Lonavala - a weekend getaway from Mumbai

Just 95 km away from Mumbai, Lonavala also called Lonavla or Lonavale is a charming hill station located about 620 metres above sea level in the popular Sahyadri ranges. Lonavala along with its nearby hill station of Khandala make an ideal spot to enjoy a weekend break with family members. Discovered by Sir Elphinstone, the then Governor of the Bombay Presidency in 1871, Lonavala is easily accessible from Mumbai through Mumbai-Pune Expressway as well as Konkan Railways. 

Lonavala

Nature has blessed Lonavala with abundant treasures that include lush green countryside, beautiful valleys, shimmering waterfalls, lakes and scenic water bodies. The twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala has many places of tourist interest that can be visited with family members including children. Some of the popular attractions in and around Lonavala include Bushy Dam, Lion’s Point, Tungarli Lake and Dam, Shooting Point, I.N.S Shivaji, Karla Caves, Tiger’s Leap, Duke’s Nose, Valvan Dam, Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan, Lonavala Lake and Rajmachi Point. 

The sightseeing expeditions in Lonavala – Khandala also offer a wonderful chance to indulge in a variety of leisure activities. You can enjoy a refreshing bath in the waterfalls around Lonavala or enjoy breathtaking views of the city and beautiful surroundings from the view points. Go for shopping with your family and buy special items of the Konkan region to keep as a souvenir of your trip. ‘Chikki’ – a hard candy sweet is a must buy while shopping in the markets of Lonavala.  

Sapotra - the home of Ramathra Fort

Location: Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan

Distance: 430 km from Delhi, 175 km from Jaipur

Popular for: Picturesque countryside, Ramathra Fort

Ramathra Fort, Sapotra

Getting There –
By Train – Sawai Madhopur railway station, situated on the Delhi – Mumbai route, is a major railhead close to Sapotra. The railway station is connected by a number of express and superfast trains to Delhi. From Sawai Madhopur, take the road to reach Sapotra, the 80 km long journey takes two hours.

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 8 to reach Jaipur (265 km), approximately five hours away. Further, take a left and proceed on NH 11 till Dausa. From there, switch on NH 11A to Lalsot and then take NH11B to Gangapur. From Gangapur, take the state road to reach Sapotra. The road journey from Delhi to Sapotra should take around eight to nine hours.

Overview – 
Sapotra, a small town located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, is an ideal getaway for weekend breaks. Besides its picturesque countryside, the town is known for historic Ramathra Fort and serene Kalisil Lake. Sapotra also serves a quaint base to visit world famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (80 km) and Kailadevi National Park (15 km). Tourists flock the town, round the year to enjoy a peaceful vacation and go back home with some lifelong memories.  

Don’t Miss – 
From Sapotra, jeep safaris to neighbouring hamlets and forest areas, is a must-do activity. While on jeep safari, meet villagers, experience the rural life and capture some wonderful moments in your camera. Take a jeep ride to Kaila Devi National Park, home to a variety of wild animals and famous Kaila Devi Temple. Also take day trip to Ranthambore National Park to spot tigers and several other animals. Visit Karauli, known for Bhanwar Vilas Palace and Madan Mohanji Temple. Close to Sapotra, Kalisil Lake is another interesting spot to see birds and enjoy kayaking.

Sawantwadi - a picturesque town boasts of natural beauty

Location: Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra

Distance: 540 km from Mumbai, 390 km from Pune, 60 km from Panjim

Popular for: Its lake and natural beauty

Sawantwadi

Getting There –

By Air – The nearest airport is located at Belgaum, about 64 km away. Belgaum airport is linked to Mumbai and Bangalore by a number of flights. Taxis are available at the airport to Sawantwadi.

By Train – Samantha Road railway station is the nearest railhead from Sawantwadi, at a distance of 28 km. The railway station is served by trains of the Konkan railway. From the railway station, hire a taxi to reach Sawantwadi, approximately one hour away. 

By Road – From Mumbai, drive on the Mumbai – Goa (NH 17) Highway to reach Sawantwadi via Nagothane, Khed, Hathkumbe, Kankauli and Kudal. The journey from Mumbai to Sawantwadi should take around 10 hours. Private and state owned bus services are available to Sawantwadi from Mumbai and other cities like Bangalore and Mysore.

