Vadodara - the City of Culture

From Mumbai – 448 km

From Ahmedabad – 113 km

Overview - 

Earlier known as Baroda, Vadodara is often referred to as the Sayaji Nagari (Sayaji’s City) or Sanskari Nagari (The City of Culture). Situated on the banks of the River Vishwamitri, Vadodara is famous for the picturesque Laxmi Vilas Palace and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. A historic city, Vadodara abounds with magnificent buildings, temples and monuments, old museums and well-maintained gardens. Besides a cultural and educational centre of Gujarat, the city is also home to big industries, shopping malls and multiplexes. 

A historical monument in Vadodara

Don’t Miss - 

Built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890, Laxmi Vilas Palace is a splendid Indo – Saracenic style building and a must visit place in Vadodara. The royal family’s residence has a well-ornate Darbar Hall and elegant walls with mosaic decorations. Laxmi Vilas Palace complex sprawling over 700 acres, houses several buildings including the Moti Baug Palace and Maharaj Fateh Singh Musuem which has a fine collection of old armoury and bronze sculptures. Other important places to visit in the city are Baroda Museum, Aurobindo Society, Kirti Mandir, Nazarbaug Palace, Makarpura Palace and Sayajibaug. 

Getting There –

Train – Vadodara Railway Station is a major rail head on the Mumbai – Delhi and Mumbai – Ahmedabad routes, served by several superfast and express trains.

Road – Take the NH 8 from Mumbai, passing through Navsari and Bharuch to reach Vadodara. The city is also connected through Indian National Expressway – 1 (97 km) with Ahmedabad.  

Thane - the suburb of Mumbai

From Mumbai – 35 km

Overview – 

Thane, literally meaning ‘station’ in Marathi, is an industrial town situated on Salsette Island, northeast of Mumbai. Set on the banks of Thane creek, the city is flanked by Yeour Hill and Parsik Hill, on the west and east respectively. Due to its strategic location, the city is a major hub of economic activity and is home to several industries. Thane is dotted with around 30 big and small lakes, making a perfect getaway for people living in Mumbai and nearby areas. Visitors throng the city to enjoy a pleasant break from their busy schedules.

Thane, Mumbai

Don’t Miss – 

While in Thane, visit the Masunda Talao, also called Talao Pali. Considered the most beautiful lake in the city, it offers excellent boating and water scooter facilities. Also visit Upavan Lake, another scenic lake in Thane to refresh yourself.  

Getting There –

Train – Thane railway station is an important railhead of the Central Railways and served by almost all trains running on the Konkan Railway route from Mumbai.  

Road – From Mumbai, a regular bus service to Thane is available at frequent intervals. You may also hire a local taxi from Mumbai to reach Thane.

Air – Mumbai airport is approximately 25 km from Thane, which is connected by numerous flights from important cities of the country. From the airport taxis are available to Thane, the journey takes around 30 minutes. 

Incredible India! Alibaug - a beachside town in Maharashtra

Fast Fact

Location: Located on Konkan Coast in Southern Maharashtra

Distance: 110 kms from Mumbai

Altitude: Sea Level

Best time to visit: Though Alibaug is a tourist destination for all seasons, the months of August to October are quite rainy, and in spite of the beauty of the sea and the inland lakes and greenery in this season, it is recommended to avoid it if lounging on the beaches is your intention. Summers are pleasant, with a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Alibaug is from November to July.

Recommended For: Single, Couple, Family (with children), Friends, Senior travellers

Overview of Alibaug

Alibaug (or Alibaugh), is a beautiful beachside town on the Konkan Coast, in the Raigad District of Maharashtra. Filled with beautiful beaches and numerous beautiful temples, Alibaug is also home to a sea fort called Kulaba Fort, which was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680. It is an extremely popular getaway for citizens of Mumbai, and offers them numerous unspoiled beaches, and delicious seafood, along with some historical and religious monuments. In fact, in the present day, Alibaug’s primary source of revenue is in tourism.

How to Reach Alibaug

Alibaug is situated on the Konkan Coast in the Raigad District of southern Maharashtra, about 110 km from Mumbai.

