Most of us are bitten by the travel bug every three months and the longing to wander is strong within us, without putting a dent in our wallets of course. With the right kind of planning, you can see a lot of iconic places within the country, with cherished experiences and lifelong memories being built along the way. If you want to head out of Maharashtra but not too far away also, there are a lot of options waiting to be uncovered. All you've got to do is continue reading this list, and then plan that short getaway with fam or friends. Check out these budget-friendly spots for a fun time.
Skip Lonavala & Matheran: Explore These Budget Places Outside Maharashtra
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Hampi: For Rocks, Ruins and Intellectual Conversations
If you’re a fan of ruins and love to visit temples, palaces of an era gone by and other imposing structures, you’ve made the right choice. This majestic city in Karnataka has a lot to offer, from different terrains (barren landscape) to banana plantations, coracles, a famous World Heritage site and delicious food. There are numerous affordable hotels, cottages, eateries and even cycling tours on offer.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit would be from December to February. Know more about it here.
Things To See: Vittala Temple, Sule Bazaar, Zenana Enclosure, Nandi Statue, Virupaksha Temple, Elephant Stables
How To Get There: The fastest way to get there from Mumbai is to take a flight. There are also plenty of direct trains to Hospet (the railway station for Hampi). From the Hospet bus stop/train station, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a public bus to Hampi gate.
Gokarna: For Mesmerising Sunsets and Pristine Beaches
A beach town in Karnataka, Gokarna is surrounded by temples, beaches, stunning sunsets and azure waters. You can stay in multiple guest houses or even homestays. Apart from visiting the beaches, you can even trek across the region or indulge in some snorkelling (around INR 2,000 per person). Here’s a list of five things you should not miss while you’re there and also check out these places to stay.
Best Time To Visit: During the winters, so anytime between October to March.
Things To See: Om Beach, Gokarna beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwara Temple, Mahaganapati Temple, Paradise Beach, Half Moon Bay
How To Get There: There are buses that start from Mumbai. Many express trains stop at Gokarna Road station, 9km from town. There are other options from Ankola, 26km away.
Daman: For The Perfect Beach Life
On the northern edge of Maharashtra is this little town on the Arabian Sea, full of Portuguese history and natural beauty. There are churches to be seen, lakes to be sat at, forts to be conquered and of course, with the sea by your side, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The best part, it’s pretty close to Mumbai, so you can travel easily, and there are a number of budget hotels for you to explore. Daman is still unexplored and that makes it an unspoiled, peaceful place to visit. Alcohol and food are really cheap, so you can totally pamper your taste buds.
Best Time To Visit: Daman is pretty much pleasant all year round.
Things To See: Nani Daman Fort, Jain Temple, Moti Daman Temple, Jampore Beach, Church of Bom Jesus, Devka Beach
How To Get There: Daman is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular buses. If you’re planning to take the flight, the nearest airport is Surat.
Bandhavgarh National Park: For Your Very Own Wildlife Adventure
Spread over 1530 sq. km, the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is divided into three zones – Tala, Magadhi and Khatauli, and the chances of spotting the big cat are highest in this park. Tala, with its abundant water bodies and bountiful flora and fauna is the most picturesque zone out of the three. Magadhi is better known for the birds that it houses. There are also more than 40 rarely seen leopards and more commonly sighted animals such as deer, wild boar and langurs. Check this out for more deets.
Best Time To Visit: It's best if you visit the wildlife park between October to January.
Things To See: Safari through the National Park (morning safaris begin at 7AM and afternoon ones begin at 3PM).
How To Get There: If you take a flight, the nearest airports are Khajuraho and Jabalpur. You can also take a train from Mumbai (Mahanagri Express / Lokmanya Tilak Patna Express).
Karwar Beach: For A Blinding Blue Sea And Solitude
Karwar beach in Karnataka is lesser known than its more popular cousin, Gokarna. So, you’ll find clear sands and water, since it’s unspoiled. If you travel to the interiors, you’ll also be able to tour wildlife sanctuaries nearby. Bedding is pretty reasonable – you’ll find a good mix of cottages and hotels that offer rooms from INR 1,500 per night and for food you can stick to South Indian vegetarian staples or try their eclectic seafood.
Best Time To Visit: The weather in this locality is amazing between October and February.
Things To See: Binaga Beach, Devbagh Beach, Kali Bridge, Karwar Beach, Kurumgad Island, Oyster Rock Lighthouse, Tilmatti Beach
How To Get There: If you’re driving down, it’ll be a 9-hour journey. Take a train from Mumbai’s CST station directly or take a Mumbai-Goa bus and then take a Goa-Karwar bus (17 hours in total)
Mulki: To Try Your Feet At Surfing
Escape from the clutches of city life to the serenity of Mulki for a kayaking and camping trip. An unexplored coastal town near Mangalore, Mulki offers breathtaking waters surrounded by tranquil groves. The River Shambhavi makes its way across the town and the beaches are super clean. The Mulki beach is one of the safest beaches in the country, with crystal clear blue waters, and is definitely worth a visit.
Best Time To Visit: Weather is pleasant between February and December
Things To See and Do: Shree Durgaparameshwari temple, Shree Venkataramana Temple, Kayakaying and surfing at Mantra or Indica Surf School, Mulki Beach
How To Get There: Take a super AC deluxe sleeper bus called Canara Pinto from Mumbai to Mulki. Its a luxurious 18-hour journey.
Patan: To Marvel At A UNESCO Heritage Site
This old city was founded in 745 AD and it also served as the capital of the Chandva Rulers. Visit the Rani Ka Vav in the city, which is an intricately constructed step-wall structure that leads to a rectangular tank at a depth of 23 meters. Accredited by UNESCO as an archaeological World Heritage Site, Rani Ka Vav has been recognized as the cleanest heritage site in India.
Best Time To Visit: Head to Patan between October and March to enjoy the beauty at its maximum.
Things To See & Do: Patan is dotted with lovely temples, lakes, and beautiful step walls and preserves a lot of history in its heart. Do not miss out on the Sahastra Ling Lake and the Patan City Museum.
How To Get There: Its a 12 to 13-hour journey if you're driving down. You can also take the weekly trains that take lesser time (around 9 hours).