5 weekend getaways under INR 10,000 near Mumbai

Intersperse your hard work with little trips outside bustling Mumbai — we have five excellent recommendations.

The hustle and bustle of life in Mumbai can cause you tremendous stress. Long hours of work, stressful commute, looming deadlines and very high living costs make Mumbaikars anxious, sleep deprived and exhausted. There are not enough avenues for recreation and rest, so your best bet is to head out of the city for some much-needed sleep and detox.

Budget and time constraints can scupper your plans for a long vacation away from the madness of Mumbai. Fortunately, there are several long weekends this year, so you can plan quick getaways under budget. It is possible to plan a trip for under Rs 10,000 from Mumbai, if you cut out extraneous expenses and keep the trip simple. Here are our recommendations for five weekend getaways on a budget of Rs 10,000 per head:

1. Goa: This popular beach city is the go-to destination when you wish to unwind after a hard spell of work. Sip a cool drink by the beach, take long walks with your partner, frolic in the sand with your children…Goa’s laidback, cool vibe soothes the soul and banishes the blues. Book your tickets early to get good discounts on air travel and accommodation.

2. Srinagar: One might think that travelling so far from Mumbai might be expensive, but it’s not. You can spend up to Rs 10,000 per person on a weekend trip to one of the most beautiful cities in the country. There are picturesque views wherever the eye turns, and much to see and eat. Your family will love the time spent there, especially if it’s snowing.

3. Dharamshala: This pretty little town in Himachal Pradesh attracts a fair number of city-based tourists looking for release from stress. Offering equal doses of tourism and spirituality, you can have an excellent weekend in Dharamshala simply doing nothing or doing a lot. There are also a fair number of adventure sports sites that you and your children will enjoy.

4. Mukteshwar: Wonderful vistas, gorgeous trekking routes and warm people…Mukteshwar boasts of everything that a jaded traveller looks for. Pray at temples, eat fried treats at roadside eateries and shop for trendy imported clothes in the markets. You can spend your weekend simply exploring the town on foot and come back refreshed.

5. Tarkarli: Just like Goa, but with virgin beaches, the Malvan coastline in Maharashtra boasts of beach town Tarkarli. Not only are there excellent beaches here, you can stay at homestays that provide delicious local fare and also hire a boat to go snorkelling and scuba diving at Sindhudurg Fort. Plus, there are many historic temples and monuments to see.

Aside from enjoying your mini-break to the fullest with your family, you can ensure peace of mind by taking travel insurance at the time of booking your flight tickets. Your family and you can be covered under a good travel plan, so that you are insured against theft of baggage, illness requiring medical intervention and lost flight tickets, among other things. On a slightly higher budget, you can take a foreign trip to a nearby country and get travel insurance for abroad.