By Air - The nearest airport is Mumbai International Airport, about 120 km away

By Rail - Nearest major railhead is Pen, about 28 km from Alibaug. From Pen, taxis and buses are easily available to take you to Alibaug. Panvel, 85 km away, is another major railhead.

By Road - From Mumbai take NH 17 (Mumbai Goa Highway) till 8 km after Pen, where you reach the Wadkal crossing. Here, proceed straight (left turn continues towards Goa), and Alibaugh is 22 km away.

Local Transport around Alibaug - There are lots of auto rickshaws (shared as well as individual) available for local transport. There are plenty of buses as well. You can also rent motorcycles, apart from taxis and cars.

Must See in and around Alibaug

Visit the historical and impressive sea fort of Kulaba (Kolaba), built by the Maratha hero – Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1680. This fort is unique in that it can be accessed on foot during low-tide, by walking the 1.5 kilometre stretch. Other places to visit include the famous Magnetic Observatory, as well as the beautiful temples of Vikramvinayak, Uma-Maheshwar, Balaji, and Kanakeshwar. Nearby, just 15 km away, lies a unique town called Chaul, which has plenty of monuments like Buddhist caves, Portuguese ruins, the Hamam Khana, an old church and even a synagogue! Other sights include the Tower of St. Barbara, the famous Murud Janjira and its legendarily-unvanquished sea fort, Sagargarh, Kanhoji Angre Samadhi, Datta Mandir, and Hingulja Mandir.

Must Do/Must Experience at Alibaug

You can simply chill on the many beautiful beaches of Alibaug, which are perfect primarily for strolls and sunbathing, since swimming is prohibited here due to the very strong currents in the sea. This is what Alibaug is all about, relaxed lounging on miles of unpolluted beaches. Famous beaches include: Alibaug Beach, Kihim Beach, Mandwa Beach, Kashid Beach, Nandgaon Beach, Akshi Beach, Chaul Revadanda Beach, Varsoli Beach, Saswane Beach, Rewas Beach, Awas Beach, and Nagao Beach.

What to Eat at Alibaug

Famous across India, Konkan food is absolutely delicious, and Alibaug is no exception. With its own distinct way of cooking food, Konkon cuisine uses coconut liberally in various forms such as grated, dry grated, fried, coconut paste, coconut oil, and coconut milk. Though Konkanastha Brahmin style food is vegetarian and not spicy, non-vegetarian dishes in particular are famous for the use of red chillies in their preparation, including such spices as coriander seeds, peppercorns, cumin, cardamom, ginger, garlic, and many more. 

Common souring agents in Konkan food, which provide the distinctive tangy flavours, are kokum, tamarind, and raw mango. Seafood dishes dominate the Konkan cuisine, and crab, prawn, shrimp, and various sorts of fish are a staple diet for most Konkans, along with rice. Common dishes are Sol Kadhi (an energizing curry drink), Kombdi Vade (a sort of chicken curry), Mori Masala (shark curry), Bangda Fry (Fish fry), Malvani Mutton Curry, Khavda Curry (made from a local Konkani bird called Khavda), Bombay Duck Fry, Phanasachi Bhaji (exotic vegetarian Jackfruit dish), and others. 

A good place to eat in Alibaug is the famous Sanman Restaurant, which specialises in local seafood. The Masala Garlic Crab and the Pomfret Rice Plate are must tries. Also visit Flora Restaurant for good vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cuisine, and head to Hotel Ravikiran’s Sudama Restaurant for excellent and authentic local cuisine.

Shopping at Alibaug

If you are looking for a big shopping experience in this serene coastal town, then Alibaug will leave you disappointed. A better idea might to enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches.

Nightlife in Alibaug

There is virtually no nightlife to speak of in Alibaug, and chilling at your hotel’s bar is good idea, as is simply relaxing below the stars on the beach at night.

Events (Festivals) at Alibaug

A typical Maharashtrian place, Alibaug celebrates the famous Ganesh Chaturthi festival (September) with all the pomp and splendour of its bigger counterparts. Deepavali or Diwali (October or November) is another festival celebrated with much enthusiasm and fanfare in Alibaug.

