Category: Travel Tips

Weekend Getaways Around Mumbai

Tired of maddening crowds of the city or watching the sea? Looking for a change this weekend? Then just get ready to rejuvenate yourself with some scenic beauty or set out on a peaceful spiritual journey. The dream city of Mumbai is embroidered with numerous hill stations, pilgrimage sights and more providing a great escape from the mundane city life. Weekend getaways around Mumbai are available in plenty, so much so that the visitors will be spoilt for choice. Those looking for weekend getaways around the city have the choice of enjoying the serenity of the pristine hill stations that border the city for a refreshing experience.

To enjoy weekend breaks around Mumbai one can choose from the following list of destinations located in close proximity to the city.

Khandala: A pristine hill station located in the Western Ghat, Khandala is nestled on the Mumbai- Pune Expressway. It is an ideal weekend getaway around Mumbai especially during rainy season. Monsoon brings traffic congregation and long hours of unstoppable raining and this season whereas the picture of Khandala during this season is one that of a beautiful retreat. Rainy season can be best experienced at Khandala where the verdant surroundings are washed with rain showers adding new vivacity to the picturesque waterfalls and scenic scenery.

Shirdi: Located about 296 kilometres from Mumbai, Shirdi is the Land of Sai. The region and the residing temples here are built to commemorate Sai Baba. The region is flanked by horde of devotees of Baba eager to see the places where the saint had lived. As you choose Shirdi weekend packages for your vacation you get the opportunity to explore the temples and the other sacred shrines related to the sage’s life including the place where Sai Baba would stay every alternate night- Chawadi, the spot where he seated under a neem tree- Gurusthan and more.

Matheran: Another destination that is a popular weekend getaway around Mumbai is Matheran. The smallest hill station in India, Matheran is a quaint town located on the Western Ghats. About 90 kilometres away from Mumbai it is a common hang-out zone for both domestic and international travellers. The beauteous valley is quaint and pollution free. The region announced as an eco-sensitive area has banned vehicles altogether which makes it the only place in the world without any vehicles. The good news is that even the huge influx of travellers each year does not hamper the serenity and tranquilizing ambiance. The vistas are breath-taking and the air is fresh around this part of Maharashtra.

Mahabaleshwar: It is one of the evergreen forests of the world and is located in the Western Ghats ranges. The region never fails to enchant the visitor with its emerald hues and breathtaking views of its densely forested valley. The murmuring sounds of River Krishna and the backdrop of lush foliage, Mahabaleshwar is one gorgeous retreat easily accessible from Mumbai. A boat ride on Venna Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of the region and thus is one of the highly visited weekend getaway around Mumbai.

Weekend Getaways Around Pune

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Once the capital of Maratha Empire, Pune is the city of legendary Maratha leader Shivaji and has the history of being the alternative capital of British. The city known for its numerous historic monuments, Pune in the present times has evolved as a thriving centre of business and education which also houses Osho Meditation Resort. Thus a popular tourist destination, Pune is frequented not just by vacationers, but also those on business and educational tours. While in the vicinity one must not miss the interesting sites surrounding the main city. Situated a few kilometres away from Pune some beauteous hills are ideal for weekend getaways. Rich with geographical splendour and history dating back to the age of royalty these sightseeing places are located in close proximity and are well connected. Some of the weekend getaways around Pune are:

Lonavala: While opting for weekend packages to tour around Pune one must add this beautiful hill station as well. Well connected with Mumbai-Pune highway, Lonavala is easy to reach. The angelic beauty of this pretty countryside appears best during the monsoon season. With cascading waterfalls and quaint ponds the verdant vistas creating appropriate backdrop, the time of rainy season in Lonavala is ideal for a visit to the region. In Lonavala one must visit Reyewood Park & Shivaji Udyan and the pristine Lonavala Lake.

Panchgani: A scenic hill station, Panchgani is located approximately 100 kilometres away from Pune. Nestled amidst lush Sahyadri mountain ranges its beauty is only enhanced with the beauteous Krishna River flowing nearby. The place is surrounded by five hills and on the top lays a volcanic plateau which is the second highest in Asia. The area is a favourite picnic place for residents of Pune and is dotted with numerous gorgeous sightseeing attractions making it an ideal retreat for enjoying weekend breaks around Pune. The highlights of Panchgani includes the hilltop overlooking Krishna River valley- Sydney Point, the large expanse of laterite rock- Table Land and a beauteous spot overlooking azure waters of Dhom Dam- Parsi Point and more.

Alibag: A coastal town, Alibag is a small city was once renowned for its gardens of mango and coconut trees. In the current times it is the beaches of Alibag that makes it one of the highly preferred weekend getaways around Pune. One can choose from a number of pristine beaches of Alibag including Alibag beach, Varsoli beach, Akshi beach, Nagaon beach, Kihim-Navgaon Beach, Kashid Beach and more. Those eager to see something more than just the beaches can explore other highlights of the region including the famous temples such as Kanakeshwar temple, Birla temple, Uma Maheswhar temple and Balaji temple. Also visit Kolaba fort, Murud-Janjira fort and Magnetic observatory while in the vicinity.

Religious Tours in India

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Religion is a core unit of this land of Gods and Goddesses, the cultural practices dates back to the medieval age, its holy texts are valued and respected even today- India is where religion is experienced in its most alive forms. The country is thus laced with innumerable sights of religious significance making religious tours in India one of the highly preferred touring circuits. An India religious tour is one to experience the harmonious existence of vivid religions, to visit holy shrines of multitude of faiths and participate in the diverse cultural practices.

While planning a religious tour in India, the sites one must not miss includes:

Varanasi

A renowned holy town in North India, Varanasi is located on the banks of sacred River Ganges. The river is regarded pious by people of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths is one of the chief cultural hubs of the country. The cultural practices of the region are mainly associated with River Ganges. Been home to some of the legendary poets and writers the city of Varanasi is home to learning and literature even in today’s time and houses four universities. The “City of Temples” Varanasi is renowned for its religious ghats (river banks) and for its temples. There are nearly 100 ghats out of which mainly are bathing ghats and some area the cremation ghats. The evening ritual of Aarti is the most splendid sight when innumerable mud lamps (diyas) are freed in the river. Some of the must visit temples in the region are Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, Vyasa Temple and more.

Haridwar & Rishikesh

Two of the gorgeous cities of Uttarakhand Haridwar and Rishikesh are also religious Hindu towns. Haridwar literally means the gateway to God and is regarded as one of the seven holy sites of Hindus. The region is decked beautifully with lush greenery and is believed to be one of the four sites where elixir of immortality was accidently spilled by god. Haridwar is thus one of the venues hosting revered Maha Kumbha Mela (Fair) once every three years. Thousands of pilgrims gather and take ritualistic bath at Brahma Kund, the sacred ghat where the holy elixir is believed to have fallen. Rishikesh is another holy city and a popular pilgrimage centre of Hindus. The city also known as gateway to the Himalayas, Rishikesh is the starting point of the revered pilgrimage circuit of Char Dham.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The holy pilgrimage tour to the region considered celestial abode of Lord Shiva, Mount Kailash is regarded holy by people of five faiths of the world. According to Hindu legends, Mount Kailash is a celestial place a visit to which is considered to be capable of freeing human soul of the cycle of life and birth. Similarly Jain and Bon devotees also consider this pilgrimage very pious. Religious tourism in India is one to get inspired with the age old traditions and to achieve enlightened amidst peaceful environs.