Gearing Up For Weekend Escapades

‘Vacation’ the word that can paint a rosy picture instantly; is however not a recurrent boon one can enjoy anytime.  Especially when long leaves can foul play with your job; it is advisable to avoid the risk. Don’t make that long face! As the solution lies in your calendar! Puzzled?  Well, it is nothing but your short and sweet weekend escapades.  Here are the best names around the metros of India.

•    From Delhi

Agra – The Delhi-Agra expressway makes the to-and-fro Delhi- Agra voyage really hassle-free. Situated at a distance of 197Kms, the Taj city has become the most preferred weekend spot for the Delhites.  It is beholding one of the most spectacular wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. This is why every year this city witnesses tourists sprawling in, from all across the globe.
Other than Taj, there are numerous other attractions in Agra, such as Itmad ud Daula Tomb, Mehtab Bagh and Agra Fort and so forth.

Image Courtesy : www.hoteljyotiagra.com

Bharatpur – Located 186Kms away from Delhi. It is well-known for sanctuary - the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, UNESCO certified World Heritage Site.  Every year rare migratory birds visit Bharatpur in winters. The city also houses several ancient relics that date back to the early 15th century.

•    From Kolkata

Shanti Niketan (abode of Peace) - Away from madding crowd, it is an ideal weekend getaway for the Kolkatians. Nestled in 212Kms by road, it is the home of Nobel Laureate and National poet of India Rabindranath Tagore. This University town is not only rich in culture but also in scenic beauty.  One can get a glimpse of village life; enjoy various festivals including Poush Mela, Basanta Utsav, Nandan Mela etcetera. You can also bring home local handicrafts hawked at Sonajhuri Haat.

Image courtesy : www.radiancetour.com

Sundarban- Sited at a distance of 114kms, it is a perfect spot for wildlife as well as photography lovers. This is the hub of Sundari trees, thus the place named accordingly. This dense national park covers an area approx. 38,500sqft. Beside 30,000 royal Bengal tigers, it accumulates deer, wild boars, fowls and reptiles.

•    From Mumbai

Shillim – Sited on the Sahyadri mountain range, Shillim is at 90kms away from Mumbai. It is located in The Mavaal region. The region holds significant historic importance. It offers a placid beauty sans modernization. The prime attraction of Shillim is the spectacular Lake Pawna which facilitates the boating option. Trekkers will get abundant chances of trekking at Tikona hill. The Ariel view of the place can be received through paragliding.

Image Courtsey : www.booking.com

Gorai and Manori beaches-These two beaches are the ideal weekend escape for those who are just looking forward to have a relaxing session without participating into any kind of activities. Gorai beach is 44Kms away whereas Manori beach is at 48Kms away from Mumbai.

•    From Chennai

Pondichery- Located 244 kms away from Chennai, it is known as the “Quintessence of France” as it was ruled by French people for 281 years. The city still holds the mark from past in its magnificent colonial mansions, serene boulevards, name of the streets and peaceful promenades. Auroville is a place which houses 50,000 people throughout the globe. At the center of the city lies sacred Matrimandir, a lake and the amphitheater with Urn of Human Unity containing the soils of 121 countries and 23 Indian states. One should not miss the chance of treating his taste buds with lip-smacking French food served in the local eatery.

Image courtesy : pondicherryinfo.in

Dakhinashetra- Developed and maintained by Madras Craft Foundation, it is small heritage village positioned on the beautiful Mahabalipuram Beach. Situated at 21Kms away from Chennai, this village represents glaring example of traditional South Indian art, craft as well as architecture. One must try hands at crafting a terracotta doll.

We highly recommend before moving ahead:

•    Make a research of near about spots.
•     Plan your travel idea at least before four to five days.
•     Prepare a “things to do” list especially of pending tasks before and after the holidays. This will help, pre planning in a systematic way and also to get back on track quicker, post-vacation.
•    Get financially prepared. Make a rough estimate of the trip expenses. Though now we have the privilege of carrying cards instead of cash, but it is always advisable to carry liquid cash with you.
•    Book the place to stay, in advance
Without niggling for a near impossible extended leaves; plan weekends out and refresh your, mind, soul and body. We wish you happy weekends!

Maharashtra: The Monsoon Beauty

If you are among those who don’t mind getting drenched in the natural shower, hop in the muddy paddles, trail the thunder, gaze at the rainbow; then of course the best time to keep a date with nature is the monsoons

With the spectacular beaches, hail-washed Western Ghats, magnificent waterfall, mysterious mist, Maharashtra certainly converts into the “heaven on earth” with the approach of monsoon, which worth a visit.

