Hey travellers, gear up for a long weekend from January 26 to 28! Forget the usual spots and dive into the undiscovered magic of these 6 hidden gems near Mumbai. So, prep for a weekend packed with adventure, serene vibes, and a whole lot of memories!
Sewri Mangrove Park
Head to Sewri Mangrove Park, aka Sewri Flamingo Point, for an early morning adventure. This bird haven, located 13 km from the city and protected by Bombay Port Trust, is a hotspot for a spectacular display of flamingos till early March. Other feathered friends can be found here, like godwits, redshanks, greenshanks, egrets, pond herons, and reef herons. With 15 acres of thriving mangroves, Sewri Mangrove Park is a haven for both fish and birds.
Maval
Agro-tourism is like the coolest way to show city kids what real village life in India is all about. If you’re up for it, head to Maval, just 88 km away from Mumbai – a total gem for agro-tourism. Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains, Maval boasts rolling hills, serene dams, ancient forts, and caves. Don’t miss the Korigad and Tikona forts, and throw in some boating at Takve Lake for good measure. If you’re into trekking, Maval’s got a killer trek to the Bhaja Caves.
Kasara Ghats
Kasara Ghat, also known as Thal Ghat, is just 107 km from Mumbai near Igatpuri, snuggled in the Sahyadris of the Western Ghats. This mountain pass is your ticket to some epic hill treks leading to cool waterfalls and misty green hills. Around Kasara Ghat, you’ve got the lush Camel Valley, the awesome Ashoka and Vihigaon waterfalls, the iconic Dhamma Giri, the ancient Tringalwadi Fort, and the peaceful Karoli Ghat.
Bordi
Check out this chill coastal village, just 153 kms away from Mumbai, in the Palghar district. It’s a vibe with its clean beaches and lush chikoo farms. Take your crew to kick back at Bordi Beach, explore some history at Dahanu Fort, trek to the sacred Bahrot Caves, get blessed at Mallinath Jain Tirth Kosbad Temple, and chill at the serene Kalpataru Botanical Garden. Oh, and for the movie buffs, don’t miss Vrindavan Studios – where classics like Mahabharata and Ramayana were filmed. It’s a whole experience!
Kundalika
Kundalika, just 113 km from Mumbai, is an adventure paradise – offering everything from rafting and kayaking to rappelling and flying fox. Rafting with your squad is the real deal here, thanks to the Kundalika River, fed by hydroelectric projects and dams, making it perfect for water sports. And the best part? You can crash in camping tents right by the riverside – it’s the ultimate adventure getaway!
Visapur Fort
Hey Khandala fans, switch it up this time with a trek to Visapur Fort, 98 km from Mumbai! Built in the early 18th century by the first Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath, this place is loaded with caves, water cisterns, old house ruins, and a swanky Peshwa Palace. Don’t miss the intricately carved Hanuman sculpture and ancient temples too. Further, rumour has it, there’s also a well built by the Pandavas here and nearby, you’ve got Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, Aamby Valley, and Lohagad Fort.
