If getting out of Mumbai means Lonavala and Khandala for you, then read no further. Not that Lonavala and Khandala aren’t beautiful. They are indeed. But then, let us grow up.
Here are five weekend monsoon getaways from Mumbai.
1. Go beyond Malshej Ghat. Malshejghat is a regular and hugely popular monsoon weekend getaway. Misty mountains and unlimited waterfalls. An MTDC resort facing the valley. Most people from Mumbai travel to Malshejghat via Kalyan for a day trip or a weekend trip. Here is another alternative: Hit the Mumbai–Pune expressway and take a left at Wadgaon to Chakan and then proceed to Narayangaon and Junnar. Stay overnight at Junnar. Spend the evening at Shivneri fort. Leave early morning. Junnar to Lenyadri and then to Malshejghat. The drive from Junnar to Malshej ghat is simply awesome. Stop for lunch at Malshejghat. Laze around and reach Mumbai by late evening.
2. Saputara. Saputara is a tiny hill station in Gujarat, at the Maharashtra–Gujarat border. Snuggled in the tribal district of Dangs, Saputara has some interesting drive through the forests and by the rivers. Take off to Nashik from Mumbai and then via Dindori and Vani to Saputara. A total of over 250 km. Stay overnight at Saputara. Gujarat tourism has hotels and there are a few private hotels as well. Walk to the sunset point. And to the sunrise point the next morning. Once again a circular trip. Return via Waghai, Vansda, Chikli and Valsad (a total of 345 km). Stop by the massive Gira waterfalls before Vansda. Vansda National Park is closed during monsoons.
3. Igatpuri via Jawahar. Igatpuri is also well-known and popular weekend destination. However, for the monsoon driving pleasure, take this longish route. Get on to the Western Expressway. About 60 km from Borivali is Manor. Take a right and via Vikramghad, reach Jawahar. At about 1,800 ft above sea level, Jawahar is also a mini hill station. Either stay overnight at Jawahar with some local sightseeing thrown in or head straight to Igatpuri. Igatpuri too has some options to stay. Return via Shahapur, Kalyan and Thane.
4. Coastal ride to Guhagar. Take the Mumbai–Goa highway till Khed. At Khed, get out of the highway and take a right to Dapoli. From Dapoli to Dhabol. Take your vehicle across the river on a boat and head to Guhagar. Guhagar is one street village/town with clean beaches. There are hotels, but look for some homestay. Every one in the village knows each other and someone will guide you. Next morning, head to Velneshwar beach and then to Chiplun. From Chiplun head back to Mumbai through the Mumbai–Goa highway.
5. Coastal ride to Harihareshwar via Murud–Janjira. Mumbai to Alibaug and then to Murud. One option is to stay overnight at Murud. Though the beach is clean, it might get overcrowded on weekends. A better option might be to continue to Hairhareshwar on the same day. Take the narrow roads through various villages to Srivardhan and then to Harihareshwar. Harihareshwar has a nice MTDC resort. There are a few private resorts as well. Head back to Mumbai next day around lunch time.
Excellent sir ,only saputara remains out of my trips rest all covered .You missed DAPOLI which is another good destination …:)
A neat information. The Konkan coast is really a paradise on earth. Igatpuri is very much inviting. I have taken note of the other places. Thanks.
Excellent information. Thanks.
I am going to try one of this option next weekend.
Very nice….
wish i could just go off to one of these places…. unfortunately neither of us likes to drive…… and what with school and stuff, even dreaming about a holiday is difficult!!!!