5 Weekend Holiday destinations for Diwali Vacation.
It’s hard to slip out from the boring routine for a quick vacation nearby. To think where to go ? seem a very good reason to stay at home. MyBandra helps you find 5 close by destinations for a quick holiday …..
Bordi and Manori This is a little village situated about 3-4 hours away on the Mumbai – Ahmedabad highway. The best way to reach is to drive to Bordi. Tt doesn’t really have anything to recommend itself to the Lonely Planet guide tourists. No architectural marvels, breathtaking stone temples or even a Scandal Point, from where people can gaze at sunsets.It does have a gentle, soothing everydayness to its earthy charm. It feels exactly like home but yet different. It does away with your cares and worries. You’ve only to look at the salubrious green fields in the midst of which sit two-storey bungalows, with gardens overflowing with flora of all type. Places to stay : Tapovan Retreat (02528-254649), Anand Resort-beach facing (02528-254580)
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Lonavla and Khandala - Lonavla and Khandala are two hill resorts near Mumbai. These two places are just 106 kms from the hectic life of Mumbai. This is the most popular choice of the weekenders and conference groups from Mumbai and Pune. Coming here required hardly any planning. You can decide on the spur of the moment and just drive down. There are lot of places worth visiting in an around Lonavala and Khandala and one weekend is not enough for that so its worth visiting these places again and again.
Places to stay : Fariyas Holiday Resort (02114-273852/53/55), Hotel Rainbow retreat ( 02114-273445, 272128) Shiv Shati resort (02114-273524).
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Matheran
It is the nearest Hill station to Mumbai. The name means “Jungle Topped” or “Wooded Head” which is just what it is. It is a hilltop covered with shady trees. This place was discovered in 1850. Because of its greenery & shade it was immediately taken as the nearest hill station from Mumbai. Matheran is sightly above the plains so it is cool and best place to escape from the heat of Mumbai. Matheran has maintained its peace by banning any kind of motor vehicle within the town limits. The best season to visit this place is from Diwali to June. During the monsoon the trails become very dirty and the place virtually shuts down. Places to Stay: Lots of options including MTDC Tourist Camp. Hotel Rugby (02148-230291-92), The Byke Retreat (02148-230365-6)Royal Hotel Matheran, Gujarat Bhavan Hotel, Rugby Hotel, Regal Hotel, Brightlands Resort, Lord’s Central Hotel.
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Mahabaleshwar
This popular hill station is the summer destination of many Mumbaikars. It has pleasant walks and good lookouts, and the area has interesting historical connections with Shivaji. As with most hill stations, Mahabaleshwar closes up for the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-September). The small Venna Lake, about four km from Mahabaleshwar, has boating and fishing facilities. The Krishnabai, or Panchganga (five streams), Temple is said to contain the springs of the Krishna, Veena and Koyana rivers. The local specialities - strawberry and raspberry jam - are to die for. Arthur’s Seat, 12 km from Mahabaleshwar, looks out over a sheer drop of 600 meters to the Konkan coastal strip. There are many waterfalls. Places to Stay : Many choices including Poonam Hotel, Ripon Hotel, Dreamland Hotel, Regal Hotel and Fredrick Hotel. MTDC Holiday Resort ( 02168 – 260318, 261318), Strawberry Country ( 02168-272101)
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Ajanta Ellora – designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated outside the city of Aurangabad (whose airport offers flights to and from Mumbai), 400km northeast of Bombay, are the caves of Ellora. They constitute one of the most beautiful expressions of the art of the Indian Middle Ages. These breathtaking caves are definitely worth visiting for their remarkable reliefs, sculptures and architecture. The buddhist caves of Ajanta are situated 100km northeast of Ellora. These magnificent caves containing carvings that depict the life of Buddha. They date from around 200 B.C. and their carvings and sculptures are considered to be the beginning of classical Indian art. Places to stay : Kailash Hotel-facing Ajamta caves( 02437-244543), Traveller’s Lodge ( 02438-244226).
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Leena
