Romantic Monsoon Drives Around Mumbai

There are 2 Kind of people in Mumbai. One who plans a trip, and second who really goes😅.  This post is for people who after a long stressful week does not compromise by visiting malls and grocery shopping but goes on a romantic drive indeed.  Here are some options for you to drive by this weekend.

1.  Sula Vineyard (140 kms from Mumbai) :

Sula Vineyard on a Saturday Evening

I can write an individual post on Sula Vineyard out of my love towards wine. I have a feeling that god made this beautiful world after a glass of red wine. 

Sula Vineyard is just 140 kms from Mumbai and Just 50 kms ahead of Igatpuri. Though you can club your vineyard trip with other places of Nasik and Igatpuri but I strongly recommend you to stick to this place only.  You will find excellent wine, wine tour, variety of cheese, and amazing kababs.  If you are fond of Maharashtrian food, you may eat at one of the hundreds of restaurants in Nasik serving set thali post drinking lots of wine, only if there is room for food.

2.  Kashid (130kms from Mumbai ) :

Kashid Water Sports in December

If anyone says there is no white sand beaches near Mumbai, probably he has never been to Kashid.  Around 35kms from Alibag Town is this place called Kashid. It Takes around 3 and half hours to reach this beach from Mumbai. In addition to a scenic beach, this place offers you with good sea food around the beach and exciting watersports. If you are on a lazy day mood and do not want to go further to any destination nearby, you may step into small cottage restaurant around and ask them to cook a delicious meal for you.

You can also club Kashid trip with Alibag and Murud, if you start early in the morning. So do set your morning alarm guys!

3.  Igatpuri (100kms from Mumbai): 

Myanmar Gate at Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a tiny hill station with splendid view and fresh air. If you are planning to take this 100kms drive from Mumbai then Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre, Ghatandevi Temple, Bhandardara is what you will get as bonus. If you like some adventure sports like Zip line, Burma Bridge, Fox Climbing and Rappelling then you may also plan a trip post rains.

Igatpuri holds several resorts and hotels too incase you plan for a stay over. If not you can enjoy Tasty meals at any of their restaurants.  Roads to igatputi is a 4 lane highway with less traffic. You can find hundreds of vegetarian restaurants enroute too.

4.  Alibag (110Kms from Mumbai) :

Alibag

Alibag is at a  distance of around 100 km from Mumbai, Alibaug or Alibag is a coastal town in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is Covered by sea on 3 sides. Though little crowded yet a beautiful destination to reach.  The scenic drive from Mumbai to Alibag is from the old Mumbai Goa highway which gives a feeling of a perfect weekend drive much before you reach this destination.    

Enroute to this destination you will find Karnala Bird Sanctuary and few waterfalls that will make your day perfect.

You can also enjoy amazing sea food and Maharashtrian breakfast and snacks at many restaurants near the beach. Start early in the morning to avoid traffic in the Alibag lanes. Stop on the way for some amazing Mirchi Vada and coffee. 

5.  Tiger Hill Point (90kms from Mumbai) :

Tiger Hill Near Lonavala

Spicy vada pao, Corn pakoda and Hot Tea is what you can expect when you reach at the Tiger Hill point little ahead of Lonavala town.  

This place along with good snacks and tea also offers you with an eye full of nature around. Beautiful Valley view, Little waterfalls and ofcourse hilly drive gives this place a romantic touch.  So friends, collect some good songs and leave towards Tiger hill.

6.  Lonavala/ Khandala (80kms from Mumbai) :

Lonavala in Rains

If you live in Mumbai and have never visited lonavala then you need to get checked.  Amazing view of Western Ghats, Big resorts, lakes, Dam and mouth watering chikki makes Lonavala the most busy hill station near Mumbai. Drive to lonavala is just 90kms from Mumbai. If it is raining then you can see beautiful waterfalls lush green mountains enroute. Small and big tunnels will welcome you in every season otherwise.

Though very popular and little crowded, this remains the first choice of couples and families.  Do try home made style chicken curry and rice in some smaller looking restaurants. DO GET WET IN RAINS IF IN LONAVALA.

7.  Zenith Falls, Khopoli (80kms from Mumbai) : 

Zeneth Falls, Khopoli

Khopoli has a very beautiful waterfall called ZENITH FALLS which is active only in the rainy season.   Path leading to the waterfall is slippery and rocky, remember to carry non slippery footwear with you.  Since not much to do, you can spend quality time with your soulmate in khopoli waterfalls.

Khopoli provides a refreshing breather to motorists plying on the Mumbai-Pune Highway-the busiest road in the country. Besides, it also makes for a strategic location for some interesting sightseeing. Apart from places such as Duke's Nose, Rajmachi Point, Tiger's leap and the Ashtavinayaka temples and Shri Varad Vinayak.  Very less known to Mumbai people, this is a must visit place. 

8.  Bordi (150kms from Mumbai):

Bordi Beach at 7pm

If you are looking for a secluded beach near Mumbai, Bordi is the place to be.. with just 150 kms drive from Mumbai you will find this unique looking isolated beach with shining black sand. This beach is surrounded by Lots and Lots of chickoo plantations. If you like to experiment with taste, you can try Chickoo Kulfi available at many outlets nearby.

