Mandvi - a port city in Gujarat

Location: Kachchha district of Gujarat

Distance: 450 km from Ahmedabad, 100 km from Mumbai

Popular As: A port city

Mandvi, Gujarat

Getting There –

By Air – Bhuj Airport, at a distance of 55 km is the nearest airport from Mandvi. Jet Airways and Kingfisher operate daily flights between Mumbai and Mandvi. From Bhuj, you have to take the road journey to reach Mandvi, approximately one hour away.

By Rail – The nearest railhead is located at Bhuj (56 km), served by a number of trains from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Kutch Express, Bandra – Bhuj Express and Pune – Bhuj Express run between Bhuj and Mumbai.

By Road – From Mumbai, take NH 8 to reach Ahmedabad. Then, switch onto NH 8 A to reach Mandvi, via Limbdi, Wankaner, Morbi, Anjar and Mundra. The road journey from Mumbai to Mandvi is quite lengthy, so you can take a day break in Ahmedabad. Better, you travel by train to reach Bhuj, the major railhead close to Mandvi.

Overview –

Mandvi is a port city located in Kachchh district of Gujarat. Once a major port of the region, the city now serves as an excellent weekend break destination. Due to its strategic location close to the Arabian Sea, Mandvi enjoys a pleasant climate round the year. Tourists flock the city in large numbers, to enjoy a relaxed vacation, away from hustle and bustle of the cities. Mandvi also served as the summer retreat of the maharajas (kings) of Kutch. Even today, the remains of the bygone era can be seen across the old city. Mandvi is famous for its 400-year-old ship building industry, you can still see the skilled carpenters building fishing boats by traditional techniques.

Don’t Miss –

Visit the Vijay Vilas Palace, the major attraction at Mandvi. Set amidst the well-laid gardens, the royal palace has a private beach, marble fountains and interesting water channels. Built in 1920, Vijay Vilas Palace is known for its excellent architecture and eco-friendly pristine beauty. Also pay a visit to Mandvi Beach, considered among the most beautiful beaches in Gujarat. Other famous attractions are Wind Farms, Rukmavati Bridge, Topansar Lake, Shyamji Krishna Verma Smarak and Bandhni Bazaar.

Mandi - A beautiful hill station in Himachal

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 425 km from Delhi

Popular As: Hill Station

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Getting There –

By Rail – Kalka railway station is the nearest railhead from Mandi. Kalka Shatabadi, Howrah - Kalka Mail, Paschim Express and Himalayan Queen run between Delhi and Kalka. From Kalka, you can reach Mandi by hiring a taxi, approximately four hours away. 

By Road – From Delhi, NH 1 takes you to Ambala. Further, switch onto NH 21 to reach Zirakpur, ahead of Chandigarh. From there, take a right onto NH 22 leading to Pinjaur. Then, proceed on the NH 21 A, connecting further to NH 21. Finally, NH 21 takes you to Mandi via Bilaspur. The road journey from Delhi to Mandi should take around 12 hours.  

Overview – 

Mandi is a small hill town, situated in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 800 mtrs above sea level, the town is an ideal getaway for a quiet vacation. Established on the banks of Beas River, Mandi is known for its historic as well as commercial values. A fast developing town, Mandi is home to around 100 old and new temples, mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Kali. In fact, due to large number of temples and its strategic location along Beas River, the town is fondly referred as 'Chhoti (Small) Kashi'. 

Don’t Miss – 

While in Mandi, must visit the old palaces to get a glimpse of ‘colonial’ architecture. Visit the temples around the town, known for their exquisite carvings and religious significance. Besides, for their historical importance, a number of temples in Mandi have been declared ‘protected monuments’ by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Panchvaktra Temple, Ardhnareshwar Temple, Bhima Kali Temple, Tarna Temple and Triloknath Temple are important temples. The historic Gurdwara Govind Singh, Kangri Dhar and Sunken Garden are other must visit places. 

