Offbeat places around Mumbai

nishantgandhi

I am looking to explore offbeat/virgin places around Mumbai. 4-5 years back, when I was in Delhi, I used to go to places like Lansowne, Dhanaulti, Narkanda and the likes.

However, whenever I ask anyone for similar places around Mumbai, I get the usual responses - Bhandardhara, Ganpatiphule, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar etc.

I would ideally like a place which is within 3-4 hours of driving distance (so that I can cover it over a weekend) and has sight seeing options as well (since wifey enjoys that).

Treks, hikes and not-so-strenuous adventure activities are welcome.

rajered

Shrivardhan / Harihareshwar / Diveagar / Bankhot
Murud / Harnai / Anjarle / Dapoli
Raigad Fort
Kamshet
Jawhar

hitanshu

From Lonavla there is a route to mulshi via Pawna dam. AWESOME in this weather

Visapur (trek)
Lohagad (stairs)

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snonymous

For anyone who does not want to go too far, but still enjoy nature at its monsoon best, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is the place to visit. Take a leisurely walk along the many forest trails, or climb up on top of the Kanheri caves [avoid Kanheri on Sundays]. In the last month, we did two walks - on the Silondha and Yeoor trails. They were lovely and on the Yeoor trail we did not encounter anyone else in all the 5 hours we were there, even though the park was packed last Sunday.

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delhiwala

Uran nearby is also a good place.

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arunganpath

Synonymous, can you give some details on the Yeoor trail?

snonymous

From the main Borivali East entrance, proceed along the Kanheri caves road. Just before you reach the junction with Tulsi lake rd [RHS], you will see some dilapidated looking Forest Rest Houses on the LHS, and a broad trail with bamboo barricades at the entrance. This is where the Yeoor trail begins. After about 50m you will cross a shallow and narrow monsoon fed stream. Immediately after this, on the LHS is a small pathway leading to a machan if you are interested. Ignore this pathway, and follow the main trail which goes steadily uphill through mixed forest. There are a couple of waterfalls along the way but on Sunday they were barely wet - serious situation reflecting on the poor monsoons. Eventually after about 5km you will reach a grass covered rocky plateau. Just before this is Gaumukh, an illegally constructed temple atop a natural water source - the source of either the Mithi or Dahisar or one of those rivers. From Gaumukh you can descend to Yeoor in Thane city. Or from the rocky plateau you can go right to the edge and cross over the Kanheri waterfall to the caves complex on the other side, and exit from there. Alternately, return the way you came - much nicer. Right now is very pretty with lots of wildflowers and butterflies.

Some photos posted here from last Sunday, and also on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4097518...7621798055737/

Remember to use plenty of insect repellant, Odomos does not work - fresh aloe vera or stinky neem oil mixed with any cream works best against those biting buchees.

anindya911

Few more places
Panvel Lake - not on Sunday - serene lake with trekking options to Peb, Nakhind, Matheran.
Tadgaon (Rameshwar Baivabh) - near Pali - Desolate hill station
Tikona Peth - Near Kamshet - rock cut gurudwara at base and easy trek to Tikona fort
Awas - North of Alibaug - Homestay and entire beach to yourself

Cheers

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