6 Mumbai getaways for the Republic Day long weekend

Murud, Janjira, fort on the sea. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

I’m an optimist, and I want to meet Maya, Sonam, Choti Tara, and feel my heartbeat go up when I see Bajrang and Matkasur. As the country will celebrate the Republic Day in a week's time, I want to celebrate this part of my country and visit Tadoba National Park. This would mean breaking the tradition of watching our Armed Forces march past the dignitaries on the tele, but these getaways — within driving/ferrying distance from Mumbai — are calling to me:

Spot a tiger at Tadoba National Park

Tadoba National Park. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

You can never ever be tired of watching these yellow and black beings staring fearlessly at your camera while drinking water, or strolling right past the front of your jeep while you try not to breathe silently in case you disturb that stroll. You know you are blessed if your spotter/guide leads you to the most incredible sight: a mama tiger’s afternoon rest being disturbed by playful cubs.

Tadoba is located 858 km from Mumbai and you can find all kinds of accommodations depending on your budget.

Nagphani trek with fabulous views

Dukesnose at Nagphani trek. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

In the Sahyadri mountains, the joy of stopping under that tin roof of a dhaba drinking tea and listening to the sudden monsoon rain is immeasurable. But that once slippery monsoon trek leads you to even more rewarding views in January. Nagphani literally means the hood of the cobra. During the monsoons, when everything is drizzly and wet, you barely get to take it all in. Your day pack is much lighter, you can actually see the shape of the climb and gentle cool breezes make an easier, fun trek. Plus you don’t smell wet for three days.

Extras on the trip? The Bhimashankar temple (the stories about the Shiva jyotirlinga are awesome), Hanuman lake (spotting the lake from the cliff is spectacular) and food. The best, hottest misal you’ll ever eat! Bhimashankar is 220 km from Mumbai.

World Heritage site of 64 Caves at Ajanta & Ellora

Ellora Caves, Kailasanatha Temple. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

You’d be surprised by the ease of the drive to Aurangabad (4 hours and 53 minutes the map says, but when you stop for food at the many roadside dhabas and restaurants serving local cuisine, it could take you longer). Your first memory in the history books in middle school is the painting of Avalokiteshwara with the flower and the elephant with his raised front legs… Pack your walking shoes and take as many memory sticks for your cameras because these historical caves (although 100 kms apart) are a treasure trove for photographers and history buffs. You can easily spend days marvelling at the sculptures (The Emperor’s Cave will make your jaws drop at the beauty still intact) and paintings. Such a miracle that Buddhist monks created distinct places of education and stay, and then beautified the walls with paintings which would inspire Rabindranath Tagore and Nandlal Bose.

Aurangabad has accommodations from the super luxurious to homestays, so take a pick. But don’t forget, the city itself is historical and worth exploring too. You will go home wondering why the Bibi Ka Maqbara is so similar to the Taj Mahal.

A fort on the sea: Murud — Janjira

Murud Janjira Fort, Raigad. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

History in Maharashtra is linked to Shivaji and his daring soldiers called ‘Mavle’. When you drive down the coast of Maharashtra and come across the sight of a fort looming up from the sea off the coast, you’d think you’ve stumbled upon some ancient Game of Thrones style location or a game level you just unlocked.

You can get to the fort only by boat and you’ll wonder at the grit and the ingenuity of the people who built this fort that has not only withstood all marauders from the seas but has fought time as well. When I visited it last, the seas were rough and the landing slippery, but on a clear winter day (as wintery it can get on the coast!) Janjira fort is picture postcard perfect. The inside of the fort, alas, was under maintenance and overgrown. But from all reports now, the ASI has worked wonders.

If you are like me, you will spend the day on the beach feasting on the catch of the day and letting everyone else trample the fort.

Mandwa: Straight out of the movies

Mumbai to Mandwa ferry ride. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Mandwa that exists outside of Agneepath the movie is a wonderful beach where you can drive with a carful of water sports enthusiasts. I have never heard more excited screams from banana boats toppling over into the sea even in Goa, than I did here. Plus those jet skis swooshing in and out of the waves is a fun thing to do. But the most amazing experience is kayaking on the sea when the morning breaks and all the wild watersports folk are in bed. It’s a beach that is beautiful and an option to Goa right here near Mumbai.

Come to think of it, Kihim and Kashid are two other places where you can find the gigantic banana boats on the sea. The incongruity of that visual will make you volunteer to look after everyone else’s belongings and then you can spend time eating gigantic lobsters and bangda fry!

Ratangarh: The jewel fort of the Sahyadris

Ratangarh Fort, Sahyadris. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The views are so breathtaking, I went wandering off the tracks and was lost. But if you choose to travel with a guide from the Ratangarh village you will enjoy this adventure even more. (The adventure starts when you have to cross the lake by a boat to get to the village.) The sunrise and the sunsets are worth the aching feet, and the adrenaline rush when you spot the needle’s eye (the entrance to the fort is better than anything else… These are the highest parts of the Sahyadri mountains — the Kalsubai range — in the Ahmednagar district and it’s easy to reach from either Pune or Mumbai.

It’s a moderate climb but you get really thirsty. The weight in your backpack is mostly water, and the little shack that offers you nimbu-pani is a welcome sight. Also you will be amazed at the old water conservation efforts inside the fort. The big rainwater cisterns hold water you can drink.

My plans for the long weekend are made. There are so many hidden gems you can reach on a tank filled with gas and a heart filled with adventure.