Overview – 

Sawantwadi also called ‘Sunderwadi’ is a picturesque town in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Set around a serene lake, ‘Moti Talav’, the town is surrounded on its all sides by mountains, and it is a perfect getaway for the lost souls. Mother Nature has blessed Sawantwadi with abundant jewels like the magnificent hillocks and verdant forests, which house a wide range of wildlife and medicinal plants. Once the capital of the erstwhile ‘Kingdom of Sawantwadi’, the town is famous its massive palace and traditional arts, especially wooden crafts. Even today, traditional art forms like Shilpa Gram, Lacquer ware, Ganjifa cards and Moghal cards flourish in the town. 

Don’t Miss – 

A beautiful lake, Moti Talav is a jewel on the crown of Sawantwadi. Enjoy thrilling water sports activities like boating, swimming and paddling in the lake, against the magnificent backdrop of Narendra Hill. After unwinding yourself at Moti Talav, proceed towards the Sawantwadi Palace, which provides a fine glimpse of the bygone era. The palace has an excellent collection of traditional lacquer ware goods, small dolls, exquisite royal furniture and paintings. Vithal Temple too is a must visit place in the town. Don’t forget to buy wooden toys, including wooden models of fruits and vegetables, to keep them as souvenir of the trip. 

Sasan Gir - home to Asiatic Lions

Location: South-east of Junagadh town in Gujarat

Distance: 385 km from Ahmedabad, 870 km from Mumbai

Popular for: Gir National Park, home to Asiatic lions

Asiatic Lions, Sasangir

Getting There –

By Air – The nearest airport is located at Keshod, 85 km away. Keshod airport is connected to Mumbai by low cost airlines, but daily flights are not available. Air India operates daily flights between Mumbai and Rajkot, located at a distance of 150 km from Sasan Gir.  

By Train – Sasan Gir has a railway station, but the train service to the station is temporarily suspended due to gauge conversion. Junagadh railway station is the major railhead close to Sasan Gir, which is served by several trains from Ahmedabad. 

By Road – From Mumbai, drive on NH 8 till Ahmedabad. Further, NH 8A takes you to Rajkot, then switch on NH 8B to reach Junagadh. From Junagadh, take the state highway to reach Sasan Gir, approximately two hours away. 

Overview – 

Sasan Gir is a small town, located 65 km south-east of Junagadh city in Gujarat. The town is renowned world over for its proximity to Gir National Park, home to Asiatic lions. In fact, outside the African continent, Sasan Gir is the only place in the world, where Asiatic lions can be seen in their natural habitat. However, the Asiatic lions of Sasan Gir are slightly smaller in size than their African counterparts. 

Don’t Miss – 

Asiatic lions are the prime attraction at Gir National Park, which was established in 1965. You can spot lions in the forest, comprises rugged terrain along with steep rocky hills. Permission to visit the Gir forest area is provided by forest department officials at Sasan Gir. Jeeps and minibuses are available in the town to visit Park. In addition to lions, animals like the leopard, chital, chinkara, four-horned antelope and spotted deer, add more excitement to your jungle safari. Also visit Nalsarovar Lake to spot birds like the back-headed cuckoo, paradise flycatcher, partridge, parrot and peacock. The Crocodile Rearing and Research Centre is another attraction of the town, where crocodiles are hatched and then released into their natural habitat. 

Pinjore - A weekend getaway from Delhi

Location: Panchkula district in Haryana

Distance: 270 km from Delhi

Popular As: Gateway to Himachal Pradesh

Pinjore Garden

Getting There –

By Train – Chandigarh railway station is the nearest railhead, 22 kms away. A number of express and superfast trains ply between Delhi and Chandigarh. From Chandigarh, you can either hire a taxi or travel by bus to reach Pinjore.  

By Road – From Delhi, take the NH 1 to Ambala. Further, hit the NH 21 to reach Zirakpur. Then, take a right onto Chandigarh – Kalka Highway (NH 22) to reach Pinjore. The driving time from Delhi to Pinjore is about seven hours. 

Overview – 

Pinjore is small town, lies in Panchkula district of Haryana. Due to its strategic location, on the Chandigarh – Kalka route, the town is often referred to as the ‘gateway to Himachal Pradesh’. Pinjore is situated in a picturesque valley, overlooking the Shivalik hills, at an altitude of above 1800 feet above the sea level. Far from the maddening crowd of the cities, the beautiful town is ideal for a relaxing vacation. Tourists flock the town to rejuvenate their mind and spirit, and experience the nature at its best. Pinjore is known world wide for the Mughal Gardens and tractor manufacturing unit of HMT Ltd. 

