The pandemic has affected people’s mental health, as being confined to just four walls at home has deprived them of any kind of social experience.
And as they say, Traveling is good for the soul, it clearly says that you should take a vacation from time to time, it doesn’t matter if they are short or long; the only good thing it will do is clear your mind of the problems of the pandemic.
And if you live in Maharashtra and are planning a trip near Mumbai post-pandemic, you are absolutely in luck as the number of COVID cases has been steadily declining. So we have prepared a list for you: 5 Safe Places to Visit Near Mumbai During COVID
It’s the ideal time for you to get out and explore, but don’t forget to take all of the necessary precautions.
Disclaimer: The states mentioned in this blog have lifted their COVID-19 restrictions as of the time this post was published. Check the COVID-19 travel guidelines for these locations on the website of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or the National Centers for Disease Control at the time of travel.
5 Safe Places To Visit Near Mumbai During Covid
Our mind needs peace to keep up with this busy life, as both are cures for the soul. And several places near Mumbai can rejuvenate your spirit. So what are we waiting for?
Let’s take a look at the 5 safe places to visit:
- Alibaug
- Matheran
- Kamshet
- Karnala Fort
- Durshet
Now, before we go ahead and learn wonderful things about these beautiful places, let’s look at the most important factor, which is…
COVID Guidelines: When traveling to Maharashtra
If you are a resident of Maharashtra, you do not need the RT-PCR test report to travel to Maharashtra.
But on the other hand, if you are from out of town, you have to submit a negative RT-PCR report. Tests must have been completed 48 hours before entering the state.
You must wear a mask at all times and maintain proper social distancing.
Use hand sanitizer at regular intervals.
Please follow appropriate COVID behavior.
Now let’s go ahead and see the best place for a COVID-safe family holiday in Maharashtra.
1. Alibaug
This charming seaside city is located very close to Mumbai. And if you feel like it’s been a while since you heard the waves crash on the beach, then this is the place for you.
Alibaug has the shadow of Portuguese culture etched in his memory. So in case you are a history lover, this place will be your gold mine, as it is home to various historical monuments like Kolaba Fort, Hirakot Fort, and Andheri Fort.
So if you are planning a vacation in Maharashtra, then Alibaug should be on your bucket list.
Distance from Mumbai: 95 km (approx.)
Best time to visit: November to March, as the weather is dry and cold, perfect for enjoying a day at the beach.
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days
Things to do in Alibaug:
If you want to spend a day in complete peace, do so by visiting beaches like Varsoli Beach, Kihim Beach, Mandwa Beach, and Alibaug Beach. Alibaug has the best scenic beaches in Maharashtra.
You can also go camping, to spend some serene time with nature.
And if you are an avid fan of adventure activities, you can also go trekking.
How to Get to Alibaug
By Water: To reach Alibaug, take a ferry from the Gateway of India or Bhaucha Dhakka; the journey takes only 50 minutes.
By road: but since these are pandemic times, you may want to go with your vehicle, so you can go too. But in that case, the time limit will be 2 hours and 24 minutes.
By Air: There is no airport near Alibaug, but you can be dropped off at Mumbai Airport and then hire a private taxi to reach Alibaug.
By Train: The nearest train stations are Roha and Panvel, from here, you can take a taxi to reach your destination.
The next place on the list is:
2. Matheran
Do you know how they say some songs are underrated? Well, the same can be said for travel destinations, as Matheran Hill Station is full of calm and stillness.
It has been recognized as an eco-sensitive area by the state, to preserve its encapsulation of picturesque beauty. The word Matheran means forest on the forehead.
A visit to Matheran will fill your soul with a lasting sense of peace and calm. It is currently one of the most well-known hill stations for a secure vacation close to Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 83 km.
Best time to visit: Between October and May
Ideal Duration: 1 or 2 days
Things to do in Matheran:
Matheran adventure seekers have a great choice in waterfall rappelling at the Dodhani Waterfalls.
You can also take a hike to the Chanderi Caves to savor that rush of adrenaline.
And if you are a fan of scenic locations and beaches, then you can visit Charlotte Lake, Little Chowk Point, and Porcupine Point.
The Ambarnath Shiv Temple, where you can seek God’s blessings, is also located in Matheran.
How To Reach Matheran
By Road: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway can be used to get to Matheran if you’re traveling by car. 2 hours and 27 minutes will be spent traveling.
