Weekend Breaks from Mumbai

Nestled in the concrete jungle of Mumbai, is hard to imagine the beautiful spaces, green there are only a short walk away. Check out some of these caches weekend on the road less traveled ...

Kashid

Just hours from Mumbai (160 km), which is in Kashid (Dist. Raigad), a beach paradise nestled between two hills. The wind sighs through groves of casuarina, a welcome change from cars honking.

The languid air and clean sands, white are the main attraction in Kashid. The switches are very great delight of the surfers (discounted of course, during the monsoon), but landlubbers can find joy, too, just paddling, walking or watching the sunset in a fierce burst of orange. Bicycle rental to move or go on a wagon ride, try a ferry trip across the sea ... pure bliss!

Phansa Sanctuary, about 20 miles uphill from Kashid is a little known treasure. Far below, you can hear murmurs of the sea as you walk along the forest floor carpeted with leaf spring. If you camp here overnight, be rewarded with a morning view of dozens of birds by the water well - Paradise Flycatchers, Sunbirds, Orioles, and nightingales. This is a country of leopard, but you'll be lucky to see one. From the vantage point, the blue-green sea below is a view to die for.

Durshet

Thirty-two kilometers of Navi Mumbai, Durshet sits in front of the Sahyadri mountain range, a break of dense forest along the river Amba. Kundalika River Rafting, hiking at night in the forest and bird watching.

This is a bastion of Ganesha - Varad Vinayak temple on in the nearby village was built in 1725 AD. One that has a "nandadeep" which is believed to have been burning continuously from 1892 DCEL Ballaleshwar Shri temple is part of the revered pilgrimage Ashtavinayak circuit and the only bear the name of devotees of Ganesha. Come and pay their respects to a safe and happy holiday.

Sajan

Affected by the monsoon blues? Take off to Sajan, 115 km from Mumbai, roadside Manor-Jawhar. Once you've moved beyond the brick oven lined road, you're in a paradise of forests interspersed with large mango plantations chikoo.

Enjoy your holidays doing nothing, enjoying the beauty of emeralds everywhere. A waterfall and a river flowing gently add to the tranquility.

If you have to take action, there is a ski club that organizes kayak nature in Mold Khurd dam, bird watching, swimming, jungle treks, mountain biking and fishing. Kohoj Trek to Fort Hill, about 18 km.

Bhandardara

History, nature, religion, mythology - Bhandardara, 185 km from Mumbai, has it all.

Arthur Lake is a serene blue disk in the midst of lush vegetation. Kalsubai Mount (1646 m) is the highest peak in Maharashtra, very popular with hikers. The Ratanga Fort, a stronghold of the great Maratha warrior-hero, Shivaji, has breathtaking views of the walls. Agastia Rishi Ashram on the banks of the river Praveen, dates back to the time of Ramayana. Amriteshwar Temple is famous for its unique architecture. Wilson Dam, built in 1910 is the largest earth dam in India and a popular place for visitors.