February 2019
Image Source: freepik.com
The City of Dreams, the city that never stops and never sleeps, has unbearably scorching summers sometimes. At such a time, a quick weekend getaway seems the perfect recipe to beat the heat. Leave the water parks aside please! Of course water parks are fun and amusing. But what about some quiet “me” or “us” time?
Relax and take a look at this list of cool getaways in Mumbai where you can go for itty bitty trips.
1. Lonavla
Picture perfect landscape, rolling hills, lush greenery, fog, murmuring streams, salubrious weather. Does the mental picture soothe your heat frazzled mind? Don’t imagine, just take a ride of about 90 kms from Mumbai and voila! Lonavla here we come! The most sought after weekend getaway, Lonavla offers the lure of undisturbed, virgin landscape which promises to rejuvenate and relax the mind like no other.
How to reach: Lonavla is linked with Mumbai through the railways. You could also drive to Lonavla via the well constructed roads which ensure a smooth ride. Opt for a bus ride to Lonavla to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Where to stay: Lonavla offers a variety of options. Budget hotels, medium-range hotels, luxurious hotels and resorts cater to the needs of every type of tourist. You can choose to forego AC rooms to enjoy the salubrious climate of Lonavla.
2. Khandala
The twin town of Khandala is the cherry on top of the Lonavla cake. Travel 5 kms from Lonavla and hey presto you are in Khandala. The stunning natural beauty of this place will also make you reminisce about Bollywood’s romance with this place. Aati Kya Khandala, ring a bell? Laze around surrounded by the serene natural beauty.For the more adventurous, sign up for trekking and explore the town.
How to reach: The Lonavla railway station is the closest to Khandala, which is further connected to Mumbai through regular trains. Drive via the Mumbai-Pune Highway for some exciting thrills. You can also avail state and private Volvo buses to reach Khandala.
Where to stay: From budget hotels to luxurious resorts, Khandala offers a plethora of options for its tourists.
3. Matheran
Enjoy untamed landscapes of nature in Matheran to beat the summer heat. A distance of about 90 kms from Mumbai, the tranquility of Matheran would certainly cool you down, both physically and mentally. The traditional village landscape, the thick green shady forests, the quiet waterfall and the moss covered rocks provide a pastoral ambience which is bound to relax you.
How to reach: Check this out! You can’t drive to Matheran; rather you are taken to Matheran! Declared as an eco-sensitive area by the Government, no vehicle is allowed in this small town. Therefore, upon reaching a point called Dasturi point in Neral, you can either opt for a horse, a hand driven cart or even better a toy-train! Does this sound fun? Well then, Matheran is awaiting you!
Where to stay: Matheran has a pretty good range of lodges and guest houses, which provide budget and mid-range accommodation. The MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) also runs budget hotels in Matheran.
4. Alibag
Beaches, lush tropical beauty, palm fringes and paddy fields, Alibag is a dream destination. Ocean lovers will attest to Alibag’s fame as the king of beaches in Maharashtra. With tranquil fishing hamlets, pallid beaches, clear water and clean sand, Alibag is a mere 90 kms away from the city of Mumbai. Come on, splash your way to Alibag and get some much needed respite from the heat!
How to reach :Pen is the nearest railway station to Alibag. Trains from Mumbai CST stop at Pen railway at specific time intervals. Alternatively, a road trip to Alibag from Mumbai makes for a pretty smooth ride.
Where to stay:Several hotels and resorts are available to suit all kinds of budgets. You can also avail of the home-stay option. Does the idea of being paying guests in a local residents’ house sound amazing? Oh Yes!
5. Kashid
If you want tranquil beaches with a lot of quiet and solitude, travel 30 kms from Alibag and find yourself in Kashid. Home to one of the best beaches in the Konkan region, Kashid is famous for its clear water and white sandy beach. Casuarina groves further enhance the beauty of the beach. If you are a surfer, you need to get down to Kashid beach ASAP because during summer, the waves can hit heights of 5 to 6 feet! Taste the local cuisine of the place, available in the local shacks by the beach side, as a delectable bonus!
