11 August,2016 03:02 PM IST | | Hassan M Kamal
From camping, trekking and cycling to attending a nature class, make the most of the long weekend with loads of exciting activities for every kind of adrenaline rush
Travel
Trails around the city
Nature training
Learn to become an urban naturalist and conduct your own nature trails in a three-day programme offered by iNatureWatch Foundation. It is open to all nature lovers (from standard 10 onwards) even without a science background and will be conducted by Dr V Shubhalaxmi and Priti Choghale of Ladybird Environmental Consulting. Participants can also sign up for an apprenticeship with iNatureWatch post the programme.
ON August 13 to 15, 9 am to 4 pm
AT Nature Information Centre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali (E). FEE R4,500 (includes training, trail fees, study material, certificate, tea and lunch)
CALL 9987013144
EMAIL inaturewatch@gmail.com
LAST DATE TO APPLY Today (On the spot registrations may be available depending on the availability of seats)
Cycling
Chase the sunrise, enjoy the beaches and more with an Independence bicycle ride from Bandra to Colaba.
ON August 15
MEETING POINT Bandra (5.30 am)
COST Rs 975 (includes cycle, helmet, snack box, guidance fee and safety vehicle)
CALL 9833163486
LOG ON TO Someplaceelse.in
TRAVEL PACKAGES
Malshej; (left) Bhandardhara
Independence Day trips
Keeping the long weekend in mind, MTDC has introduced special packages that includes round trips for routes like Mumbai-Bhandardhara-Mumbai, Mumbai-Nashik-Shirdi-Bhandardhara-Mumbai and a one-day tour of Mumbai-Malshej-Mumbai. These include transportation, overnight stays at hotel, breakfast and dinner.
CALL 22845678
LOG ON TO Maharashtratourism.gov.in
EMAIL reservation@maharashtratourism.gov.in
Weekend Activities
Inside Kothaligad Fort
Experience the engineering marvel of Kothaligad Fort/watchtower in Karjat, where the pinnacle is carved from the inside, forming a circular staircase that reaches the top. Other attractions include a cave, and temple carvings that date back to 13th Century. The cost for the trip covers travel by bus from Mumbai to trek base and back, breakfast and basic lunch.
ON August 14, 6 am onwards
Cost Rs 1,350
Pick up points Andheri (W) Railway station, outside Hyatt, Santacruz (E) and Indian Oil Nagar, SCLR Road.
CALL 9833163486
LOG ON TO Someplaceelse.in
For Families
Celebrate Independence Day by trekking to the highest point in Mumbai, located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali while enjoying the varied flora and fauna. The trek can be undertaken by parents and children.
ON August 15, 8 am onwards
MEETING POINT Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali (W).
COST Rs 900 (doesn't cover snacks or lunch)
CALL 9619793983
Trekking
Explore the Prabalgadh Fort
Slip into your trekking shoes and explore the lushness of the Sahyadris with a special one-day trek to Prabalgadh Fort (Panvel-Matheran district) in the rugged mountains of Western Ghats. The level of the trek is slightly challenging and includes a seven-hours hike (ascend and descend), but once you have reached to the top, you get to enjoy an amazing view of the Kalavantin Durg.
ON August 14, 5.30 am
MEETING POINT Along the Western and Eastern Express Highway
COST R2,150 (includes transport by bus, guides, trash bags, gloves, breakfast, lunch and refreshments)
CALL 9930260747 LOG ON TO Whitecollarhippie.com
CAMPING
Host the Tricolour at Pawna
Soak in the patriotic fervour with a midnight flag hoisting at Camp Deogadh, a lakeside campsite at Pawna Lake. The next morning, kids from the nearby Thakursai village will enthrall you with renditions of patriotic songs. Tuck into local Maharashtrian fare, munch on barbequed corn on the cob and ramble over to an on-site waterfall in this overnight camping trip.
FROM August 14 to August 15
AT Camp Deogadh, Thakursai - Aajiwali Road, Deogadh.
LOG ON TO Bookmyshow.com
COST Rs 2,500
CALL 9820074884
