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Five Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai

Five Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai

Five Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai
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Mumbai or the Maximum City 'never sleeps'. With a hectic schedule and a demanding lifestyle, its residents make the most of their weekends by thronging to various nearby destinations such as Lonavla, Khandala, Alibaug or Goa. Apart from these regular places, there are many places around the city that can make your leisure time an enriching one. Hence, we bring you some of the lesser-known weekend getaways from Mumbai for a splendid weekend.

Kolad

(Wikimedia)(Wikimedia)

What Rishikesh is to Uttarakhand, Coorg is to Karnataka, Ladakh is to Jammu and Kashmir, Kolad is to Maharashtra. A water-rafting destination known for its adventure sports and waterfalls, Kolad is situated on the Sahyadri mountain range in Raigad district of the state. The area offers several adventure sports such as mountain biking, paragliding and rock climbing. Bhira Dam, Tamhini Falls and Kuda Caves are some of the attractions of Kolad. One can visit this town anytime of the year to make most of its placidness amidst din. However, it is advisable to avoid the months of April and May. Kolad is approximately 110 km away from Mumbai by road and about 80 km by train or flight.

Kaas Plateau

Kaas Plateau (flicker)

Also known as “Kaas Pathar”, Kaas Plateau is situated in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats. The plateau is the 'Valley of Flowers' in Maharashtra and spreads over 1,000 hectares. Declared as a bio-diversity site by the UNESCO in June 2012, the area resembles a carpet of flowers. August to October is the best time to visit Kaas Plateau. There are more than 450 different species of flowers, orchids and carnivorous plants which form a vibrant spectrum. If you want to take lazy strolls in the lap of mother nature and with flora and fauna for company, then visit this place which is about 280 km away from Mumbai.

Karnala

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Karnala is yet another weekend getaway for Mumbaikars. The beauty of Karnala can be best explored by visiting different places such as the Karnala Fort, which is famous for sightseeing, trekking and hiking. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is the mecca for birdwatchers with more than 150 resident birds and 35 winged visitors flocking the place. Ambarnath Shiva Temple and Elephanta Caves are also close to Karnala which can also be visited during a trip to Karnala. The best time to visit this sleepy town is from December to February. It is approximately 50 km away from Mumbai.

Matheran

 

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(Dreamstime)

A hill station in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Matheran is also the smallest hill station in India. Located at a height of about 2,500 feet above the sea level, Matheran offers lusting greens, and serene environment which can be experienced throughout the year. Interestingly, vehicles are not allowed in Matheran, thus, making it different from any other place. In fact, due to the absence of vehicles in the place, Matheran is peaceful and quite, despite being swamped with teeming millions every year. The toy train from Neral to Matheran is popular with tourists and offers a breath-taking experience to the riders. Matheran is about 110 km away from Mumbai.

Ganapatipule

(Wikimedia)

(Wikimedia)

For those who wish to spend their weekends in God's abode, Ganapatipule is the perfect destination. A small town in Ratnagiri district, Ganpatipule is famous for 400-year-old Ganpati temple. It is believed that the temple houses the idol of Lord Ganesha's self-created monolith. Besides the temple, Ganpatipule Beach, Jaigad Fort and Jaigad Lighthouse which can also be visited during a tour to Ganpatipule are other attractions of this idyllic town. Water sports activities are also organised here by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Mumbai is around 290 km from here and regular state buses ply between the two places at a time gap of every three hours.  

 

 

 

Last Updated: Fri May 27 2016

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