Packed plenteously with long weekends, the year 2018 is offering seamless opportunities to vacationers across the globe to bag perfect memoirs with a great holiday. Majority of the worn-out city inhabitants and aching souls have already started penning down the thoughts for their exciting outings; while some are looking for places where they can achieve rejuvenation for their souls, there are few seeking destinations to satisfy their exploratory selves.
Well! For those living in and around Mumbai, we are sure, finding yourself a perfect holiday spot would not be a herculean task, as the area is backed with ample places to cater to the needs of each type of vacationer. But, if you are not from this native place and still want to explore this part of India, we, reputed tours and travels in Mumbai, bring to you a list of top and best places to visit near Mumbai. We know the list below has that one place you want as your dream destination this vacation.
So, here goes the list….
Chikhaldara
A grand hill retreat in the regions of Vidarbha, Chikhaldara is located 650 km. through NH53. It is not required to mention that this picturesque hill town is sanctified with immaculate natural munificence speckled with aromatic coffee plantation, serene lakes and torrential waterfalls. Some common activities to list include – nature walks, fishing, angling and boating, however, if you have trekking in mind, there is the Gavilgad Fort, a 300 years old fortress ready to offer its visitors with the best ever hiking experience. Then there is ‘Melghat Tiger Reserve’ for the wild-life enthusiasts, the place is Chikhaldara’s leading vacationer attraction and abode to over and above 80 tigers and a range of other mysterious flora and fauna. A jeep safari to the place is must for every nature photographer and of course wild life lover.
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| Image Courtesy: .hlimg.com |
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
As the name suggests, the place is native soil to myriad species of vivacious birds and hence is another popular destination that lies over the splendid Sahayadri Ranges, about 65 km. to the south of Mumbai. The sanctuary is spread across an area of about 12.11 sq km, is a must visit if you love to be in the company of feathered friends and nature of course. Some species here include: Malabar Whistling Thrush, Malabar Grey Hornbills, Niligiri Woodpigeons, Golden Backed Woodpecker, Racket-Tailed Drongos, Paradise Fly Catchers and Magpie Robins to name a few. Besides, there lies a historic ‘Karnala Fort’ an hour drive from the sanctuary. Before we forget to mention, a cool and unpolluted breeze and magnificent panoramas of the Sahayadris will doubtlessly leave you with an amazing experience.
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| Image Courtesy: blogspot.com |
Alibaug
Alibaug, what to say about this place, a stunning destination that has remained favourite and attracted families and couples alike. Located almost 100 km from the bustling Mumbai, the spot is flooded with incomparable tropical landscape and dabbed with lavish mango orchards, gorgeous chikoo-wadis, swaying paddy fields, beyond doubts makes for a perfect weekend retreat. While you might not want to detach your soul from the tranquillity of the place; but then we suggest you to visit ‘Kulaba Fort’, a historic tourist attraction and a great many temples (hill temples of Vikram Vinayak’ and ‘Kanakeshwar Devasthan’) in the vicinity of Alibaug that helps you in retaining that sense of spirituality and divinity.
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| Image Courtesy: trawell.in |
Kamshet
Yet another stunning destination, Kamshet is popularly known as the ‘Paraglider’s Paradise’. The name says it all, the major draw here are the adventure sports like- paragliding, thermal soaring and hand gliding. In case you are more of an explorer, then the place has something unconventional for you, which are a number of stunning, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caverns like Bhaja, Bedse and karla, mark the region and we are sure that the place gives you an awe-inspiring treat observing and exploring them. Then there are historic forts of ‘Visapur’ and ‘Lohgad’, again a must visits places if you are still left with some more energies to put them on a trek. The place has something very soothing for its laidback visitors- the peaceful ‘Pawana lake’. The place is best for relaxing, for a fun family picnic and for a wonderful boat ride.
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| Image Courtesy: adventures365.in |
Morachi Chincholi
With the English meaning ‘the village of tamarind trees’, Morachi Chincholi is an atypical and quirky place for nature and bird lovers. The peaceful home to multicoloured peacocks, the place is known for its amazing and hypnotic sights of these beautiful and stunning beauties perched over the cottage roofs, tree tops and veiling under the tamarind trees and not to forget – dancing in fields and ranches. You don’t have to travel miles to meet them in person, you will find them roaming around you, welcoming you i.e. to every nook and cranny of this place. For kids and adults, it is an unforgettable experience. Spend time at one of the best agro-tourism spots, which will offer you to experience the good old rural days, enjoying tractor and bullock cart rides, making the best use of your hands – plucking vegetables, ploughing, watching puppet shows and restoring old memories while playing rural games.
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| Image Courtesy: morachichincholi.com |
These were just a few destinations, but the list is not yet over. There are places like Bhandardara, Kolad, Bhimashankar, Saputara and Nasik that are equally mesmerizing.
We all know the importance of vacations and holiday trips, its kind of rejuvenate us from inside and add positivity and harmony among family members, besides giving us break from the monstrous routines that we all have back in our city life. So, the next time you are getting a chance to break your routine and reconnect with your inner self, do not miss the chance and connect with the best tours and travels in Mumbai.
