful amenity that adds a touch of leisure to community living.

The clubhouses also feature auditoriums and party halls available for a small fee, perfect for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or community gatherings.

Palava is home to vibrant social groups that enrich the lives of residents across all age groups - with seniors finding a strong sense of connection and purpose.

Some of the notable ones include - Senior Citizen Federation Palava (SCFP), Citizen Welfare Foundation Palava (CWFP), Spandan, Swarsandhya, Aanandam.

These groups host monthly cultural events, music sessions featuring popular Hindi and Marathi film songs, dramas, skits, picnics, and birthday and anniversary celebrations for members.

Additionally, other informal groups offer classes in yoga, Bhagavad Gita study, and Bharatnatyam dance - infusing joy and creativity into daily life.

Banking is hassle-free with full-service branches of ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and Kotak Bank conveniently located within the township.

Palava stands apart for its clean air - a rarity in today’s urban landscape - and its conscious commitment to greenery and sustainability. From waste segregation to water management, everything is planned with the future in mind.

As a senior citizen, Palava offers me more than just a place to live - it is a sanctuary. I can take peaceful morning walks without worrying about traffic. I watch my grandchildren grow up freely, safely, and happily in an environment full of hope.

I often wonder - if every city in India offered even a fraction of what Palava provides, wouldn’t retirement be something to truly look forward to?