Travel: 7 monsoon getaways near Mumbai

With the monsoon at its peak, two Mumbai-based travel companies help you skip the usual to discover lush hideouts

Nature fix

Dudhni lake and Jawhar hills
Dudhni, called Mini Kashmir, is a large waterfront of the river Damanganga. The region features wildlife, a virgin island, large waterfronts, traditional crafts and flora and fauna making it perfect destination for eco-tourism. Located forty-five kms away from Dudhni, Jawhar is one of the few tribal kingdoms in Maharashtra. Popularly called the jewel of Satmala Hills, Jawhar is nestled amidst thick forests, providing a breathtaking view of the hill station. Dabhosa waterfall on Jawahar-Silvassa Road is seasonal fall which is at its peak during monsoons.
Distance from Mumbai: 160 km (3 hours)

Upper Vaitarna

Upper Vaitarna Lake and Khodala hill station
Vaitarna Lake is one of the largest sweet water lakes and major source of drinking water for Mumbai. This crystal-clear lake surrounded by hillocks and vast backwaters. You can also visit Khodala, a hill station, 20 kms from Vaitarna Lake. Located at an altitude of 1,800 feet, the spot is the highest peak in Thane district.
Distance from Mumbai: Upper Vaitarna: 3 hours, Khodala Hills: 2.5 hrs

Padsare Waterfalls- Rameshwar Vaibha. Pics/ Privilege Hospitality

Rameshwar Vaibhav
Rameshwar Vaibhav is one of the least explored hills in Maharashtra, nestled in the Sahyadris. Located in Sudhagad taluka, it is surrounded by mountains, fast moving streams and waterfalls. At the foothills lies Kawela Reservoir, which makes for a scenic picnic spot. Padsare waterfall is another must-visit. The 1,600 feet hill with its rugged topography and forest cover, is a paradise for bird watchers and boasts of some breathing views and fascinating nature trails. Within close proximity are twin forts of Sudhagad and Sarasgad that stand tall in the backdrop of the adjacent Pali village.
Distance from Mumbai: 110 km (2.5 hrs)

Culture fix

Pinguli Pupeteering Centre. Pics/ The Blueberry Trails

Sawantwadi
A monsoon trip to Sawantwadi can feature a visit to the historic Sawantwadi Palace along with excursions to the nearby Amboli (30 kms from Sawantwadi) and a spectacular trek to 10 waterfalls located one after the other, where you get to walk under the waterfalls. It’s a beautiful experience. Close to Amboli is also the Pinguli Pupeteering centre where you can enjoy a puppet show.
Distance from Mumbai: 485 km (9 hrs)

Participants at a Warli art workshop

Bordi
Stay in an old Parsi home converted into a guesthouse, picnic by the Aswali Dam in Bordi or visit Warli artisans in their village and participate in a class to learn the art from them. About an hour away from Bordi, you can visit Udvada, for its Zoroastrian Atash Behram. The place of worship is the oldest still-functioning example of its kind, and has established Udvada as a pilgrimage centre for Zoroastrians from all over India and the world.
Distance from Mumbai: 150 km (3 hour and 14 minutes)

Adventure fix

Vihigaon
Vihigaon located near Kasara is famous for waterfall rappelling at the Ashoka Waterfall. Nestled in nature’s bounty, the region offers beautiful glimpses of hilly terrain and cascading waterfalls that are at its peak during monsoon. Rappelling is conducted from a 100 feet height. Vihigaon is also a popular destination for Bollywood shoots. Scenes from the popular Bollywood flick Asoka starring Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor have supposedly been shot here too. If you want to extend the trip you can also connect this trip to Igatpuri with round trip of Mumbai-MalshejGhat-Bhandardara-Igatpuri-Vihigaon-Jawhar-Mumbai for two days.  
Distance from Mumbai: 110 km (2.5 hrs)

A waterfalll at Dang

Dang
Saputara is the capital of the Dang region. The lone places to stay include forest guesthouses and campsites, run by the forest department. Khilad and Mahal are the prime campsites. From spotting fireflies in the night to camping outdoors, it is a  unique getaway.
Distance from Mumbai: 305 kms (5 hours)

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!