Bombay is known to have layers of lifestyle, home to palmy art and culture, and carries a hidden charm that only the Mumbaikars know. To cut back on the busy lifestyle and spend a few precious hours chilling with your loved ones is something that many would prefer. Family trips truly have their own range of fun and cheer and to make that happen we listed a few spots that would clearly be a winner for quick family trips to make precious memories.

Let’s bring to light some of the most exciting weekend getaways near Mumbai for family within 200 kms.

Igatpuri

Igatpuri, a placid hill station some call the ‘Mist City’, is cuddled up in the western ghats of Nashik district, Maharashtra. Abode to an International academy that teaches ancient forms of meditation called ‘Vipassana’, it is a beloved spot for yoga retreats, soul searchers, and peace lovers. Amidst the dense forest of this town lies many pleasant sceneries filled with waterfalls, valley views, lakes, and rivers one can enjoy any time of the year but most prominently during the monsoon season. Sounds magical enough to be your next weekend getaways near Mumbai for family?

Our top picks for you:

Girisagar Waterfall – A gorgeous cascading waterfall nestled near the Bhavali Dam is a sight to behold. With many a view to cherish nearby, the place is a must-visit during the rainy season to take in its whole spectacle.

Tringalwadi Fort – This bewildering turban-shaped fort is placed on the ancient trading route near the Thal Ghat. It is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Kulang and Kalsubai mountain ranges, apart from the other breathtaking panoramic views. It is an excellent spot for anyone who loves a good hike. At the foothills of the fort, one can find Tringalwadi Lake and a Jain Cave Temple.

Ghatandevi Temple – This quaint temple is dedicated to Goddess Ghatan Devi, who is believed to be the protector of the ghats. The temple also paves the way for mesmerising views of many other ranges of the western ghats.

Kalsubai peak – Nestled in the middle of the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, this peak is a go-to place for trekking aficionados. It is the highest point in Maharashtra.

Plan a vacation to Igatpuri with your loved ones to explore, relax and even enjoy some adventure. We would rate this as one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai for family.

Distance from Mumbai: 122 kms

How to reach: Bus, train, taxi or personal transport.

Suggested to Read : 27 Iconic Places to Visit in Mumbai

Bhandardara

This tranquil place is cradled in the Sahyadri ranges on the banks of the river Pravara. It is known as a resort village due to its tourist attractions and also for making it a top location for families to take a break from the city life. It houses many pristine lakes, waterfalls, forts, and camping spots to enjoy. 

Our top picks for you:

Arthur Lake – This serene spot created by the river Pravara is a reservoir for Wilson Dam. It is a soothing location to enjoy boat rides, picnics, camping and fun activities with family.

Wilson Dam – This dam is a spot for Insta-worthy photos and great views.

Umbrella Falls – Close to the Wilson Dam, this waterfall is pure joy to watch and relish, especially during the monsoons. The flowing water splashing off the rocks creates a splendid umbrella-like form, giving its name.

Randha Falls – Falling from a great height, this marvellous waterfall originates from the river Pravara. It houses many temples on its bank and is one of the greatest spots for weekend getaways near Mumbai for family who loves travelling. We give you a list of more such family destinations in India.

Ratangad Fort – A 400-year-old fortress packed with serene views and temples. It has four entrances, namely Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan and Trimabk, with carvings on the gates. To reach the top, one must hike up the hill.

Harishchandragad Fort – It is an ancient majestic hilltop fort which is great for avid trekking enthusiasts. It has a deep-rooted history with beautiful temples covered in intricate carvings. It also gives you a spectacular view of the valleys around. The highest point of the fort is called Taramati peak and is home to the second-highest peak in Maharashtra. The Saptatirtha Pushkarni Temple of Lord Vishnu and the Cave Temple Kedareshwara of Lord Shiva is just magnificent.

Distance from Mumbai: 166 kms

How to reach: Bus, taxi or personal transport.

Also Read : 13 Hangout Places for Friends in Mumbai

Silvassa

This city, once a Portuguese colony, is now a lively place with many tourist destinations and cultural history. From abundant wildlife sanctuaries to lakes and museums, it is an amazing spot for a family trip.

Our top picks for you:

Dudhni Lake – This scenic destination is home to pristine waters that house various water sports for one to indulge in. It is an appealing picnic spot and the route to reach the place is even more alluring. One can enjoy boating, kayaking, jet skiing and other activities here.

Island Garden – Also called Dadra Park, it is a mesmerising garden that has a lake, Japanese styled bridges, thatched huts and other attractions. It has been a shooting spot for many Bollywood movies. People can enjoy exploring around in paddle boats. We suggest you pick this for your next weekend getaways near Mumbai for family.

Hirwa Van Garden – It is a stunning man-made garden park surrounded by lush nature, walkways and chiming artificial waterfalls. It’s a heaven for those who love some peaceful time in green surroundings, making it a must-visit with family.

