Road trips will make a huge comeback in the post Covid-19 world. Slowly but surely, lock-down restrictions will be eased. Take a well deserving break with these five Mumbai weekend getaways under 250 KM. Discover places for history and nature lovers, wine connoisseurs and beach bums – one weekend at a time.
Murud-Janjira – 160 KM from Mumbai
Western Maharashtra is blessed with a wonderful coastline stretching 720 KM. Beach bums can capitalise on the weekend and go beach hopping along Maharashtra’s coastline. Of the lot, Murud Janjira is a must visit and one of the great options for Mumbai weekend getaways under 250 KM.
The Janjira Fort, ruled by the Siddis of Africa is an imposing structure in the Arabian Sea. The marine fort has a distinction of being India’s only undefeated fort on the western coast. This is in-spite of several attacks from the British, Dutch and Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire. The fort remained unconquered until it became part of the Indian territory after independence from the British in 1947.
The nearby Padmadurg Fort, a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, is equally stunning and can be admired from afar as tourists require special permissions to visit the structure. A morning walk on the Murud beach is pleasantly nice, while evenings bustle with horse rides and speed boats, bhel puri and corn cob stalls. Drop by the Khokri village on the way to Agardanda Jetty to marvel at the 18th century Khokri tombs, albeit in ruins, built by the Siddi dynasty. End the night by treating yourself to a well deserved sea food thali.
[Also read: Beach hopping in Maharashtra]
Matheran – 60 KM from Mumbai
Matheran needs little introduction. The smallest hill station in India is among the most popular Mumbai weekend getaways under 250 KM. An eco-sensitive zone, Matheran looks straight out of the 1800s with limited urbanisation and a vehicular ban. At 2000 feet above sea-level, the temperatures are perpetually cool surrounded by dense forests, making it a great destination all year round.
Spread across less than 8 km², Matheran boasts of over 30 points, 1 lake and 3 temples. Each of the points offer spectacular views of the Western Ghats but the Alexander Point, Louisa Point, One Tree Hill and Lord Point should be on your list, as well as Charlotte Lake. Strolling through the shops at MG road feels like a film set. The heritage toy train from Neral to Matheran rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the Sahyadri mountain range and cascading waterfalls. Coming by road? Visitors can park their cars at Dasturi Park, the last motorable stop, and hike along the railway tracks soaking in stunning vistas.
[Also read: Can Matheran be covered in a day?]
Phaltan & Satara – 250 KM from Mumbai
Not many would know but Phaltan in the Satara district was a Maratha princely state of British India. This little town is great for a rural getaway with windmill farms, green meadows and stunning waterfalls.
Stroll around the Rajwada and admire the understated elegance of the royal home of the Nimbalkars, who ruled Phaltan from 1860 to 1916. The courtyard of the Rajwada has been a set for many a Hindi film shoots like Bhool Bhulaiya and Khatta Meetha. Drive through the countryside to reach Pusegaon village and stand underneath giant windmills admiring mesmerizing sunsets. Phaltan is one of the largest producers of sugarcane and their pomegranates are of export quality. Stroll around tomato and marigold fields, milk a cow or take a bullock cart ride at local farms that are welcoming of tourists. Nature lovers can drive down to the Thosegar Waterfalls. Those with a penchant for history should visit the Ajinkyatara Fort in the heart of Satara city.
Pro tip: Stay at Jakson Inns Phaltan, who is consistently working to bring Phaltan on the tourist map in Maharashtra. Opt for their curated tours around the place.
[Also read: Off the beaten path – Rural getaway to Phaltan and Satara]
Nashik – 165 KM from Mumbai
Nashik is quite a versatile location – perfect for wine connoisseurs, a great spiritual retreat and haven for food lovers. It is the wine capital of India with vineyards by the dozen. While Sula Vineyards are considered the pioneers in Indian wine making, selling and distributing, others like York, Grover Zampa and Soma are not far behind. Wine enthusiasts can take a full-day tour of some of these vineyards in and around Nashik. Don’t forget to go grape stomping during the seasonal months from January to March. The Sula fest is organised annually in the month of February and promises visitors a great atmosphere for art, music, dance, food, culture and more wine.
Trimbakeshwar temple is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas across India and attracts pilgrims from across Maharashtra. For a taste of some truly local cuisine, try the spicy Nashik Misal Pav at Sadhana Restaurant that is prepared on a chulha and served with a side of papad.
[Also read: Sula Vineyards Tour – Day trip to Nashik]
Mahabaleshwar – 260 KM
Okay, this is just over 250 kilometers but worth the extra mile 🙂
Mahabaleshwar is the ultimate retreat if you want to get away from the crowds of Mumbai. Whether you’re visiting as a solo traveller, couple or family, this quaint hill station won’t disappoint.
The Elephant’s Head Point and Kate point offer spectacular views of the mountain ranges. Families can spread out the picnic mat by the Venna Lake and enjoy boating at sunset. Go strawberry picking at local farms and buy jams and squashes from the popular Mapro Garden. It is believed that the British brought the strawberries to Mahabaleshwar (then the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency) from Australia. Its sister town, Panchagani, throws a nice colonial vibe too and offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadris. Spend some time strolling through India’s first book village in Bhilar, sandwiched between Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, and admire the community initiative of turning local houses into libraries. Pratapgad Fort, literally translating to ‘Valour Fort’, is a historically significant site of the Battle of Pratapgad and worth the drive 25 kilometres away.
[Also read: Top five places to see in Mahabaleshwar]
(A version of this story was first published for SpiceJet in-flight magazine – January 2020 issue)
- Check the latest accommodation prices in these locations on Booking.com or Agoda.
- Looking for travel gear, packing essentials and books to read on your trip, visit Amazon
- Want to discuss more about this trip? Drop me a line on my Instagram
Read more weekend getaway stories from other Indian cities:
- Heritage trail – Weekend getaway from Indore
- A quick itinerary for Hampi
- Weekend drive to Mysore from Bangalore
- Exploring Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park near Ahmedabad
Join me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for more such travel stories and photographs. Subscribe to this blog to receive instant notifications of my new posts in your inbox.
