Enough hotchpotch? Here are top 5 weekend getaways from Mumbai
No matter how much we all adore our beloved 'City of dreams', but the fact is that it can, at times, get unbearably frustrating. And five days of maddening crowd, infamous traffic, and boss-obeying is enough to bring you on the verge of psychological explosion. That's why you deserve a nice break on the last 2 days. Here are 5 best weekend getaways from Mumbai.
Short and sweet, to sum it up!
Just 48kms away from Mumbai, Karnala makes for a short and sweet weekend-getaway for Mumbaikars, where you can sneak in even if you have just one day to spare. The famous Karnala Bird Sanctuary, spread over a massive 4.8 sq km, in the Sahyadri ranges, makes for a lovely picnic and trekking spot. It has over 150 resident bird species.
Bollywood's favorite getaway!
You can either take a ferry from Gateway of India, or drive your way to Alibaug. A must visit for all those who love adventure and/or beaches, Alibaug has to offer numerous water-sports, and bird watching in the Phansad Sanctuary to offer. Varsoli Beach, Vikram Vinayak Temple, Alibaug Fort, Kaneshwar Mandir, Hirakot Fort are all must-visit stops. After all, it's a Bollywood-certified getaway.
The fresh, soothing air awaits you!
You already guessed Lonavala will make the list, didn't you? The beautiful twin hill-tops of Lonavala and Khandala is a much-adored weekend getaway for the people of Mumbai. The ever-pleasant weather, lush-green mountains, and the scenic landscape is all you need to restart yourself. You can trek, camp, or simply shop. Do not miss-out on Duke's Nose, Korigad Fort, and the super-amazing caves.
Take a culturally-rich break in Raigad
A testimony to the culture and legend of the Maratha Empire, Raigad that was once the capital of Shivaji, is another fulfilling weekend getaway, particularly for families and history enthusiasts. The main attraction here is the 17th century Raigad Fort. You can either climb the 1,737 stairs, or take the famous cable ride to reach there. Raigad museum should also be given a try.
Give a Portuguese flavor to your weekend
If you're up for a long drive, take your four-wheeler for a 3-4 hour journey northwards to the beautiful beach town of Daman. The once Portuguese colony is a charming and laid-back beach destination. There's plenty to do including paragliding, beach-basking, and many water sports. Do make sure to visit the Jampore Beach, Devka Beach, Church of Bom Jesus, and the Somnath Mahadev Temple.