Vasona Lion Safari Wildpark – This place is home to the giant Asiatic Lions. It is located next to Satmaliya Deer Park. One can enjoy doing safari here. To know more details, visit the official website.

Tribal Cultural Museum – An abode to art and culture lovers, this museum is a must-visit to indulge in tribal artefacts and their craftsmanship. The renowned ‘Warli’ art form is known to be born in this place. 

Topped your list of great weekend getaways near Mumbai for family yet?

Distance from Mumbai: 166 kms

How to reach: Bus, taxi or personal transport.

Also Check : 12 Beautiful Places to Visit Near Mumbai within 100 kms

Kolad

This small village with immense beauty is hidden in the Raigad district of Maharashtra along with the Sahyadri mountain ranges. The past few years have painted this hamlet as one of the upcoming adventure activity places in India. The town is settled on the banks of the river Kundalika, which allows tourists to enjoy certain water sports. For a family who loves something wild, this place is where you need to hit during the weekend.

Our top picks for you:

Tamhini Ghat – This place is of pure wonder packed with lush forests, gushing waterfalls and calm lakes, in the middle of a mountain passageway nestled in the western ghats. This ethereal spot is a scene out of a movie with high ranges amidst misty clouds, streaks of singing streams and a green haze of trees. One must experience this enchanting route during the monsoon season.

Devkund waterfalls – A picturesque place in Bhira village is known for its unparalleled beauty for the way the water falls from a great height over a rocky base into a pool of blue and green pond. It is a destination that can be reached by a small hike through the forest and flowing streams. The place is often picked as a picnic spot. It is also said to be the starting point of the Kundalika river.

White water rafting – Don’t miss out on this thrilling experience in the gushing river of Kundalika. Check out this list of othe ultimate rafting spots in India.

Bungee jumping – Claimed to be one of the best bungee jumping spots near Mumbai, this activity in Kolad is done over the river Kundalika.

Trekking – Kolad houses extremely stunning trails for trek enthusiasts. Devkund trek and Andhraban trek introduces you to scenes of dark, dense forests, bubbling streams and chiming waterfalls. There are also many fort destination treks that offer a hike over the magnificent ranges and treat you to panoramic views from the top. Intriguing enough to make it one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai for family?

Camping – Explore camping spots on the hills, at the banks of the river Kundalika, in the backwaters near Bhira dam and amongst a few serene lakes. You can choose from various options to have a night over with your family.

Majestic Forts – We lost count of the number of forts in and around Kolad for one to enjoy its glory and the views it has to offer. A few to name are Ghosalegad Fort, Talgad Fort, Sarasgad fort, Avchitgad Fort, and the list goes on.

Kuda Caves – Hidden in the Janjira Hills, a set of Buddhist caves said to be built during the 6th century gives you a peek into ancient carvings, sculptures and stupas.

Distance from Mumbai: 114 kms

How to reach: Bus, taxi or personal transport.

Kamshet

A small town in the city of Pune, this place is the paragliding hub of India. It is a hidden gem in the Sahyadri ranges rich with nature’s gift of flora and fauna. Popular as a weekend getaway from the cities of Pune and Mumbai, this adventure spot will leave you mindblown.

Our top picks for you:

Shinde Wadi Hills – It is a beautiful sunrise and sunset viewing point where one can also experience paragliding. Enjoy the stunning views of the valley while you soar down.

Pawna Lake – This reservoir turned artificial lake is a key spot for camping. Enjoy a great weekend relaxing next to the clear water with some good food, music, fun games and some quality family time. It’s time to pack up with your loved ones and pick this place easily as the greatest weekend getaways near Mumbai for family.

Bedsa Caves – It is a series of Buddhist caves situated on the Visapur Hill in Maval, Pune. This captivating place houses many spaces, architecture, carvings, stupas and more. The largest one, Chaitya, a prayer hall and one other distinctive cave, Vihara, a monastery, is an absolute sight to see amongst the set.

Distance from Mumbai: 100 kms

How to reach: Bus, train, taxi or personal transport.

Travel is said to be a discovery of oneself through exploration and experience. We hope this list inspires you to take a weekend journey to any of the above-mentioned destinations with your family.

Book Treebo hotels in Mumbai for a stress-free stay experience.

The post Get A Taste Of Adventure With These Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai For Family appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Kolad is the best place for rafting in Maharashtra. The rapids of the river are excellent, and the views from the river outstanding. There is nothing more to ask for when it comes to a great rafting experience. 

Before you plan a river rafting trip to Kolad, it’s good to have all the important details, so you are well-informed. Our comprehensive guide to river rafting in Kolad will get you started.

Quick Facts

• • Location: Raigad 
    

• • Rapids: Grade 2 & 3
    

• • Rafting Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
    

• • Difficulty level: Difficult
    

• Timing: Starts at 8 am
  

Best Time To Go River Rafting In Kolad

Rafting on the Kundalika River completely depends on the water released from the nearby dam. Generally, the most amount of water is released during the monsoon season. Therefore, it is best to go rafting during this period.

