Weekend getaways near Mumbai for every kind of traveller
Short stays for the animal lover, beach-bum and solitude-seeker
Mumbai and my closet are twins. They’re both full to the brim, yet both see a mysterious consistent flow of people (and items). Whether you grew up in this chaotic house of mirrors or grudgingly made it your home, the trick to loving the city is to throw in some forced absences, to help your heart grow fonder. Get the heck away from the stir-crazy streets, and use your next long weekend to go on holiday so you can come back rejuvenated (and energetic) enough to continue your endless battle with the traffic.
Sure, Goa, Mahabaleshwar and Matheran are the reliable friends that top the list, but even the most supportive shoulders need a break, so let’s give them that. Even Rani Mukerji is tired of Khandala. Our list of weekend getaways within reasonable distance of the city will give you the chance to discover new spots, without denting your wallet (or your remaining PL).
Long weekend getaways close to Mumbai
For the adventurer: Kamshet
Travel time: Approximately 2 hours by road (100.8km)
A quiet hill station ensconced within the Western Ghats, with views of paddy and sunflower fields holds within it the power to unleash your inner Indiana Jones. Best known as the go-to spot for paragliding courses, you can choose to get your adrenaline pumping while soaring in the sky, trek through Tower Hill, Shelar or Kondeshwar Cliff or discover the eons-old Karla, Bhaja and Bhedsa Buddhist cave temples.
About an hour away from Kamshet are the Dhak Bhairi caves — the trek up to the caves is a tricky, yet extraordinary one. Legend has it if one attempts to steal the utensils that are in the cave, the deity within will fling the thief off the rocks.
If that isn’t some serious Indiana Jones-type adventuring, we don’t know what is.
Luxury
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹5,000 + taxes (excluding breakfast)
Surrounded by towering lush green mountains and overlooking the Indrayani river, at this resort, you’ll finally be free from the concrete jungle that is Mumbai.
You can choose from a range of deluxe rooms, executive rooms and suites. Other amenities include a swimming pool, gaming zone and a play area for children, so you can work at inner peace, while they’re occupied.
Budget
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹1,099 + taxes (excluding breakfast)
Surrounded by hills on all four sides, this resort ensures that your long weekend hideout is shielded from all weekday woes. Go for a swim or unwind in the activity area when you decide to stay in. The hotel lets you choose from two categories of rooms – deluxe and king suite.
Mid-range
Camping in the clouds (Airbnb)
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹2,500 + taxes (including breakfast)
A barbecue by the bonfire, camping in tents under the star-filled night sky, misty hills, private waterfalls – this Airbnb is located at the foothills of Sahyadri range and is the closest you’ll get to living out your childhood dreams of being Mowgli. There are 10 bedrooms for you to choose from, and you can even get them to set up a tent for an overnight stay.
Don’t forget to stock up on mosquito repellent and tons of polaroid film.
For the solace-seeker: Badlapur
Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours by road (52.8km)
For all the times the long weekend is long enough for a getaway, but not long enough for you to make an effort at doing ‘touristy things’, a staycation in Badlapur is all you need. Badlapur is tucked away far from the city’s hubbub, and perfect for a weekend of some peace and quiet. This getaway also promises to not burn a hole in your pocket.
Mid-range
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹2,600 + taxes (excluding breakfast)
Located on the banks of river Badri, the resort is towered by trees, with a view of forest-covered hills and is magical if you’re looking to minimise human contact. The 40-room property also houses a swimming pool, and offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal packages at very reasonable rates.
Budget
Cost for one adult: Starting at ₹1,500 (per night) + taxes (including all meals)
Tents and cottages are the kinds of accommodation Camp Evergreen has to offer. Forest-covered hills serve as the backdrop for this property, which is located on the banks of river Barvi. If you’re tired of lazing around doing nothing (really?), you can go kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing and trekking — consult the camp for all your options.
Cost for one adult: Starting at ₹1,600 (per night) + taxes (including all meals)
Huddle around campfires and stroll under the stars. During the day, give bird watching a go or get your adrenaline flowing with their range of outdoor activities – archery, Burma bridge crossing, rappelling, and even rifle shooting. The property is covered with fruit-laden trees – a welcome substitute for towering high rises.
Their bungalow with three bedrooms is perfect if you’re vacationing with family or friends, while smaller groups can choose from their AC Forest rooms.
For the wild cat: Tadoba National Park
Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours by air to Nagpur + 3 hours by road to Tadoba
Maharashtra’s oldest national park, this tiger reserve was formed in 1955. A long weekend spent in the wilderness, going for safaris, and spotting tigers and leopards is the ultimate escape for nature and wildlife lovers. This is your way to go on the jungle trail without even leaving the state.
All those who love to vegetate, this might be your chance to come face to face with your spirit animal – a sloth.
Luxury
Tadoba Vanyavillas Resort & Spa
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹12,000 + taxes
Scoop up your picnic basket and unwind by the resort’s private lake, head to the national park located just 1.5km away or the spa for a rejuvenating treatment – Tadoba Vanyavilas is the ultimate luxury retreat to head to, to make the most of your long weekend getaway. Executive and premium cottages are the accommodation options to choose from and lazy travellers, the resort also organises tiger safaris and other excursions for its guests.
Mid-range
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹4,000 + taxes (including all meals)
Tadoba Trails’ rustic aesthetic is reflective of the wilderness that surrounds the property. Each of their five rooms comes with a private sit-out to make the most of your alone time with your loved ones.
Explore the national park in the day and spend your evenings enjoying a barbecue under the starlit sky — and you’ll likely come back rested enough to make it through another few months of Mumbai’s madness.
Budget
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹1,800 (including all meals and taxes)
Sandwiched between two streams that serve as water holes for the wildlife, Camp Serai is perfect for wild animal sightings. The tented accommodation adds to the natural charm of the stay. “The rooms are spacious, food is delicious and staff is very polite and cooperative. Safaris were full of rich experiences and post-safari experience in the resort was amazing,” reads one of the reviews.
For the beach-bum: Ganpatipule
If you’re a water baby, but can’t deal with the crowds at Juhu beach, and Goa, head down to this hidden wonder. Ganpatipule, located on the Western coast of India, is an undiscovered treasure and a beach lover’s paradise.
Luxury
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹6,500
This Mediterranean-themed apartment looks like it’s right out of a postcard. With great attention to detail, this boutique stay’s beautiful interiors will up your Instagram game instantly. It is located in a gated community, has a massive terrace with a breathtaking view. The property can house up to four people at a time.
Mid-range
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹4,300 (including breakfast and dinner)
Unwind in the lap of nature at this boutique homestay tucked away amidst banana plantations in Ganpatipule. Pick from their AC room, AC tent or Non-AC cottage.
The rustic stone house — the ‘Benchmark’ room, outfitted with a writing desk is just waiting for a budding writer to arrive and get to work on their next (or first) magnum opus.
Budget
Cost for one night: Starting at ₹2,500 (including breakfast)
Equipped with a terrace garden and swimming pool, this is the perfect budget homestay that won’t cost you a fortune. This villa has 2 bedrooms, a private pool and even a foosball table, if you’re a Joey-Chandler kind of sportsperson.
You can head to the Malgund beach, located just 7km away, for some adventurous water sports – the best way to make the most of that sweltering Indian summer.