Best Places to Travel From Mumbai This Summer!

Summer's almost here!

And while that might induce groans from some, there are others who won't mind - because summer is a great season to travel on weekends. Be it some lovely camping by a lake, trekking up a cool mountain engulfed in clouds, or trying your hand at some adventure (paragliding with the wind beating across your face certainly beats being stuck in the city, doesn't it?), you can look forward to some fantastic getaways this summer. So whether you want to chill, or get your adrenaline pumping, Insider will have something for you (stay tuned!).

Beaches near Mumbai

Not to mention, the beaches! Mumbai is blessed to be close to some fabulous beaches, each of which are a train ride away. From the easily-accessible and familiar Alibaug and Kashid, the further down south you go, the better the experience: The Konkan coast has several gems: Diveagar, Ganpatipule, Harihareshwar and Tarkarli-Malwan, which is home to the eponymous (and awesome) seafood cuisine. Even up north, there's the Dahanu beach, and of course, Daman (where you can get your forts-n-drink fill).

Hill Stations

No air conditioner can ever match Mother Nature: And as you lie on the green grass of a hill station, with clouds swimming over you, and you munch on some chikki, it's easy to forget that it's actually summer. With several easily accessible options near Mumbai - from the evergreen, popular Lonavla, Mahabaleshwar and Matheran to those that are slightly more off the beaten path, such as Malshej Ghat, Amboli and Jawhar. Several of these offer tours (where you can see some of the Sahyadris' best views that don't involve a trek), sightseeing, local food, whereas for the others you might just want to get a book (or a Netflix subscription) and relax.

Don't want to go too far? Camp Out!

Camping is a popular weekend getaway option these days, from Mumbai. There are camping options just an hour away, and some in far-off secluded (and beautiful!) areas. You can choose from lakeside camping, or those with some entertainment like live music and even movie screenings! Some popular destinations for camping this summer, below.

Bhandardara: You're allowed a little break once in a while, where all you want to do is just sit down, relax, and stare at a lake. Bhandardara's lakeside camping experience offers you just that! For those of you who can't just laze around, pick any from these host of activities like hiking, group games, boating or just stargazing and make your weekend exciting. Lakeside camping is not the only thing on offer at Bhandardara, towards the end of the summer, you can witness the blinking lights of a thousand fireflies with your eyes with fireflies camping. It's a spectacle to behold.

Pawana: Pawana is undeniably a favourite getaway spot for the people of Mumbai and Pune. But this is no ordinary camping trip. On your visit to Pawana, you'll be exploring a temple that gets submerged when the monsoon arrives. Wageshwar is an ancient Shiva Temple surrounded by hills and the forts Tung and Tikona on either side. Explore this mystical land during day time and revel in some music with the guitar jamming session and cosy up in the tents at night.

Igatpuri: Sweep your worries away at a campsite by the river, even if for a little while. Head over to Igatpuri, a hill-station about 2 hours away from Mumbai that takes you to a site overlooking the Aaundha River, Nashik.

Revanda Beach: Triple up on happiness with camping + beachside + motorcycling! Revanda Beach, is a favourite destination for petroheads! Ride your own or rent one or better, ride pillion. Let loose and feel the wind in your hair as you revive from a stressful week on the sand under the night sky as you listen to the waves hit the shore.

The Hills Are Calling

Kasol: This natural wonder of the Parvati Valley is the perfect getaway. Not only for its pleasant weather but for the lush greenery of Chalal, mysterious temples of Rasol, the beauty of Kheerganga and strong winds of Tosh.

Mcleod Ganj: The holy abode of Dalai Lama, monasteries, monks, and some Tibetian peace - sounds divine! 'The Little Lhasa' of India, is an ideal place for anyone who is looking to dodge the rising temperatures. However, this mountain paradise is not only famous for its tranquillity amongst travellers but also cycling and paragliding for those who love adventure. Pedal from McLeod to Bir-Billing or glide over the snow-covered Himalayas.

Ladakh: Your Instagram profile needs new pictures and there's no better place than Ladakh to satisfy that requirement. Highest motorable roads, the blue serenity of the Pangong lake, mighty mountains and the clear blue skies - Ladakh is on every traveller's mind! 8 days in the Himalayan desert, soaking in the cold warmth, sitting by hot water springs, discovering the valleys and the monasteries, Leh Ladakh is the perfect summer getaway.