Best Adventure Getaways near Mumbai
Whether you want to get a break from the hectic life in Mumbai or seek an adrenaline-boosting retreat with your friends, there are some great places around Mumbai to sate the thrill-seeker in you. So grab your backpacks and hop onto an adventurous weekend with this guide to the best weekend getaways near Mumbai. 1. Glide over the vast blue lake of Pawna Outdoor activities in Mumbai An artificial lake surrounded by raw nature, the Pawna Lake is a paradise for adventure lovers. It provides an overwhelming camping experience with the backdrop of stunning hills. It is a haven for adventure lovers, providing the opportunity to venture into exciting activities like paragliding, trekking, ridge dancing, and advanced kiting. There are trained instructors to teach you the art of paragliding. No prior experience is required as the pilot instructor will do all the work while you enjoy the beauty of the vast horizon. Learn to surf through the winds and enjoy a view worth your lifetime. Immerse yourself into the shades of nature with an adventure getaway at Pawna lake. Pawna also serves as a great destination for couples. Dance through the nights over a BBQ campfire and spend the mornings with an escapade at this beautiful hub of adventure. Distance from Mumbai: 120 km (Via Lonavala, Bhangarwadi Rd) Nearby attractions: Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, and Visapur Fort. Best time to visit: January – May, October – December Precautions: 1. Only people under the weight of 120 kg can fly. Minors require parental consent. 2. Wear a long-sleeved top and trousers and shoes with ample grip. 2. Go on a fist-pumping raft ride at Kolad Adventure places in Mumbai A humble village seated in the Raigad village in Maharastra, Kolad provides a beautiful view of the rawness of nature among green hills and cascading waterfalls. But the quaint town has much more to offer than the peace, a much-needed spark of thrill. Often referred to as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, Kolad provides the flavors of the north. It provides one of the best white water river rafting experiences, holding a charm of its own during the monsoons. Located along the fastest river of the south, Kundalika, Kolad provides various degrees of difficulty in river rafting. There are a lot of tour planners and offers to give you the plan that suits you the best. The instructors will guide you throughout the journey. Gear up for a thrilling experience through the tricky rapids. The vibrant destination offers much more to adventure lovers, from rock climbing to kayaking. Enjoy a breathtaking view with the best instructors through the rapids of demarcated grades. Distance from Mumbai: 122 km Cost: Weekdays: Approximately Rs.800; Weekends: Approximately Rs.1200 Best time to visit: June to September Precautions: 1. One should void rafting if they aren’t physically fit. Paddling requires physical strength. 2. Drinking before rafting isn’t allowed. 3. Always listen to the instructor and wear proper safety equipment. 4. It is advised to carry a valid id proof. 3. Climb up to the highest peak of Maharastra Adventurous things to do in Mumbai Planning for a one-day trek near Mumbai?? Reaching a height of 5400 m, the Kalsubai boasts of being the highest peak of Maharastra. The main reason for its popularity is the difficulty of a trek up to the hills. The Kalsubai mountain range, located a bit far from the main Sahyadri range houses the peak. According to the locals, a housemaid disappeared in the mountains while escaping from her abusive employer. Later a temple was erected to remember her and thus, the name of the mountain. Though a bit challenging, a trek to the peak of Kalsubai can be extremely refreshing. Surrounded by lush green hills and forests, the mountain ranges provide a surreal experience to nature enthusiasts. Kalsubai is a perfect destination to get away from the monotonous life in a metro city like Mumbai. Experience a plethora of joy as you successfully climb up to the Everest of Maharashtra to get a breathtaking panoramic view of the hills around. While on the Kalsubai trek, you can also visit the Kalsubai temple. Immerse yourself into the blissfulness of mesmerizing views with the seasonal treks. Though one can pursue a trek to the peak on any day of the year, one would get different views of the beautiful ranges during different seasons. There are two popular trails to reach the summit. Climbers can opt for the easier route starting from the Bari village through a steep iron staircase. Experience the serendipity of discovering the panorama of the Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary in the lap of nature. Distance from Mumbai: 152.5 km Best time to visit: Monsoon Trek- June to August, Flowers Trek- September to October, Night Treks – November to May Precautions: 1. One shouldn’t smoke or drink while trekking 2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes with proper grip. 3. Carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Don’t make your trekking bag too heavy. 4. Conquer the mighty hills of Durshet Dotted with hills and plateaus, the small town of Durshet is an ideal place to sate your wanderlust. The hills and rocks add to the ethereal beauty of the place seated amidst the Sahyadri range. From a wide range of cascading waterfalls to meandering rivers, the area of Durshet provides refreshment worth cherishing. But don’t let nature fool you! The steep climbs and rocky terrain brings about an adrenaline rush for the thrillseekers. One can pursue several adventurous activities in Durshet, starting from rappelling, wall climbing, Tarzan jumping, or simply taking a walk across the Burma Bridge. Explorers can also experience the ambient nightlife and the exotic flora and fauna. This haven for mountaineers is a perfect adventure getaway if you like to cover anything from easy treks to perilous terrains. Durshet has become a hotspot for tourists due to the sheer number of watersport options it provides. There are temples around the place for those
