A Weekend Getaway: Self-Drive Trips from Mumbai

Sometimes you only want to get away from Mumbai’s busy life for a while – just take a break. A self-drive getaway is just what you need if looking for a revitalizing weekend retreat. Self-drive trips provide an ideal way to relax by the freedom of the open road thrills of discovery and flexibility. In this blog we shall visit some awesome self drive locations with self drive cars in mumbai having different flavours in natural beauty heritage and charm.

However before we delve deeper down into these tempting areas it is fitting that we first relish in the ecstasies of taking drive holidays. Having a steering wheel under your own control while traveling must feel oddly freeing and empowering. Self-driving gives you independence; it allows you to slow down, go off course or see attractions that aren’t on a typical tourist map.

It is also important to note that it costs less than drive-it-yourself trips. By driving with your own car you can choose how to spend money for dinner or take a break during a road trip. It is much cheaper compared to when travelling as a family with other people.

However the greatest benefit in driving oneself is certainly the spirit of adventure. What makes this trip so special is the anticipation of the open road as well as the surprises around the corner and then arriving there with a sense of accomplishment.

The classic choices for a quick weekend outing away from Mumbai are the beautiful destinations of Lonavala and Khandala. The hill stations are set in the Sahyadri Mountains and are known for their amazing scenery, dense vegetation and coolness. The trip from Mumbai to Lonavla and Khandala is a fairly short one with good quality tarmac that makes self-drive very desirable.

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is one of the most direct and popular routes to Lonavala. The scenery here is a treat for your eyes as it includes the beautiful Western Ghats enveloping you on all sides. You will pass through several breathtaking points on your way including Tiger point Bhushi dam as well as the ancient Karla and Bhaja caves which show a perfect fusion of nature and history.

Despite its simplicity Lonavala and Khandala have a lot of charm. Hill stations with great walk-ability and amazing street eateries like chikkis can’t be missed from the list. With either a laid back outing at the countryside or an action packed tour away they provide everything you need.

If you’re craving a rendezvous with nature Mahabaleshwar is top pick for self-drive weekend getaway from Mumbai. Located in the Western Ghats Mahabaleshwar is known for its pristine forests lush green hills and stunning viewpoints that provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

The drive from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar takes you through picturesque routes. As you ascend the hills you’ll notice the temperature drop welcome change from Mumbai’s sometimes sweltering heat. Mahabaleshwar is particularly famous for its strawberry farms and you can indulge in the pleasure of plucking your own strawberries and enjoying freshly prepared strawberry-based dishes.

In addition to the strawberry farms you can explore ancient temples such as the Mahabaleshwar Temple and the Panchganga Temple and relish the serene beauty of Venna Lake. Boat ride on the lake surrounded by lush vegetation is a moment of calm you won’t soon forget.

For beach lovers however, Alibaug would do it best. Alibaug is a convenient fast getaway retreat across the Arabian sea from Mumbai into respite from city frenzy. Ideal for a summer weekend of sun, sand and sea!

One can easily access Alibaug from Mumbai having multiple road choices, such as one of the most scenic Mumbai-Goa roads. However, the best part of the tour will be a trip up the Mumbai-Goa Expressway with stunning vistas of seascapes on either side.

Pristine beaches at Alibaug with the Historic Forts like the Kolaba Fort, also have great water sports to offer for those who want an active retreat. It is also a good place to savour local Konkani food, fresh fish as well as the popular Alibaug chickhi. Alibaug provides a great opportunity for relaxation, visiting historical monuments and tasting local cuisine, which is a great escape from a routine of the city life.

As an alternative, you can decide to visit Lavasa which is quite close to Mumbai but is still pretty much unheard of as a self drive destination. Popularly known as the first planned hill city of India, Lavasa is nestled within the midst of the Western Ghats. The charming architecture of Europe and its location on the shores of Warasagaon lake is a characteristic feature that distinguishes it.

There is a trip that one can take from Mumbai to Lavasa which involves passing through verdant vistas, beautiful countryside and cascading hills. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure and you’ll savour navigating corners on the road. Lavasa has a lot of leisure and sports ranging from relaxed walks along the lake to active water sports.

At Lavasa, one can traverse the scenic Lavasa Nature trail engaging in lakeside cuisine and basking in the tranquility of an eco-city. A unique relaxing weekend retreat is perfect for self-driven individuals seeking scenic beauty and the laid-back charm of Lavasa.

In case you have decided for a self-driven safari, make sure that you consider security and preparation. Here are some essential tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable:

• Vehicle Check: Ensure your car is in good order before you leave the house. Ensure that brakes, tires, engine, and other important parts are alright.
• Navigation Apps: Reliable navigation apps such as Google maps should be used in order to get real-time guidance and traffic information.
• Documents: Make sure you have all the required documents such as your drivers license, vehicle registration and insurance papers with you.
• Emergency Contact: You should also prepare an emergency contact list that is always readily available, it includes for example roadside assistance.
• Budget Planning: Ensure you have enough money for fuel, accommodations, food, and whatever other activity for the entire journey.
• Accommodations: Make sure to reserve your lodging beforehand, more so when people are traveling a lot and there won’t be much left to choose from.

Self-drive getaways are beautiful for giving you a feeling of freedom and adventure. Whatever your mindset, whether about an offbeat mountain getaway, sea side refugee or just an offbeat hill town experience, the destinations around Mumbai hold numerous choices. Therefore, grab your stuff, take a drive away and make your next weekend break memorable. While on a self-drive exploration tour, you’ll rejuvenate your spirit by exploring some fascinating nature and local cultures around Mumbai.

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