24 December,2020 05:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representative Image. Pic/iStock
Don't we love it when a designated holiday falls on a Monday or Friday and gives us a 3-day long weekend? For most of us, 2020 was spent without our beloved vacations. Some ventured out to seek nature and peace in the nearby quaint towns. As this tumultuous year comes to an end and we hope for a return to normalcy, we bring to you a list of long weekends in 2021 and weekend getaways from Mumbai.
January 1, Friday - New Year Day
March 29, Monday - Holi
April 2, Friday - Good Friday
July 12, Monday - Rath Yatra
August 30, Monday - Janmashtami
September 10, Friday - Ganesh Chaturthi
October 15, Friday - Dussehra
November 19, Friday - Guru Nanak Jayanti
Adventure Seeker
Every adventure lover knows Kamshet, one of the top destinations for paragliding in Western India. The scenic destination, roughly 105 km from Mumbai is blessed with lofty hills that make it ideal for the sport. You can also get your adrenaline pumping with other sports such as rock climbing and angling. A weekend getaway to Kamshet can be combined with Lonavala and Khandala that are located nearby. The region also has multiple ancient caves, Karla Buddha Caves and Bhaja Buddhist Caves. You may also visit the Vadivali Lake, Uksan Dam, and Visarpur Fort Waterfall during the monsoon season.
Beach lovers
Roughly 170 km from Mumbai, Daman is among the most popular tourist spots. While away your afternoons at sandy beaches and unwind in this charming city. In case you're itching to try water sports, try out parasailing at the Daman beach. In addition to the beach, the former Portuguese colony has something for history buffs as well. A number of forts and colourful buildings line the city and are reminiscent of its colonial history. The Church of Bom Jesus, St. Jerome Fort, and Moti Daman Fort cannot be missed.
Hills are calling
Mumbaikar's go-to hill station, Mahabaleshwar never disappoints. Especially great during the monsoons, the misty town is merely 260 km from Mumbai making it the ideal weekend getaway. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats as you move from one viewing peak to the other. Go for a picnic at the Venna Lake and relaxin the lap of nature. If you're in the mood for a little trek, head over to the 17th-century Pratapgarh Fort and try to catch the soul-stirring sunset.
Spiritual Vacation
Known as the home of the late 19th-century saint Shri Sai Baba, Shirdi is visited by travellers and devotees alike. The quaint city is approximately 240 km from Mumbai and is famed owing to the ancient Sai Baba Temple. Drive through lush green hills and sleepy roads and get away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai for a peaceful escape with your family. Other prominent points of interest include Shani Shingnapur, Gurusthan, Dixit Wada Museum, and Sai Heritage Village.
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