Long Weekend Getaways in August: Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar Beckon

August in India means one thing – Holidays! Be it Independence Day or Janmashtami, everyone is eager to escape the humdrum of daily life and take a much-awaited break. This year, the Independence Day long weekend has become the talk of the town and even the home-stayers are planning long weekend getaways in August. The hills make for an ideal retreat so what better places than Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar to experience bliss?

Lonavala – Here We Come!

With the 15^th August weekend around the corner; my family has decided to head to Lonavala, a hill station that is a 2 hour drive away from Mumbai. And it isn’t just the four of us. When we broke the news to our relatives, my cousins also came on board and now, lo behold, we are a total of 50 people heading to Lonavala for a grand family get-together!

Although we were brimming with excitement, a question soon crossed our mind – how will we all stay in one hotel together? Hotel sites like MakeMyTrip.com were opened and help was sought from friends. Sadly, having everyone in a single hotel didn’t turn out to be feasible. So we booked rooms in four nearby hotels across Lonavala and Khandala where some of us have already stayed earlier:

Cosset - A Boutique Hotel

In this boutique hotel, one thing is guaranteed - utmost comfort amidst comfortable and warm settings. With a total of 16 beautifully decorated rooms, Cosset – A Boutique Hotel has become a favourite with couples and families alike. If your vacation is all about sightseeing, nearby attractions like Valvan Dam and Kaivalyadham Yogic Centre await you. Warmth, opulence and a wonderful stay – you can’t ask for anything more!

The Dukes Retreat

What’s a hill station without stunning vistas? The Dukes Retreat in Khandala offers panoramic views of the entire Khandala Ghat and the famous ‘Dukes Nose’ cliff, after which the hotel is named. Of all the rooms available, the cottages are simply alluring and overlook a private courtyard. With plenty of nature trails and forest paths around the resort, feel one with nature and forget your worries!

Resort Silver Hill

Everyone enjoys indoor games and fun activities on a vacation. And Resort Silver Hill is known for having a plethora of facilities for both adults and kids. Swimming pool, children’s park, skating rink and the likes – a weekend here is surely about quality time with family! Last time I stayed here, there was a magic show and even an interactive house game. I wonder what’s in store this time around!

Metropole – A Boutique Hotel

I simply cannot resist the charm of boutique hotels and have to recommend this one besides Cosset. Hotel Metropole has good accommodation and is strategically located near a slew of tourist attractions. Bushi Dam, Lion Points, Wax Museum, Karla Caves – exploring Lonavala has never been easier! There is also a yoga centre nearby for anyone seeking rejuvenation or fitness even during holiday.

Mahabaleshwar – Nature Lovers’ Paradise

Knowing that the long weekend would be all about catching up with relatives over hot cups of chai, my parents and I have chosen to extend our weekend getaway and head to Mahabaleshwar, a 3.5 hour drive from Lonavala, to enjoy peace and solitude. We have already narrowed down to Hotel Krishna Continental  which is an absolute value for money. More like a bed and breakfast, the hotel’s plus point is the exemplary staff.

Comfort and old-world charm at Krishna Continental

With only a few weeks left for the grand weekend, I can hardly wait to pack my bags and go on one of the most memorable trips! The hills are beckoning, where are you? Make your bookings to Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar today and enjoy the great outdoors!