5 Plans to Make Your Valentine’s Day Special in Mumbai
Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day is around the corner! If you’re still looking for ways to spend your Valentine’s Day in Mumbai, we have the perfect plans to make it unique and auspicious for you and your partner. From nature and adventure lovers to party spirits, this guide has the right thing for all kinds of couples. Get out of the usual wine and dine and spend an enchanting evening with the most romantic and offbeat experiences in the city of dreams. 1. Dine amidst the vast blueness of the Arabian Photo by: @rohan.das_ (Instagram) Rare are the places that can provide an exquisite view with a meal worth savoring. The Ark Deck Bar is an excellent place to relish both of them at the same time. Anchored in the middle of the Arabian Sea, the Ark Deck Bar provides an amazing view of the city line of Mumbai. Take a 12-min speed boat ride from the BandraSealink jetty to reach the bar. Decorated in blue and white, it resonates with Mediterranean vibes. It consists of an open-air bar deck and an indoor sit-down restaurant. With a vibrant and intriguing atmosphere, it is a perfect place to spend a romantic evening with your loved ones. The food is equally good as the ambiance, fusing the delicacy of Indian and contemporary recipes. With a capacity of over 150 people, it’s a haven to enjoy your food while floating on the Mumbai waters. Hold hands with your loved one while the sun slowly melts down over the sea and the city lights at the shore take over the magical evening. Make sure to get an early booking to avoid hassle! Price: Rs. 4000-6000 for a couple. Location: Bandra-Worli Sealink, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050 Contact number: 079755 82052 2. Wander in the wilderness with your partner If you and your partner prefer to have something out of the ordinary, head to the Far Out! Camp. Located in the middle of the city, the exclusive camping experience provides a recluse for adventure-loving couples. Spend a night with your partner under a blanket of stars amidst the shades of green. Take a caravan trip and lie in the arms of nature with a pre-booked camping night at the Far Out. Providing lake views and a garden, it is located in the Western Suburbs district of Mumbai, 5 km from Aksa Beach and 11 km from Bombay Exhibition Centre. Dance the night off with heartwarming music and a barbeque party. From flea markets, spas, and water parks to bonfires, the camp provides the gig for a once in a lifetime romance. Make your Valentine’s Day special as you wake you in the arms of your partner on a misty morning. Leave behind the hectic city life and spend your day together in a peaceful retreat. Price: Starting from Rs. 5000 for a couple Location: Island Club Resort 123 Khanivade, Umbar Pada, Hedavde, Ahmedabad Highway, Virar, Maharashtra 401303 3. Surprise your bae with a hot air balloon ride Make your Valentine’s Day adventurous with a gust of wind caressing your face as you fly in a hot air balloon at Lonavla. Drive down a few kilometers from Mumbai to get this magical experience. Watch the colorful balloon getting filled and get a chance to sit in it. Get on cloud nine with your loved one as you ride over the Sahyadri ranges. With a panoramic view of the lush green landscape 800 feet below your feet, a hot air balloon ride fills the void of boring city life. Embrace the thrill-seeker within you as you go on an adrenaline rush with your partner. Feel the crisp air breezing through your hair as you enjoy an adventurous romance. As the sun lights up the valleys of the beautiful place, find yourself floating on clouds of serenity. Make this Valentine’s Day the best with an hour of soaring over an exquisite landscape with the person you love the most. Price (Per Person) on weekdays: ₹9,800 Price (Per Person) on weekends: ₹12,000 Duration: One hour 4. Celebrate your love with a roller coaster ride If you and your bae are in for some fun, Adlabs Imagica is the place to be. Loving someone can be a roller coaster ride, why not make this statement true on the day of love? Perfect for adventure-loving couples, Imagica provides a great ambiance to celebrate your V-Day. Live your childhood with awesome activities and fun games designed especially for couples. Relish your moments with a romantic candlelight dinner at the pirate-ship themed bar of Arrmada. A budget efficient plan, the package comes with a gift voucher of Rs. 200, availing special discounts on candies and merchandise bought from retail stores in the park. Conclude your evening with a guitar show under the stars. Bring home your memories for the day with a beautiful photo souvenir to frame your love. Location: 30/31, Sangdewadi, Khopoli-Pali Road, SH 92, Off Mumbai-Pune Express Way, Tal-Khalapur, Khopoli, Maharashtra Cost: Rs, 3499 for a couple Dates: 11th February to 14th February 2021 Timings: 10:30 AM to 8 PM 5. Party through the night at Tryst A great way to spend a budget-friendly Valentine’s night is to celebrate your love at Tryst. Known as a Mumbaikar’s initiation to the world of clubbing, Tryst remains one of the favorite clubs among the young adults. Located inside the Skyzone Mall at High Street Phoenix, it boasts a massive dance floor and some great lilting music. It’s the best place for party-loving couples and night owls. With bright glitzy interiors and a zealous crowd, the Tryst provides an enchanting ambiance to spend your night. Book an exclusive party table in advance and sip on some amazing cocktails. Party through the night with some great Bollywood music as you and your partner take over the dance floor and bring home some amazing memories. Location: Tryst, 462, Senapati
