Budget-friendly destinations to travel during this long weekend

NewsPatrolling.com : The happiness goes a notch higher when there are long weekends! Good-Friday is here, Mumbaikars are all set to take short trip. With Easter Sunday 2018, and a Saturday in between, you have three days (Friday, Saturday andSunday) off during this month end, i.e., 30, 31, March and 1 April, 2018. A weekend getaway really involves a short trip to a nearby location

However, if you are after yearning for a relaxing and peaceful weekend, amidst the grey skies, lush greenery, misty mountains and tantalizing food, then look beyond the hustle and bustle of the city and pack your bags to one of the many getaways closer from Mumbai

Here are a couple of best escapades you can head to for stimulating travel experiences. Go ahead, take your pick and ignite the travel bug inside you, as Goomo, one of India’s leading omni-channel travel-tech companies, is offering budget-friendly stays along with other exciting discounts to make your plan a breeze.

• Igatpuri: Get ready to immerse in the lap of nature amidst the magnificent hills, mesmerizing valleys, beautiful waterfalls and lakes in the Wine Capital of India, Nashik. Enroute the Mumbai-Nashik highway, Igatpuri is a natural mix of hills and water bodies. Think rolling cascades, gushing waterfalls, mist-drenched mountains and a peaceful environment. You can even head straight to the Vipassana International Academy in Igatpuri and come back rejuvenated, ready to conquer the world. Also, do not miss out on the ancient architectural marvels of forts and temples if you have made up your mind to visit this popular hill station.

•  Bhandardara: About 70km from Nashik, Bhandardara is a picturesque villagelocated on the shores of the Pravara River in Maharashtra. You can satiate your quest for adventure by venturing on a trek to Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak of the mountain range of Sahyadris or reconnect with nature at the seasonal Umbrella or Randha waterfalls. Alternatively, you could hike to the ruins of Ratangad Fort, Harishchandragad Fort or simply follow the trail that leads to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks.

• Matheran: Nestled in the hills of the Western Ghats range, Matheran is the closest hill station you can escape to in this limited span of time.The lush mountain scenery, breathtaking viewpointsand colonial-era ambience put forth Matheran as an epitome of heavenly beauty. With little to do and lots to experience, this tiniest hill station of Asia is a welcome respite from the weariness of Mumbai’s city life. There are bounties of must-see attractions in Matheran such as theOne Tree Hill, Garbut Point, Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake, Alexander Point, etc. This quaint little hill station is an ideal spot for a quick retreat and a peaceful haven for the detoxification of the mind and soul. 

• Saputara:This hill station in Gujarat exudes adesi charm and offers plenty of attractions to be covered during the long weekend. Visit the Governor’s Hill to capture the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside or head to the Gira Waterfall, located in a verdant setting about 50km from Saputara. Nature lovers can also travel to Waghai Botanical Garden and Bio-Diversity Conservation Centre or the Vansda National Park, home to a variety of animals. Discover nature in its pristine form by taking a boat journey in the calm Saputara Lake surrounded by the mountains. Awaken the adventure spirit in you by choosing the ropeway service to witness a bird’s eye view of Saputara.

• Goa: Who said the tourist’s paradise, Goa is not ideal during the monsoon? Well, during this upcoming weekend, pack your bags and discover Goa for its verdant greenery and rain-lashed beaches, not to miss the succulent coastal delicacies to treat your taste buds. Experience the majestic cascade of Dudhsagar waterfalls, thescintillating view of Aguada fort, thethrilling experiences of water sports at Baga beach,local-themed cruises amid the sea and picturesque sceneries at Palolem beach.