Escape From Mumbai This Weekend

Summer vacations are around the corner. Kids are clamouring for a holiday. Being a working parent in the maximum city, Mumbai, brings the pressure of balancing official commitments with family ones. While a leisurely vacation may be out of question, don’t rule out a rejuvenating weekend break. With a little prior holiday planning, you can enjoy real explorations during a two-night outing and still be back to work on Monday, fresh as a daisy. From Mumbai, these are the best travel destinations to consider in such a scenario.

By Road...

MATHERAN

Hill stations are aplenty, but few as unpolluted as Matheran. Just 100 kilometres from Mumbai, at an elevation of 2625 feet on the Western Ghats, automobiles aren’t allowed here. Therefore despite a heavy rush of tourists, its environs are still pristine. Louisa point, Panorama point, Rambagh point and Monkey point are the most frequented viewpoints. Mount Berry is popular for the sight of trains chugging up the hillside, amidst thick foliage. The Pisarnath temple by the Charlotte Lake also attracts visitors.

Getting there: You can drive up to Dastiru Naka, which is about 2.3 kilometers away from Matheran, and is the last stop up to which vehicles are allowed. However, finding parking might be a little inconvenient. It would instead be a better idea to take a taxi and then walk around to enjoy the 38 lookout points or do it on horse-back.

JAWAHAR

Populated by the famous Warli tribe, its numerous waterfalls and ancient trees provide refuge to the city-wary. Novelty lodging like eco-retreats and tree-top huts are available. The Jai Vilas Palace is a major tourist attraction for its precious antiques, and the views it commands. Nature lovers would love Dabdaba Falls and Sunset Point. While here, you may want to learn the art of Warli painting.

Getting there: The Western Express Highway makes the 180-kilometre ride to Jawahar from Mumbai a smooth one.

By Train...

LONAR

A giant meteorite, weighing over 20-lakh tonnes, had crashed into the earth an estimated 50,000 years ago, at this spot. The huge crater caused by the impact is now a lake, fringed by thick shrub and tree-cover. It’s a tranquil setting, a place to picnic, camp and trek. In short, it’s one of the nicest places to vacation. Three temples stand here – the Ganapati Gaimukh, Renuka Devi and Daityasudana. Legend has it that emperor Akbar used to have his soaps made from the lake’s water. Within the lake there are said to be two marked areas where the pH value differs, with few explanations to account for it.

Getting there: You can cover the 440 kilometre distance between Mumbai and Lonar on the Mumbai-Secunderabad Devagiri Express. This train departs at 9.05 pm from Mumbai CST, and reaches Aurangabad at the crack of dawn. Lonar is a three-hour, 148 kilometre drive away.

CHIKALDHARA

The only coffee-growing region of Maharashtra, Chikaldhara is perched atop a plateau and enjoys cool weather through the year. Game like panthers, sloth bears, deer and wild boars pervade its forests. If you’re travelling with children, you may enjoy a local safari ride. Hurricane Point, Prospect Point and Dev Point have panoramic views. The Narnala Fort, a botanical garden, tribal museum and Semadoh Lake should all be on your itinerary.

Getting there: The Vidarbha Express is the most convenient train connection, since you could begin travelling right after work. It departs from Mumbai CST at 7.10 pm on all days of the week, and reaches Badnera, the nearest railhead to your destination, early next morning. From here Chikaldhara is a 110 kilometre drive away.

By Air...

COONOOR

Coonoor, though well connected to Ooty by road, is relatively less touristy. Its highest point skims the 6000-feet mark, endowing the region with beautiful flora and fauna. Quaint colonial architecture dots the countryside, giving Coonoor its character. The Japanese-style botanical garden, Sims Park, attracts visitors from other locales too. For lodging, nothing beats the experience of a heritage hotel in Coonoor. Do take a ride on the toy-train between Ooty and Coonoor. It will be one of the best rail trips for kids.

Getting there: Hop on to a direct flight to Coimbatore, and enjoy the scenic 70-kilometre drive up to this hill-station in the Nilgiris.

GOA

Hundred kilometres of beach may be Goa’s chief attraction, but there’s more to this Konkan destination than sun and sand. Hacienda architecture, river cruises and wildlife sanctuaries are some of its other top draws. Monsoon time, beginning around June has its own advantages The tropical forests are lush, the throng of tourists relatively less than at other times, and the best travel deals are on offer. Children will love to visit the Mollem National Park, Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary and a mini-zoo at Bondla. Enjoy a tour of the exotic spice plantation at Savoi. From Panaji hop on to a boat-cruise travelling up the swollen Mandovi River. A number of festivals take place in June, including the Sao-Joao fertility feast. You can negotiate the lowest rates on heritage Portuguese-style boutique hotels in this season.

Getting there: From Mumbai the flying-time to Goa is just one hour, making air travel the most convenient way to get in. MakeMyTrip.com has some unbelievable Goa packages.