Weekend Getaways from Mumbai within 500 km

Amboli

Amboli is a lesser known and unexplored hill town in the southern part of the Sahyadri Hills. It is close to Sawantwadi and is situated at an elevation of just 690 meters. The best time to be here is during the monsoon months. The dense forests and green valleys along with few modern day resorts make this place on the Konkan coast a sought after tourist destination. It is also famous as an eco-tourism hot spot with the Krishna River flowing nearby and the hills being the habitat for several bird species. Goa is just 90 km from here.

What to see in Amboli
Amboli is home to two natural springs known as the Amboli Falls and Nangartas Falls. There is also a Shiva temple here. The Summer Palace and Madhavgad Fort are worth visiting.

Osmanabad

Osmanabad appeals to tourists and pilgrims alike. Situated in the Usmanabad district of Maharashtra, it is a scenic destination also well known for its Hindu shrines and mosques. Many of the mosques and temples here date back to at least 200-400 years and are an integral part of the town's culture.

What to see in Osmanabad
On a weekend's trip here, you can see the Tulja Bhavani Temple, the 500 year old Jama Masjid, Dharashiv Caves. These caves belong to the Buddhist lineage. The existence of mosque, temples and Buddhist caves depicts the religious harmony that existed in the region for centuries now.

Latur

Latur is a district and town of the same name that is well known for its ancient temples. Located in the southern part of Maharashtra, Latur is worth visiting for its historical and cultural attractions and architectural edifices. Ratneshwar and Siddheshwar temples are two important landmarks here besides being revered Hindi shrines. Pilgrims from Mumbai and Goa travel to this place during the weekends.

What to see in Latur
Ganj Golai is a circular garden in the heart of the town that houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Amba. On a day's excursion from Latur, you can visit the Kharosa Caves and Ausa. Kharosa Caves has the sculptures of Shiva, his wife Goddess Parvati and Ravana. Ausa has an ancient fort that is partially in ruins now and a temple with the royal family deity presiding there. Other attractions also include Astavinayak Temple, Nana Nani Park and the Udgir Fort.

Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary

The ideal weekend getaway for a wildlife enthusiast, the Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Kolhapur district. The sanctuary borders the Radhanagri Dam and its waters form a lovely sight. Dajipur is the place to enjoy beauty of the landscape, surrounding forest and trekking besides safari. Wild deer, chital and bison species are seen at this sanctuary.

What to see in Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary
While jungle safari is the main tourist activity, visitors can also choose to tour the nearby Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary.

Baroda

Baroda is a cosmopolitan city in the state of Gujarat situated in the banks of Vishwamitri River. The city is well known for its historical sites and is popularly referred to as the cultural capital of the state. Also known as Vadodara, Baroda has many interesting places of visit, market places, hotels and restaurants serving tourists.

What to see in Baroda
The top attractions of Baroda are Pratap Vilas Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaug Palace and Kanderao Museum. You can also include Hazira Maqbara, Makarpura Palace, Kala Goda and Sayaji Baug in sightseeing program.

Vijaydurg

Vijaydurg is a small costal town that is famous for its ancient fortress known as the Vijaydurg Fort. The fort overlooks the beach that is clean and unpolluted. Tourists who want to escape from the hassle of Mumbai best enjoy the tranquility of this place. Goa is situated at a distance of 200 km from here and accessible via the National Highway 17.

What to see in Vijaydurg
The historic fort of Vijaydurg overlooks the sea port and dates back to at least 400 years. According to history, Chhathrapati Shivaji built this fort complex. The Rameshwar Temple is another tourist attraction. Angling in the Arabian Sea is a popular activity among visitors. The rare species of fishes seen here are sting ray, pomfret, ladyfish, white sharks and also oysters.