1. Fort Jadhavgadh
Situated a further 22 kilometres from Pune (which is 150 km from Mumbai) stands – in grand fashion – Maharashtra’s only Fort Heritage hotel. The hotel is in a 300-year old fort, sprawling 25 acres and is testimony to the might of the erstwhile Maratha regime. The complete history behind the fort can be read at http://www.fortjadhavgadh.com/forts-story/forts-story.html.
There’s lots to do here from trekking, bird watching, and visiting its in-house museum to attending ghazal nights and going on a bullock cart ride! Even if you’re not a history aficionado, there are lots of modern amenities such as a luxurious spa and a conference room that doubles up as a discotheque! This is one place that’s worth visiting for its sheer grandiose appearance.
_Photo credit: Flickr/IMG_0532/Aditya Banerjee/CC-BY_
2. Daman and Diu
Famed for its natural beauty and pristine surroundings, Daman and Diu is just 150km from Mumbai and is a popular destination among tourists. Do visit the Diu Fort, which offers a panoramic sea view. If weather permits, go for a walk on Nagoa and Ghogla – clean, well-maintained beaches that offer ample spots for solitude. Mirasol Lake Garden is worth visiting if you’re in the mood for a boat ride with family or simply just sipping some tea by the waterfront.
3. Bhandardhara
This holiday resort village is a melange of mountains, waterfalls and foliage. Situated around 185 kilometres from Mumbai, Bhandardhara is the ideal getaway when you’re looking to restore that lost connection with nature. The place offers ample opportunity for trekking, but ensure to take extra precaution during monsoons. Top attractions include Randha Falls, Mount Kalsubai (the highest peak in Maharashtra), Bhandardhara Lake, Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake.
4. Matheran
Imagine a place so pollution-free that even cars are not allowed to maintain the quality of its air – and the only modes of transportation are horses, bare foot, or bicycles. It’s hard to believe that such a destination exists just 100km from Mumbai. Declared as an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Matheran is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station.
Top tourists attractions are Alexander Point, Rambaug Point, Little Chowk Point, One Tree Hill Point, Belvedere Point, Olympia Race Course, Lords Point, Charlotte Lake, Celia Point, Panorama Point (Sun Rise Point), and Louisa Point. A highlight and charming attraction of Matheran is the Neral-Matheran Toy Train!
5. Goa
No list is ever complete without India’s favourite holiday destination, and neither is this one! If you ask the average Indian traveller, he/she is likely to say “When in doubt, travel to Goa.” Most tourists choose to rent a bike when in Goa, but we advise against that during this time of the year, owing to slippery roads.
While some beaches may be off-limits due to high tide, Goa is more than just its seashores. Instead, spend some time exploring its wonderful churches and amazing sea food restaurants. Dudhsagar Falls, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa, Fort Aguada, Saturday Night Market and Britto’s (for sea food) are worth visiting.
Experience an exciting monsoon getaway without burning a ton of cash by booking your flights and accommodations with Skyscanner!
