Feeling travel-ready? Mumbaikars share their personal favourite weekend getaways

Since the pandemic has somewhat dissipated, everyone has been planning and looking forward to an escape to their favourite travel destination. There are a plethora of options, including a quick weekend getaway to a quaint city near Mumbai, an adventurous trip to the snow clad hills in the north, or the pristine beaches and palm trees in the south. Whether you wish to take a journey with your friends or your partner, or if you wish to unwind or indulge in adventure sports, take a cue from these three travel enthusiasts from Mumbai who share their most treasured getaways.

Rahil Siddique, 25
Grant Road

Grant Road resident Rahil Siddique travels often to escape the Mumbai hustle. Pic/Rahil Siddique

"Our all-time favourite family vacation destination is Alibaug, which is known for its relaxed coastal getaways. Once in a while to escape the city's hustle and bustle, we ship ourselves away there. They have multiple villas and homestays one can choose from, and Alibaug offers fun family activities for each of us, whether it is horse-riding on the beach or collecting sea shells on your morning beach runs", shares Grant Road resident Rahil Siddique.

The 25-year-old is the founder of Fit Fashion Store and Studio 16, a clothing brand. Panchgani is his preferred destination for travelling with a partner. "Panchgani is one of the most famous hill stations in Maharashtra for couples, I haven't made any partner trips yet because I am single but I reckon that the cosy hills in Panchgani are the perfect setting for a quick romantic getaway near Mumbai."

Husain Khatumdi, 27
Mazgaon

27-year-old Husain Khatumdi is a frequent visitor of Lonavala. Pic/Husain Khatmudi

Mazgaon-resident Hussain Khatmudi is a frequent traveller and the managing director and co-founder of Ekostay, a homestay venture. Talking about his go-to weekend getaway, Khatmudi shares, "My personal favourite location around Mumbai for a weekend getaway with family is, without a doubt, Lonavala. The scenic road trip is a great head start for the weekend. The days fly by in the Della adventure park which brings out the competitive side in all of us. A trip to Lonavala is incomplete without a serene drive till the Tiger Point. The breathtaking view of the valley of Lonavala coupled with the crisp air is a treat for all. We also enjoy visiting the Karla caves and Bhaja caves, which are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. A weekend in Lonavala is never enough and that's why we keep going back every chance we get."

For those who are fond of adventure activities, the 27-year-old has a suggestion up north, "Sipping on hot chai while you're freezing in snow is something everyone should definitely experience once in their lifetime. The perfect escape in the summer with your quirky friend group is definitely in the hills of Kullu Manali. Activities like paragliding, river rafting gives one the true adrenaline rush which can't be put into words and definitely require your gang of friends by your side to make the experience memorable."

Kruti Sheth, 29
Kandivali West

Kruti Sheth's annual family vacation spot has been Mahabaleshwar. Pic/Kruti Sheth

When she's not busy with running her Khar barbershop-The Lair Man, Kruti Sheth prefers to head away from chaotic city life. Her family has been visiting Mahabaleshwar for years now, which she continues to cherish. "If you grew up in Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar was probably one of your annual family vacation spots. Along with having pleasant childhood memories attached to it, the longer drive allows everyone to step out of their familial roles. Depending on what part of town you pick, Mahabaleshwar has something for all family moods. With my family, our first pit stop has always been Mapro, where we'll munch on pizzas, milkshakes and, in the right season, strawberries while staring at the beautiful mountains. We pick quieter resorts for our stay, so we can step away from the hustle bustle of our routine life and be transported right into tranquillity. We spend afternoons playing games in their beautiful game room while we trash talk each other. Eventually we head to the Venna Lake for some casino games and fried snacks for dinner. Mahabaleshwar will make us all feel like kids, and send us back home all rejuvenated."

Spending time with family in the quaint hills is balanced by hanging out with friends on sandy beaches for the 29-year-old, "With friends, we pick beach spots with little shacks where we can hang out while watching the sunset and laugh and talk till the early A.M. Daman is a strong contender. It's a quick drive from Mumbai, and you'll find hotels for every budget."

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