Weekend Getaways from Mumbai to Experience the Wilderness!

Your Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways is Here. Check it Out!

Mumbai, the entertainment capital of India, gives off a vibrant multi-cultural vibe which is a treat for anyone visiting the city. Although it is known as the city of Bollywood and beaches, don’t let those fool you! It offers an astonishing range of perfect weekend getaways for wildlife lovers to explore nature hands-on along with picturesque view-points.

Here are a list of the top wildlife weekend getaways from Mumbai.

1. Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 457 km from Mumbai, The Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is the ideal place for wildlife lovers offering a picturesque view of rugged mountains and the verdant forests. Dajipur is known for being completely cut off from human civilization allowing you to experience nature first hand without any distractions. A trek in the Dajipur sanctuary has to be on your bucket list! The half-day trek allows you to see more than 425 different type of plants species along with an array of reptiles and birds. For those of you who want to go deeper into the forests, don’t forget to go on the safari to see Jackals, Hyenas, and Leopards! This place serves as a perfect wildlife weekend getaway from Mumbai.

How to get there: There are various ways to get to Dajipur including a 7 hour car ride via NH7 which is the most convenient method. However, there is also a 9 hour direct train journey.

Where to stay: Dajipur has an array of accommodations including Heritage resort, Hotel Panchsil and Hotel Victor Palace which start at around Rs. 4000 per night. 

Book Your Stay at Hotel Victor Palace

2. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Safari
 

The Tadoba Andhari Tiger reserve is the oldest National park in Maharashtra perfect for wildlife lovers seeking an adventure. Legend holds that one of the village chiefs was killed during a mythological encounter with a tiger, and a must-see site is the shrine which is dedicated to him on the banks of the Tadoba Lake. Don’t miss out on the safaris where you may get a chance to spot one of the 82 tigers found within the reserve! Here’s to a perfect weekend getaway!

Important note: Plan the trip well in advance as there is limited accommodation at the tiger reserve. The best time to sight the most number of tigers would be right before the park closes in Monsoon (around the middle of June)

How to get there: You can take a flight to Nagpur with an average duration of 2 hours and then a taxi from Nagpur to reach the cab. You can also reach by train from Mumbai to Chandrapur Railway Station and then take a taxi to the park.

Where to stay: Tadoba offers an array of luxurious accommodations including the Irai safari retreat, United 21 tiger camp and the Jharna jungle lodge starting at Rs. 6000 per night.

Book Your Stay at Jharna Jungle Lodge 
 

3. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located only 240 km from Mumbai, The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats and is known for its rich biodiversity, abundant waterfalls and rich flora & fauna and is a recommended wildlife weekend getaway from Mumbai. The Bhimashankar sanctuary is one of the only sanctuaries with an ancient temple inside to worship lord Shiva. This is an ideal spot for trekkers surrounded by paths of various heights and difficulties to accomplish. For those of you looking for a mystery, Bhimashankar has 14 sacred groves which are difficult to spot as they are camouflaged with various species of flora. Have fun trying to spotting them!

How to get there: Driving to Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is the most convenient option with an average duration of 5 ½ hours. There is also a train which can be taken to Neral, followed by a cab to Bhimashankar with an average duration of 6 hours.

Where to stay: There are a plethora of hotels in Bhimashankar which offer good quality service. Springwood heritage, Adamo the Village and Radha cottage are few of the most well-known hotels and cottages starting at Rs. 4000 per night.

Book Your Stay at Adamo the Village

4. Kaas
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Located 280 km from Mumbai, Kaas is the perfect weekend getaway and definitely a must see list on your bucket list. Kaas is home to an array of bright flowers and is also known as the” valley of flowers”. This is also a perfect destination for those seeking a romantic getaway. Replete with beautiful vistas, Kaas is perfect for photographers to capture its remarkable views.

Important note: Plan in advance as only one batch is taken in to ensure no damage is done to the flowers.

How to get there: We suggest that you drive to Kaas or take a taxi with an average duration of 4 hours 15 minutes.

Where to stay: There are numerous hotels which offer good quality service near the Kaas Plateau including the Signature Crest, Brickland hotel and Hotel Lakeview starting at Rs. 3000 per night.

Book Your Stay at Signature Crest

5. Rehekuri Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 275 km from Mumbai, The Rehekuri Blackbuck sanctuary draws tourists from all around the world to sight Blackbucks-small Indian gazelles. One of the best ways to spot the elusive Gazelle is to root yourself behind a tree and wait patiently for it to come grazing. The sanctuary is covered with over 2.17 square km of scrub forests. A perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to spot one of these rare animals. Other animals you can spot here include- Chinkaras, Wolves and the Indian Fox!

Important note: Make sure not to take any food items into the sanctuary while sighting the Blackbucks, it is prohibited.

How to get there: You can get to Rehekuri by road with an average duration of 5 hours and 20 minutes or you can opt to take a train to Ahmednagar with an average duration of 9 hours, and a cab from there to the park.

Where to stay: There are various hotels near the sanctuary including The Lemon tree, Taj residency and The Classic Hotel which offer the best quality services.