 If you go with family and kids you may enjoy camel and Horse rides at the beach. If you are with your girlfriend and looking for some romantic time, go ahead-this beach is yours.

9.  Dahanu (125kms from Mumbai) :

Dahanu Beach

This Coastal town is located in the palghar district around 125Kms from Mumbai. This place is surrounded by fruit orchids specially Mangoes and Chickoo. 

If you reach there you will find a road that drives you parallel to some of the prettiest beaches around. Being very near to Maharashtra - Gujarat border, you will find all kinds of Gujarati and Maharashtrian meals here.  Do not expect a Goa kind culture here orelse you will get disappointed.

10.  Old Mumbai Pune Highway (40 kms from Mumbai) :

Old Mumbai Pune Road on a Rainy Day

The drive on the Old Mumbai pune is simply blissful. It is strange that people who live in Mumbai since years have also not taken this road ever.  Be it Lonavala, Pune, Kamshet or any location towards pune, 90% people take the new express highway. We strongly suggest you to take this route next time you are traveling. 

The roads are well done up, traffic is less and the view is mindblowing.  You will see hundreds of waterfall, bridges, curve roads and valley view. Hold her hands, Sip hot tea, have good lunch and listen to romantic music on this drive on Old Mumbai pune highway.

11.  Manor (70kms from Mumbai) :

Manor Bridge in the Interiors

Manor (not Manori) is on the western express highway around 20 kms ahead of virar. You can choose to go to manor if you want an outing only for few hours.  Just drive down to till manor then take a left for Safale bridge. 

You will see beautiful creek, some brooks, green mountains and mud houses. While returning back, stop at silent valley resort open restaurant. Enjoy hot coffee sitting on the banks of Vaitarna River. 

12.  Pelhar Dam (45kms from Mumbai) :

Pelhar Dam in August

Pelhar dam is very close to Mumbai City. You can leave your house even if you are up late and want to have breakfast at home before leaving. Ideal for a one day road trip from Mumbai. The Pelhar Dam is located in the Pelhar Village, about 20 km away from Vajreshwari. 

You will see a Dam, Temples, waterfall, wildlife sanctuary on the way to the Dam. If you are lucky you may also spot Leapords, Boars and Foxes around the Dam. They don’t harm you but who knows, if they are having a bad weekend unlike ours.

13.  Kamshet (110kms from Mumbai) :

Kamshet Paragliding in October

Kamshet a ‘Paraglider’s Paradise’. Kamshet offer tourists a wonderful experience of paragliding over picturesque fields of paddy and sunflower, and the Pawna Lake. But if you are taking this drive in the monsoons, paragliding does not operate.  The road trip from Mumbai to Kamshet is along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and is an experience in itself.

The hills surrounding the Kamshet village also has several caves, colonial hill stations, hill fortresses, and small waterfalls and brooks. Karla Caves, Bedsa Caves, the Bhaja Caves, Pawna Lake, and the Kondeshwar Temple are few attractions near Kamshet.

14.  Lavasa (180kms from Mumbai): 

Lavasa in September

This will be a little long drive and tiring too, but worth taking. Lavasa hill station is just 180Kms from Mumbai and is a perfect retreat for those who want glorious isolation. It is popular as a newly formed hill station since independence. The exotic hill station is spread over an area upto 25000 acres and forms a beautiful mélange of scenic beauty and infrastructure.

Be you a adventure enthusiast, a nature lover or a shutter bug, Lavasa has something for all. Sit back, relax, Do water sports or adore the serenity this hill station has all. One can say it is a dreamland where you can spend few hours before coming into the city reality. Leave early for your trip as you will need lot of time there at Lavasa.

15. Malshej Ghat (140kms from Mumbai) :

Malshej Ghat in Monsoon

Malshej Ghat is a beautiful mountain pass in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Famous for its bounty of flora and fauna, it is also the home to several bird species including the cuckoos and the flamingos.  The destination, along with the route, serves as a perfect one for those who seek a short road trip from Mumbai.

The destination attracts a lot of migratory birds during July to September and hence we recommend the tourists to visit the destination during these months. We also recommend you to carry some food with you, since you will not find good restaurants around the ghat.

16.  Mandva (130kms from Mumbai) :

Do you remember the dialoge from Agnipath “Gaon ka naam Mandva”. Unlike shown in dark shade in the movie,  Mandwa is a stunning beach thronged by number of tourists. The beach is isolated from crowd and pollution. The village of Mandwa, which is located nearby, attracts visitors due to the presence of dense coconut trees. The beautiful sunset view from the beach is really picturesque.

Chaul is also a popular tourist spot situated near the beach. This place is known for a church, Buddhist caves, a synagogue, a temple and several ruins of Portuguese. Around 20 km from Alibaug, Mandwa Beach is a scenic beach situated at Mandwa village. It is a popular weekend beach destination from Mumbai city.

So aren’t we planning for a 'one day trip' today?.  Lets go...