...It's a question that most workaholic Mumbaiites are asking each other. We are referring to the public holidays that line up next week. The GUIDE makes planning this bonanza even easier, with cool options in every direction, depending on the time at hand. Start packing!
If you have 3 days >
Vengurla
From Mumbai: 546 km
Vengurla in Sindhudurg district is scenic and surrounded by hills as well as cashew, mango, coconut, and berry trees. Historically, Vengurla was a trade settlement for the Dutch.
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Don’t miss: Sateri temple, Rameshwar temple, Navadurga temple and Ravalnath temple. Sandy beaches, Sindhudurg and Padmagad forts, salt pans and Malvani cuisine.
Log on to: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
Panchgani
From Mumbai: 246 km
The British discovered this hill station and made it their summer retreat. It’s famous for its lush forest cover.
Don’t miss: Sydney Point, Table Land (Asia’s second longest mountain plateau), Parsi Point, Devil’s Kitchen (the Pandavas are believed to have stayed here), Pandavgad Caves (built by the Pandavas, supposedly).
Log on to: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
Dapoli
From Mumbai: 215 km
Located in Ratnagiri, it’s called ‘Mini Mahabaleshwar’ for its cool climate. It is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, Sane Guruji and Maharshi Karve.
Don’t miss: Suvarnadurg fort, Panjalekaji caves, Unhavare hot water springs, Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple, Murud beach and Harnai fish market.
Log on to: www.dapoli.net
If you have 5 days >
Tadoba-Andhari
From Mumbai: 920 km
It’s the best time of the year to spot the Royal Bengal Tiger in this national park, also dubbed the Jewel of Vidarbha. The dry deciduous cover is home to this elusive, protected cat as well as other wild cats, and the beautiful Nilgai. Tadoba gets its name from ‘Taru’ the local deity while the Andhari river means the one that winds its way through a forest.
Don’t miss: Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Jackal, Sambar, Indian Bison, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Chausingha, Ratel, Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar and Langur.
Log on to: www.maharashtra tourism. gov.in
Gokrana
From Mumbai: 696 km
This one-time sleepy temple town on Karnataka’s coast is fast becoming a new escape for Goa-weary beachcombers. With its mix of virgin shorelines and spiritual wholesomeness, dotted with several places of religious importance, it makes for an ideal getaway.
Don’t miss: Kudlee, Om, Half Moon and Paradise beaches, Bhandikeri Math, Shri Mahabaleshwar temple and Shri Mahaganapati temple,
Car Street in the main town.
Log on to: www.karnatakatourism.org
Gir
From Mumbai: 834 km
Home to nearly 300 lions, an envious bird life, and loads of other flora and fauna, including reptiles, the Gir National Park,that covers
1,412 sq kms is an animal lovers’ paradise. With the harsh Indian summer already here, spotting wildlife is a sure shot for the adventure buff.
Pic/Nimesh Dave
Don’t miss: The Asiatic Lion, Sambar and spotted deer (Chital), blue bull (Nilgai), Chausingha (the world’s only four-horned antelope), Chinkara (Indian gazelle) as well as the marsh crocodile.
Log on to: www.girnationalpark.co
If you have 2 days >
Mulshi
From Mumbai: 182 km
Located in Pune district, Mulshi is famous for its dam on the Mula river. Water from the dam is used to produce electricity and for irrigation. Its scenic hills, forests and forts including Dhangad and Koraigadh are popular too.
Pic/Shadab Khan
Don’t miss: Picnic spots near the river, ancient Vanjai Mata temple, which passes through valleys and cliffs, Ashtdhara waterfalls and Valne Ghat. Sunset picnics at Mulshi or Hadashi’s Sai temple.
Log on to: www.maharashtra tourism.gov.in
Bhandardara
From Mumbai: 165 km
Bhandardara is located close to the river Pravara and is dotted with waterfalls and verdant hilly terrain. It’s a great place to relax, explore the ghats and mingle with the tribals.
Don’t miss: Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake. Sage Agasti is believed to have meditated in Bhandardara. The gods then blessed him with the Pravara River, which is a stream of the Ganges. Kalsubai, the state’s highest peak, is also in Bhandardara.
Log on to:u00a0www.maharashtra tourism.gov.in
Dahanu-Bordi
From Mumbai: 137 km
Located 65 km from Virar, the chickoo-land of Dahanu boasts of pristine beaches and picturesque chickoo orchards.
Pic/Nimesh Dave
Don’t miss: Check out the Save organic chickoo farm, the Bordi beach, salt pans and the chickoo orchards. There is an annual Chickoo festival and kite flying events held at Dahanu as well.
Log on to: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
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