Excursions around Alibaug

Murud Janjira as well as Padmadurg contain remarkable and historically important sea forts, and are must visits. Now, Alibaug, as mentioned earlier, rests on the Konkan coast, and there are numerous places to visit along the coast and just inland, such as Ratnagiri, Dapoli, Amboli, Madh Island, Goa, Udipi, Ganapatipule, Sindhudurg, and even Mangalore. Other places to visit include Lonavala and Khandala, Karjat, and Shrivardhan.

Top 5 Nearby Getaways

Chaul - Located just 15 km from Alibaug, Chaul is place that is unique in India. A historical but small town, it contains diverse cultures, embodied in the Hamam Khana, the Buddhist caves, the synagogue, a church, apart from Portuguese ruins!

Murud - A quaint coastal town 45 km away, Murud is home to one of the most famous sea forts in the world, built by an Abyssinian pirate named Siddhi Johar, a fort that has never been conquered.

Kashid - About 30 km away from Alibaug, along the Alibaug-Murud highway, Kashid is considered to be the home of one of the best beaches in India, with pristine white sand and clear water.

Ganapatipule - About 250 km away, this temple town has a unique mix of religious fervour, seaside cliffs, and impressive beaches.

Shrivardhan – About 105 km away, Shrivardhan is a historical town with colonial and mythological importance. It also has excellent beaches.

Incredible India! Malshej Ghat - A Monsoon Getaway from Mumbai

Fast Facts About Malshej Ghat

Located in the State of: Maharashtra

District of : Thane, 150 km away from Mumbai

Famous for/as: Hill Station

Languages Spoken at Malshej Ghat: Marathi, Hindi and English

Best Season to visit Malshej Ghat: October to Mar

Average Temperatures at Malshej Ghat: Summer 22 to 40°C, Winter 12 to 33°C

Altitude of Malshej Ghat: 700 m

STD code of Malshej Ghat: 02132

Set at an elevation of 700 metre above sea level, Malshej Ghat is a beautiful hill station in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Although Malshej Ghat is a fascinating tourist destination enjoying a rejuvenating climate most of the year, but the monsoon season brings amazing charm. The charming hill resort draws visitors with its numerous lakes, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque mountains. Along with nature lovers, Malshej Ghat is also a favoured destination for adventure seekers, like hikers and trekkers.

A typical woody countryside, Malshej Ghat is distinguished for its rich flora and fauna, historic forts landed on rocky mountains, enthralling rivers, meandering waterfalls, resorts and sanctuaries. The verdant valleys and woody forests of Malshej react to the call of the Monsoon by displaying the beauty of its lakes and dancing waterfalls, and the misty at its zenith. The beauty and charm of this marvelous hill station is more visible when it is under heavy fog and dark clouds. But what makes Malshej Ghat so illustrious is the large folk of migratory birds coming from Siberia. The mating dance of the pink-legged Flemingo birds is an eye-catching spectacle.

Flemingo Hill Resort and sanctuary is a prime location in Malshej Ghat wherein tourists gather to see the luxurious greenery, and glittering lakes amidst of the rugged mountain. This hilly resort exhibits the beauty of the nature in its full grandeur. Malshej Ghat is such an amazing hill station, which entice the tourist with the wonders of all the seasons. The lush greenery and the tremendous cascades mesmerize the city dwellers to get away from the hustle of modern life.

So, this monsoon head towards the hill station of Malshej Ghat. While packing your bags don’t forget to take sufficient (extra) clothes including rain coat.

How to Reach Malshej Gate

Reaching Malshej Ghat is very convenient and its easily accessible from Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra. The nearest airport is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is at a distance of 150 km away from Malshej Ghat. Mumbai is one of the major airports in India which is connected to all airports in India and many international destinations. Pre-paid taxi services are available from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat costing about Rs 3000.

