Festive August Makes Way for Midyear Time-Out for Mumbaiites

The rain gods may be playing spoilsport this monsoon, but that’s no reason to skip a trip this season. This August- Janamashtmi, Independence Day and Eid holidays present the perfect opportunity for travellers to getaway for a long weekend or plan a short vacation.  TripAdvisor^® - the world’s largest travel site, shares some escapes recommended by its community of destination experts and millions of travellers from around the world.

The destinations are all easily accessible during monsoons and within a driving distance of 250 kms from Mumbai. In these places, travellers can bask in the serenity of hills or the beauty of forests; and if that’s not enough TripAdvisor suggests some popular things to do during your visit. 

Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai Slideshow: TripAdvisor’s trip from Bhandardara (near Igatpuri, Maharashtra, India) to 2 cities Dapoli and Bordi was created by TripAdvisor. See another India slideshow. Create a free slideshow with music from your travel photos.

Bhandardara - Among the many quaint and little-known hill stations nestled in the Sahyadri range, Bhandardara relates a charm unlike any other. A frequent TripAdvisor traveller goes so far as to call it, “the only place with real nature, green hills, unpolluted air and sparse traffic.” Set at a height of 750 meters above sea level, this getaway is a short train or road journey away from the maddening speed of Mumbai. Blessed by nature with lakes, waterfalls and mountains, local attractions also include interesting forts and temples as well as hiking and trekking opportunities for the adventurous.

Distance from Mumbai: 140 km
Places to visit: Arthur Lake, Wilson dam, Randha falls, the 1100 years old Amruteshwar Shiva temple and Konkan kada. Must see in the monsoon season is Umbrella falls.

Dapoli - Popularly known as the mini Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra, Dapoli is a pleasant town situated at a height of about 800 feet above sea level in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.  The place resides in the midst of abundant natural beauty surrounded by hills and forest, and enjoys a cool climate throughout the year. If you can draw yourself away from the tranquility, there are forts and temples to visit nearby. It’s also a good place for bird watchers with a variety of migratory birds to be seen, as well as plantations of cashew nut, jackfruit, coconut and betel nut.

Distance from Mumbai: 240 km

Places to visit: Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg Fort, Karde (Murud) beach and Panhalekaji Caves

Bordi  - Situated to the north of Mumbai, Bordi is a calm, small town with narrow roads flanked by the sea on one side and tall palm trees on the other.  Bordi beach is a haven for sea lovers, as it is uncluttered and clean (it falls under the purview of Maharashtra Woods Preservation Department).  In spite of being well connected with the town, the place is wonderfully quiet and refreshing.  Home to a large Parsi community and chikoo orchards, it is famous for its chikoo shakes and lovely Parsi fare. A wonderful visit during monsoon when the place bursts into a verdant vibrance.

Distance from Mumbai: 136 km
Places to visit: Kalpataru Botanical Gardens and Udwada - a sacred town of the Parsis.

Tamhini Ghat - For those who want nothing more than to sink in the lap of Mother Nature, this is another quick escape from Mumbai. The drive to Tamhini Ghat itself is scenic and therapeutic, and while it is really a day trip, you can find accommodation at beautiful Mulshi if you wish to stay overnight.  The nearby forest is rich in bird species and bird lovers can spend hours in the company of their aerial friends.   Catch it luxuriant with greenery and brimming waterfalls in the monsoon.

Distance from Mumbai: 137 kms
Do & See: Bird watching, trekking and white water rafting at nearby Kolad.