LONAVLA: If you want to learn the best way to serenade your eyes and calm your mind…then it has to be Lonavla! With lush green expanses, it’s one of the most exciting and calming weekend holiday spots. Known for its picnic spots, this has some of the most adventurous trekking trails for the brave-hearts.

Lonavla is also known for its 2nd century B.C. Buddhist caves of Bhaja and Karla, situated near the hill station. Explorers can get the most of their archaeological digs here! The best part is to watch the sunlight filter through the sun-window and cast patterned shadow on passers-bys.

How to get there:  96 kms. from Mumbai, it’s situated on the Mumbai-Pune highway. Buses shuttle between Lonavla and Khandala. Bicycles are also a good option for cycle enthusiasts.

 

 

KHANDALA: Best known for its frothy, milky silver waterfalls set amidst the lush green mountains, a perfect place to relax and unwind. Khandala has retained the charm of small-city friendliness which is a good break from the hustle-bustle of Mumbai.

The best time to visit Khandala is during monsoons. The panoramic view of the Sahyadri Mountain Range coupled with cascades and pleasant cool winds, it’s truly the perfect place for rejuvenating your mind and body.

How to get there: It’s at a distance of 101 kms. from Mumbai and can be reached either by taking the bus from Mumbai or from Lonavla or by hiring a private taxi.

MAHABALESHWAR: The summer capital of Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is not just known for its natural beauty but also for the significant connections it has with Shivaji. A purely monsoon-time hill station, it sees huge crowds throng the place during monsoons (June to September). But those who are all for rain-dances are sure welcome to visit Mahabaleshwar during peak monsoon!

The most delectable strawberry and raspberry jams are available here as culinary delights for those who want to pamper their taste buds. There is Venna Lake at about 4 kms from Mahabaleshwar that offers boating and fishing facilities. Also, for those who love photography, Kate’s Point, Elphistone and Babington provide the most beautiful view of the city. Waterfalls dot the place, Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Falls and Lingmala Falls. Do carry your swim gear for a dip!

How to get there: Located at a 117 kms from Mumbai, there's an MTDC luxury bus daily to/from Mumbai.

PANCHGANI: The best of olden the times— British buildings, Parsi bungalows, and boarding schools. Panchgani is where you can let go and soak in the laziness and the sleepiness, relax, and unwind.  Walking through the thickly shaded alleyways adds to the Indie-punk-noir style of this town.

Among places to explore, there’s hardly anything. There’s Kamalgad Fort which can be reached on horseback (adds to the 15 minutes of famed glory!) or by foot. Though, a better recommendation would be to gaze at the river Krishna wind its way through the ravines down and under!

How to get there: Just 18 kms from Mahabaleshwar, it can be easily reached by road from Mumbai. Luxury bus services of MTDC can also be availed.

SHIRDI: Spiritualism personified, Shirdi is a small town in Maharashtra, famous for its association with Sai Baba. Even though people regard it as a place of religious importance, there are numerous engagements to keep you on your toes. Temples are of major significance here, especially the Samadhi Mandir (made of white marble), Dwarkamai, Lendi Baug and so on.

It’s during Dusshera, Ram Navami and Guru Purab, when you get to see the real action. Festivities are at their peak during this time and its fun to celebrate along with thousands of unknown faces yet feel bound by the same faith and culture. It’s a must visit for those who are soul searching.

How to get there: About 296 kms from Mumbai, you can avail the state run bus service to get there or hire a private taxi.  

 

 

MATHERAN: A quaint little holiday spot, hidden under the thicket of trees and more trees is Matheran. At 108 kms, it’s the closest to Mumbai and is known for the one fact: No motor vehicles allowed. In a bid, to preserve the natural bio-diversity and purity of air, water, there are no vehicles allowed to enter Matheran. Nothing can beat the thrill of walking the mountain trails in the company of chirruping birds and pleasant cool winds.

Matheran doesn’t have a whole lot of activities to offer. If you want a lazy, leisurely holiday, then this is your bet. Porcupine Point is where you can get a picturesque view of the sunset or even better would be Panorama Point. A stroll down to the One Tree Hill will lead you to down to the valley, also known as ‘Shivaji’s Ladder’. Legend says that the Maratha leader had once used it.

How to get there: Since there are no motor vehicles allowed in the town, it’s an adventure in itself to get there. You can take a tiny narrow-gauge toy train from Neral Junction up the 21-km route to the hill station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or minibus from Neral. However, as cars are prohibited in Matheran, you will then face a 40-minute walk into Matheran or you'll have to hire a horse or cycle-rickshaw. Only the toy train goes right into the centre of the town. Shared taxis are also available from Neral to Mathera.

GORAI BEACH: Once a fishing village, Gorai Beach is now one of the suburban areas of Mumbai. Close to Marve and Manori, the beach has lots of swaying palms and is an ideal place for fun-filled parties and picnics.

Low hills outline the beach and offer excellent points for sunrise and sunset. A trip down to the coastal villages can be enlightening vis-à-vis the lives of fishermen and their lifestyles. Also, the beach restaurants here offer sumptuous seafood treats at affordable rates. Candle light dinners and wild night parties are a common feature. For singles, it’s a good place to socialize and have fun.

How to get there: Just 40 kms north of Mumbai, it’s easily accessible via taxis or buses.

ALIBAUG: The holiday spot of tinsel town Bollywood’s biggies, Alibaug is a host ot farmhouses and lavish bungalows of the silver screen. A coastal town inclusive of nine beaches, one would expect to see the wild–by–nature streak all around. But, that’s where the surprise is. Alibaug is one of the most serene costal towns around Mumbai.

Warm sand to dig your toes into and azure blue water to splash about in— it’s an exotic retreat. Of the 9 beaches— Alibag Beach is the main town beach, with the magnanimous Kulaba Fort just off the sea shore.

How to get there: 35 kms from Mumbai, easily accessible via taxis or buses.

MALSHEJ GHAT: Not as known as other tourist spots, Malshej Ghat sits perched among the Ghats and is a perennial tourist destination. The name comes from the fact that during monsoons, the hill resort takes the color of mint green due to the heavy vegetation. The diverse variety of flora and fauna here attracts bird watchers in large numbers. Quails, Cuckoos, Rails are a common sight.

Malshej is an adventure enthusiast’s delight. The undulating hills offer treakking and hiking, exploring jungle paths, scaling the peaks of hills and so on. Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Shivaji is a must- visit too.

How to get there: 150 kms from Mumbai, it’s accessible via a private taxi or a bus.

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