Mandawa - The town of magnificent fort and havelis

Location: Jhunjhuni district of Rajasthan

Distance: 250 km from Delhi, 170 km from Jaipur

Popular For: Magnificent Fort and havelis

Picturesque Mandawa Castle

Getting There –

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 8 till Bahror. Then, take a right onto the state road to reach Namaul. Further, turn left and drive on the road leading to Chirawa. From there, again take a left onto the road towards Jhunjhunu, which takes you straight to Mandawa. The road journey from Delhi to Mandawa takes around six hours. 

Overview – 

Manawa is a historic town, situated in Jhunjhuni district of Rajasthan, about 170 km north of Jaipur. A part of the Shekhawati region, the town is renowned for its magnificent fort and picturesque havelis (mansions). Mandawa has also been referred to as the ‘open art gallery’, for housing exquisite havelis, with elegantly painted walls. Mandawa Fort is the principal landmark of the town, adorned with beautiful frescoes and an arched gateway. A trip to the town provides you a wonderful chance to see the architectural masterpieces and artistic genius.

Don’t Miss – 

Mandawa Fort is a must visit place, which is now operational as a heritage hotel. Built in the 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh, the fort has tastefully decorated rooms with paintings of Lord Krishna, delicate carvings and excellent mirror work. You can see rare antiques and paintings in the Durbar Hall of the palace. 

Havelis are other major attractions, popular among them are Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Murmuria Haveli and Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli. Also, pay a visit to Thakurji Temple, known for its impressive murals. 

Pataudi - the home of picturesque Pataudi Palace

Location: Gurgaon district of Haryana

Distance: 70 km from Delhi

Popular for: Pataudi Palace

Pataudi Place, Gurgaon

Getting There –

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 8 to reach Gurgaon. Further, the same road takes you to Bahora Kalan. Then, turn towards right on the state road leading straight to Pataudi. The journey should take around one and half hours. 

Overview – 

Pataudi is small town in Gurgaon district of Haryana. Located just 70 km from Delhi, the town draws tourists as well as corporates for a quaint weekend break. During the pre-independence era, Pataudi was a princely state of the same name. Founded in 1806 by Faiz Talab Khan, the town is now the home of the famous Indian cricketer Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. The royal family has a grand palace at Pataudi, called the Pataudi Palace. 

Don’t Miss – 

Experience the royal splendour of the old days at Pataudi Palace. Constructed by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan in 1935, the magnificent palace sprawls over an area of 25 acre, amidst the peaceful and fresh atmosphere. An oasis in the verdant countryside of Pataudi, the luxurious palace along with its exquisite exterior has elegant verandahs, spacious bedrooms, old-style baths, well-maintained gardens and a massive conference room. The grand palace is a fine venue for meetings, family gatherings and weekend breaks. Remember, the palace can be book only for a group. 

Malvan - A picturesque secluded town of Maharashtra

Location: Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra

Distance: 510 km from Mumbai

Popular As: A picturesque secluded town

Malvan Beach

Getting There –

By Train – Kudal railway station is the nearest railhead from Malvan. Jan Shatabadi Express, Konkan Kanya Express and Matshya Gandha Express are some of the important trains connecting Mumbai to Kudal. From the Kudal railway station, you can hire a taxi to reach Malvan. 

By Road – From Mumbai, drive on NH 17 till Kasal. Then, take a right onto the State Highway to reach Malvan. The road journey from Mumbai to Malvan usually takes around 12 hours. Buses of Maharashtra State Transport and private operators ply from Mumbai to Malvan.

Overview – 

Malvan also spelled Malwan, is a port town situated in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Situated along the cool blue Arabian Sea, the town is flanked by three tiny creeks, namely Karli, Kalavali and Kolamb. Far from the busy city life, the picturesque town makes a perfect getaway for discerning travellers. Malvan welcomes visitors with its secluded beaches and tranquil environs, for a laid back vacation. Besides, the historic town is also famous for its rich culture and tradition, signified by peculiar dialect and cuisine.     

Don’t Miss – 

The magnificent Sindhudurg Fort is the main landmark of the town. Visit the popular beaches like Tarkali Beach, Chiwala Beach and Tondavali Beach to rejuvenate your mind and body. When visiting the town, don’t forget to savour the local cuisine, including sweets such as Khaja and Ladoos. Other must visit places include the Rock Garden, Malvan (marine) Wildlife Sanctuary, Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan and Jai Ganesh Mandir. Visit the nearby town Vengurla, home to several interesting temples, forts and beaches.  

