Long Weekend Aa Raha Hai, Take These 10 Offbeat Road Trips In And Around Mumbai
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We are suckers for road trips. When you embark on one, the company and the scenery are ever-so-exciting and you don't know what new things you'll come across along the ride. And we really wait for long weekends so that the travel itch in us is soothed. With a long weekend coming up, here are some of the offbeat road trips you can take with bae, gang, or fam. Warna Lonavala-Khandala toh hai hi na! *sticks out tongue*
1. Uttan
If you are a sucker for greenery, winding roads, hills in the backdrop, pleasant temperatures, and a place rich with heritage, then Uttan is where you need to be frens. Situated in Dongri, Bhayander, this beachtown is rich on Koli and Muslim architecture. It is just two hours away from Mumbai. The ride up to the place is pretty picturesque with meandering lanes that spiral the town. And during the rains, it's even more scenic. Trust us, it is all the Vitamin Green the doctor ordered. Welcoming you will be the vast sea that stretches beyond your line of vision. On the way, you will also encounter fishermen at their task. There are many beach resorts in the area that will offer you a comfortable stay. Be it U-Tan, Silverador, Levels, Sun Beach Resort and more. These offer pretty rooms with a great view and it also makes a perfect getaway with your boo, fam or friends.
Also Read: Best Things To Do This Weekend In Mumbai: Events Not To Miss!
2. Vasai
Vesalé, Basai, Baxay, Baçaim, Bajipur, Bassein, Vasai. Don’t get confused, this is the name history of the Konkan town in Palghar district of Maharashtra that is now known as Vasai. Up until 2014 it was in Thane district, and now it falls under the Palghar district. Today, it is a town known for its rich history and tourism. The neighbourhood of Vasai is bustling with activity and is a pure delight for nature lovers and adventure seekers. From visiting forts to walking down the beach at sunset, there’s a lot more you can do in this neighbourhood. You can enjoy a nice drive down here and then go exploring!
3. Saputara
If you’re bored of the usual Lonavalas and Mahabaleshwars; we found a lesser-known paradise for you that is perfect for a short trip. Saputara is a hill-station located in Dang district of Gujarat that is a treasure trove of nature's beauty! Crossing the Ambika river, you enter into the untouched ghats of Saputara. Whether you love adventure or nature, Saputara has something for everyone. The hill-station stays cool throughout the year, so you can go here in summers or winters. But the monsoons, bringing a meditative trickle of raindrops against a blanket of green, are our favourite! In spite of being the only hill station in Gujarat, Saputara remains relatively unexplored and is still not commercialized! So we suggest you plan a trip here pronto, before it becomes too crowded like most other hill stations!
4. Durshet
Image Courtesy: Facebook/Durshet Forest Marathon
A small town near Khopoli, this picturesque town that is steeped in rich Maratha history has a lot of things to do. Situated about at 100 km from Mumbai / Pune, this town is perfect for an adventure getaway. This tiny hamlet is located on the banks of River Amba and is blessed with the great terrain of the Sahyadris. Once here, you will be taken in by the beauty of it. There are a lot of attractions nearby. It is well-connected by all modes of transport. The Mumbai Airport is about 83 km away. The nearest railway station is the Khopoli Station. From there Durshet is 19 km away and you can hire a cab or avail local transport. The best way to travel to Durshet is by road, as the scenic drive will definitely be a plus.
Home to many tigers and rare species of animals, Tadoba National Park is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. It is one of the oldest and the largest national parks in the state. Also known as Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, this park is one of India's 47 tiger reserves in the country. Those who wish to embark on a road trip, the park is at a distance of 45 km from Chandrapur and 32 km from Chimur and is well-connected by road with all major cities. Accommodation facilities are available here and are mainly concentrated near the popular entrance gates, Kolara Gate and Moharli Gate. There are several Wildlife Resorts and Hotels here. Like, Svasara Lodge, Tiger Trails Jungle Lodge, Camp Serai Tiger, Tadoba Tiger King Resort, Irai Safari Resort, Tiger Haven Resort, namely.
