Mumbai’s charisma lures visitors not just from India but from all over the world, however when it comes to the people who are living there, they need a break from their mundane yet fast paced life to relax and revitalize themselves. With so many options, we bring to you yet another list of places you can visit over a weekend:
1. Karjat- historic little hill station
This little hill station is bejewelled with plush forests, and is loved by both adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. A known place for honeymooners was also used in the Oscar winning movie Slumdog Millionaire.
- Why to visit:
- Kondana Caves: Showcasing the primeval Buddhist culture, many sculptures were damaged in an earthquake or early 1900s.
- Kothaligad Fort: Also known as the Fort of Peth, not much is known about this fort but it is believed this fort dates back to 13th century on the basis of the carvings on the walls.
- Ulhas Valley: attracting visitors from all over the world gives a scenic view of the Ulhas River flowing through the valley along with the trek.
- Adventure activities: From trekking to rafting and rappelling to parasailing Karjat has a lot to offer to its tourists.
- Other details:
- Distance: Karjat is just 63 kilometres from Mumbai city.
- Budget: A typical 2 day trip will cost you around Rs. 4,000.
- How to travel: Due to this short distance, the ideal mode of transportation is car or a bus.
- Best time to travel: Visit this cosy little hill station during Monsoon between July to early October.
- Who to travel with: Take a trip with your partner, family or friends, Karjat has something for everyone.
2. Igatpuri- picturesque beauty
One of the most visit places in all of Maharashtra is a staple site for weekend getaways of people from Mumbai and Pune. Located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra in Nashik district offers picturesque views of the Sahyadri range.
- Why to visit:
- Camel Valley: the view of 5 waterfalls falling on one below the other is a thing you should not miss
- Vipassna Centre: Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre offers meditation courses.
- Vaitarna Dam: Located on the Vaitarna River gives a view that is sight for the sore eyes.
- Triingalwadi Fort: situated at a height of 3,000 ft gives a bird eye view of the city
- Kalsubai Peak: Also knows as the Everest of Maharashtra is a must visit hill.
- Adventure Activities: Indulge in camping with bonfire or hiking and trekking, Igatpuri will not disappoint you.
- Other details:
- Distance: Igatpuri is just 120 kilometres from Mumbai.
- Budget: A typical 2 day trip will cost you around Rs. 4,500.
- How to travel: Igatpuri is easily accessible via Train, and gives a scenic view along the way, however you can travel by road as well.
- Best time to travel: Visit Igatpuri during Monsoon and Winters (from July till February)
- Who to travel with: Take a trip with your partner, family or friends, Igatpuri has something for everyone.
3. Malshej Ghat- Hikers paradise
The road journey to this hill station is a blissful journey, with small waterfall by the road and valley on the other side, it is an absolute wonder. The thrilling treks and amazing waterfall views and the panoramic view along with the tranquil of the Western Ghats cannot be missed.
- Why to visit:
- Malshej Falls: Imagine mist, fog, and waterfall with a remarkable view of the mountains
- Pimpalgaon Joga Dam: Lake in front and hills in the backdrop, this place is calm and rejuvenating.
- Ajoba Hill Fort: Heaven for rock climbers and trekkers gives a views one can die for.
- Adventure activities: partake in paragliding, trekking, hiking, and reach to the heights to get some amazing sights.
- Other details:
- Distance: the hill station is less than 130 kilometres from Mumbai city.
- Budget: A typical 2 day trip will cost you around Rs. 5,000.
- How to travel: Nearest railway station is 85 kilometres from this hill station at Kalyan. We recommend going there by road to enjoy the scenery.
- Best time to travel: Visit Igatpuri during Monsoon(from July till October)
- Who to travel with: Take a trip with your friends or go solo and find yourself.
4. Nashik- Wine capital of India
One of the 4 cities of India that holds Kumbh Mela every 12 years is also known for its exquisite wine production. Situated on the bank of the holy river Godavri, is known for the temples and as per Hindu Mythology the place where Ravana’s sister Surpanakha’s nose was cut by Lord Ram. Apart from being a religious place, Nashik has some great Vineyards, and home of ‘Sula’ wines along with hills and cascades.
- Why to visit:
- Panchvati: Said to be the shelter of Lord Ram, Lady Sita, and Lord Laxman when they were sentenced exile for 14 years, there are banyan trees that are said to be from the ear of Ramanaya and cave from where it is believed Lady Sita were abducted by Ravana.
- Sula Vineyard: You can stay in the resort within the vineyard and lose yourself in the lushness and take part in some wine tasting.