Don’t Miss – 

Visit the Mughal Gardens, the prime attraction of the town, especially at night, to enjoy delightful lighting and tranquil ambience. The terraced gardens at Pinjore, unlike other Mughal Gardens instead of ascending, descend and create a magical effect. The Sheesh Mahal built in the Rajasthani – Mughal style, Jal Mahal, Rang Mahal, along with a series of musical fountains and waterfalls, add to the charm of the gardens. While in Pinjore, do not miss to taste the delicious fruit chaat, prepared from the fresh fruits plucked from the gardens.

Pragpur - India’s first heritage village

Location: Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 430 km from Delhi

Popular As: India’s first heritage village’

Getting There –

By Train – Una Himachal railway station is the nearest railhead, at a distance of about 60 km. Himachal Express, an overnight train, run daily between Delhi and Una. The train departs from Delhi at 23.20 pm and reaches Una next day, at 7.50 in the morning. From Una, you have to reach Pragpur by road, approximately one and half hours away. 

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 till Phagwara via Ambala and Ludhiana. Then, switch onto the state road to reach Hoshiarpur. Further, NH 70 takes you to Gagret. From there, take the state road to reach Pragpur. The road trip from Delhi to Pragpur, should take around 10 hours. 

Overview – 

Renowned as ‘India’s first heritage village’, Pragpur is situated in Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Pragpur is beautiful hamlet in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, thronged by visitors in large numbers for a relaxing weekend break. Bestowed with abundant greenery, the quaint village is a perfect eco-tourism destination. Pragpur is the home of the world famous Kangra School of painting. In addition to its serene beauty and magnificent views, the village is also known for its historic significance. It is said that world’s oldest ruling lineage comes from Pragpur. 

Don’t Miss – 

Pragpur is known for its traditional architecture. You can see a glimpse of the age old architecture, in the mud plastered and slate roofed houses, cobbled lanes and ornamental tanks, sprawling in the village. Interestingly, the water-tank at Pragpur is the centre of almost every activity of villagers. Take the leisurely walks across the village and nearby places, dotted with seasonal fruits and colourful flowers orchards. You can also enjoy fun-filled activities like angling and water sports. Other nearby attractions are Sidh Channo Temple (3 km), Chinour Temple (15 km), Kaleshwar Temple (20 km), Jwalamukhi Temple (21 km), Chintpurni Temple (20 km), Kangra Fort (45 km) and Dharamsala (65 km). 

Pokhran - the place of five mirages

Location: 110 km east of Jaisalmer, Pokhran

Distance: 730 kms from Delhi

Popular As: The place of five mirages

Getting There –

By Train – Pokhran railway station is situated on the Delhi – Jaisalmer route. The railway station is served by Delhi – Jaisalmer Express, running daily between Delhi and Jaisalmer.

By Road – From Delhi, proceed on NH 10 to reach Hisar. From there, take a left onto NH 65, leading to Fatehpur. Then, switch onto NH 11 and drive on the same road till Bikaner. Further, NH 15 takes you to Pokhran. The road trip from Delhi to Pokran should take around 16 hours.

Overview –

Located 110 km east of Jaisalmer, Pokhran also spelled Pokaran or Pokharan is a quaint weekend getaway. Literally meaning ‘the place of five mirages’, the town lies in the Great Indian Thar Desert. Despite its remote location, Pokhran is internationally renowned as the test site for India's first underground nuclear weapon detonation. On May 18, 1974, the town shot to international fame, when India successfully detonated its first nuclear weapon under project ‘Smiling Buddha’. Again after a gap of 24 years, on May 11 and May 13, 1998, India conducted five successful nuclear tests at Pokhran.

Don’t Miss –

Pokaran Fort is the landmark of the town. Built in the 16th century by Rao Maldeo, a Marwar Thakur (local chieftain), the fort is now a hotel. Also known as Balagarh, the magnificent fort houses exquisite palaces, namely Phool Niwas, Hawa Mahal, Rani Mahal and Mangal Niwas. Visit the museum, located inside the fort to see a fine collection of royal weapons, costumes, paintings, and pottery. Close to the fort are some marvellously carved sandstone chhatris (cenotaphs), belonging to the royal family. Also, visit the famous Baba Ramdeo Temple, situated at a distance of 15 km from Pokhran.

Phalodi - A weekend getaway off Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Location: Rajasthan

Distance: Around 140 km from Jodhpur, 670 km from Delhi

Popular For: Kalyan Raoji Temple

Getting There –

By Train – Phalodi railway station is located on the Delhi – Jaisalmer rail route. Delhi – Jaisalmer Express is the only train, running between Delhi and Jaisalmer daily. 

