It is not hard to imagine a typical day in the financial, commercial, and economic and entertainment hub of India with a population of over 20 million people! Yes, we are talking about Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra. Mumbai is chaotically impressive and we mean it! There are slums and skyscrapers; the highest number of millionaires and billionaires alongside the poor surviving below the poverty line; crowded areas, maddening traffic, beautiful lakes, and the soothing Arabian Sea.
Youngsters flock to the ‘City of Dreams’ with the hope of realizing their dreams and the dynamic megacity is the dwelling place of people from different walks of life. Amid this roller-coaster ride of life, the weekend seems like a blessing to pause and unwind, recharge and restart. Escape to the famous getaways from Mumbai that include hill stations in the Western Ghats, beaches along the Arabian Sea, quaint villages on the outskirts of the city, historical spots or adventurous sites, and spiritual getaways near Mumbai. Book cheap flights to Mumbai right away with Indian Eagle.
- Matheran -The only automobile-free hill station in Asia:
One of the smallest hill stations in India is cozily tucked in the Western Ghats, at an altitude of 2625 feet above the sea level. “Matheran” meaning “forest on the forehead (of the mountains)” has 38 viewpoints that offer sweeping views of the Sahyadri mountain range and the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, for all adventure seekers and nature lovers. The rustic atmosphere, unpolluted air, red laterite soiled-roads, and greenery everywhere around enchant you. Board the toy-train for an ethereal experience! Visit the magnificent Dodhani Waterfalls; historic Prabal Fort; ancient Pisarnath Temple; the serene Charlotte Lake; picnic spots like Alexander Louisa Point, Echo Point, and Paymaster Park. Trek to One Tree Hill Point, Garbett Point, and Rambaug Point!
Distance from Mumbai: 90 km
- Nasik – A pilgrimage spot as well as the Wine Capital of India
Located on the bank of the River Godavari, Nasik is a revered Hindu city that has a mention in the Hindu mythologies. Nasik is circled by nine hills, and the religious sites, freshwater lakes, rivers, beautiful valleys, thick forests, and prehistoric caves in the city attract many tourists. The popular religious fair, ‘Kumbh Mela’ organized once every 12 years is held at Kalaram Temple in Nasik. Besides being a holy destination with many sacred temples like Trimbakeshwar and Kapileswara, Nasik is also a coveted weekend getaway from Mumbai for all wine lovers. The Sula Winery and the other oldest vineyards in the country are situated in Nasik. Visit any of the 50 vineyards in and around the city, join the wine tasting tour, crush the fresh grapes picked from large plantations and learn the process of making wine!
Distance from Mumbai: 167 km
- Alibaug – A mini-Goa in Maharashtra:
Who doesn’t wish to escape to Goa every weekend? Don’t immediately smirk that it is not possible because you can replicate the Goan beach experience at Alibaug, an idyllic coastal town facing the Arabian Sea. Spreading over an area of 4 sq km, Alibaug is the favorite weekend getaway from Mumbai for all the locals. Known for the sandy beaches, ancient forts, temples and water sports, Alibaugh can be reached by road-route or by catamaran/ ferry boat. Stroll on the sandy beaches like Alibaug Beach, Kihim Beach, and Nagaon Beach lined with coconut and betel nut trees; watch the breathtaking views of Sunset/Sunrise; visit the ancient Kolaba Fort, indulge in aquatic activities like kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat riding and relish the seafood!
Distance from Mumbai: 95 km
- Pune – The cultural capital of Maharashtra:
Pune, located in the Sahyadri mountain range is blessed with a pleasant climate all-round the year. The city is the most-frequented weekend getaway from Mumbai, thanks to the numerous historical, cultural, spiritual and recreational sites in the city. The palaces and forts like Sinhagad Fort, Shaniwar Wada, Shivneri Fort, Aga Khan Palace, etc illustrate the history, culture and grand architecture of the Maratha Empire. Visit Pataleshwar, a rock-cut temple built in the 8th-century, Chaturshringi temple located on a hill, or relax in Osho garden, Bund Garden, and The Empress Garden. Don’t leave Pune without tasting the mouth-watering local cuisine!
Distance from Mumbai: 148 km
- Karnala Bird Sanctuary – Abode of birds:
Do you love bird-watching? Do the natural music of chirping birds and swishing breeze work as a natural medicine to de-stress you? If yes, then you take the road to the Mumbai-Goa highway and stop at the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, your perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai. Spread across 12.11 square kilometers, the deciduous forest is home to more than 200 bird species including migratory birds. There’s also an old fort in the forest called Karnala fort or Funnel fort. It is actually a group of two forts, one at a lower-level and the other at a higher level. The Karnala trekking trail has been the favorite activity of Mumbaikars. You will come across the ruins of a watchtower called Pandu’s tower and a water reservoir that supplies freshwater year-long.
Distance from Mumbai: 60 km
