Weekend Getaways Near Pune

Once the capital of Maratha Empire, Pune is the city of legendary Maratha leader Shivaji and has the history of being the alternative capital of British. The city known for its numerous historic monuments, Pune in the present times has evolved as a thriving centre of business and education which also houses Osho Meditation Resort. Thus a popular tourist destination, Pune is frequented not just by vacationers, but also those on business and educational tours. 

While in the vicinity one must not miss the interesting sites surrounding the main city. Situated a few kilometres away from Pune some beauteous hills are ideal for weekend getaways. Rich with geographical splendour and history dating back to the age of royalty these sightseeing places are located in close proximity and are well connected. Some of the weekend getaways around Pune are:

Lonavala

While opting for weekend packages to tour around Pune one must add this beautiful hill station as well. Well connected with Mumbai-Pune highway, Lonavala is easy to reach. The angelic beauty of this pretty countryside appears best during the monsoon season.

With cascading waterfalls and quaint ponds the verdant vistas creating appropriate backdrop, the time of rainy season in Lonavala is ideal for a visit to the region. In Lonavala one must visit Reyewood Park & Shivaji Udyan and the pristine Lonavala Lake.

Panchgani

A scenic hill station, Panchgani is located approximately 100 kilometres away from Pune. Nestled amidst lush Sahyadri mountain ranges its beauty is only enhanced with the beauteous Krishna River flowing nearby. The place is surrounded by five hills and on the top lays a volcanic plateau which is the second highest in Asia.

The area is a favourite picnic place for residents of Pune and is dotted with numerous gorgeous sightseeing attractions making it an ideal retreat for enjoying weekend breaks around Pune. The highlights of Panchgani includes the hilltop overlooking Krishna River valley- Sydney Point, the large expanse of laterite rock- Table Land and a beauteous spot overlooking azure waters of Dhom Dam- Parsi Point and more.

Alibag

A coastal town, Alibag is a small city was once renowned for its gardens of mango and coconut trees. In the current times it is the beaches of Alibag that makes it one of the highly preferred weekend getaways around Pune.

One can choose from a number of pristine beaches of Alibag including Alibag beach, Varsoli beach, Akshi beach, Nagaon beach, Kihim-Navgaon Beach, Kashid Beach and more. Those eager to see something more than just the beaches can explore other highlights of the region including the famous temples such as Kanakeshwar temple, Birla temple, Uma Maheswhar temple and Balaji temple. Also visit Kolaba fort, Murud-Janjira fort and Magnetic observatory while in the vicinity.

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Himalayan Adventures Tour

Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari

Tour Details: Travel through the scenic hills and a valleys of the Himalayan Ranges. Give your heart some fast beats by indulging in some adventurous sports like paragliding, river crossing, angling, trekking, rock climbing and more.

Highlights:

11 Days Package from Delhi to Chail-Sangla-Kalpa-Tabo-Kaza-Manali, with the facilities of paragliding, river crossing, angling, trekking, rock climbing.

Day Wise Breakup:

Day 1: Delhi-Chail or Kalka-Chail - Leave Delhi after early breakfast. Night stay in Chail Camp/Hotel.

Day 2 : Chail-Sarahan - Leave after breakfast. Check into the hotel Shrikhand.

Day 3 : Sarahan-Sangla - Visit 800 years old Bhimakali Temple complex in the morning. Drive to Banjara Camp, Sangla. En route visit Kalpa, offering fantabulous view of the 6000m high Kinner Kailash massif.

Day 4 : Sangla - Visit Chitkul (3450m) - 20 kms from the camp. This is the last village on the Indo-Tibetan trade route. May be walk up to Nagasthi (4 kms) - one of the last India outposts.

Day 5 : Sangla - Walk up to the Sangla meadows to see Kinner Kailash range in all its majesty or take a leisure walk to the glacier point. 

Day 6: Sangla -Tabo - Visit Nako en route. Night stay in Banjara camp.

Day 7: Tabo - Visit 1003 years old Tabo monastery in the morning. After lunch, visit Pin Valley.

Day 8: Tabo-Kaza - Visit Ki monastery and Kibber - one of the highest motorable village in the world. Check into the hotel.

Day 9: Kaza-Manali - Drive to Manali over 4551m high Kunzum pass and 3978m high Rohtang pass. Check into the hotel.

Day 10: Manali - Day at leisure/local sightseeing.

Day 11: Departure - After early breakfast, drive to Delhi or Chandigarh.

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The Trident Hotel, Cochin

The Trident Hotel, Cochin, INR 4750
Bristow Road, Willingdon Island, Cochin 682 003. India

Overview: Welcome to the Trident, Cochin. Located on Willingdon Island the hotel is 20 minutes from the city's business district and within easy distance from well known tourist attractions. With well appointed rooms built around a picturesque central courtyard, a swimming pool and beautiful landscaped gardens, the hotel offers contemporary facilities in a relaxed and serene ambience for both business and leisure ravellers.

