Manori
Manori
Just 40 km away from Mumbai, Manori is known for its beach and the Manori Creek. Mumbai resident Vishnu Vijayan says, “Manori is a quaint little fishing village and it’s real quiet as compared to the hustle and bustle of the city. The main attraction is of course the beach — it’s quite clean as compared to most beaches in and around Mumbai and quite secluded.”
Karnala Karnala is known for its sanctuary and fort. The best time to travel to Karnala is during the monsoons; however, the best time for birdwatchers is between October and April. Darshan Thakkar from Ahmedabad says, “It is a perfect place if you’re looking for peace of mind and some fun. It’s (ideal) for a two nights-three days stay.”
Gorai Gorai is bordered by the villages of Manori and Uttan. Gorai is popular due to the Marve Beach and Gorai Creek but the town also houses numerous churches that are a throwback to the Portuguese presence there during the 16th century.
Karjat Located by the Ulhas river, Karjat is blessed with scenic vistas, crystal clear waterfalls, towering mountains and caves. It’s frequented by adventure enthusiasts for trekking, waterfall climbing, rappelling and river rafting.
Durshet Nestled in the Sahyadris, Durshet is the perfect getaway if you wish to get back to nature. It’s an ideal spot for picnics and excursions, mainly because of its scenic beauty and many waterfalls. Trekking and nature walks are what draw visitors to Durshet, which is home to varied species of birds. Travel enthusiast Vishwas shares, “You can swim or walk along the river. Durshet is very suitable for a family celebration.”
Madh Island Madh Island is a group of several quaint fishing villages and farmlands in northern Mumbai. The highlights are the clean and secluded beaches and the mangroves that adorn the landscape and impart a sense of a private beach away from the mainland. Anup Singh says, “If you like the sand, sun and sea, then Madh Island is the right place for you. The best thing is that the waves are not that huge... you can feel the wind and the water which is awesome for destressing.”
Kamshet Situated in the Western Ghats, Kamshet is a sleepy village which is frequented by paragliding enthusiasts. Traveller Tanya Agarwal says, “Kamshet is about 80 km from Pune and is a nice spot. You can trek to the paragliding point, or try your hand at paragliding. The rate (for the latter) was about '3,000 when I was there. Do try to glide by yourself after receiving training, because you get lesser time (if you fly) with a trainer.”
Malshej Ghat Malshej Ghat is surrounded by dense green forests and the Western Ghats, which creates ample opportunities for adventure sports like trekking, hiking and boating. Nupur Jain from Pune says, “Visit Malshej for its breathtaking views of the lush green valley. Multiple waterfalls can be found along the way. There are no major eateries here, but as you approach Malshej, you can find MTDC’s resort which serves decent food.”
Inputs by Holiday IQ
