The residents of Mumbai or Mumbaikars, as they like to call themselves, have one major advantage than any other resident of any city in this country – they have the best weekend destination spots around the city. Delhi is the other city that comes close but Mumbai has innumerable destinations where anyone can unwind and explore the virility of nature in the wild.
To escape the hot and jittery summer weather of Mumbai, it serves a perfect pit stop for any traveller who wants to explore the nature and its vivacious greens this country has to offer. For history lovers, Mumbai surroundings are no less than a gem. From Ajanta Caves to Kanheri caves to Elephanta Caves Mumbai sits perfectly in the center of nature and history.
These nearby places make Mumbai the ultimate pit stop where one can plan and get recharged before they set out to explore the natural escapades of the state. Here are the top 10 places of any traveller who wants to move to the nature yet be close enough to the metro city.
1. Goa
Mumbai serves a perfect pit stop for every traveller who wants to travel to Goa. One can get packing, buy essentials and even get better deals from Mumbai than. For any foreigner also, Mumbai provides the perfect place to get ready to explore the fantastic place called Goa. Image Credits: team-bhp.com
2. Panchghani
This small little hill station situated in the district of Satara is around 3 hour drive away from Mumbai. This place served as summer resort under the British Raj in the pre-independence era. The low humid percentage of Panchghani and the perfect sun kissed 21 degree Celsius temperature is ideal for every Mumbaikar to visit the place, every other weekend. Image Credits: hotelrahilplaza.com
3. Mahabaleshwar
Another one from the hills of Satara is the popular destination and a photographer’s paradise is this place called Mahabaleshwar. Around 300 km from Mumbai, the place is ideal for families or solo travellers to unwind themselves in the lush greens of nature. The average temperature of the place doesn’t exceed more than 30 degree Celsius which is ideal for quiet contemplation. Image Credits: ravinehotel.com
4. Matheran
Around 90 km from Mumbai, Matheran is a beautiful and one of the ‘yet to be explored places’ by travellers in the vast state of Maharashtra. Situated in Raigad district, the place is filled with natural amazements. Matheran has been declared an ecosensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry and can be called a Health Sanatorium in itself. Image Credits: flickr.com
5. Lonavla
The lover’s paradise, Lonavla sits perfectly and at an equal distance between Pune and Mumbai. With high temperatures not crossing over 35 degree Celsius makes it the ideal place for family unwinding and relaxing in the small and near perfect hill station. Image Credits: www.makemytrip.com
6. Khandala
Bollywood has written catchy songs about Lonavla which people still hum. That is the magic of Khandala. The place is just a meager 10 kms away from Lonavla and resorts the similar weather condition which is near perfect. Image Credits: tourismguideindia.com
7. Kanheri Caves
Kanheri caves are perfect place for a day out trip if you are in mood for some history lessin and looking for inner peace. Located in North Mumbai, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the caves use to be the one of the important places in Buddihst culture back in 3rd century CE. The place is more than 2000 years old, so get packing to relive the history. Image Credits: placeforvacations.com
8. Alibag
Situated on the western coastal district of Raigarh, Alibag is sea facing town which is around 100 km from Mumbai. The town has many beaches, most of them not visited by many tourists, that are perfect if you are looking for quiet introspection in life. Image Credits: rickshawchallenge.com
9. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta caves, which are located on an island around 10 km away from Mumbai, encapsulates the history in the most secure manner is must visit. The place is a must visit from Mumbai which allows travellers to explore the history of mankind in an up close and personal manner. Image Credits: coxandkings.com
10. Kolad
For adventure hungry travellers, Kolad serves a perfect stride between the nature and adventure. Situated in the secluded hills near Mumbai, around 120 km from the capital of Maharashtra, Kolad offers sports like river rafting, paragliding, kayaking, aero-modeling and so on. Image Credits: intercitytravels.in
At least a month long vacation is needed to explore all these places and experience the nature up close & personal.
Main Image Credit: styledestino.com