Location

By Air: Cochin (Airport Code: COK) has regular domestic flights to Agatti, Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Delhi, Goa, Madras and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum - the capital of Kerala). The airport is 38 kms (50 mins drive) from the Hotel.

Currently, there are also regular international flights to the Arabian Gulf countries. Flights to other destinations will start soon. Other international airports nearby include Mumbai, Madras, Bangalore and Trivandrum.

By Rail: Cochin is connected to the rest of India by an extensive network of rails. Cochin has two main railway stations, Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. Many important trains start from here and many others pass through these stations. The station is 12 kms (20 mins drive) from the Hotel.

By Road: Three important National Highways pass through or start from Cochin, apart from many state roads. NH 47 from Kanyakumari to Salem pass right through the heart of Cochin while NH 17 to Mumbai and NH 49 to Madurai (in Tamil Nadu) starts from Kochi. Private and public transport services are available to and from all major cities of South India from here.

By Sea: Cochin has a magnificent all weather natural port. Regular boat service to places like Kottayam and Alleppey are available through the scenic backwaters of Kerala.

Accommodation

All the accommodation provided by Travelmasti are in the most comfortable hotels/ resorts/ camps, handpicked especially for you, offering the best stay to make your business or leisure trip, simply 'worth it'.

The Trident, Cochin's 76 rooms and 9 suites are located in the hotel's elegant edifice and surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Check in: 2 pm

Check out: 12 noon

Supperior Rooms: 

56 Superior Rooms (king or twin) welcome guests with pool or garden views.

Deluxe Rooms: 

Deluxe Rooms (king or twin) welcome guests with pool or garden views.

Suites: The 9 suites offer guests 2 room bays – a living room and a bedroom – and are located on the top most floor of the hotel, with a view of landscaped gardens and the poolside.

All rooms are equipped with standard features like:

Centrally air conditioned

Wireless Internet access

Direct dial dual line telephones

Personal bar

Tea & coffee maker

24 hour room service

Satellite television

Electronic safe

Hair dryer

Voltage 110-220

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Ganpatipule Beach, Maharashtra

Ganapatipule, One of the serene, sedate and unspoiled beaches of Maharsahtra, discover this wonderfull beach resort with Tour Services India.

Ganpatipule

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra's almost virgin beaches.

Nestled in the greenery is an almost 4000 year old land mark - the Swayambhu Ganapati temple (Swayambhu means 'self-made', this is a temple of the self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Thus the village got its name Ganapatipule, Ganapati the lord of the "ganas" or army and "pule" which means sand dunes, Ganapatipule is one of the "Ashta Ganapatis" (eight Ganapatis) of India and is known as "Paschim Dwar Dewata" (the Western Sentinel God).

Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

These god-fearing local devotees take a "Pradakshina" around the hill where the temple is located, not just around the temple (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein the devotee walks in a circle around the idol of the lord or around the temple, the house of the lord), As for the tourists, they can go walking simple to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Places to Visit:

Malgund: Just a kilometer away from Ganapatipule, Malgund village is the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot. This small, yet beautiful village is frequented by visitors who come to take a look at the renovated and converted house of the poet, now a student's hostel. The Maratji "Sahitya Parishad" (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument salled "Keshavsoot Smarak" in the memory of the great son-of-the soil.

Pawas: Pawas is naturally beautiful and serene. The place is also prominent for the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians). A visit to the place is a journey through time.

Jaigad Fort: The legendary fort stands high and proud on the cliff with a spectacular view of the sea. The fort is at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and is 35 kms away from Ganapatipule.

Ratnagiri: The Konkan is the vast, beautiful western coast. One of its districts is the well-known Ratnagiri. It is here that the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born. This man with a mission led the "Swadeshi Movement" in the 20th centuary against the British. His house - Tilak Smarak - is a landmark now and is open to visitors. Also the "Patit Pawan Mandir" is of importance here. It was the first temple built for the non-Brahmins by revolutionary leader, Swatantryaveer Savarkar. 

Other Attractions are the Bhatye Beach, The Coconut Research Center, Ratnadurg Fort, Bhagwati Bunder (Sea Port) and The Seafood Processing Centre at Mirya. Also visit Thebaw Palace, which was built for the exiled King and Queen of Burma (now Myanmar) in 1910 - 11. They lived for five years till their death in 1916.

Velneshwar: This small and dreamy village around 170 kms away from Ratnagiri is the place to be for water sports - thanks to its beautiful clean beach and rock - free sea. Also an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar if Frequented by pilgrims and tourists. The whole place is a mystic aura around in the presence of the master mystic, Lord Shiva.

Excursions:

Marleshwar: 60 kms from Ganapatipule, famous for its Shiva temple and waterfall.

Derwen: 85 kms from Ganapatipule, it is well known for its Shiv Shristi (an exhibition on Chhatrapati Shivaji)

Parshuram: Known for the Parshuram temple, it is 112 kms away from Ganapatipule.

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Ganpatipule, Maharashtra

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra's almost virgin beaches.