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 10 leading to Hisar. Proceed further, on NH 65 and switch onto NH 11 at Fatehpur to reach Bikaner. Then, take a right on NH 15 and drive straight to Phalodi. The road journey from Delhi to Phalodi, usually takes 15 hours. 

Overview – 

Situated in western Rajasthan, Phalodi is an excellent weekend getaway, about 140 km south of Jodhpur. The town enjoys a special place among the tourists, because of its strategic location, en-route to Jaisalmer (165 km west). In fact, Phalodi itself is home to a number of tourist attractions. Established in the 15th century, the historic town is known for its magnificent monuments, old temples and more. Phalodi serves as a major hub for commercial and industrial activities of the region. The town is also called the ‘Salt City’, due to presence of numerous salt manufacturing units.    

Don’t Miss – 

Kalyan Raoji Temple is major attraction of Phalodi, constructed in 1230 AD. The temple is famous for its stone epigraphic inscriptions, indicating existence of the old Phalodi town, called as ‘Vijay Nagar Patan’. Latiyal Devi Temple, Santinath Temple and Parsanth Jain Temple are other important temples. Hardly 5 km from Phalodi, Khichan is a must visit place, known for Siberian migratory birds ‘Kurja’. Take an excursion to see the temple of Pabhuji Maharaj, approximately 35 km away.

Nalagarh - A town of production units

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 300 km from Delhi, 60 km from Chandigarh

Popular for: production units for chemicals, threads and breweries

Getting There –

By Train – The nearest railhead is located at Chandigarh, approximately 60 km away. Chandigarh railway station is served by a number of express and superfast trains from Delhi. Taxis and bus services are available from Chandigarh to Nalagarh.  

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 up to Ambala. Further, take the NH 21 till Zirakpur and then switch onto NH 22 to reach Pinjore. From there, proceed on NH 21 A for about 30 km, and then take a right on the state road to reach Nalagarh. The road trip from Delhi to Nalagarh should take around eight hours. 

Overview – 

Nalagarh, also called Nawalgarh is a small town in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Founded by the Chandela Rajputs in 1100 AD, the town was a princely state during the British Raj. Set an altitude of 1,220 feet above sea level, Nalagarh draws tourists for a quiet weekend break, away from the maddening crowd of big cities. An industrial town, Nalagarh is also home to several production units of leather, steel, chemicals, threads and breweries.   

Don’t Miss – 

Nalagarh Fort is the prime attraction of the town, known for its excellent architecture and well-manicured lawns. Built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand, the magnificent fort is now functional as a heritage resort. Visit the fort to enjoy breathtaking views of Shivalik Hills and nearby areas. Nature walks along the forested trails is a must do recreational activity at Nalagarh. You may also visit Pinjore (35 km) en-route to Nalagarh, to see the famous Mughal Gardens. 

Nahan - A beautiful hill station in Himachal

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 265 km from Delhi

Popular As: Hill Station

Getting There –

By Train – Ambala Cantt Junction is the major railhead close to Nahan. The railway station is served by numerous express and superfast trains from Delhi. Further, you can hire a taxi to reach Nahan, approximately three hours away. Bus services are also available at regular intervals from Ambala to Nahan. 

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 1 to reach Ambala town. Further, switch onto NH 72 leading straight to Nahan. The road journey from Delhi to Nahan, usually takes seven hours. 

Overview – 

Nahan is a picturesque town, situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Perched on a hill atop the Shivalik Hills, the town is an ideal getaway for a weekend break. Set at an altitude of about 900 mtr, Nahan enjoys pleasant weather round the year. Established in 1621 by Raja Karan Prakash, the city has its connections with great saints and princes. A well-planned town, Nahan is known for a man-made lake, lush gardens and beautifully decorated temples. Nahan is also a good base to visit popular places such as Paonta Sahib (20 km), Suketi Fossil Park (21 km) and Trilokpur Temple (23 km).  

Don’t Miss – 

Leisure walks across the town and nearby places is a must do activity. The Mall Road is one of the favourite areas for walking, especially in the evening. Do some shopping at Mall Road. Visit the magnificent temples, colonial buildings and other interesting structures situated in and around the town. Kalisthan Temple, Jagannath Temple, Sanatan Dharm Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple are some of the famous temples. Other must visit places include Rosin and Turpentine factory, Ranital Tank and Garden, Pakka Tank and Nahan Foundry. You can also go fishing on the rivers and streams, flowing close to the town.