5 Summer Destinations every Mumbaikar must visit!
Mumbai, ‘The city of dreams’ and ‘The city that never sleeps’ can also be unofficially called as ‘the city of heat’. Mumbai city during summers gets quite hot and humid and mumbaikars are definitely annoyed by the heat and sweating. Mumbai’s temperature rises between 35 degree celsius in the day and 28 degree celsius by night. But there’s no need to worry for mumbaikars as here are the 5 chill places where mumbaikars can go to escape the heat.
1. Mahabaleshwar
Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, in the satara district of Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar is probably the most famous and visited hill station in maharashtra. Known for its strawberries, lakes, view points. Mahabaleshwar has much more to offer. Some of the famous locations to visit are elephant’s head point, chinaman’s falls, arthur’s seat, venna lake, wilson point. Mahabaleshwar can surely be called as the ‘Queen of hills’ in maharashtra. Unlike a typical summer in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar has a very pleasant climate, making it the perfect summer retreat for those looking to escape the heat of mumbai city. Therefore mahabaleshwar makes a perfect weekend getaway with family and friends.
Time to reach: Approx 5 to 6 hours.
Nearest Railway station: Pune railway station.
2. Matheran
Being the smallest hill station in India, Matheran is extremely popular among tourists who are looking for a short trip and also to escape the heat of mumbai. It offers spectacular viewpoints and is a paradise for nature lovers. Matheran is the only hill station in India that doesn’t allow any vehicles to conserve its beauty from pollution. The cold breeze and pollution free air is the reason why matheran attracts thousands of tourists every year. A favorite for trekkers, the actual magic of Matheran is experienced while exploring it on foot and getting lost in the beauty of the serene town.
Time to reach: Approx 2 and half to 3 hours.
Nearest Railway station: Neral railway station.
3. Panchgani
The name ‘Panchgani’ is derived from the five hills that surround it, which forms the sahyadri mountain ranges, a popular hill station famous for its sunrise and sunrise points and scenic valley view. Some popular points to visit are Kate's point and Sydney point. Mapro gardens, a famous brand name of delicious fruit based products, is a must visit place as it offers a variety of products from your favorite jams, juices, ice creams,etc. One shouldn’t miss the experience of paragliding here in panchgani as it provides with the amazing and surreal valley views.
Time to reach: Approx 5 to 6 hours.
Nearest Railway station: Jarendeshwar railway station / Pune railway station.
4. Spiti Valley
Moving from Maharashtra to the land of snow, ’Himachal Pradesh’. The literal meaning of ‘SPITI’ is ‘The middle land’ that is the land between India and Tibet. One of the most popular destinations in the country which is on every traveler’s wishlist. Spiti valley has its own grace and beauty that a YJHD 2 like movie could be made while exploring Spiti valley instead of manali. A trip to Spiti valley with our closed ones is something that all of us need to heal and re-energize from our daily hectic routine. Spiti is home to some of the highest places in the world such as the ‘Asia’s highest suspension bridge’ known as the ‘Chicham bridge’ which connects chicham village and kibber village. Also the world’s highest restaurant and highest village in komic and the world’s highest post office in hikkim. Spiti valley is a different world in its own and worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Nearest Airport: Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport.
Nearest Railway station: Chandigarh railway station.
5. Gurez Valley, Jammu and Kashmir
Situated a few kilometers away from India-Pakistan border, this beautiful and breathtaking valley is called ‘The Crown of Kashmir’. The valley is covered with snow capped mountains, it has a diverse flora and fauna and wildlife that includes the Himalayan brown bear and snow leopard. The Kishanganga river is the main river that flows through the valley. The most attractive feature of the valley is the Habba Khatoon peak, which gets its name from the renowned kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon(real name Zoon). The incredible mountain views along the valley are absolutely mesmerizing and a sight to behold. The valley is also known for its fishing activities in the kishanganga river. The environment and views of the valley are calm, composed and stress relieving. An unexplored yet emerging off-beat gem in the paradise on earth.
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport.
So what are you waiting for Mumbaikars? Pack your bags and tick off these chilling destinations on your bucket list. Join us to beat the summer heat, come with us on our Backpacking trips to Himachal, Spiti & many more places.