Lonavala and Khandala undoubtedly are the places in you tour planner. These two hilly beauties are located between Mumbai and Pune. When it rains the barren hills around Lonavala turn out to be lush green carpets and numerous rain fed springs cascade freely all over. One never would want to leave the overwhelming Khandala Ghats which can wow anyone with its splendor of clouds passing by and the gushing waterfalls.

Image Courtesy:ecabs.in

For trekking aficionados, Duke’s Nose, Rajmachi Trek are prevalent routes and zone beyond Tungarli offers an amusing lakeside panoramic view.

Come monsoon and Malshej Ghat, just 160 km from Mumbai, acquires almost a mystical look. Not to forget the hilltop gets extremely windy during this season. Famous for its dam, waterfalls and with completely uninhabited area around it, Bhandardara is only 80 km away from Nashik. One has to navigate the vineyards, windmills and lakes to reach here.  Saputara on Maharashtra-Gujarat border is a perennial and tranquil hill station. Especially during monsoon, the beholder just gets carried away to a different dimension with the picturesque beauty of this hilly land. At 120Kms away from Melghat Tiger Reserve, Chikhaldhara is worth a visit during cloud burst. Initially built as summer resort by the British and hovering at a height of about 2,516 ft. above sea level, the eco-friendly Matheran is a real treat for eyes. It is well-known for its 33 viewpoints like Panorama, Sunrise, Heart, Echo, Luisa, Monkey, Malang, Porcupine, Lords, Artist, Alexander, Chowk, Rambaugh Point etc. Facilitating expedition at Honeymoon Hill or One Tree Hill or a simple ride in the toy train like that of Darjeeling, Matheran is a bliss! A train tour in Konkan region, is believed to be one of the stunning experiences.

Image Courtesy:exploringtourism.com

Dudhsagar, literally meant the “Sea of Milk” is a 10m long and milky white Waterfall at Someshwar. During monsoon the falls is an awe-inspiring sight for the sightseers. In addition, one can make a visit to Dhobi and Chinaman's Waterfall, Venna Lake as well.

Have your rain gears ready and chalk out trip during monsoon.

Explore the Maharashtrian marvels of wet weathers!

Joyful Mumbai

Mumbai, which was previously known as Bombay is the capital city of Maharashtra. Famous for its liveliness and the habit of never sleeping, Mumbai is said to be a destination where people from all over India come to fulfill their big dreams of “light, camera & action”. Ever crowded, full of enthusiasm and joyfulness makes it one of a different kind of a destination to holiday at. Bollywood- one of the highest movies producing film industry in the world is based in this metropolitan. With numerous choices to explore and entertain oneself, Mumbai also offers a wide variety of shopping choices to its descendants and is known as shoppers’ paradise.

Shopping: Whatever is your budget and requirement for shopping, the city has it all. Be it an exotic jewelry piece or a designer outfit, just ask for it and you will get it hither. With high-end boutiques and road side markets, Mumbai holidays bids a perfect potpourri of budgeted and high-priced shopping. Main markets in the city are- Chor bazaar, Fashion Street, Zaveri Bazaar, Crawford Market, and Bhuleshwar Market, whereas you can also shop at malls which are dotted all over the territory of the metropolis.

Image Courtesy: www.thehindubusinessline.com :

Cuisines: Because of the presence of different cultures, this dream city is a home to numerous delectable cuisines. With countless restaurants and hotels, you would get to taste some of the finest delicacies of the country here, while roadside “dhabas’ and food have their own craze among the locals. As the city is located near a sea, you will get to relish numerous cuisines made out of using fishes.

Gate way of India: Combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture, Gate way of India was constructed during 16th century. It is a symbol of some of the most colorful events that happened in Mumbai in the bygone era. The structure was built in the year 1911, to welcome George V's royal visit to India. Though, it is also the same spot from where British Government sent back its last regiment from India. With lively surroundings, the place is the major tourist attraction of the city.

Image Courtesy: www.gingerhotels.com

Marine Drive: The landmark of Mumbai- Marine Drive is an ideal place for locals of the city who constantly look for a serene break from their ever running Mumbai life. Runs from Nariman point till the foot of Malabar Hill’s, it is amongst the best place to watch sun going down and darkness gulping the city.

Beaches: For those who love beaches, the city boasts some of the famous beaches of the country, where you can relax and leave your worries behind. Many of these beaches are constant set for Bollywood movies and TV serials. Few beaches which must be checked out by you during your Mumbai tour are- Marve Beach, Chowpatty Beach, Gorai Beach, Juhu Beach and Aksa Beach.

Image courtsey: www.olacabs.com