Traveling alone is the most scariest part in the life but at the same time it’s also a life changing moment and also feel very liberating. You will experience a lot of things that will be with you for lifetime.
Solo travelling can be a great chance to get to know oneself better. It is a great time to reconnect with your lost passion, feed your curiosity about the world. It can also be a way to explore your independence, make friends with locals in the places you visit and learn about their cultures.
Here are some best weekend gateways near Mumbai which you must visit.
1.Goa
When it comes to mesmerizing beaches and a carefree weekend, all heads turn to Goa! It is visited by a large number of National and International tourists each year not only for its beaches but also for its heritage and culture.
Calangute Beach: North Goa’s longest beach, Calangute Beach is no less than a real paradise for backpackers from across the globe. Known popularly as “The Queen of Beaches”. Calangute Beach owes its popularity to its spectrum of thrilling water activities, shacks, food joints, and pubs.
Things to do: Jet Ski rides at famous beaches like Candolim, Baga and Vagator. It is one of the most thrilling activities that can be experienced by adventure enthusiasts of all expertise levels.
Parasailing, fly into the blue sky at Anjuna and Vagator beaches as a superfast speed boat pulls you along.
Kite surfing if you want the best adventure experience in water. Water Skiing and Scuba diving
2.Panchgani
Panchgani, named after the five majestic hills enclosing it is the famous hill station in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The place itself speak about beauty, the view of cities and towns twinkling beneath the hills. Panchgani has pleasant weather through out the year. Best time to visit Panchgani is Monsoon, Winter and Summer.
Interesting view points are Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam, Kaas Plateau also known as “valley of flowers”, Devrai Art Village and Mapro Garden.
Things to do: Enjoy Boating at Venna Lake, Explore History at Kamalgad Fort, Shop Leather Items at Shivaji Circle
3.Amboli
Seeking a refreshing retreat in the lap of nature ? The breathtaking Amboli is one of the most recommended weekend getaways from Mumbai situated in the Sahyadri Hills of the western part of India. Gushing waterfalls, undulating hills, pleasant atmosphere are one of the reasons why you must visit this at least once in your lifetime.
Bath under the gush of Amboli Falls, soak up the charm of Western Ghats from Madhavgad Fort, or be at Amboli Sunset provides for a picturesque view of the sunset. The best time to be here is during monsoon when the entire region becomes vibrant.
Durg Dhakoba popular are peaks in the plateau between Naneghat and Bhimashankar hill ranges near Pune district. Full of revitalizing greenery and this trek will succeed in taking you away from the noise and stress of living in a city and will became your favorite spot for peace.
4.Mahabaleshwar
Less than half an hour away from Panchgani is the city of Mahabaleshwar, an extension of its sceneries countless view points and strawberries and raspberries.
In the monotonous rush of life, we rarely look at the sunrise or sunset. Mahabaleshwar is a quiet and misty hill station near Mumbai that boasts of one of the few evergreen forests in the country where you can stand at Wilson Point and watch the Sunrise.
This is a place where your camera is used to capture great beauty of its viewpoints – the Elphinstone, Arthur’s Seat. Mahabaleshwar is aptly called Paradise on Earth. It’s the place where you can connect and befriend with yourself and can refer your mind and soul.
5.Durshet
Durshet is a town settled between Mumbai and Pun snuggle amidst the Sahyadri ranges. The area is surrounded by hillocks and plateaus with rivers and waterfalls decorating the premises. This habituate the travelers with an aura of refresh and wanderlust.
In Durshet, you can have a glimpse of the ethereal beauty of nature. The hillocks with waterfalls crossing through them, the verdant greenery and natural beauty all around has made it a renowned tourist destination. It is also a haven for trekkers and mountaineers. The area around River Amba is an abundant natural reserve for exotic wildlife and flora of the area around..
Places to visit:
Varad Vinayak Temple – This is one of the most famous Durshet tourism attractions in the region. It was built in 1725 AD by Peshva Sardar Ramji Mahadev Varad Vinayak Biwalkar.
Pali Fort – Located just a few kilometers away from Durshet. It comprises two mountain forts – Sarasgad and Sudhagad Forts. It is of great historical significance and a major attraction for avid trekkers and adventure seekers and Pali fort is the replica of most famous Raigad Fort.
Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak
Durshet forest lodge
Uddhar Hot Springs – located near the Pali Ganesha Temple. There are three ponds or kunds; one is open while the other two are covered. One of the covered one is for men and the other for ladies.
The mythology story behind this kund is Jatayu left its body for its heavenly abode.
6.Igatpuri
If you want escape from the chaos of the everyday city lives then you must visit Igatpuri. A heaven for nature enthusiasts, it has many ancient forts, pristine waterfalls and several adventure activities. Igatpuri is surrounded by some of the highest ranges of the Sahyadri Ranges, making it a haven for trekkers and nature lovers alike.
Place to visit:
• Tringalwadi Fort: One of the oldest architectural marvels in Igatpuri. Popular trekking destination in Maharashtra, this fort attracts hikers and trekkers from all over the country. The Fort is known for its excellent views of the Nashik route and the adjacent Tringalwadi lake.
• Vihigaon Waterfall
• Kalsubai Peak: Known as the Everest of Maharashtra. The peak is also known to command some of the most amazing views of the sunset and sunrise.
• Ghatandevi Temple: The temple is dedicated to the eponymous Ghatandevi Mata, who is said to be the protector of the Ghats.
• Camel Valley, Bhavali Dam, Avandha Fort
Things to do: Trekking, Water rafting, camping, bird watching, go on a detox detour
7.Nashik
Nashik is one of the ancient cities in the country established on the banks of river Godavari in Maharashtra. Travel to Nashik to experience the rich culture of the state and its local traditions, visit the centuries-old temples that tell tales numerous of interesting stories and legends deep-rooted in the Hindu mythology.
Place to visit: Harihar Fort, Ramkund, Dudhsagar Falls, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Pandavleni Caves,Gangapur Dam
8.Alibag
If you are having a stressful week and longing for a weekend, Alibag can be your next destination. Alibag, also written as Alibaug. This place refers to “The Garden of Ali,” which means a fruit orchid planted and taken care of by Ali. The place is situated in the state’s coastal region which arise largely from the various beaches.
Place to visit: Alibaug Beach, Brahma Kund, Kolaba Fort, Murud Beach, Murud Janjira Fort, Awas beach, Vrindavan Farm
Things to do: Camel rides, Horse rides, bird watching, Camping, stargazing, paragliding, Scuba diving, Kayaking