Ludhiana - The Manchester of India

Location: Punjab

Distance: 310 km from Delhi

Popular As: Manchester of India

Ludhiana

Getting There –

By Train – Ludhiana railway station is a major railhead on the Delhi – Amritsar route. The railway station is connected to Delhi by several express and superfast trains. 

By Road – National Highway 1 connects Ludhiana to Delhi via Ambala. The road journey from Delhi to Ludhiana generally takes around seven hours. 

Overview – 

Ludhiana is a major city located in the state of Punjab. An industrial hub, Ludhiana is also called the ‘Manchester of India’. The city is dotted with numerous big and small industries, like knitwear factories, yarn mills, bicycle manufacturing factories and more. Ludhiana is also a popular tourist destination and draws tourists in large number round the year. Consisting of the Old City and the New City, the city is famous for its rich history, over 500 years old. 

Don’t Miss – 

While in Ludhiana, don’t forget to buy woollen garments. Visit popular attractions of the city, namely Water Park, Hardy World, Dream Land, Rose Garden and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. From Ludhiana, also visit the nearby town of Ferozpur, known for its holy shrines and historic sites.

Faizabad - A historic town of Uttar Pradesh

Location: Uttar Pradesh

Distance: 550 km from Delhi, 125 km from Lucknow

Faizabad Fort

Getting There –
By Air – The nearest airport in situated in Lucknow (128 km), connected by a number of daily flights to Delhi. From Lucknow, you can either take the road or rail journey to reach Faizabad, approximately three hours away.

By Train – Faizabad railway station is an important railhead of the Northern Railways. Kaifiyat Express and Saryuyamuna Express run between Delhi and Faizabad. The railway station is also well- linked to Lucknow and Varanasi railway stations by several trains.

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 91or NH 2 to reach Kanpur. Proceed further on NH 25 to Lucknow and then switch onto NH 28 leading straight to Faizabad town. The road journey from Delhi to Faizabad should take around 12 hours.

Overview – 
Faizabad is a town in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Set on the banks of Saryu River, the town is famous for its sister town Ayodhya (6 km away), believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. A historic town, Faizabad was the erstwhile capital of the Nawabs of Awadh, and known for its rich culture and traditions. Even today, you can see fine glimpse of the bygone era in the magnificent monuments sprawl across Faizabad and Ayodhya. The Tomb of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari are prime attractions in Faizabad town.

Don’t Miss – 
Gulab Bari, literally meaning ‘Garden of Roses’, is a must visit place. The garden has a fine collection of roses and houses a mausoleum in its complex. Ghanta Ghar (clock house), situated in the heart of city is another attraction of Faizabad. Next to Ghanta Ghar, move towards the central market for some shopping. Guptar Ghat and Hanuman Garhi are other places of tourist interest. Also, take an excursion to Ayodhya, famous for its Hindu temples.

Nagpur - the Orange city of India

Location: Maharashtra

Distance: 850 km from Mumbai

Popular As: Orange city

Nagpur

Getting There –

By Air – Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport of Nagpur is connected by a number of flights to Mumbai. Kingfisher, IndiGo, JetLite and Air India operate daily flights between Mumbai and Nagpur. 

By Train – Nagpur railway station is a major railhead of the Central Railways and served by several trains from Mumbai. Nandigram Express, Vidrabha Express, Sewagram Express and Gitanjali Express are some important trains running between Mumbai and Nagpur.   

By Road – From Mumbai, NH 3 takes you to Dhule via Nasik. Then, take a right onto NH 6 to reach Nasik via Jalaon, Akola, Amravati. The journey from Mumbai to Nagpur usually takes around 20 hours, so, avoid the road journey.   

