Mumbai- a city that never sleeps is the financial capital of the country and never stops working. Hustling and bustling continues even during the wee hours of the day in the largest metropolitan of India. The Mumbaikars remain busy throughout the week in order to match the dynamic and electrifying work culture. Weekend is something every Mumbaikar awaits to get away from the busy life of the city. The majestic Western Ghats surrounding the metropolis certainly allows the people of Mumbai to bask in the beauty during the weekend, as the city has plenty of options for weekend getaways.
The Top 5 places for Weekend Getaway for Mumbaikars
Lonavala-Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are adjacent to each other and lie on the serene hills of Sahyadri Range. For ages, both the places have attracted millions of tourist to the hill stations. Khandala and Lonavala have been a perfect location for shooting Bollywood movies. For people of Mumbai, these two destinations have always been a favourite weekend getaway to enjoy the lovely atmosphere and the beauty of the hills on the Western Ghats.
How to Reach: Mumbaikars can reach the place either by road or by train
Distance: 83 Kilometers
Places to Visit: Bhaja Cave, Lonavala Lake, Bushi Dam, Rajmachi Fort, Koregad Fort, and Karla Caves
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, and Hot Air Balloon Safari
Best Time to Visit: January, February, July, August, October, November, and December
Daman
Daman, situated between Maharashtra, Arabian Sea, and Gujarat, with beautiful landscape, is one of the best places for a weekend getaway. The tiny city of Daman is part of Daman & Diu Union Territory. The place has a blend of European and Muslim cultures as the state was the colony of the former for more than 400 years. It has a wide range of places for tourists to discover and also places where people can find the much-needed serenity.
How to Reach: Daman has a domestic airport that allows planes from Baroda and Mumbai to arrive and depart, while Vapi is the nearest railway station, and NH 8 connects the place to Mumbai.
Distance: 177 Kilometers
Places to Visit: Devka Beach, Jampore Beach, Kadaiya Lake Garden, Moti Daman fort, and The Sao Jeronimo Fort
Best Time to Visit: January, February, March, October, November, and December
Nashik
This place is a perfect match for all the travelers who love wine. Nashik is the Wine capital of India, the city is home to some of the oldest and famous vineyards in the country such as Sula Winery. The major attraction in Nashik lies in Wine tours across the vineyards. The tourists can also volunteer to crush grapes in the barrels, pick juicy grapes from the field, while sipping wine at the end. Apart from the beautiful vineyards, Nashik is also home to some of most important Hindu cultural centres, the tourists flock in numbers during the special occasions according to the Hindu Calender.
How to Reach: Tourist can reach the place either by road or by rail
Distance: 168 Kilometers
Places to Visit: Dudhsagar Falls, Sula Vineyards, Pandav Leni Caves, Trimbakeshwar, Naroshankara Temple
Things to Do: Vineyard Tours, Trekking, White Water Rafting, Shopping
Best Time to Visit: January, February, October, November, and December
Raigad
Erstwhile capital of the Marathas under the leadership of India's most revered king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, Raigad with all its natural beauty and landscape served as an important centre for trade and cultural exchange during the reign of Shivaji. The ruins of the of city have become a major tourist attraction in the recent years. The rich past and the dense forests of Sahydari Range add to the scenic beauty of the Raigad and serves as one of the best weekend getaway for Mumbaikars.
How to Reach: Tourist can reach Raigad either by road or to Veer the nearest railway station with cab services available for Raigad.
Distance: 166 Kilometers
Places to Visit: Gangasagar Lake, Queen's Palace, Raigad Fort, Jagadishwar Temple, Nagaon Beach
Things to Do: Trekking, Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Rafting, Camping
Best Time to Visit: January, February, March, October, November, and December
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar has a blend of old age beauty and modernity, it is the highest hill station on the Western Ghats. The place is often visited by the devotees of Lord Shiva who travel from all across the country to abode of Lord Shiva in the Mahabaleshwar Temple. Apart from the pilgrimage centre, Mahabaleshwar is also home to some of the finest mulberries, raspberries and gooseberries throughout the country. The place provides natural scenic beauty to the travelers and explorers.
How to Reach: For Mumbaikars the best way to reach Mahabaleshwar is by road.
Distance: 166 Kilometers
Places to Visit: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Lingmala Waterfall, Venna Lake, Pratapgad Fort, Elphinestone Point
Things to Do: Trekking, Strawberry Field Walk, Boating
Best Time to Visit: January, February, March, April, October, November, and December
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