Kalyan Railway station and Kaljat railway station are the nearest railway stations to Malshej Ghat. These railway stations are well connected to Mumbai and other cities in India. Tourist taxi services from railway station to Malshej Ghat are available. Malshej Ghat is well connected by Maharastra state transport corporation buses to all major places in and around. Regular and frequent public bus services are available from Mahuli Fort to Mumbai and Kalyan.

Mumbai - The Entertainment Capital of India

Quick Facts

Situated at: Maharashtra
Also Known As: Capital of Maharashtra, Commercial Capital of India, Entertainment Capital of India
Major Attractions: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Jain Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Tomb, Prince of Wales Museum etc.
Suitable Season to Visit: October to April


Previously known as Bombay, Mumbai is the capital city of Maharasthra. Fondly referred to as the commercial as well as entertainment capital of India, Mumbai is famous as the home of world’s second largest film industry, ‘Bollywood’. Situated off the west coast of India, Mumbai is the base of numerous big Indian companies and MNC. Mumbai is also home to important finanical institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Mumbai is considered the most happening city of India and the city never sleeps. The city abounds with late night parties, eating joints and even chaiwallas pedalling along the sea-facing streets. For shoppers Mumbai is a paradise and any trip to the city is incomplete without shopping. You will find everything of daily use that include clothes, shoes, perfumes and cosmetics, gadgets and gizmos, furniture, books etc in the shopping centres of Mumbai. Some of popular shopping markets of Mumbai are Chor Bazaar, Oshiwara Joona-Poorana Market, Zaveri Bazaar, Gandhi Market and Crawford market.

Mumbai is easily accessible by air, train and bus from all over the country. The city is also well-connected to foreign countries by air. For local transport prepaid taxis, city buses, auto-rickshaws and local trains are available. Plenty of accommodation is available in Mumbai ranging from five star hotels to budget hotels. Equipped with the contemporary facilities the hotels of Mumbai provide comfortable stay to guests.

Mumbai offers much more to see and experience to the visitors. It is impossible to sum up all in few words, better you visit the city on your own. Some to the tourist attractions of the city are:

Gateway of India: Mumbai’s principle landmark, Gateway of India is thronged by thousands of visitors everyday. Officially opened in the year 1924, the Gateway of India is known for its exquisite architecture which has been derived from the 16th century Muslim styles of Gujarat.


Marine Drive: Also called Netaji Subhash Road, Marine Drive runs along the shoreline of Back Bay, starting at Nariman Point, passes Chowaptty Beach and runs up to Malabar Hill. One of the Mumbai's most famous attractions, Marine Drive is flanked by the high rising buildings and visited by people mostly in the evening.

Chowpatty Beach: Mumbai's most popular famous beach, Chowpatty Beach draws large number of visitors every day. Here you can indulge yourself in plenty of leisure activities and enjoy Mumbi's popular snack, Bhelpuri and Kulfi ice cream.

Jain Temple: Dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar, Adinath the temple was built in 1904. The marble temple is constructed on the lines of typical modern Jain temples, i.e. the mirrored style.

Haji Ali Tomb: Haji Ali Tomb is dedicated to a Muslim Saint who was drowned here and attracts people of all religion in addition to Muslims. You can reach the tomb buildings by a long causeway which can only be crossed at low tide.

Prince of Wales Museum: Prince of Wales Museum also called the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastusangrahalaya was built in 1905 to commemorate King George V's first visit to India. The museum has rare collection of miniature paintings, idols and bas reliefs from the Elephanta Caves, Buddha images and models of the Parsi Towers of Silence. The museum is open from 10.15 am to 6 pm, all weekdays (closed on Mondays).

Elephanta Caves: A short ferry ride from the Mumbai Harbour takes you to the Elephanta Island, the home to 7th century rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. A World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves houses the Maheshamurti, a three-headed sculpture of Shiva the main central cave, resplendent in all his forms namely the creator, preserver and destroyer. Apart from this, the cave also has delicately-carved panels depicting the life of Lord Shiva.

