After a restless week in the office, you long for a refreshing weekend. Try a getaway to local destinations with rich culture and impeccable architecture. Vivid delectable cuisine, rich tradition and ample of peace of mind follows you if you choose the right weekend vacation. There are about seven destinations from Mumbai to Hyderabad ideal for a weekend getaway.
1. Lonavala/Khandala
For those who want to feel connected to the roads, environment and view, kickstart your motorbike and take off to Lonavala. It is a hill station in the Western Ghats mountain ranges and is equipped with so many places to explore.
Attractions: trekking, camping, waterfall rappelling, spelunking
TIP: Visit after the first rainfall of monsoon when the beauty of the Western Ghats is at its prime.
2. Alibaug
Alibaug is a spectacular vacation spot near Mumbai. It's a pretty crowded destination on the Mumbai-Goa highway. Though it is frequently visited by couples spending romantic time at the beach, it is also a great place to travel on a bike. There is a dazzling shoreline, a lovely beach and magnificent views.
Attractions: Alibaug Beach, Kulaba Fort, Siddeshwar Temple
TIP: Best time to visit Alibaug is between November and June.
3. Kamshet
Why not try some adventure on the weekend? Kamshet is known to be the paragliding mecca of India. It offers perfect conditions for cherishing the beauty of nature while having a new experience of paragliding. The high mountains and the windy atmosphere lure patrons every year.
Attractions: paragliding, cave exploration, Pawna Lake and the Kondeshwar Temple
TIP: Do not miss visiting the green ambling hills and sunflower fields.
4. Matheran
Matheran, Asia's only automobile free hill station, is a celebrated weekend getaway near Mumbai. This short road trip takes you to the picturesque hinterlands of Matheran.
Attractions: scenic view of the Prabhal Fort from Louisa Point
TIP: No private vehicles are allowed in this eco-sensitive zone, so you'll need horses or hand pulled rickshaws to reach Matheran.
5. Aurangabad
Aurangabad, named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, boasts a deep connection with Indian history. It houses tombs, forts, temples and mosques. This historic city and pilgrimage serves as a great getaway for those seeking a long drive from Mumbai.
Attractions: Tomb of Aurangzeb, Bibi ka Maqbara, Shivaji Museum, Sunheri Mahal
TIP: For a breathtaking sight of the Ajantha and Ellora caves, you need to travel a little ahead of Aurangabad.
6. Solapur
Solapur is one of the largest cities of Maharashtra and is famed for its Siddeshwar Temple, which is situated in the midst of a lake. It's ideal for weekend tours from Hyderabad. Spend some time exploring the temples around the city and enjoy the delectable cuisine of Maharashtra.
Attractions: Jain temples, Phandharpur temple, Akkalkot temple, Velapur, Karmala and Bhuikot Fort
7. Gulbarga
This is the city from the cultural bank of Karnataka and certainly has what it takes to be a perfect weekend destination near Hyderabad. In Gulbarga, architecture is the prime attraction, and the Bahmani Fort is the perfect example of it.
Attractions: Chandrala Parameshwari Temple, Jama Masjid, Sharana Bhaveshwara Temple, Narayanapura Dam
TIP: There are a number of budget hotels and guest houses in Gulbarga that offer a pleasant and affordable holiday here.
Get out over a long weekend to one of these destinations to reboot from the rigorus of the daily grind. Ranging from short drives to long-hauls, these weekend getaways offer respite from the urban landscape and are best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.