We've all had it a bit rough lately. If it's not the slowdown in the market, then it's Covid-19 or the routine of Work From Home and more. The searing knife of summer digs deep and stays fast, only until the cold salve of the monsoon offers a reassuring touch. As the monsoons are here, everything takes on a charming hue. We know that all will be well in the world. And that means it's time for a road trip from Mumbai. But, where should you go? We have a few ideas.
Karjat’s natural beauty attracts one and all, not just because of the splendid natural setting, but also because Karjat offers a lot of scope for adventure sports like river rafting, trekking and horse-riding. In the monsoons, you will see that the tiny hill station is surrounded by waterfalls, both big and small. Some even overflow onto the old Mumbai-Pune highway. That reminds us - ditch the rut for once and head out to Karjat on your next road trip from Mumbai.
Vasind, once only known for the steel plant, is quickly developing into an exciting tourist spot because of its natural beauty. Did you know that it receives almost 900 mm of rainfall in July? That means it's a must-visit in the monsoons. On your next road trip from Mumbai, Vasind seems like a great idea. It's on NH 160, on the Mumbai-Nashik route, which means the route is quite scenic, too. Even when it's not raining, you should spend a weekend camping on the banks of the Bhatsa.
Lonavala, one of the most famous hill stations in India, has a rich and varied history. Did you know that the forests around Lonavala were once home to saints and magical beings? Proof of this is the discovery of 2,000 year-old inscriptions in the caves around this hill station. Today, Lonavala is the common man's Swiss Alps. It offers the same romance, breath-taking views, quaint eateries and serpentine mountain roads. Lonavala can also be covered in one day, making it great for a one-day road trip from Mumbai. But don't head back without first spending a night at one of the three best accommodations in Lonavala - Rhythm Lonavala, the Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and the Obetel Grande.
Lohagad, which translates to 'Iron Fort' in English, is a great place to go trekking on your next weekend getaway from Mumbai. The fort, which can be approached via a steep mountain road off the Mumbai-Pune highway, has several steps that get quite slippery in the monsoons. But, the view is special, the Western Ghats look upon all travellers with a cold. The steely glare that will strike fear in even the most determined. Lohagad was considered a tough military nut to crack, by the way. How old is it? At least 700 years.
Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass that is best experienced in the monsoons and in the winters. Trekkers love it because it's the starting point for the trek up to Harishchandra Gadh, an old, historically significant trail passed down from the Marathas. The long, winding roads demand expert driving skills, which is why this road trip from Mumbai will require a good car and an even better wheelman. Once at the top of the pass, you should check out the Flamingo Resort. This property is maintained by the state government and offers a mountain vista you'll die for. In the monsoons, you can even feel the spray on your face, as there are multiple cascading falls dotting the entire valley. When it rains heavily, some of these falls overflow onto the road.
Your next weekend getaway from Mumbai should be Kundalika. It’s widely known as one of the best places to go river-rafting in Maharashtra. And, like most riverside havens, has a natural charm seldom matched elsewhere. The river flows through Kolad, which is your link to the road and rail network. Kolad, in itself, is a great place to go about on your next weekend adventure. But, when you’re holding on for dear life on a raft with a dozen or so hapless souls, trying your best to stay alive as the Kundalika does her best to break you...That’s something you must experience yourself.
We’ve seen rivers, mountains and forests. Let’s look at one of the best beach destinations around Mumbai. As a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Daman offers a lot. There’s the Devika Beach, the Jampore Beach, the Mirasol Lake Garden, and the churches. The drive itself is amazing - fantastic roads, smooth curves and hundreds of kilometres of typical countryside to feast your eyes on. Two other reasons to visit Daman include the cheap alcohol and fuel, which will massively cut down the overall cost of your next road trip.
The Takve lake in the Maval district is a huge lake surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. Since it’s located only 102 km from Mumbai, it’s a great place for a weekend getaway. Here, you can camp by the lakeside, go hiking, or swimming. In the evenings, you can set up a bonfire or go on a night walk with your group. The Takve Lake area is full of campsites and tour operators, and we suggest booking a group activity with one of them. On this road trip from Mumbai, you’re sure to have more than your fill of adventure sports.
Mumbai, the city of dreams offers enough scope for adventure - only if you’re willing to work for it.
Generally, renting a car is a good idea because that way you can accommodate more people and more luggage. We also suggest that you have more than one driver in your group. Take turns driving, and keep an eye on tyre pressure. A blowout can be disastrous.
If planned well, your next road trip from Mumbai may be the best one yet!
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