Hopefully, things will get better soon and the travel industry will be opening its doors. But until then, we are just taking a 'break' away to escape. It’s been too long since we ran our fingers through the coarse sand of the beach or have felt the crisp mountain air, play with our hair. In such scenarios, every weekend is an opportunity to discover something new and make the most of it.
Travelling every weekend does not mean burning a huge hole in your pocket. Here's my list of the top five destinations that you can visit from Mumbai for under Rs 5000.
If you are craving nature
When Owl City said “You would not believe your eyes if 10 million fireflies lit up the world as I fell asleep” I did not know this was possible right next door to my home. As the season of monsoon approaches, these little bioluminescent flies emit a natural glow to attract mates. This is mother nature’s radiant show for the campers of the Bhandardara campsite, where you are surrounded by these tiny light bulbs. Let nature light up your night with twinking brilliance and all you need to do is stare.
Best time to visit:
From the end of May to the end of June, right before the onset of the Monsoon. The second week of June is the peak season.
How to get to Bhandardara:
Bhandardara is 180 km from Mumbai and the easiest way is to drive up there.
From Mumbai, there are regular trains to Kasara that take up to 2.5 hours to get there. From there you can catch an auto or taxi to Bhandardara. There are also buses from Dadar to Igatpuri and then once again you can take an auto or taxi.
How do you make it under 5K?
Bhandardara has a wide range of options to choose from but if you're on a budget, the cheapest option is to camp.
Many camping tours start from Mumbai and Pune for an approx. budget of 2000 to 2500 INR that includes one night stay and food. I recommend you choose this no-fuss option.
Total expense on a budget:
Less than 2000 INR per day.
If you are craving beaches and booze
Sun-kissed beaches, archival colonial forts, and cheap alcohol. With these three things, I think I have your attention! Daman and Diu are rich in culture & heritage and have everything for the perfect weekend break. I can already see myself sipping a mimosa on the beach.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Daman and Diu is from October to March.
How to get to Daman and Diu:
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Daman and Diu is by bus. Daman is 180 km from Mumbai and Diu is 822 km. The fare starts at 200 INR for Daman and 500 INR for Diu.
How do you make it under 5K?
Both Daman and Diu are lined with cheap home-stays and hostels. Hotels under 1,000 INR per night can be found easily too.
Food and activity should be around 300 INR to 700 INR.
Total expense on a budget:
800 to 2000 INR per day
If you are craving adventure
Calling out all the adventure junkies who’ve missed Bir for paragliding. Kamshet is the ultimate spot for the ones out there who wake up dreaming of flying away. It is located just 16 km away from every Mumbaikars favourite destination: Lonavala and Khandala.
Best time to visit Kamshet:
October to May is a great time to visit Kamshet.
How to get to Kamshet:
It is 105 Km from Mumbai and you can take the same train as Lonavala. From Lonavala take the suburban train to Kamshet or hire a taxi.
Both private and public run their services to Kamshet.
How do you make it under 5K?
Kamshet offers camping and homestays for budget travellers. I recommend taking a homestay and using the rest of your money for adventure activities.
Food and activity should be around 300 INR to 1500 INR
Total expense on a budget:
800 to 2500 INR per day
If you are craving mountains
Perched atop the Western Ghats at 2500 feet, Matheran is the oldest hill station close to Mumbai. A ride on the Neral-Matheran toy train is something that one must experience. The lust green pastures and their serene environment is what every Mumbaikar needs after living in constant noise.
Best time to visit Matheran:
Once again it is best visited from October to May.
How to get to Matheran:
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) provides regular services from Mumbai. The buses stop 2.5 km from the city and one needs to either trek or take a horse or rickshaw to cover the rest of the journey.
By train, you can ride up to Neral and then take the toy train up to Matheran
How do you make it under 5K?
Matheran offers homestays for budget travellers. Food and activity should be around 300 INR to 800 INR
Total expense on a budget:
800 to 2000 INR per day
If you are craving the perfect road trip
The road trip from Mumbai to Malshej ghats is one of the most scenic ones in Maharashtra. The picturesque mountain pass is situated in the western ghats and is abound in flora & fauna. The visit during rains and the hot chai along the road is one of my most treasured memories. Do not forget to go bird-watching when you get there.
Best time to visit Malshej:
It is best visited during the months of Monsoon, June to September.
How to get to Malshej:
From Kalyan, Malshej is 85 km and you need to hire a taxi from there to drive up the ghats. Regular state bus transport is also available from Mumbai easily. Either way, you will enjoy your ride up.
How do you make it under 5K?
Malshej offers homestays and cheap affordable hotels for budget travellers. Food and activity should be around 300 INR to 600 INR.
Total expense on a budget:
700 to 1500 INR per day
These destinations have been family favourites while growing up but they are versatile in the kind of tourism they offer. I have loved going to these places even with my friends and you can turn any of these into a romantic getaway.
So all we need to do now is cross our fingers and wait for the doors of these magical places to open for tourism . Which one would you visit first? Let me know in comments.
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