Weekend getaways from Mumbai

India’s commercial capital Mumbai is a very fast city and here people always remain in hurry. Of course, Mumbai is not having much options for providing some peaceful retreat to residents or visitors, but there are a number of place around Mumbai where one spend some good time. Close to Mumbai there are a number of places which offers excellent holidaying options. Some of the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai include :

Karjat (88 kms, Driving time +2 hours ) : Just 88 kms away from Mumbai, Karjat makes a perfect getaway. Set on the banks of the Ulhas river, Karjat is a beautiful place with the gushing river, verdant field and green-topped hills all around. Karjat is also famous for adventure sports, you can hop, skip and jump here.

Matheran (100 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : A quiet and un-spoilt hill station, Matheran is located very close to Mumbai. You should remember that vehicles are not allowed in the hill station and you have to either walk or ride a horse or take a buggy ride to reach there.

Khandala-Lonavala (104 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : The twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala are a excellent choice as weekend getaways from Mumbai. Bestowed with picturesque vistas and romantic aura, the twin hill resorts make a favoured destination for honeymooners and common travellers. Lonavala is set at a height of 625 m above sea level and Khandala is a little lower. You will really like the journey to Lonavala and Khandala as you have to reach by winding roads around the Western Ghats.

Alibag (108 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : One of the most popular getaways of Mumbai, Alibag attracts large number of people. Those who are looking for some peace, Alibag is the perfect place. With its lush tropical beauty, palm fringed beaches, lush mango orchards, chikoo-wadis and paddy fields Alibag offers a pleasantly retreat. During the monsoons, Alibag becomes more beautiful it offers a romantic setting for honeymooners and common travellers as well.

Kamshet (110 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : Kamshet is a picturesque destination and located very close to Mumbai. Nestled amidst fields and villages, with a beautiful lake in the vicinity, Kamshet offers a perfect getaway for tourists visiting Mumbai.Kamshet is also considered as one of the best places in India to undertake the adventure sport of para gliding in India. So during your Mumbai trip go for a holiday or honeymoon with a difference at Kamshet.

Malshej Ghat (150 kms, Driving time +3 hours ) : For those who want to experience nature at its best and looking for a memorable holiday, Malshej Ghat is a perfect place. Malshej Ghat has shimmering waterfalls, splendid green hillsides and amazing rock formations. Every year between July and September, the flamingoes come to Malshej Ghat all the way from Europe and add to the scenic vistas of the place.

Murud-Janjira (165 kms, Driving time +5 hours ) : A peaceful fishing village with a beautiful seashore, Murud-Janjira make a perfect getaway from Mumbai. In fact, Murud-Janjira is a holiday and honeymoon destination with a difference and it will surely mesmerize you. See the wooden cottages and relax at lovely beach edged with swaying betel palms, coconut fronds and groves of casuarinas. Also visit the temple of Dattatreya which provides commanding view of the entire bay.

Bhandardara (185 kms, Driving time +4 hours ) : If you are looking for an un-spoiled place, where you can connect directly to the nature, then Bhandardara may be a place for you. The pristine Arthur lake and the lush-green forests of the Sahyadrai hills add more to the beauty of Bhandardara. You will also get mesmerized by seeing the 150 m high Wilson dam which is not just an engineering marvel but is also the lifeblood for the paddy fields nearby. The ancient Agastya Rishi Ashram set on the banks of the Pravara River is another attraction of Bhandardara. It is said that the ashram is mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the spot where Ram met Agastya Rishi.


Shirdi (250 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : A major pilgrimage centre, Shirdi is located close to Nasik and offers an aura of spiritual sanctity. Shirdi was the home of the saint Sai Baba who lived here for 80 years. People believe that Sai Baba himself calls his devotees to Shirdi and that his blessings can heal even the deepest wound.

Mahabaleshwar (290 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station popular with couples on their honeymoon as well as families with kids in tow. Set at an altitude of 4,500 ft in the Sahyadri Mountains, Mahabaleshwar offers spectacular view of the lush valleys of the Deccan and the Konkan coast.

Panchgani (268 kms, Driving time +6 hours ) : Set amidst the five hills, Panchgani is a favourite getaway for those weary of Mumbai’s fast life. Blessed with the pristine natural beauty, Panchgani is a favourite destination for honeymooners and vacationers.