By Train: Neral is the station that is most nearby to Matheran. To get there from Mumbai, you can take the Deccan Express. You can also take a taxi or cab after you arrive in Neral, which will add 30 minutes to your journey.
By Air: There isn’t an airport close to Matheran. And the only airports that are even remotely close are those in Mumbai and Pune, from which you can take a taxi to get to Matheran.
3. Kamshet
This is a travel secret that is still hidden from the rest of the world. It is a village that is located in the city of Pune. The captivating view of Sahyadri stretches out from the village and will take your mind to an alternate world.
And if you are a trekking lover, you can walk to places like Kondeshwar Cliff, Tower Hill, or Shelar. There is also something in store for history buffs, as they can explore the caves in the area, such as the Buddhist Bhaja Caves, Bedse Caves, and Karla Caves. Kamshet is an ideal place for a weekend getaway with a friend.
Distance from Mumbai: 100.4 km
Best time to visit: Between October and May
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Things to do in Kamshet
For adventure lovers: You can go paragliding, and trekking in Kamshet, to quench your thirst for adventure.
For history enthusiasts: If you are very fond of the history behind the origin of places, you can visit Bedsa Caves, and Bhairi Caves to find out how things were.
For Peace Lovers: In case you just want to have a quiet day, you can do so by spending a lazy day at Pawna Lake.
How to get to Kamshet
By Air: Pune Airport will be the closest in this scenario, after which you can hire a private taxi to reach Kamshet.
By Road: The total driving distance between Pune and Kamshet is about 100 km. The duration of the journey will be 2 h 4 min.
By Train: Initially, you will be required to board a train from Mumbai to Lonavala, and once you reach the same, you can board a suburban train to reach Kamshet.
So a short trip to Kamshet will take away all the worries of the weekend.
4. Karnala Fort
If you enjoy beautiful scenery, stunning architecture, and majestic mountains, Karnala Fort ought to be on your travel itinerary.
The fort offers a breathtaking view of serene nature and is located in the Raigad district. Here’s a fun fact for history lovers:
The construction of the fort was done under the rule of the Devagiri Yadavas and Tuglaq rulers before 1400 CE. More importantly, the fort is situated in such a way that it fell in the way of trade routes during that period.
Throughout history, the Gujarat Sultanate, the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Portuguese, the Mughals, the Bhonsle Maratha clan, and the British East India Company have all vied for control of the fort.
Distance from Mumbai: 54.4 km
Best time to visit: Between October and April
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Things to do in Karnala Fort
After visiting the Karnala fort, you can visit the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, where migratory and local birds are the main tourist attractions.
To get the blessings of the elder goddess Bhavani, you can visit the Bhavani temple.
You can also visit Bot Lake to spend your free time with your friends and family.
How to get to Karnala Fort
By Road: You can take the Mumbai-Goa Highway, NH-17, to reach Karnala Fort. This will involve a 2-hour drive from Thane Creek to Panvel.
By Train: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, 60 kilometers from the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, is the closest airport. You can also take a taxi from the airport to get to Karnala Fort.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is located at a distance of 60 km from Karnala Bird Sanctuary. And from the airport, you can take a taxi to reach Karnala Fort.
5. Durshet
This small town is located in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It is located near the banks of the Amba River. The magnificent view of nature surrounding the lake will fill your heart with a sense of serenity.
The monsoon season is the perfect time to visit the village, as you will have the chance to see the panoramic view of the waterfalls passing through the hills. Its lush vegetation and ethereal beauty have made it a popular tourist destination.
Durshet has rightfully earned its place on the “weekend getaways from Mumbai” list.
Distance from Mumbai: 76.2 km
Best time to visit: Between January and April
Ideal duration: 3 to 5 days
Things to do in Durshet
Trek to Sarasgad and Sudhagad Forts.
If you love water sports, then you can do river rafting, rappelling, and other activities in the Kundalika River.
Take a bath in the Uddhar hot springs.
How to Reach Durshet
By Air: There is no primary airport in the nearby vicinity of Durshet. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
By Road: The town is well connected by roads from Mumbai, and your total traveling duration will amount to 1 hr 43 min.
By Train: The nearest railhead to Durshet is Khopoli Station, and from here you can take a taxi to reach Durshet.
The places are calling the traveler inside you… So what are you waiting for? Go ahead, pack your bags, and leave for a vacation that enlightens and rejuvenates your soul. But don’t forget to take all the necessary Covid precautions because safety comes first…