6. Gaganbawda
Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
A treat for sore eyes, there is a town named Gaganbawda that is nestled in the Western Ghats. Full of lush greenery all around, the place has a biodiversity one must preserve. The picturesque town is a nature lover's paradise and the scenic views from here are truly going to rejuvenate all your senses. The name Gaganwada means town touching the sky, and that is true in every sense. Situated 55 km near Kolhapur, this hill station is rich in history and mythology. It offers brilliant views of the Western Ghats. The misty mountain range, covered with lush green forests offers tranquillity that one craves for. Each season here is special and the landscape adapts to it differently. There are scenic roads that you can drive around on and just soak in the nature around you.The biodiversity of the forests here is unique and has more than 120 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies and 21 species of mammals that have homes in the forests. There are many medicinal plants and herbs too. If you are a nature enthusiast, then you will surely find it amazing. The roads are also well made, so you can drive down here.
7. Bhandardara
It is called the holiday resort village of Maharashtra. I am talking about Bhandardara, guys. The picturesque town, which sits by the Pravara River, has a lot of tourist attractions nearby. The town is nestled in the Western Ghats and the view here is to die for. From watching fireflies to going trekking nearby, this town is at one strategic geographical location. This town is in Akole district and is on the west coast of Ahmednagar. It is accessible by road (yay! road trip) and is 185 km away from Mumbai and 191 km away from Pune. The roads here are narrow so be careful. The biggest (and most recent) attraction of this place is the fireflies camp that happens in the Purushwadi area. The place's beauty increases by ten folds at night when the fireflies come out to play and the whole area turns into a magical space. We are awed by the sight, you can be too.
8. Kashid
On the shores of the Arabian Sea lies a beautiful beach town called Kashid. It's known as a paradise away from Mumbai and we couldn't agree more. Long stretches of golden sand with cliffs and hills in the background running along the coastline, this town is very dreamy. It is close to both Mumbai and Pune and is a popular beach-y getaway for all. During weekends it gets packed. The best time to visit this beach town is between October to February. The cool breeze and the serenity will captivate you. While winters are packed here, summers are harsh. During monsoon, your beach activities become limited, but the place turns into a greener paradise. By road, it takes about 4 and a half hours from Mumbai (170 km) and about 4 hours from Pune (125 km).
9. Guhagar
Right between Vashishti River and Jaigad Creek is a quaint little temple town called Guhagar. It literally means cave house. Situated in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, this Konkan beach town boasts of pristine white sand beaches. It is a popular beach destination in the state, and is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. The nearest railhead is Chiplun, a beautiful town in itself. You can drive down to Guhagar. When you reach there, you will not be able to resist from getting to the beach, which is a white sand beach that stretches over 6 km and is between two hillocks. The beach is known for its pristine beauty and calming vibes. Since it is a tourist spot, there are many beach resorts and government housings you can stay at. There is something for every kind of budget and in this beautiful town there is something for everyone to do. So if something different is on your mind, we suggest planning a trip to Guhagar, and teleport to a beautiful chapter in Indian history.
10. Yeoor Hills
Image Courtesy: Gautam Khetwal/ Facebook
Yeoor is a picturesque hilly area situated inside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It has around 6 villages along with mini-hills, trails and beautiful natural surroundings to enjoy. What more can you ask for? You can go tree spotting, camping, hiking and have lovely food. After a long day of hiking and being one with nature, one of the most enjoyable things to do in Yeoor Hills is to savour a lovely meal at Exotica. This beautiful hamlet is a pleasing world, wrapped in quaint charm all on its own. They have a wide variety of cuisines available so you can take your pick accordingly!
*gaadi nikalo*
So where are you heading this long weekend?
With inputs from Tanwi Dixit and Apoorva Pagar