- Saptashrungi: situated on the hill range made of 7 hills offers great views when travelling to the numerous temples this place has.
- Pandavleni Caves: Also known as Nashik caves are a cluster of 24 caves built between 1st century BC and 3rd century AD.
- Adventure activities: From trekking to adventure parks and wine tasting to nature walks Nashik has it all to offer.
- Other details:
- Distance: Nashik is only 165 kilometres from Mumbai.
- Budget: A typical 2 day trip will cost you around Rs. 7,000.
- How to travel: Nearest railway station is just 9 kilometres from the city. You can also travel there by road.
- Best time to travel: Ideal seasons to visit Nashik are early Winter to Early Summers (from October to March).
- Who to travel with: No matter who you go with, you will not be bored, be it a solo trip, a trip with friends or family or even your romantic partner, Nashik has something for everyone.
5. Lavasa- India’s first planned Hill Station
Lavasa is also called the mini Portofino (Italian village) of India. The harmony of modern infrastructure and the nature is complete bliss. A hill station in India which makes you feel like you are in Europe make it a must have on your list of destination to visit. Lavasan is gaining buzz among all sort of people for their getaways from the hustle bustle of the city life and enjoy nature with infrastructure close that of a metropolitan.
- Why to visit:
- Sightseeing: Just the sheer architecture of the city is mesmerising, the modern building along with the hills in the backdrop and street plays, this hill station in the making is a joy to be at.
- Lakeside Promenade: Apart from eateries this places offers boat rides as well.
- Bamboosa: The cultural centre promotes Bamboo products, as the hill station is surrounded with Bamboo trees, you can find variety of striking bamboo products made by the locals to buy.
- Temghar Dam: The earth-fill and gravity dam was built in 2001 gives a panoramic view of the reservoir and the hill station.
- Water activities: Treat yourself with water activities like Kayaking, luxury cruising, jet skiing, water volleyball, and much more.
- Other details:
- Distance: the hill station is less than 130 kilometres from Mumbai city.
- Budget: A typical 2 day trip will cost you around Rs. 5,000.
- How to travel: Nearest railway station is 85 kilometres from this hill station at Kalyan. We recommend going there by road to enjoy the scenery.
- Best time to travel: Visit Lavasa during Monsoon and Winters, from July to February. Thought we think Monsoon season is more worthwhile.
- Who to travel with: Take a trip with your friends or partner here.
6. Raigad- of Maratha Empire
It was the first capital of the Maratha Empire, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj acquired this place in the year 1656 is his tomb (Samadhi) is still in the Raigad fort. Raigad is among the few places left in Maharashtra that has kept hold of the culture and heritage of the Maratha legacy. People from all over the world visit this place to see the Raigad fort among various other forts this place has.
- Why to Visit:
- Raigad Fort: Take the ropeway or climb over 1700 steps to reach this grandiose fort which also has a museum, film show and astonishing view of the valley.
- Diveagar Beach: A beach with the mix of white and grey sand offers water activities and quad bike rides.
- Jagadishwar Temple: A temple with a dome showcasing the influence of the Mughal culture was visited daily by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
- Madhe Ghat Falls: situated about 850m from the sea level this waterfall gives a breathtaking view of Raigad fort and backwater of Bhatghar dam.
- Raj Bahwan (Bhavan): A place where Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj supposedly gave his verditcs is a fine example of architecture from that period.
- Adventure activities: Raigad offers hiking, trekking, historic exploration, and cable car ride.
- Other Details:
- Distance: The Maratha capital is only 160 kilometres from Maharashtra’s capital.
- Budget: A typical 2 day trip will cost you around Rs. 6,000.
- How to travel: Nearest railway station is 30 kilometres from Raigad in Mangaon, however you can also travel via car which will be a 4 hour drive in total.
- Best time to travel: Recommended time to visit Raigad is between September to January i.e. Monsoon and Winter.
- Who to travel with: Take a trip with your family here.
7. Bhimashankar- one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines
It is said that this place got its name from the Bhima River which evaporated during the stern battle between lord Shiva and Demon Tripurasura. It was after reducing the demon to ashes that the river Bhima was revived from the sweat of Lord Shiva. Apart for the religious beliefs tourists are appealed by the wildlife sanctuary, trekking opportunities, and camping here.
- Why to visit:
- Bhimashankar Temple: one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines in all of India.
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: Initially opened for the protection of the giant Indian squirrel, is now home to various species of mammals and birds. It covers over 120 sq kilometres of area.
