Top winter getaways within driving distance from Mumbai and Pune
With the monsoons on their way out and the slight nip on winter setting in, it’s time to begin planning your winter breaks! City life can be busy and may prevent you from organizing long haul vacations, but we’ve got here the top 6 places that would make for the perfect short winter break. Within comfortable driving distances of Mumbai and Pune, these are too tempting to pass!
Maharashtra has the perfect winter weather, with the Sahyadris providing the cold without the chills. The range is dotted with several gems that make for amazing hideaways from the city crowds. Here are some regions we suggest you look up:
Kolad: Nestled in Raigad district, just 120 km. from Mumbai, Kolad sits pretty on the banks of River Kundalika. As the fastest flowing river of the south, it’s impeccable for rafting. It also offers great slopes for trekking with various degrees of difficulty, and astounding views once you conquer them. Then there are beautiful spots like waterfalls, Tala Fort, Ghosala Fort and Bhira Dam. It’s not for nothing that Kolad is hailed as “Rishikesh of Maharashtra”
Vadgaon: Only an hour from Pune is the quaint Vadgaon. Right in the lap of the mountains and with thick flora and fauna around, it’s a hidden gem that’s at its best in the winters. With cultural spots, temples, synagogues and museums, it shows a very different side of Maharshtra. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, Fazlani Natures Nest Wellness Resort is just perfect. With its duck parades, farm-to-fork restaurants that let you pick your vegetables and equine therapy, it’s sure to make for an unmatched winter experience.
Kamshet: Popular for its superstar farmhouse owners, Kamshet deserves more credit for its astounding topography. Advanced paragliding, Pawna Lake, Shine Wadi Hills and Bedsa Caves – all await you here! We can assure you, everything looks even prettier when you’re paragliding over clear blue skies!
Chikaldhara: A beautiful hill station in Amravati, Chikaldhara finds a mention in the epic Mahabharat as the spot where Bheema killed the evil Keechaka. If the enticing aroma of coffee doesn’t get you, the sights definitely will. At an altitude of 1118m, you can enjoy Bhimkund, Bir Lake, Gwaligarh Fort, Melghat Tiger Project, Muktagiri, Gugamal National Park and museums with the winter wind and a cup of hot coffee.
Tamhini Ghat: At the crest of the Western Ghats, Tamhini is widely popular for its natural waterfalls, beautiful lakes and scenic lakes. Soak your feet in the cold waters of Tamhini waterfall, sip a drink overlooking the Mulshi Lake and enjoy the views from Andharban Trail Point. Don’t forget to keep your camera ready!
Saputara: Although in Gujarat, Saputara is not far from Maharashtra’s border. As popular for its views and weather as it is for its tribal artefacts and art, Saputara has been the region’s pride. At 875m above sea level, it has something in it for nature lover, wildlife enthusiasts and the luxury traveler alike. The Hatgadh Fort, Artist Village, Gira Falls, Saputara Lake and Sunrise / Sunset points are unmissable!
“Winters in Maharashtra are just perfectly cold without forcing you to stay indoors. The rich geography of the region offers holiday goers a wide variety of options like trekking, paragliding, camping, boating or simply putting your feet up and watching the sun set over the horizon. At Fazlani Nature’s Nest, it is the best time to pluck ripe vegetables for your fresh salad, befriend a beautiful horse at our stable or watch happy ducks walk past your cottage. Christmas, New Year’s and a general holiday mood make winters the best excuse to get away from the madness of the city,” said Hemant Bagga, CEO – Fazlani Nature’s Nest.