Raise your hands if you have done either/ all of the following:
In a time when most of us are too busy to even get a few hours to ourselves at the end of a working day, taking a day trip sounds a lot like a dream. To even go on a multi-day trip, we have to take permission from our bosses, right? So getting permission to take just a day’s leave is seen as a crime in their eyes and that we are just trying to skip work for no reason. But what is a largely unknown fact is how important taking short and frequent vacations are for our well being.
The pandemic had caused a lot of us to cancel many of the vacations we wanted to take. Work from home changed the very definition of working hours with many companies making people work longer hours saying they were at home and that we could not go anywhere. Now that it is over, small vacations have become popular again with many of us looking to go to newer, nearby destinations that we have seen on Instagram in the past few years. To help you, Things2do has come up with an amazing guide to some of the best destinations and activities for a day trip around Mumbai that you should definitely try out.
1Sweet Sounds of the Karnala Bird Sanctuary
If you are an avid trekker or want to get into it, then no better place to begin than Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It is a favourite among trekkers for multiple reasons, the first and foremost being its close proximity to Mumbai (just around 46 km) and the second being the fact that it is home to more than 150 species of birds. Trek around the sanctuary, have a picnic, or just sit peacefully while listening to the various calls of different birds, making it a promising destination for a day trip.
2Scenic Routes to the Sula Vineyards, Nashik
If you like wine, and a long drive, then the Sula Vineyard in Nashik is the perfect place for you, but don’t do them together! If not for the wine then the scenic drive from Mumbai alone is worth the whole experience, but we at Things2do recommend the wine tasting tour that they offer as well! Drink some delicious and exquisite wines and relax among the beautiful natural surroundings or take part in the wine stomping activities, or both! If you decide to continue enjoying the wine, the luxurious Sula hotel near the vineyard offers you the perfect chance to unwind.
3The Serene Beaches of Alibaug
Think of the beaches of Goa, only quieter. A quaint little town on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, it is a popular beach destination for people from Mumbai who cannot make their annual pilgrimage to Goa, hence the nickname ‘Mini Goa’. Alibaug, too, has a huge colonial past which is rooted primarily in multiple forts around the area. Moreover, the clean beaches, unpolluted air, and multiple activities in a small area ensure that your day is fun and eventful. A new Ro-Ro ferry service from Mumbai lets you take your car around Alibaug, as well as enjoy the ride along the magnificent coastline.
4The Striking Views of Malshej Ghat
For all you hiking enthusiasts, have you been to Malshej Ghat yet? This little slice of paradise in Maharashtra is surrounded by lush green forests and beautiful waterfalls all around. A hill station that was largely unknown and unpopular before the pandemic, the grand views of the valley from the top alone make the hike worthwhile. Who knows you may even catch a glimpse of some beautiful bird species on your way to the top? With multiple resorts in the area and more coming up, Malshej Ghat is quickly becoming another popular hill station in Maharashtra.
5A Luxuriously Fun Day at Della Adventure Park
Looking for fun and luxury together? Then look no further than Della Adventure Park near Lonavala. With a whole host of adventure activities like rappelling, aqua zorb, paintball, buggy ride, and many more; it will certainly keep you engaged and active throughout the day. And for those seeking a nice place to party or a luxurious dining experience, their night club and various fine dining restaurants ensures that there is something in store for everyone.
Mumbai is a city that has plenty of fun activities to do within it, as well as a plethora of hidden gems around that have gone largely unexplored and unnoticed until quite recently. We at Things2do hope that this guide serves you well in planning your next day trip near Mumbai. We also have plenty of exclusive ways to spend your day and some amazing deals on places within Mumbai that you can enjoy as well on www.things2.do or you can follow our Instagram page @things2doinmumbai for more exciting content.