Weekend getaways in Maharashtra

Weekend getaways, journeys of discovery, chill-out breaks. Take your pick!

 

Near MUMBAI (120 Km)

Monsoon trek in Igatpuri, Maharashtra:

Igatpuri checks all boxes for a beautiful weekend holiday, surrounded by the highest peaks of Sahyadris, 2.000 ft above sea level–in the monsoons it's a welcoming relief from everyday urban life. Head west to the fort of Tringalwadi Hill, which crowns the area at 3,000 feet above sea level. On the way, the ornate pagoda in the distance will be seen by the renowned Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre. You'll find the caves of Pandav Leni Jain after crossing several new-flooded areas–the caught sky lends the deserted columns, broken statues and snapped gravels an eerie environment. Be cautious when following the tight road that leads up to the fascinating fortification entrance, while it is a simple climb. From the view of the ruins, you have unbelievable views of the mist-and-shadowed Kulang and Kalsubai mountains and the Tringalwadi Lake. Take your time to enjoy the beauty and watch the hills blurring behind a wall of rain as you walk back down your steps, enjoy some sweet tea and a big bunch of bhajis

 

Near BANGALORE (140 Km)

Be a glutton at Mysore, Karnataka

According to a legend, Mysore pack, a cook in the kitchen of Kakasura Madappa, invented a pack to comply with the wishes of Mysore Maharaja, who wanted to make the city a sweet signature. The 80-year-old Guru Sweets Mart, managed by the Madappa family, remains the legacy of a lowly sweet made with gramme, ghee and sugar. However, it's not just the iconic cuisine institution of the city. Each dinner is served at Original Vinayaka Mylari, with chutney and butter dump, with a popular benne masala dose. The Hotel GTR (Gayatri Tiffin Room) offers a masala dose and a rice dish such as bisibele bhath. If you need to stop all this wonderful vegetarian food, head to RRR Biryani for Hyderabadi, which will check your tolerance levels for spices. Jai Bhuvaneswari Military Hotel, a fan-friendly and loyal fan restaurant, is another excellent place for carnivores. It's a lengthy ride away, however, the slightly spicy mutton balls and ragi mudde balls make it worth your time. It is a long journey away.

 

Out of MUMBAI (511 Km)

Soak in the rich history of Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh

Perched on the northwestern banks of the Tapti River, Burhanpur has witnessed centuries of Mughal drama. It was here that Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631, at the age of 38, and it is here that Shah Jahan had originally decided to build the Taj Mahal. But the Mughal emperor’s fascination with building tombs extended beyond Mumtaz Mahal. Case in point: the well-preserved tomb of Begum Shah Shuja, which was built for his commander Shah Shuja’s wife. 20km away from the city is Mahal Gulara, where you’ll spot a plaque that cites it as a ‘pleasure house’. Legend has it that Shah Jahan would visit his courtesan, Gulara, here on full moon nights. Burhanpur has quite a few other historical sites, but the star is undoubtedly Shahi Qila. It's simple to see how luscious it must have been centuries earlier-the Hamma of Mumtaz Mahal has even a marble and a fresco bath on his dome, built by kings from Faruqi and renovated by Shah Jahan. Whispers of previous greatness are lingering in the town. You will discover ancient homes with lovely examples of rural Indian architecture if you know where to look.

                                                                                                                                  -Harshita Mal