5 Weekend Destinations To Spice Up Your Life
There’s nothing more satisfying the first showers of rain at the end of a scorching summer in Mumbai. With the onset of monsoon, the forests of Western Ghats return back to their supreme, bringing out the very best of Mother Nature. In spite of the many hardships brought by the rains, lot of us plan our holidays during this time.
Here are a few destinations you definitely need to visit before the rains end:
Lonavala — Khandala
Lonavala and its adjacent twin Khandala are the most sought after weekend destinations for Mumbaikars. Tucked away mid-way between the cities of Mumbai and Pune. The hill stations are thronged by people looking to unwind after a tiring week.
The prime attraction at Lonavala is Tiger Point or the Tiger’s Leap. Standing high at 700ft, the cliff top presents a picturesque view of the surrounding valleys.
For those with a keen interest in history, the Karla Caves are worth a visit. A complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. the caves served as a vital shrine for Buddhist merchants traversing the inner coffers of the Deccan Plateau from the Arabian sea.
Karjat
On the banks of river Ulhas, at the far end of the coastal plains of the Konkan region, lies the township of Karjat. Connected by the Sion-Panvel expressway, the city is just a couple of hours drive from Mumbai. The beauty of this picturesque valley is best observed at the peak of the monsoon season, when the Ulhas is in its full spate. With the onset of the rains backpackers and adventure sports enthusiasts flock to Karjat, allured by its breath taking waterfalls and hills.
Trekking and Water Rapelling are the most sought after adventure sports in Karjat.
The caves of Kondana, near the tiny village of Rajmachi are home to a dozen of Buddhist monastries which date back to the 1st Century B.C. It is believed that Karjat was once part of an important trade route, connecting peninsular India to the Arabian seacoast on the west, imparting a cosmopolitan culture to the locals.
Other places of interest in Karjat include Ulhas Valley, Bhor Ghat and the Kothaligad Fort.
Matheran
The hill station of Matheran needs no introduction to a Mumbaikar. But if you’re new to Mumbai and crave for a short break, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then your search ends here.
A 90 Km drive from Mumbai on the Sion-Panvel expressway brings us to the one of the smallest hill stations of India. Matheran traces its roots back to the time of the British Raj, when it was developed as a summer retreat for officers of the Bombay Presidency. The hamlet’s Victorian architecture, horse drawn carriages and the cobbled streets of red laterite takes us back to the era bygone.
The Matheran Hill Railway, completed in 1907, connecting Neral to Matheran has to be one of the most captivating experience of this tiny hill station. Travelling through large swathes of dense forest, the route winds around hills and valleys, offering the perfect getaway for a lazy weekend.
Daman
For over four centuries, the Portugese held sway over Daman. Annexed by the Indian military, following a military conquest of Portugese India, in 1961, Daman was declared a union territory by the government. Daman is known for its beaches and portugese culture, which offers a glimpse into the area’s colonial past. The Devka and Jampore beaches are two spots frequented by tourists from acorss the country.
Kashid
Untouched by bustling tourists, in the far reaches of the Northern Konkan, lies the small beach town of Kashid. Its pristine and white sand beaches, lined with groves of Casuarina are arguably the cleanest in the entire Konkan region.
Kashid beach is clustered with chalets, which are perfect for an overnight stay. Make sure to try the Konkani fish thali, a sumptuous local meal of pomfret fry, served with a thin curry and rice. The high waves at Kashid make it a surfer’s paradise. However, surfing during the monsoon is unadvisable.
Give this place a visit if you’re looking for a couple of days to unwind.
