Travel: Explore exciting trails around Mumbai on Independence Day weekend

MumbaiEyeTrails around the cityNature trainingLearn to become an urban naturalist and conduct your own nature trails in a threeday programme offered by iNatureWatch Foundation It is open to all nature lovers from standard 10 onwards even without a science background and will be conducted by Dr V Shubhalaxmi and Priti Choghale of Ladybird Environmental Consulting Participants can also sign up for an apprenticeship with iNatureWatch post the programmeON August 13 to 15 9 am to 4 pmAT Nature Information Centre Sanjay Gandhi National Park Borivali E FEE R4500 includes training trail fees study material certificate tea and lunchCALL 9987013144 EMAIL inaturewatchgmailcomLAST DATE TO APPLY Today On the spot registrations may be available depending on the availability of seatsCyclingChase the sunrise enjoy the beaches and more with an Independence bicycle ride from Bandra to ColabaON August 15MEETING POINT Bandra 530 am COST Rs 975 includes cycle helmet snack box guidance fee and safety vehicle CALL 9833163486LOG ON TO SomeplaceelseinTRAVEL PACKAGESMalshej left BhandardharaIndependence Day trips Keeping the long weekend in mind MTDC has introduced special packages that includes round trips for routes like MumbaiBhandardharaMumbai MumbaiNashikShirdiBhandardharaMumbai and a oneday tour of MumbaiMalshejMumbai These include transportation overnight stays at hotel breakfast and dinner CALL 22845678LOG ON TO MaharashtratourismgovinEMAIL reservationmaharashtratourismgovinWeekend ActivitiesInside Kothaligad FortExperience the engineering marvel of Kothaligad Fortwatchtower in Karjat where the pinnacle is carved from the inside forming a circular staircase that reaches the top Other attractions include a cave and temple carvings that date back to 13th Century The cost for the trip covers travel by bus from Mumbai to trek base and back breakfast and basic lunchON August 14 6 am onwardsCost Rs 1350 Pick up points Andheri W Railway station outside Hyatt Santacruz E and Indian Oil Nagar SCLR RoadCALL 9833163486LOG ON TO SomeplaceelseinFor FamiliesCelebrate Independence Day by trekking to the highest point in Mumbai located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park Borivali while enjoying the varied flora and fauna The trek can be undertaken by parents and childrenON August 15 8 am onwardsMEETING POINT Sanjay Gandhi National Park Borivali WCOST Rs 900 doesnrsquot cover snacks or lunchCALL 9619793983TrekkingExplore the Prabalgadh FortSlip into your trekking shoes and explore the lushness of the Sahyadris with a special oneday trek to Prabalgadh Fort PanvelMatheran district in the rugged mountains of Western Ghats The level of the trek is slightly challenging and includes a sevenhours hike ascend and descend but once you have reached to the top you get to enjoy an amazing view of the Kalavantin DurgON August 14 530 amMEETING POINT Along the Western and Eastern Express Highway COST R2150 includes transport by bus guides trash bags gloves breakfast lunch and refreshments CALL 9930260747 LOG ON TO WhitecollarhippiecomCAMPINGHost the Tricolour at PawnaSoak in the patriotic fervour with a midnight flag hoisting at Camp Deogadh a lakeside campsite at Pawna Lake The next morning kids from the nearby Thakursai village will enthrall you with renditions of patriotic songs Tuck into local Maharashtrian fare munch on barbequed corn on the cob and ramble over to an onsite waterfall in this overnight camping tripFROM August 14 to August 15AT Camp Deogadh Thakursai mdash Aajiwali Road DeogadhLOG ON TO BookmyshowcomCOST Rs 2500CALL 9820074884