Long weekends not only give you an opportunity to take a much-needed break from work, but also an opportunity to pack your bags and set out on a little exploration. You can choose to go far off or travel somewhere near — depending on the number of holidays you have at your disposal.
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will be falling on a Friday (September 10), making it a long weekend holiday for many, which makes it a great opportunity to escape for quick weekend getaways, too.
The festival is marked to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is known as the God of prosperity and fresh starts. People bring home an idol of the God with much festivity, worship him with pujas (prayers) and sweets, and eventually immerse the idol.
For those looking to celebrate this holiday a little differently, a trip outside the city is one option. From trekking in Mahabaleshwar to wine tasting in Nashik, opt for a place that suits your schedule and helps you recharge before you bounce back to work again.
Here are some suggestions for weekend getaways to make the most of your Ganesh Chaturthi holidays.
Related: Bookmark These 10 Summer Getaways In India For Your Future Holidays
If you are an oenophile, then why not use the Ganesh Chaturthi long weekend and head to India’s very own Napa Valley — Nashik’s popular Sula Vineyards—to unwind. Surrounded by stunning environs, the place is a treat for sore eyes. Nashik is 171 kilometres away from Mumbai. Sula Vineyards, in particular, is not only designed to be in unity with nature, but also impress guests with its spellbinding architecture.
The Source at Sula provides guests a variety of rooms, suits and tree houses to choose from. While Beyond by Sula boasts of lake views, gorgeous villas and infinity pools where you can take a moment to relax as you sip on your favourite wine from the vineyards. They also have three dining options: Rāsā, Little Italy and Tasting Room. Alternatively, enjoy the wine tasting sessions.
Book a stay at The Source at Sula here
Book a stay at Beyond by Sula here
Image credit: Sula Vineyards
Take a break from the hot and humid environs of Mumbai, and plan an outing to the hilly region of Mahabaleshwar, located 285 kilometres from the capital city. Once in Mahabaleshwar, you can try your hand at various adventurous activities like horse riding, trekking, mountain biking, boating and fishing.
A trip to Mahabaleshwar will be incomplete without visiting the popular attractions like Venna Lake, Wilson Point, Bombay Point, Arthur’s Seat, Elephant’s Head Point, Lingmala Waterfall, Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, Echo Point and Falkland Point.
If you are a fan of strawberries, plan a visit to the Mapro Garden on your way to or from Mahabaleshwar. The place, located in Panchgani, is famous for its strawberry farms and products like jams, syrups and candies.
Image credit: Rahul Mallah/Unsplash
If the colder climates hold a special place in your heart, then the twin hill stations of Lonavala-Khandala in Pune should definitely be on your list.
Apart from the usual trekking and camping, you can partake in sightseeing too. The best places to visit are Carla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Bedsa Caves, Amrutanjan Point, Lohagad, Tungarli Lake, Lonavala Lake, Tikona Fort, Bhushi Dam and Visapur.
Located 96 kilometres from Mumbai, a road trip to Lonavala-Khandala is the perfect way to enjoy your Ganesh Chaturthi weekend. Recharge your soul in the lush greens before you return back to work.
Image credit: Sonika Agarwal/Unsplash
From shopping and sightseeing to adventure sports and chilling at the beach there is something for everyone to enjoy in Guhagar, all thanks to its beach. Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri Ranges, Guhagar Beach is 280 kilometres away from Mumbai.
Once at Guhagar, don’t forget to visit The Mody Orchid and Anthurium farm, Durga Devi Temple, Shri Dev Vyadeshwar and Guhagar Beach, famous for its Alphonso mangoes. This serene beach in Ratnagiri offers the perfect blend of serenity and adventure—making it a must-visit destination.
Image credit: Aditya Chache/Unsplash
One of the best getaways for Ganesh Chaturthi, Aurangabad has always attracted foreign tourists because of its heritage sites. Named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, Aurangabad is 370 kilometres away from Mumbai.
Declared the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra, Aurangabad is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ajanta and Ellora caves. Once in Aurangabad, don’t forget to spend your days marvelling at the old charms of Bibi Ka Maqbara, Grishneshwar Temple, Jayakwadi Bird Sanctuary, Aurangabad Caves, Makai Gate, Marathwada Mukti Sangram Stambh, Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Those who enjoy shopping can pick up souvenirs and gifts for friends and family at the rustic bazaars of Gul Mandi, which is known for clothes, jewellery, food and local handicrafts.
Image credit: Siddhesh Mangela/Unsplash
If you want to get away from the city and celebrate Lord Ganesha quietly, take a quick vacation to a place away from the chaos.
Detoxify yourself and spend your weekend holidays at Raigad district’s Karjat, a destination ideal for those seeking tranquillity. When here, enjoy sightseeing at Kondana Caves, Peth Fort and Bahiri Cave, or pay your respects at the Kondeshwar Temple and Jain Temple. Or soak in the natural environs of the place as you witness the beauty of Ulhas Valley, Bhor Ghat and Bhivpuri Waterfall.
Situated 62 kilometres from Mumbai, adventure junkies will have loads to do in Karjat, too. Opt from a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities like rock climbing, trekking, waterfall climbing and rappelling.
Kaustubh Karanjkar/Unsplash
If Goa makes your soul happy and ignites wanderlust vibes, then Raigad district’s Alibag should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
Just 95 kilometres away from Mumbai, this quaint town is the best blend of monuments, sandy beaches and outdoor activities. Enjoy cycling on the beach or a bevy of water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating and kayaking.
Known for sites like Kolaba Fort, Alibag Beach, Murud-Janjira Fort, Varsoli Beach, Kihim Beach, Nagaon Beach, Mandwa Beach, Hirakot Fort, Hirakot Lake and Underi Fort, Alibag is a must-visit destination for those who enjoy beach-y vibes and love water sports.
Image credit: Sarfraz Ali Shaikh/Unsplash
A holy destination for devotees of Sai Baba and home of the revered saint, Shirdi is 241 kilometres away from Mumbai.
The temple town offers a host of places for tourists to explore over the weekend. Visiting these sacred and religious sites will bring travellers much solace, making it a perfect way to enjoy your long weekend. Some must-visit places are Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Sai Heritage Village, Dwarkamai, Khandoba Mandir, Samadhi Mandir, Dixit Wada Museum, Shani Shingnapur, Gurusthan and Sai Teerth Theme Park.
Image credit: Shri Saibabasansthan Trust, Shirdi
