Mumbai, the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, is vibrant with various historical, cultural, and social elements spread all across the place, weaving into the daily lives of its residents. It is home to Bollywood (Hindi film industry) and also to some of Asia’s biggest slums.
It can get very busy and noisy in the city itself, and a lot of pressure and no peace as a result. Hence, residents tend to look for weekend getaways near Mumbai.
Are you planning a trip to this wonderful city? Then, read on to find some of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai to visit with your partner or your family.
Karnala
Karnala is a town about 50 km from Mumbai, really, a hidden gem that not many people know exists. There is the Karnala Bird Sanctuary that houses more than 200 species of birds – a perfect place for nature-lovers and bird-watchers!
Here, there is also a very old fort that was said to have been constructed before the year 1400, by the Devagiri Yadav Dynasty (1248-1318) and the Tughlaq Dynasty (1318-1347), based on the evidence found in it. It was the capital of these dynasties, one after the other, before it was taken over by the Gujarat Sultanate. In the year 1540, it was captured by Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar.
Children may love to explore this old fort simply because of its incredulous antiquity. You can even picnic in its grounds. It is one of the perfect weekend getaways near Mumbai for family!
Lonavala
Situated some 83 km from Mumbai, Lonavala is a major stop on the railway line between Mumbai and Pune. It is internationally known for producing chikki, a candy that is hard to chew, but is a favorite among sweet-lovers. It is also home to INS Shivaji, the Indian Navy’s Premier Technical Training Institute.
Present-day Lonavala belonged to the Yadava line. Afterward, the Mughals understood its strategic importance and seized it for themselves. The forts and the “Mavala” heroes played a significant part throughout the course of the Maratha Empire. In the year 1811, the Lonavala slope station was founded by Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency.
Lonavala is one of the most romantic weekend getaways near Mumbai with picturesque landscapes, forts, hills, and ancient caves. And since the climate here is pleasant throughout the year, you can visit this place any time of the year.
Malshej Ghat
Located at a distance of 126 km from Mumbai, it is a beautiful hill station and mountain pass in Maharashtra. It is enclosed by the Sahyadri Ranges, dotted here and there with lakes, waterfalls, and rich vegetation, and away from the noise of busy city life – the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful and quiet time with family.
The valleys here by themselves are an awesome attraction. Others include the Harishchandragad (a hill fort), the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, the Malshej Falls, and the Shivneri Fort.
It is recommended that you visit Malshej Ghat during the monsoon, when the entire place looks like it has been covered with a green carpet. The Malshej Ghat is one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai in June.
Daman
Part of the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, Daman is a small town along the Arabian Sea, on the west coast of India. It is about 172 km from Mumbai.
In the year 1523, when heading towards Ormuz (then a kingdom in the Persian Gulf), Portuguese sailors accidentally landed in Daman, on account of a violent storm. Daman eventually became a Portuguese colony. Their rule lasted for over four centuries. It became independent and a part of the Indian Union on 30 May 1987.
The interesting thing about Daman is that it has a lot of historical and religious monuments, all of which showcase its rich cultural past. Tourist attractions here are the Nani Daman Fort (Jeronimo Fort), an 18th century Jain Temple dedicated to Mahavira, the Moti Daman Fort, Jampore Beach, the Cathedral of Bom Jesus, an old Shiva temple, and the Daman Freedom Memorial. Daman is one of the cheap weekend getaways near Mumbai.
Silvassa
Being the capital of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Silvassa was formerly a part of the Portuguese colony in the Indian subcontinent. It is located 173 km from Mumbai.
Historically, Silvassa’s importance began to develop in the year 1885, when it upgraded from a village to a town under Governor Carlos Eugenio Correia da Silva.
As a tourist site, it boasts of wildlife sanctuaries, picturesque spots, and beaches. Many Roman Catholic churches, which still exist here, were built by the Portuguese. It is home to handmade Warli paintings and paper bags.
So, do you think these places are good enough for your upcoming trip to India? Book your USA to Mumbai flights today only with Indian Eagle and enjoy visiting these places.
Are there any other weekend getaways near Mumbai you have been to on your previous visit to the city? Do comment below to let us know!