How to reach: Like Alibag, Pen is the nearest railway station from Kashid. However, if you are an avid traveller, a 3 hour car ride will get your adrenaline pumping!.
Where to stay: Budget hotels and mid-range accommodations are available. Since summer is the best time to escape to this “surfer’s paradise”, it is highly recommended that you get done with your bookings beforehand.
6. Kolad
Are you a water baby? Head to Kolad if you are in love with water. Located at a distance of about 120 kms from Mumbai, Kolad welcomes you with amazing water sports activities like river rafting, kayaking etc. You can also go for a little trekking, cycling, river zip line crossing and canoeing. However, the grade white water river rafting IS the main attraction of Kolad.
How to reach: Lonavla is the nearest railway station if you are planning to avail of the train service. Alternatively, there are bus routes from Khandala bus stations to Kolad.
Where to stay: Resorts and cottages in Kolad offer decent service and value for money. Tents, camps and caravans are also available for rent.
7. Bhandardara
Lush greenery, water streams and the undisturbed natural beauty of Bhandardara make it very easy to forget the scorching Mumbai sun. A train journey from Mumbai takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach this place.The picturesque landscape and the vast stretches of green will definitely refresh your mind.
How to reach: Igatpuri is the nearest railway station, about 35 kms, from Bhandardara. Taxis and buses from the station are available at regular frequencies. If you choose the “by road” option, then Bhandardara is well-connected by state-run buses.
Where to stay: The MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) resorts are available for budget accommodations. You may opt for the luxurious hotels here as well.
8. Lavasa
Do you want a planned weekend getaway in the most planned city of Maharashtra? If yes, then head to Lavasa. A striking tourist destination, Lavasa is a 3 hour drive from Mumbai. Explore the beautiful landscapes. Let the serene environment fuel your imagination. Also, did you know? Lavasa also has the distinction of combining New Urbanism with Biomimicry, which in layman’s terms translates to ‘the availability of amenities based on the science learnt from nature.’
How to reach: Lonavla is the nearest railway station. Lavasa is 30 kms away from this railway station. You could either take a taxi or climb aboard a bus. Buses ply regularly. You can also opt for a 3 hour road trip.
Where to stay:Accommodations are a plenty in Lavasa. Take your pick from a wide plethora of hotels that offer 24X7 facilities.
9. Hidden Village
Travel an hour and a half from Thane and there lies a beautiful place, which promises to give you the best time of your life. Spend a weekend inside a village, with forests, waterfalls, ponds, birds and ducks moving here and there. Add a natural pond for fish pedicure to this amazing mix and voila! you have the Hidden Village. A 4 acre living landscape, this place will certainly take you back to the quieter, idyllic days of yore. Take a walk through the forest, swim in the natural swimming pool, and spend some quality time with the birds and ducks like never before!
How to reach: Traveling by train is the best way to reach the Hidden Village. Get into the Kasara Local from CST Mumbai and get down at Atgaon station. You will find plenty of cars and other vehicles ready to take you to your destination.
Where to stay: You can choose from a range of rooms in the Hidden Village, each offering unique amenities. Prior booking through their website is highly recommended.
10. Murud-Janjira
Some 150 kms south of Mumbai lies a little fishing village, Murud Janjira. The word “janjira” is derived from the Arabic word “jazirah”, meaning the island. Janjira fort is the pride of this place. The inviting turquoise waters will make you want to dive in immediately. The golden sand of the beach, fringed with swaying palm trees will lull your mind into peace. The abundance of scenic beauty will captivate your mind and soul. Take a walk along the beach with your loved ones and forget the sweltering heat of Mumbai.
How to reach: Panvel is the nearest railway station to Murud-Janjira, which is connected with all other major railway stations. From there, take public buses and autos to reach your destination.
Where to stay: Murud –Janjira has an assortment of budget and mid-range hotels. You will get plenty of options to choose from.
Also Read : Best Detours From Mumbai
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