Book Your Stay at The Classic Hotel

6. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
 

Located only 52 km from Mumbai, The Karnala bird sanctuary is the perfect getaway for those of you who want to de-stress from the urban chaos. The sanctuary allows you to sight not only winged beauties but also nocturnal creatures after nightfall. One of the most popular destinations for bird watchers and ornithologists, the sanctuary also attracts trekkers looking for long hikes on rugged terrain, though you might want to watch out for the giant wood spider or the black scorpion! While you’re there don’t forget to visit the Karnala Fort. Built in the 12^th century to watch over an important trading route, the Karnala fort is a royal beauty.

Important note: Ensure that you are not carrying any plastic belongings as they will have to be deposited at the gate to ensure the sanctuary remains clean.

How to get there:  The most convenient method of travel to Karnala is by road with an average time of 1 hour 15 minutes. A train can also be taken with an average duration of 1 hour 20 minutes; the recommended trains are the Mandovi express and the Mangalore express.

Where to stay: There are a plethora of options for accommodations in Karnala though we recommend the Panaromic Resort- Karnala a 3-star hotel with an average cost of Rs. 3500 per night.

Book Your Stay at Panoramic Resort

7. Silvassa

Located 168 km from Mumbai, Silvassa is an absolute treat for trekkers and animal lovers. This is the perfect wildlife destination, allowing you to hike through varying terrain and observing ancient Portuguese heritage. The park is renowned for being home to many species of deer such as The Satmalia Deer, Nilgai deer, or Blackbucks. Water sport lovers, must visit Dudhni, a water sports complex on the River Ganga where you can enjoy rides on water scooters, kayaks and speed boats on the Ganga River. Don’t forget to visit Kauncha, a local village inhabited by ancient tribes surrounded by the lush forest and majestic views of the Western Ghats.

How to get there: We recommend you to take a train from Mumbai to Silvassa with an average duration of 3 hours 10 minutes. However, traveling by road is another option via NH7 with an average duration of 3 hours.

Where to stay: Silvassa offers a wide array of hotels and we recommend the Keys Ras resort, The Daman Ganga Valley resort and the Treat resort for the most comfortable stay.

Book Your Stay at Daman Ganga Valley Resort 

8. Bhandardara
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​Bhandardara is located on the Pravara River, an excellent spot for enjoying the stunning views hills provide. Bhandardara is the ideal place to de-stress from the urban chaos by meditating along the banks of the river. Don’t forget to visit the Ratangad Fort, which offers beautiful views, perfect for photographers.

Important note: To enjoy the freshness of the forests, visit Bhandardara during the monsoon season.

How to get there: The most ideal way of reaching Bhandardara would be by road with an average time of 3 hours 15 minutes via NH3. However, a train journey is also comfortable with prior bookings with an average duration of 2 hours 10 minutes.

Where to stay: Bhandardara has limited options for accommodations and therefore we recommend the Cottons Forest Resort and the Anandvan Resort for luxurious stays. Don’t forget to book early!

Book Your Stay at Anandvan Resort 

9. Panshet

Panshet provides the perfect wildlife weekend getaway for water lovers and ideal for picnicking. Here, you can enjoy water activites such as kayaking, speed boat rides and water scooters. Don’t forget to try out the banana boat ride for a thrill seeking pastime. The Khadakwasla Dam is one of the must see attractions in Panshet and provides a picturesque spot of the water front and an ideal place for a picnic. Trekking enthusiasts can visit the Sinhagad fort to climb over the hilltop for a majestic view. Panshet is a must view place in your bucket list!

How to get there: Traveling by car/taxi is the most convenient option with an average duration of 3 hours 25 minutes via the Mumbai Highway. You can also take the state bus or an AC Volvo to Shivajinagar and then take a cab to Panshet. You also have an option of taking a private bus directly from Mumbai to Panshet for an average of Rs. 800 per night.

Where to stay: Panshet has a limited number of hotels to stay in ,however,  few of the options we recommend you near the Dam are the Fortune Select Dasve, The Waterfront Shaw and the Ambrosia Spa and Resort.

Book Your Stay at Fortune Select Dasve 

10. Diveagar

Diveagar is a paradise of wildlife lovers! Diveagar is known for its beaches and its tranquility. Srivardhan is the perfect place for white-sand beaches and see-through waters. Kuda Leni situated near Tale is surely a must visit for nature enthusiasts, where you can find caves carved out of mountains which have been preserved carefully. Diveagar is the ideal place to de-stress yourself from the day-to-day chaos! For those of you who cannot resist the lull and the fury of the waves, you must visit Diveagar

How to get there: You can opt to fly to Diveagar by a direct flight from Mumbai with an average duration of 1 hour. You could also travel by cab/taxi with an average duration of 4 hours 15 minutes via Mumbai-Bengaluru highway.

Where to stay: For the most comfortable stay we recommend the Pearl Resort and the Exotica Beach resort with an average price between Rs. 2500 per night.

Book Your Stay at Exotica Beach Resort