23 December,2016 08:26 AM IST | | The Guide Team
It's Christmas, and it's a weekend. If the nip in the air is nudging you out of Mumbai, here are four fun escapes
The Uttan campsite and (above) the view from the campsite. PIC/Tanmay Kothari. PIC/Tanmay Kothari
Escape the city
If you don't want to waste too much time travelling, head to a campsite in the sleepy coastal town of Uttan, located off Gorai beach. With sprawling grounds, a bonfire, barbecue, hammocks, books, and live music, it won't take long to put the busy week you've had behind you. And as talented musicians strum Indie, Blues, Rock and Pop tunes, you can choose your seat on the naturally carved amphitheatre at the site to gaze at stars that get eclipsed by Mumbai's neon lights.
ON December 24 and 25
AT Uttan, off Gorai beach
LOG ON TO facebook.com/bandcamp.in
CALL 9930260747
COST Rs 5,000
The Devkund waterfall
Go trekking to a picturesque waterfall
If you are an occasional trekker and like to test your hiking skills from time to time, make an ascent to the scenic Devkund waterfall, located at a distance of about 150km from Mumbai. The three-hour climb, according to the organisers, is of a medium difficulty level and goes easy on endurance. The trail is lush green throughout and the sight of the waterfall is sure to melt away all the exertion. A bluish-green pool that forms under the waterfall offers the perfect spot to splash about. The best part: you don't even need an off on Saturday for this.
ON December 25, 6 am
to 9.30 pm
AT Patnus
LOG ON TO traveltrikon.com
CALL 9819021806
COST Rs 1,250 (excludes lunch)
From grape to glass
What's Christmas without some wine? But how about exploring a vineyard, watching a movie on wine making, learning all about wine processing, tasting four different varieties before finally settling with your glass at a bonfire? You get to indulge in some grape stomping, too. And as you pitch your tent at a Nashik wine park, raise a toast to Christmas when the clock strikes 12.
ON December 24 and 25, 6 am
AT Rebello Wine park and Vinchur, Nashik
LOG ON TO mumbaitravellers.in
CALL 8692086927
COST Rs 3,999 (excludes lunch on the 25th)
An earlier bike trip to Goa
Bike it up to Goa
The sunshine state in December has always been the idea of a winter holiday for many Indian and foreign tourists. But you can still keep your Goa sojourn unique. All you need is safe biking skills and a beast in good shape. Your four-day trip would include lazing on North Goa's beaches, visits to historic churches, water sports, and a precious exchange of pro-tips with fellow bikers. With stops at Ratnagiri and Sawantwadi, even the meal breaks promise to be equally exciting.
ON December 24 to 27, 5 am
AT North Goa
LOG ON TO mumbairangers.com CALL 9819299164
COST Rs 10,000 approximately (can be shared with a pillion rider)
