Mumbai is a monsoon destination. It is the rains and clouds which make the places in and around the city more beautiful. The city is known for its overcrowded local trains, hectic every-day life and of course for Bollywood! But when it comes to weekends, most Mumbaikars prefer to take a break from the city and why not when there are plenty of weekend getaways just a jump away.
Whether you love picturesque hill stations, gorgeous beaches or adventurous getaways this list of best weekend getaways features it all.
Lonawala
Surrounded by green valleys, Lonavala is almost a jump away from Mumbai. Be it family holidays, couple trip or group vacation, Lonavala offers a great combination of natural beauty and some of the most outstanding attractions.There are ample resorts in the hill station so as to ensure that you have a comfortable stay. When you are in Lonavala do not forget to taste different kinds of chikki, a sweet made of groundnuts and jaggery.
Distance: 83.6 km
Best time to visit: October to May
Ideal for: Couples, families
Destination type: Hill station
Attractions: Korigad Fort, the Tiger’s Leap, the Lohgad, the Karla and Bhaja caves.
Activities: Hiking, camping, town waterfall rappelling and farm tours
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Novotel Imagica Khopoli
Nestled between Sahyadri Hills, Novotel is India’s First theme park hotel. It is a complete bliss to have a hotel like this in a destination as beautiful as Lonavala. If you are planning a short trip with your family & friends then there cannot be a resort more comfortable and fun than this. Their amazing hospitality and comfort will spoil you forever and the picturesque hills just make it all the more enthralling…
Read more: Novotel Imagica Khopoli: India’s First Theme Park Hotel
Nashik
On the banks of the holy Godavari River lies one of the most sac towns which attracts Hindu, Jain and Buddhist pilgrims from across the country. Nashik’s ethereal and spiritual quality also comes from its association with epic ‘Ramayana’.
While its temples boast of some of the most interesting episodes from mythology, Nasik also hosts the grand Kumbh Mela every 12 years. Apart from religious sites, the town also features majestic forts and other tourist attractions. Nashik’s vibrant culture and entertainment ethos make it a great weekend getaway.
Distance: 171 kilometers
Best time to visit: October to March
Ideal for: Senior citizens, families.
Destination type: Religious, historic
Attractions: Shri Kalaram
Activities: Wine Tour in Nashik
Beyond by Sula
When in Nashik, Beyond by Sula is the perfect place to stay. Beyond is truly beyond expectation with its outstanding accommodation options, enticing winery and delicious dinning options. Located at a distance of 21 km from Gandhinagar Airport, 25 km from Nashik Road Railway Station and 16 km from Thakkar Bus Stand, the resort is easy accessible…
Read more: Beyond by Sula, Nashik: A Slice of Paradise
Pune
Pune is a vibrant metropolis roughly 149 kms from Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular places among retired senior citizens as the city offers a peaceful life in a salubrious environment. Once known as a Pensioner’s Paradise, Pune today offers exciting trips to hill-stations, forts, and places of pilgrimage. Besides, there are a number of exotic resorts in and around Pune which offer a comfortable stay and enthralling vacation.
Distance: 149 kms
Best time to visit: May to March
Destination type: Hill station, historic
Ideal for: Family trips and couples
Attractions: Darshan Museum, Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati, ISKCON NVCC Temple, Sri Balaji Mandir, Malshej Ghats, Sinhagad Fort, Pu La Deshpande Garden, Pataleshwar caves
Activities: trekking, hiking, camping, cycling, river rafting, boating.
The Corinthians Resort
The Corinthians Resort is located in the southern part of Pune and is surrounded by lush green gardens. Located in the calm and tranquil environs, the resort offers premium services along with an exotic blend of elegance and luxury. Its Greco-Moroccan style, with tropically-inspired design touches, grand architecture, a sun-drenched atrium, wide shady corridors and flower lined patios make it a great place for luxurious relaxation…
Read more: The Corinthians Resort: Pride of Pune
Aurangabad
Aurangabad is just 335 kms from Mumbai and is known as a heritage site. Surrounded by many historical monuments, including the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves as well as Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki, this place is a great destination for those who are fond of historical sites. To experience a cultural as well as an architectural delight, take a short trip to the city named after Aurangzeb.
Distance: 335kms
Best time to visit: October to March
Ideal For: family trip
Destination type: Heritage
Attractions: Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Salim Ali Lake, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Aurangabad Caves
Activities: Cave tours, paragliding, rafting, parasailing, trekking, rappelling, night camping
Vivanta by Taj
When it comes to luxury and hospitality ain’t there no name bigger and greater than Taj. So, when you are in Aurangabad experience a lavish stay at Vivanta. Vivanta by Taj is a palace style hotel which offers a great combination of natural vistas, luxury and grand architecture. Set amidst five acres of landscaped gardens, Vivanta is an emblem of spacious comfort and rich hospitality and royal grandeur. In a space where business meets leisure, you will be spoiled for choice…
Read more: Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad: Grand and Glorious
Alibaug
At just 30km from Mumbai, Alibaug is a small town located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The town is known for its pristine beaches, splendid views, historical forts, untouched aquatic life and lush green gardens which make it a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai. Often called as the island town of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a great place for beach lovers who wish to have a relaxed weekend away from the city life.
Distance: 30kms
Best time to visit: October to May
Ideal for: couples, families
Destination type: Beach town
Attractions: Kolaba fort, Akshi Beach, Kihim beach, Varsoli Beach, Undheri Fort, Karmarkar Museum
Activities: Water sports, sightseeing
U Tropicana Alibaug
U Tropicana is the most luxurious and splendid resort in Alibaug. Sprawling over 12 acres of lush green land, the resort an epitome of hospitality, luxury and comfort. Its picture perfect exteriors, luxurious interiors and opulent décor surpass your imagination. Just sit gaze at the tropically landscaped gardens and put your worries off your head…]
Read more: U Tropicana Alibaug: Experience the Extravagance
These were some of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai. The dense clouds in the sky signal that rains are round the corner. Weekend is almost here and you haven’t planned anything yet. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get away!