10 Offbeat Things to try in Kolkata
Once the capital city of India, Kolkata brings an overload of emotions to every visitor. The malls and celebrations are the essences of the city of joy. But beyond the popular culture of the Science city and Victoria Memorial, lies the undiscovered rawness of the city. This guide to 10 unique things to try in Kolkata will help you to experience the beauty of the city to its fullest. 1. Take a Boat Ride at Babu Ghat Sunset at Babu Ghat Built during the British Raj, the Babu Ghat gives a magnificent view of the river Ganga. The professional masseurs near the ghat have been providing relaxation to visitors for 200 years. There are numerous wooden boat rides and ferry stations near Babu Ghat. Unlike the popular Princep Ghat, the bonus here is that there is no line for the boat ride. If you’re taking a boat ride, you can ask the rower to take you near the Howrah Bridge. The view of the sunset from here is truly majestic. Ticket price: Rs. 400 – 600 2. Capture the Beauty of Craftsmanship at Kumortuli Idol Designing at Kumortuli Durga Puja is the heartthrob of Kolkata. But even if you visit the city at some other time of the year, you can experience the emotions of Bengal’s biggest festival. The potter’s colony, known as Kumortuli, is the epitome of unrefined art. The craftsmen here cast an enchantment on clay and hay to shape beautiful idols throughout the year. The potters settled around 300 years ago, and to date bless the city with their ancestral profession. An annual art festival called Rang Matir Panchali takes place in April, featuring installations, idol-making displays, paintings, photographs, wall graffiti, and street art. 3. Take a Tram Ride Tram Ride in Kolkata Established in 1873, the Calcutta Tramways Company (CTC) is Asia’s oldest tram network. It’s also the only operating tram network in India. CTC has been an integral part of India’s history for decades. It has also been featured in numerous movies. This cheap and underrated experience can be quite enriching. If you want more to the ride, you can opt for the Kolkata Heritage Tram Tour which starts and ends at the Esplanade Tram Depot. The tour includes local food (snacks), and Kolkata Heritage Tram Tour Momento. It covers various heritage places of historical significance in Kolkata, like Mother Teresa’s House, Shaheed Minar, and South Park Street Cemetery. Riding a tram in Kolkata is truly a surreal experience. It bears a charm that bounds every visitor to shoot. Timings: 6.30 A.M. to 9.30 P.M. Duration: 6 hours 4. Get Spooked at South Park Street Cemetery Tombs at South Park Street Cemetery Over 250 years old, this abandoned cemetery is listed as one of the haunted places in India. It houses over 1900 graves, mostly of children and young adults who died of tropical diseases. It’s the first non-church Christian cemetery and houses the graves of many notable people like the second son of Charles Dickens and William Jones. After a few decades since it was established, the graveyard was closed as it was flooding with dead bodies. According to some, everyone in the Dennison family died within a week of each other from unknown causes. It is said that the tomb bleeds and oozes blood in monsoons, thus getting the nickname of the ‘bleeding tomb’. Though there is no physical evidence of this place being possessed by ghosts, people have fainted and felt dizzy in many instances. Apart from the spook it offers, one can visit this place for its architectural variety. From Roman tombs to pineapple cores, every tomb is designed uniquely. Visitors can take a guide at the entrance for free. Timings: 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Ticket price: Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners 5. Pay a visit to the Black Hole of Kolkata Monument Plaque at the Black Hole If you’re into dark tourism, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the Black Hole of Kolkata. Fort William, which was originally controlled by the British, was taken over by the Nawab of Bengal. The prisoners of war were locked up in the dark and dingy dungeons of the fort, where many died of exhaustion and suffocation. Later, a memorial was made in the St. John’s Church graveyard to pay respect to the deceased. You can visit the remains of the Old Fort William and take a walk to the new building. 6. Go for a food walk Sweets in Kolkata Bengalis have always been known for their food, thus, local food makes is an integral part of traveling in Kolkata. A proper food walk in Kolkata will satiate all your taste buds from sweet to spicy. Start with a breakfast at the Chinatown of Tiretti Bazar. A cacophony of colors, this place offers a variety of delicious sea foods. After that, head to Park Street to get a taste of the spicy street foods of Kolkata. Do try out the specialties of Bengal- Rasgullas and Misti Doi. If you’re visiting the city in winter, do try out the unique range of sweets called “pithas”. Have biriyani near Indian Museum at just Rs.50. Finally, you can take a yellow taxi ride to the prince ghat and enjoy masala chai while watching a beautiful sunset over the Ganga. 7. Visit the 250-year-old Great Banyan Tree The Great Banyan Tree Located in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, the Great Banyan Tree has been mentioned in books dating around the 19th century. Though its main trunk had decayed and was removed in 1925, there are several remaining branches canopying around the garden. This miraculous tree still survives and manages to grow. It occupies a huge