- Hanuman Lake: Plains midst the hills with a lake and a waterfall is a scenic place and a famous picnic spot.
- Ahupe Waterfall: Offering a picturesque view of the valley and backwater of the Dimbhe dam
- Other details:
- Distance: Bhimashankar is just a little over 200 kilometres from Mumbai.
- Budget: A typical 2 day trip will cost you around Rs. 8,000.
- How to travel: We recommend traveling there by road taking a 5 hour drive as the nearest railway station is in Shelu which is almost 180 kilometres from Bhimashankar.
- Best time to travel: Recommended time to visit Bhimashankar is between September to February i.e. Monsoon and Winter.
- Who to travel with: Take a trip with your family and friends or go solo.
8. Manori- Goa within Mumbai
Manori and Gorai beaches in Mumbai are creating buzz among the Mumbains, who do not want to travel far yet want to rejuvenate themselves and go away from the city life. A typical 1 day trip where you can visit a 2 kilometre long beach is surrounded with cashew and coconut trees emanate a feeling that you are in Goa.
- Why to visit:
- Beach: Manori beach is relatively cleaner than the rest of the beaches of Mumbai.
- Religious places: Visit Global Vipassana Pagoda, and you will see that a city like Mumbai can have such a relaxing and hushed place. You can also visit churches, dargahs and temples nearby.
- Activities: Partake in the beach and barbeque parties on the Malori beach or visit the famous Essel world.
- Other details:
- Distance: Manori is less than 50 kilometres for the city centre.
- Budget: A typical day trip will cost you around Rs. 2,000.
- How to travel: Travel by road, take your own car or a taxi.
- Best time to travel: You can visit Maroli anytime of the year, though we recommend going there between November and February (Winters).
- Who to travel with: Visit Manori with your friends or your partner.
9. Silvassa- paradise unexplored
Capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli like Goa has a Portuguese influence. The city is surrounded by Gujarat on the west and Maharashtra from the east, north, and south and in the north-east are by the Sahyadri range. The handmade smoking pipes along with many others made by the local population are famous, you definitely need to check them out.
- Why to visit:
- Island garden: situated around a lake, this place leaves the visitors enthralled with its wooden bridges and thatched sheds and has been used in plenty of movies.
- Vanganga Lake: the lake is surrounded by the island garden offers boat rides to the visitors and some good food at the shoreline.
- Khanvel: witness the blue water flowing by a lush forest, it is the perfect place to visit to relax and do nothing, just lose yourself in the quietness to rejuvenate.
- Adventure activities: Go for a safari trip in the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Wildlife Sanctuary and try your luck in spotting a lion. Additionally, this place offers boat rides, motor rides, and fishing activities too.
- Other details:
- Distance: Distance between Silvassa and Mumbai city is around 170 kilometres.
- Budget: A typical day trip will cost you around Rs. 4,000.
- How to travel: You can travel by road, or take a train till Vapi which is 17 kilometres from Silvassa, from Vapi you can take a taxi.
- Best time to travel: Visit Silvassa during Winters and you will not regret it (from November to early March).
- Who to travel with: Visit Manori with your family or your partner.
10. Harihareshwar- Dakshin Kashi
Harihareshwar, surrounded by the three hills and hold river Savitri entering the Arabian Sea makes it a beautiful place to visit. Harihareshwar is called the Dakshin kashi (Southern Kashi) because of the temple of Lord Shiv. Aside from being a pilgrimage this places has some of the best virgin beaches and treks.
- Why to visit:
- Harihareshwar beach: A virgin beach offering an awestriking sunset view is a must go place.
- Diveagar beach: A beach with the mix of white and grey sand offers water activities and quad bike rides.
- Ganesh Gully: A 3 feet wide passage between two mountains ends at the Statue of Lord Ganesh which is immersed 30 feet under the sea which can be seen on low tides.
- Harihareshwar Temple: People tend to do a parikrama of this temple which is challenging in itself during low tides and said to be impossible during high tides.
- Adventure activities: Take part in trekking or water activities or just lose yourself in the nature walks, this place has it all.
- Other details:
- Distance: Distance between Harihareshwar and Mumbai city is around 200 kilometres.
- Budget: A typical day trip will cost you around Rs. 5,000.
- How to travel: You can travel by road which will be a 5 hour drive, or take a train. The nearest train station is Goregaon Road Halt which is around 65 kilometres from Harihareshwar.
- Best time to travel: Early Winters to Early Summers is the best time to visit this plave (from Mid October to Early March).
- Who to travel with: Travel with your partner or family, this place will not disappoint you.
