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Home > Lifestyle News > Travel News > Article > My big fat weekend escape

My big, fat weekend escape

Updated on: 01 September,2011 07:44 AM IST  | 
Fiona Fernandez | fiona.fernandez@mid-day.com

This longer-than-usual weekend has throw up an unusually pleasant dilemma to the vacation-seeker. Five famous faces from Mumbai shared their favourite weekend getaways with Manjari Bhatnagar when they fancy a leisurely retreat from the bustle and din of the city

My big, fat weekend escape

This longer-than-usual weekend has throw up an unusually pleasant dilemma to the vacation-seeker. Five famous faces from Mumbai shared their favourite weekend getaways with Manjari Bhatnagar when they fancy a leisurely retreat from the bustle and din of the city



Suhas Awachat, restauranteur: Amboli
Maharashtra has been explored extensively in the recent years but there are still some pockets in this state that can give the hottest destinations a run for their money. One such spot is Amboli, which rests between Mumbai and Goa. Even before you reach it, a series of waterfalls, big and small greet you along the Amboli ghats. The weather here is excellent throughout the year and although June suits me best because of its pre-monsoon aura, I strongly recommend that you visit Amboli at the start of summer. The temperature at the time is ideal and the flora is in its full bloom! The food available in these parts is typically Maharashtrian combined with flavours from Western Maharashtra and Konkan cuisine as well. Don't miss the sunrise and sunset here; especially the sunset because the sun appears to take various shapes before it retires for the day.

Tip for the Trip
Explore the jungle route to discover enchanting flora and fauna, especially the wild berries.
How to reach: 527 km from Mumbai and takes approximately 7 hrs, 20 mins by road

Abodh Aras, CEO, Welfareu00a0of Stray Dogs: Khardi
Khardi before Kasara, two hours from Mumbai, located on the Mumbai-Nashik Road is my favourite weekend getaway. My father-in-law has built a little bungalow with a garden filled with fruit trees and a vegetable patch. Khardi is all that you can get away from the hustle bustle of urban Mumbai as it has a rural and rustic charm especially in the monsoon.u00a0 Lush greenery, bird calls, storks and gulls, spiders spinning webs, frog and toad noises, wild flowers, fire flies in pitch darkness, villagers and village paathshala (school), green carpeted routes, rivers and streams, buffaloes and peahens, friendly village dogs. We also go there so that we can eat Mrs Pai's food. She lives in the area and supplies delicious, home cooked, simple Maharashtrian food. What was the best part for me is that I got to meet her menagerie of animals which include rescued cows, calves, cats and lots of dogs with unique names, including the latest, Jalebibai the pup.

Tips for the trip
Don't miss out on walking trails in the area
How to reach: Khardi is 105 kms from Mumbai and can be reached via road or rail (Central Railway)

Lina Tipnis, fashion designer: Goa
I look forward to my annual trip to Goa. I pack my bags with resort wear and leave all my worries behind. Goa is uncomplicated, making it a perfect get away to unwind. The food, beaches, churches, shopping takes me back there over and over again. The Mandovi River cruise is a ritual that I follow on every trip and I absolutely love it. I also make it a point to go to the Anjuna Wednesday market, which is like a mini fair. The two places I love to visit on each trip are Solar Souto Maior, which is a CIE store that exhibits rare artefacts and Casa Saligaon museum converted from an old Portuguese villa. which is located near St Francis Xavier's church.

Tips for the Trip
Indulge in the local cuisine. Soak in the old-world charm that parts of interior Goa still offer
How to Reach: Goa is well connected by road, rail or air

Bose Krishnamachari, Artist: Matheran
Being an artist, I find inspiration from several quarters and Nature is one of them. I like travelling but a destination becomes special if my friends and family are with me. The memories seem to multiply manifold. Like this trip to Matheran which I took with my family-wife Radhika, daughter Kannaki, son Aaryan and my mother-in-law. Matheran has great scenic value and I revel in its charming scenery. Despite its close proximity to a concrete jungle, Matheran has all the attributes of a hill station.

I particularly like walking in the jungles amidst the tall trees and chancing upon some curious squirrels and rabbits besides some very elegant flora.

Tips for the Tripu00a0
It's de-stressing and fun to explore Matheran on foot. Don't forget to carry a pair of walking shoes
How to reach: Matheran is approximately 104 kms from Mumbai and can be reached by road and rail

Sandhya Shetty, model: Murud Harnai
Many people confuse this destination with Murud Janjira, which is close to Mumbai, near Alibaug. Murud Harnai falls in the Ratnagiri district. I am an avid traveller and I chose to visit this place because of its low profile. This place still lingers in my memory because of its picturesque surroundings, cascading waterfalls and the rustic feel. Murud Harnai is a superlative combination of a water body and a hilly terrain. Once we approached the area, I realised what a special sight this place was offeringu00a0-- On one side I had the tall, robust mountains for company and on my other side, an expanse of clear water stretched across the terrain in all hues of blue. The virgin Harnai Beach is beautiful and cradles in lush greenery.


Tips for the trip
Trek on the rocky terrain. Don't miss the delicious Malvani food
How to reach: It is about 225km by road; and takes about 4 hours driving time


With inputs from Fiona Fernandez


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