Nestled in the greenery is an almost 4000 year old land mark - the Swayambhu Ganapati temple (Swayambhu means 'self-made', this is a temple of the self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Thus the village got its name Ganapatipule, Ganapati the lord of the "ganas" or army and "pule" which means sand dunes, Ganapatipule is one of the "Ashta Ganapatis" (eight Ganapatis) of India and is known as "Paschim Dwar Dewata" (the Western Sentinel God).

Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

These god-fearing local devotees take a "Pradakshina" around the hill where the temple is located, not just around the temple (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein the devotee walks in a circle around the idol of the lord or around the temple, the house of the lord), As for the tourists, they can go walking simple to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Important Information:

Geographic Location: Ganapatipule lies along the Konkan coast, approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai.

Climate: The coastal climate is mostly hot and humid but it is healthy and devoid of pollution. The temperature is at its peak (around 38 Degree C) in the month of March. The monsoon falls between June and October. The rains are regular here. The climate is pleasant in winter and the temperature often falls at night.

Languages Spoken: Marathi is the common language here. People also know Hindi and English.

Local Festivals: All the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and a spirit of togetherness. Gauri Ganapati and Magh Chaturthi are the most important events in the entire Konkan region. Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are well celebrated here, too.

What to wear: Loose cotton attire is suitable and comfortable. Although during winters, warm clothing is preferable. Swimming costumes are recommended for people indulging in water - sports.

What to eat: Since Ganapatipule is a pilgrimage destination, non - vegetarian food is a little rare. But on the outskirts of Ganapatipule fish curry, rice and kokam kadhi are available. Vegetable curries are also very tasty, prepared with a coconut base. "Modak" the favorite sweet meat of Lord Ganesh is also available.

What to Buy: The Konkan coast is rich in horticulture and the place is filled with delicious exotic fruits. These are also turned into sweet preparations like Ambapoli and Phanaspoli (pancakes of dried mango and jackfruit respectively). If you visit during the mangi season, don't forget to buy the world famous Devgad "Hampus" mangoes.

Where to Stay: The MTDC resort lies on the slope of a green hillock, facing the sea. Alphonso mango trees and coconut palms dot the 45 acre grounds. Sea view cottages. tents and Konkani houses are also available (The latter two are not rented out during the monsoons). 

How to get there: 

By Air: Nearest airport is Belgaum, 299 Kms.

By Rail: On Konkan Railway Bhoke is 35 Kms. However the convenient railhead Ratnagiri is 45 Kms.

By Road: 

Mumbai - Ganapatipule is 375 Kms.

Pune - Ganapatipule is 331 Kms.

Belgaum - Ganapatipule is 299 Kms.

S. T. Buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule.

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Weekend Getaways Near Delhi

The city of Delhi was plundered several times, but never did it surrendered to malevolence on the contrary it evolved each time from its own ashes like the bird, Phoenix. Delhi, under its share of history pages tells the saga of the opulent of the empires who ruled the city and thus even today it is flanked with numerous political and historical monuments.

Delhi has retained its character and is thus the current national capital city of India which is frequented by travellers for recreation, business and educational purposes. With the construction of new infrastructures, Delhi is now well-connected to various neighbouring regions ideal for weekend Getawayss. These destinations are mostly 0-500 km away from Delhi and thus make for ideal weekend Getaways around Delhi.

These destinations are well appointed with good roads and variety of decent hotels and other entities of tourist needs.

Jim Corbett National Park- Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Uttarkhand, Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger.

Encompassing 290 kilometres of distance from the capital city travellers reach this serene forest which is well known for having geographical and ecological features of sub- Himalayan belt. Housing 488 species of flora and fauna, Jim Corbett National Park is a favourite spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Vrindavan - Situated in Mathura, Vrindavan is the holy site where Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood days. The holy town dotted with numerous temples is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Vrindavan is known worldwide for housing a large population of widows abandoned by their own families. Out of all Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Sri Radha Raman Mandir and Govind Deo Temple are some of the must visit sites.

Jaipur - The renowned ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is situated at a distance of 266 kilometres from Delhi. Most of the edifices in the city built with red stucco are now left with pink shades giving Jaipur its sobriquet- Pink City.

The ancient city of Maharajas, Jaipur is decked with various palaces and stunning edifices such as Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar and Jal Mahal. Thus a popular tourist destination in North India, Jaipur is decked with numerous decent hotel property offering great value services thereby making Jaipur one of the best bets for weekend breaks around Delhi.

Bharatpur - Located at a distance of 205 km from the national capital- Delhi, Bharatpur was once a well fortified city. The city is considered as an ideal weekend Getaways for it houses a UNESCO World Heritage Site- Bharatpur National Park. A natural home to more than 364 species of birds the park is visited by beauteous migratory birds each year. Siberian Cranes are one of the highlights of the park.

Agra - Easily commutable in about five hours from Delhi, Agra is the famous city of Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra is where one of the World Wonders- Taj resides. The city housing three of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely- Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort has kept the regal splendour of Mughal era alive. Thus an ideal Weekend Getaways around Delhi, Agra is added in all the tour itineraries around Delhi.

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