1. Sula Vineyards, Nashik
Claim to fame: vineyards and wine tastings
Destination for weekend break/ day trip / road trip from Mumbai (formerly called Bombay).
Distance from Mumbai: 180kms
How to get there: By car – 4hrs; By train – 3 hrs or less; By Bus – Roughly 4hrs.
Image: http://sulawines.com/
What to see:
The vineyard is an experience where you participate and not merely observe. It is among the luxury weekend breaks from Mumbai.
Wine tasting in the picturesque Sula vineyard costs a nominal amount of ~Rs.250.
The restaurants offer lip-smacking delicacies ranging from local sea fare to carefully flavoured, saffron risottos – especially at the Soleil by La Plage.
If you are lucky enough to be there in February do visit the annual Sula Fest where you can enjoy a variety of entertainment including stomping on table grapes.
What to buy around Sula vineyard:
The property has a souvenir shop that sells mugs, t-shirts and other souvenirs from the vineyard. They also have a wine shop where one can purchase Sula wines below the market price.
2. Lonavala (pronounced Lonavla)
Claim to fame: hill station with interesting forts and dams
Destination for weekend break / day trip / road trip from Mumbai (formerly called Bombay).
Distance from Mumbai: 96 kms
How to get there: By car: under 2 hours; By train – 2 hrs 10min; By Bus - about 3 hours
View of Rajmachi Point, Lonavla
Image by : Ravinder Singh Gill
What to see:
It is best for quick and relaxed weekend breaks from Mumbai. Doesn’t need much planning given the relatively short distance from Mumbai. For example, if you are in Mumbai for a business trip and one of the days your schedule suddenly becomes free – this is the getaway for you.
Lohagad or the iron fort is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra and is situated close to the hill station. A part of the Western ghats, this fort is steeped in history and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings especially during monsoons.
The Bhushi Dam, a masonry dam on the Indrayani River in Lonavala, built in the 1860s it is a breathtaking beauty, but can be a safety hazard if not careful.
The Karla Caves or Karla Cells is another historic marvel in today’s world. The cells are a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines located in and were developed over the period – from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. The oldest of the cave shrines is supposed to date back to 160 BC.
What to buy around Lonavala:
The best product to acquire from Lonavala bazaars are their Chikkis. The sweet, candied brittles made with sesame, peanut etc. are wonderful and delectable treats.
3. Daman
Claim to fame: An ex-Portuguese enclave with historic cultural remnants + interesting beaches.
Destination for weekend break / day trip / road trip from Mumbai (formerly called Bombay).
Distance from Mumbai: 180kms
How to get there: By car – 3hrs 17min; By train – 3 hrs 38min; By Bus – 4hrs 34min.
Entrance of fort at Nani Daman
Image by : Pradeep
What to see:
The Daman Ganga River with its silent waters and the clattering fishing boats and fishermen around.
The Sao Jeronimo Fort with its impressive fortifications in Nani Daman is an impressive sight.
The quaint little township of Moti Daman Fort with a handful of Portuguese houses and Bom Jesus Church of 1603 AD, are a must visit as well.
What to buy around Daman:
The main market area is near the bus stand in Nani Daman sell mostly imports, however the beach stalls sell souvenirs made from objects found at sea.