Off the Beaten Track: Weekend Breaks from Mumbai

Ensconced in Mumbai’s concrete jungle, it’s hard to imagine that lovely, green spaces exist just a ride away. Check out some of these weekend hideouts, on the road less travelled…

Kashid

Just hours out of Mumbai (160 km), you’re in Kashid (Dist. Raigad), a beach paradise nestling between two hillocks. The wind sighs through casuarina groves, a welcome change from honking cars.

The languorous air and clean, white sands are Kashid’s prime attraction. The enormous breakers are quite the surfer’s delight (ruled out of course, during the monsoon), but landlubbers can find contentment too, simply paddling, walking or watching the sun go down in a fierce burst of orange. Rent bikes to get around or go on a cart ride; try a ferry ride across the seas…sheer bliss!

The Phansad Sanctuary, some 20 km uphill from Kashid is a little known treasure. Far below, you can hear the sea’s murmurs as you walk along the springy forest floor carpeted with leaves. If you camp here overnight, you’ll be rewarded with an early morning vision of scores of birds by the watering hole – Paradise Flycatchers, Sunbirds, Orioles, and Bulbuls. This is leopard country, but you’ll be lucky to spot one. From the watchtower, the blue-green of the sea below is a view to die for.

Durshet

Thirty-two kilometres from Navi Mumbai, Durshet sits against the Sahyadri Range, a densely forested getaway along the River Amba. Go rafting on the Kundalika River, night treks through the forest and birdwatching.

This is a Ganesha stronghold – the Varad Vinayak temple, in the village nearby was built in 1725 AD. Uniquely, it has a “nandadeep” that is believed to have been burning constantly from 1892 A.D. The Shri Ballaleshwar Temple is part of the revered Ashtavinayak pilgrimage circuit and the only one to be named after Ganesha’s devotee. Drop in and pay your respects for a safe and happy holiday.

Sajan

Hit by monsoon blues? Take off to Sajan, 115 km from Mumbai, off the Manor-Jawhar Road. Once you’ve left behind the brick kiln lined highway, you’re in a forested paradise interspersed with large chikoo and mango plantations.

Enjoy a do-nothing holiday, luxuriating in the emerald beauty all around. A waterfall and a softly flowing river add to the tranquillity.

If you must jump into action, there’s a nature club resort that organises kayaking at the Moho Khurd Dam, birdwatching, swimming, jungle treks, mountain biking and fishing. Trek up to Kohoj Hill Fort, about 18 km away.

Bhandardara

History, nature, religion, mythology – Bhandardara, 185 km from Mumbai, has it all.

Arthur Lake is a serene blue disc set amid lush greenery. Mount Kalsubai (1,646 m) is Maharashtra’s highest peak, very popular with trekkers. The Ratangad Fort, a stronghold of the great Maratha warrior-hero, Shivaji, has stunning vistas from its ramparts. The Agasti Rishi Ashram, on the banks of the River Pravara, dates back to the time of the Ramayana. The Amriteshwar Temple is famous for its distinctive architecture. The Wilson Dam, built in 1910 is India’s largest earthen dam and a popular spot for visitors.

Pack an overnighter and hit the road – Mumbai’s weekend delights are closer than you think.