New Year 2017: Looking for a New Year getaway from Mumbai? Here are all the places you can explore

In today’s time, we all are so lost in our labyrinthine lives that we seldom take out time to satiate the wanderlust in us. So, if you are a wanderer and yet stuck in the responsibilities of a mundane life take out some time for yourself and explore places around you. The long weekend around December end is calling out to you.

There are so many places around Mumbai, which you can travel with friend, families or you can discover them by yourself. Here’s our piece of research for your perusal.

Revdanda
The cosy hamlet near Alibaug is a perfect place to let go off your city life worries. There’s a pretty beach at Revdanda, which allows you to camp beneath the starry stars near the crashing sounds of waves. Revdanda’s beach is clean, tourist-friendly and has many resorts and hotels for both bachelors and families. So, pack up your barbeque instruments, beachwear and head straight to this little piece of paradise.

Revdanda fort

Attractions: Revdanda Beach Fort, Revdanda Port, Nikitin Memorial, Sri Datta Temple and Vikram Vinayak Mandir
Distance: 105 km from Mumbai
Time to reach: Three to four hours (approximately)
How to reach: Take a ferry to Alibaug from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) dock and then take a cab for Revdanda or you can take a train to Pen and then can travel further by state transport bus or local cab.
Accommodations: Several beach side motels and resorts. Homestay is also available (needs prior booking).

Bordi
Known for its white beaches and chikoo orchards, Bordi is a peaceful town situated at the Mumbai-Gujarat border. The Parsio bungalows and traditional Gujarati houses add galore to its countryside feel. Conventional Maharashtrian art form ‘Warli’ thrives in the air of Bordi. The place is lined with beautiful palm trees and you can go cycling around. At the Mumbai-Dahanu-Bordi stretch one side is thronged with old bungalows, while the others look over at the oceanic expanse.


Attractions: Chikoo orchards, Dahanu Fort, Kalpataru Botanical Gardens, Aswali Dam and Bahrot Caves
Distance: 157 km from Mumbai
Time to reach: Five to six hours (approximately)
How to reach: There are direct trains to Bordi, as it lies at the Gujarat border. It is suggested to visit the place using your personal vehicle.
Accommodations: In Bordi, there are no premium or luxury resorts. But decent lodges, motels and homestays are available.


Uttan
Situated in the lap of nature, Uttan is a less-explored destination. Despite being just an hours’ drive away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, the coastal town basks in the glory of its simplicity. The destination is an ideal place for camping, all thanks to the beautiful hills and dense forest surrounding the place from one side, while sea casts its magical spell from the other. You can go hitch-hiking and trekking to enjoy the idyllic weather. What can be a better way to start the New Year?

Vellankani church

Attractions: Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, Arnala Fort, St. Anthony's Island, Velankanni Church
Distance: 55 km from Mumbai
Time to reach: one to two hours (approximately)
How to reach: You can take a local cab from Virar or Mira-Bhayender station to Uttan. You can also travel by road. It is well connected with Gorai.
Accommodations: Resorts in Uttan facilitate Dome Tents as well.

Saputara
Begin your New Year amidst blissfully scenic backdrop of Saputara. The small hilly town near Surat in Gujarat offers a majestic mountainside picturesque. It is situated on the shores of river Ambika, where you can go for boat rides. Saputara is home to several lakes, gardens, hills and waterfalls and it is closely situated to Vansda National Park. It is perfect go-to place for a nature lover.


Attractions: Saputara Museum, Gira Waterfalls, Saputara Lake, Vansda National Park and Purna Sanctuary, Nageshwar Temple, Hatgadh Fort, Honey Bees Centre
Distance: 250 km from Mumbai
Time to reach: five to six hours (approximately)
How to reach: Take a train to Nashik and then a cab or bus to Saputara.
Accommodations: There are many premium and budget places in Saputara.

Tarkarli
If you are an adventure junkie, Tarkarli is the place for you. Be it scuba diving or snorkeling, you can try it all. You can go for dolphin sighting or on a boat ride on the calm backwaters. The sparkling blue waters, clean and white sands and tropical sun will instantly put you in holiday mood. Tarkarli is a perfect getaway with a bunch of crazy friends.

Sindhidurg fort

Attractions: Sindhudurg Fort, Deobagh, Karli Backwaters, Dhamapur Lake, Sarjekot Fort, Padmagarh Fort and Achra Beach
Distance: 535 km from Mumbai
Time to reach: Nine to ten hours (approximately)
How to reach: There are direct buses to Tarkarli by state as well as private transport. You can also go there by private vehicle or you can take a train to Kudal and then a cab from there will take you to Tarkarli.
Accommodations: Tarkarli houses many premium and luxury hotels and resorts. Homestays are also available.

Bhandardara
Nestled in the tranquility of the Western Ghats, Bhandardara is home to beautiful hills, historial monuments and waterfalls. If you want a break from urban life, spend some time in the countryside life of Ahmednagar district’s small town, this is the place for you. Bhandardara is also religiously inclined. But it’s a heaven for those who love nature. Here, in Bhandardara, gushing waterfalls from high peaks outlining up the paddy fields is a sight to behold.

Bhandardara

Attractions: Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Agastya Rishi Ashram, Kalsubai Peak, Amruteshwar Temple
Distance: 185 km from Mumbai
Time to reach: seven to eight hours (approximately)
How to reach: Take a train to Igatpuri and then board a local cab or a state transport bus. You can also drive to the place to enjoy the scenic view of the landscape.
Accommodation: Many premium and budget hotels and resorts offer comfortable accommodation at Bhandardara.