The gushing water is not the only reason why it is good to go rafting in monsoon. The foliage around the Kundalika River lights up with a fresh green glow, giving the place a majestic look and feel.  

On the other hand, those who love rafting, but cannot cope with thrilling rapids, should visit Kolad during winter. The river is much calmer, so rafting is not that difficult.

How to Get to Kolad

Kolad train station (source)

Kolad is conveniently located near Maharashtra’s two biggest cities, Pune and Mumbai. Many tourists from these cities use the weekend for a quick getaway to Kolad.

1. Road

• • Bus: Getting to Kolad is convenient, you can take a bus from Mumbai or Pune and even drive down. The distance from Mumbai to Kolad is about 120 kilometers and from Pune, about 136 kilometers.
    

• Private Vehicle: You can hire a private car from Mumbai or Pune. There are two options, you can book a private taxi from a car rental company or book one from Dadar TT Circle. There are many local taxis available there. The driving distance from Mumbai to Kolad is 120 kilometers. You can also hire cars from Pune. The driving distance is about 136 kilometers.
  

2. Rail

From Pune, there are no direct trains, you will have to get down at Lonavala and from there take a taxi to Kolad. If you are departing from Mumbai, you can take the Diva or Ratnagiri Passenger Train that operates daily.

3. Flight

 There is no airport in Kolad, so getting here by flight is not possible.

River Rafting in Kolad

Tourists enjoying rafting in Kolad

The Kundalika River is the fastest river in India. When it is at full flow, rafting on the river is an exciting experience. Although the rapids might seem fast, it is safe to river raft in Kolad. You are provided with high-quality safety equipment and will be accompanied by experienced swimmers and rafting experts.

A regular rafting ride on the Kundalika River lasts for around 2.5 – 3 hours. The highlight of river rafting in Kolad is that you can pair it with other cool water sports like kayaking and river crossing by zip-lining, something you don’t normally get to do in other places.

Expenses

• • River Rafting: River Rafting in Kolad will cost you Rs. 1,500 per person. This includes the cost of safety jackets and a bit of training.

• • Travel: Private cars will cost you Rs.4,000 for a return journey from Mumbai and Pune. Bus tickets will be between Rs.500 to 700 and train ticket costs Rs. 70 from Mumbai.

• Food: Rs.500 per day

Overall, you will end up paying around Rs.5,000 per day. If you go by public transport, your budget will decrease.

Places To Stay

A farmhouse in Kolad (source)

The MTDC has a hotel is Kolad that offers reasonable accommodation. If you are looking for other options, there are a few homestays near the river in Kolad. There are also gorgeous farmhouses in Kolad that provide accommodation. Prices for a room begin at Rs. 2,500 a night.

Food

In Kolad you will find many local dhabas (small restaurants) serving Maharashtrian and Mughlai food like Sreekar The Dhaba. Those who do not wish to eat at a dhaba, can dine at cafes and restaurants in Kolad. The hotels in Kolad too have very good restaurants to dine at, like the Orchard Resort Cafe.

Places To See In Kolad

1. Tamhini Ghat

Tamhini Ghat

Tamhini Ghat is a popular tourist attraction in Kolad. The place is great for trekking and enjoying nature. The ghat sees a lot of tourist footfall during the peak season and the monsoon. Most visitors to Tamhini Ghat are adventure seekers who drop by to enjoy treks.

2. Ghosala Fort

Ghosala Fort

Located a few kilometres away from Kolad. The Ghosala Fort is a great place to check out old architecture. The climb up to the fort is not all that difficult. From the fort premises, catch amazing views of the hills and the surroundings.

3. Sutarwadi Lake

Sutarwadi Lake (source)

Visit the Sutarwadi Lake for a refreshing change. The lake is a great spot for bird watching. Other cool activities here include boat rides and walks by the lake. There are a few food vendors who sell fresh and hot snacks during the day and in the evening.

4. Plus Valley Trek

Plus Valley Trek (source)

If you want to add more adventure to your rafting experience, we suggest you head to Plus Valley for a trek. When you look at the valley from the highest peak, you will notice that the valley looks like a ‘Plus Sign’. The best time to visit in pre-monsoon, just before the rainy season kicks in.

Kolad is a great place for river rafting in the monsoon. It has one of the best rapids, and you can add in a few great experiences such as trekking to your trip to Kolad.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Kolad, do let us know your questions in the comments below and we would be glad to assist you.

Safety & Travel Trips

• • Don’t carry your mobile with you while river rafting.
    

• • Wear comfortable clothing.
    

• • Make sure you follow all rules and regulations properly.
    

• • Always wear a life jacket while rafting.
    

• • Wear sunscreen before you go rafting
    

• • Make sure you keep a few hours as a buffer if you are travelling by public transport. Sometimes there could be delays.
    

• Do all your hotel and river rafting bookings in advance.
  

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