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Getaways around Mumbai

We give you a lowdown on getaways from downtown that will take less than two hours

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Much has been written about the infrastructure of the city having gotten better, leading to respite for travellers who zip across the length and breadth of the city for work. There is, however, one lesser explored benefit for the city-weary residents too. A plethora of destinations have opened up around the city that are now no more than a drive away. With the Bandra Worli Sea Link, Eastern Freeway, Santacruz Chembur Link Road and Ghodbunder Thane Link Road, the city has shrunk figuratively to the delight of weekend travellers.

While roads have opened up allowing this destination to be a two-hour drive away, the boat ride and the subsequent rickshaw ride is as travel-ly as you can get over a weekend. Find out the boat ride timings and reach in time for that. The hawkers standing at the gateway can make the waiting time miserable otherwise with the constant nagging to buy their wares. A 45-minute boat ride later, you disembark at the Alibaug side to catch a tuk-tuk (rickshaw) to Kihim. These are bound to make our Mumbai rickshaw drivers appear like Michael Schumacher in comparison—the pace of the town probably has something to do with this.

A Victorian style resort with cottages around a swimming pool can't get more stylish than this. With a huge well-equipped room that opens into an equally large bathroom with a top-open garden next to the shower stall, the place and its dimensions are as un-Mumbai-like as they come. With great food to come by, the resort has ample space for kids to wander and play around. A short walk away through the meandering gullies of the village is the well-maintained seafront—a must-visit when in Kihim.

While prepping for this trip, be sure to pack in some board games and books—we shall come to the reasons in a bit. A large resort spread over a fairly huge tract of land, Prakruti has its own private beach located five minutes away. With comfortable rooms and cottages and a well laid-out buffet spread, Prakruti is an ideal family destination. Most places to explore are a drive away and this is where the board games and books shall come handy.

An island resort tucked away in Lonavla, this is the latest offering from the group that owns and operates Malhar Machi—look up Tripadvisor to know its popularity ratings. Paradise in the midst of nowhere, Jalshrushti offers stunning views that are undisturbed by human intervention. Perched on a small island, the arrival and departure on a small boat is an experience in itself. Child-friendly and visually rich, even a day spent on the island can ease those concrete shadows underneath your eyes.

Following the same route till the Alibaug beach, you take a tuk-tuk to Kashid this time around. With pristine beaches and less crowded resorts, Kashid is a better bet if you really want to get away from the maddening crowds.

The Freeway should get you into Chembur in 15 minutes flat and from there a drive to Lonavla via Navi Mumbai. The changing scenery itself should get you into the vacation mode, in less than half an hour into the drive. You can then head to the destination that has long been Mumbaikars' favourite, for some fresh discoveries.

Those adventurous enough to drive out all the way for an evening snack or even breakfast will do well to explore Bhauchi Misal, an unassuming little Maharashtrian joint right behind the iconic Fariyas Hotel. Known for its misal and thecha, the place attracts Mumbaikars and Punekars alike. With people waiting patiently for their turn at most times, the wait is also well worth it. Misal and chai in an authentic Maharashtrian style can make for an interesting Sunday snack.

DID YOU KNOW? There are several options along the western line such as Manori and Utan and Khopoli on the Central line that can also be explored over weekends.

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