Overview – 

Nagpur, popularly known as the ‘Orange City’, is a major city in the West Indian state of Maharashtra. Also referred to as the ‘second capital of Maharashtra’, Nagpur is an important commercial and political centre of the state. Founded by the Gond Raja Bakht Buland in the 18th century, the city derives its name from the Nag River, flowing through the Old City. Nagpur is home to a number of natural and man-made lakes, which draw visitors in large numbers for a weekend break. Ambazari Lake Gorewada Lake, Futala Lake and Telangkhedi Lake are the natural lakes sprawling across Nagpur. While, the famous man-made lakes in the city are Gandhisagar Lake and Sonegaon Lake. 

Don’t Miss – 

When in Nagpur, visit the Ambazari Lake, the biggest lake in the city. Set on the western outskirts of the city, the lake is flanked by a beautiful garden. Enjoy an exhilarating boat ride on the lake or a pleasant leisurely walk along the garden. Visit the famous Seminary Hill, 6 km from the Old City, to get a breathtaking view of the city and the picturesque surroundings. Seminary Hill is also home to Balaji Temple, dedicated to Shri Balaji. Other must visit places in and around Nagpur include Maharaj Bagh and Zoo, Sitabuldi Fort, Sri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir, Totladoh, Ramtek (50 km) and Pench National Park (85 km). 

Marchula - a picturesque weekend getaway from Delhi

Location: Uttarakhand

Distance: 250 km from Delhi

Popular for: Natural beauty

Marchula, Uttarakhand

Getting There –

By Train – Ramnagar railway station is the nearest railhead. From Delhi, Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express run daily to Ramnagar. Further, you have to take road journey to reach Marchula, about 40 km away. 

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH till Moradabad. Then, take a left onto the State Highway to reach Ramnagar via Kashipur. From there, drive further to reach Marchula, approximately one and half hours away. 

Overview – 

A weekend break in tiger country, amidst the dense forest is a thrilling experience. If you are looking for such wild getaway and some never before wild experiences, then Marchula is an ideal destination for you. Marchula is a small hamlet, located 40 km away from Ramnagar and approximately 17 km from Dhangadi, the entrance to the Corbett National Park. Situated on the banks of Ramganga River, Marchula is surrounded by lofty mountains and thick forests. Besides, the pristine environs, the soothing sound of the gushing river and the occasional sightings of tiger, leopard or deer, altogether make Marchula a perfect place for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.   

Don’t Miss – 

Perched 500 mtr above sea level, Marchula offers lots of exciting adventure activities to indulge in. You can take a leisurely walk along the hilly trails, enjoy a swim in the gushing stream or a tiger safari. However, the most amazing feature of Marchula is angling in the River Ramganga, home to the famous fish – Mahaseer, in addition to Goonj and Trout. Fishing at Marchula is of course a fun-filled activity, but, you need be patient and skilful for a good catch. It is mandatory to avail a license before the fishing expedition. Also cross the river to see the crocodiles living in a fresh water pool. 

Ganpatipule - a weekend getaway from Mumbai

A popular weekend getaway from Mumbai, Ganpatipule is situated on the beautiful Konkan coast in Ratnagiri district of Maharasthra. Named after the Hindu god Ganapati, Ganpatipule abounds with picturesque countryside that draws vacationers including families with kids round the year. While the clean sandy beach, cool blue sea, gentle waves and soothing breeze thrills children and elders a lot, the wonderful sightseeing spots equally amaze all types of travellers. 

Ganpatipule

The unmatched natural beauty of Ganpatipule is complimented by the rich historic past and cultural heritage. Known for its religious as well as architectural significances, Ganpati Temple is thronged by devotees and common travellers in large numbers. Close to Ganpati Temple, ‘Paawas’ is a religious spot and quite popular among visitors to Ganpatipule. Also take short excursions with your kids and cover tourist spots like Bhandarpule, Malgund and Jaygard Fort.

So, don’t wait and plan a trip to Ganpatipule this Dussera vacation with your family members. Once you are in Ganpatipule there is no any limit of fun and enjoyment. Let your children free and allow them to indulge in a wide array of activities along the 12 km sandy stretch of Ganpatipule Beach. Don’t forget to savour delicious fruits plucked directly from the orchards such as mango, jackfruit, betel nut, coconut and banana. Catch a bus or hire a private vehicle to reach Ganpatipule from Mumbai. 

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.