Top 10 Romantic Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

• Goa Beaches

Goa is an iconic tourist destination in the country and one of the best places for a romantic weekend getaway. Goa is adorned with pristine beaches, the party atmosphere coupled with Goan cuisines flavored with most exotic spices makes it a great destination for the newly weds and party freaks too. Goa is also a great honeymoon destination so newly married can choose Goa to start the new innings of their lives. Shake your leg in one of the discos of Goa or just hang out in one of its serene beaches, Goa offers it all.

• Ajanta & Ellora caves

Approximately 400 km northeast of Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora caves are situated close to Aurangabad, the city named after the last emperor of the Mughal dynasty Aurangzeb. These are 2000 year old stunning world heritage sites visited by tourist across the globe. Ajanta caves are located in the northern part of the central Maharashtra, 105 km from Aurangabad. It’s a popular destination for a weekend getaway from Mumbai amongst newly weds and couples. The first cave monuments at Ajanta dated back to the 2nd century BC and more caves were added later. The carvings and murals at Ajanta depict the life and society in those times which includes kings, women, children, slaves, flowers, birds and many others. Ellora caves, located 30 km from Aurangabad, are a series of 34 rock cut excavations developed over 6 century started around 350 AD. Caves at Ellora are renowned for religious paintings, sculptures and temples.

• Khandala

Nestled in the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Khandala is a pristine hill station located in the Western Ghats. It is an ideal romantic getaway around Mumbai. The best time to visit Khandala is the rainy season. Khandala during the rain brings the most picturesque scene to the visitors. Couples planning a short weekend retreat from Mumbai during the monsoon do not miss Khandala as rains can be best experienced when the green surroundings are washed with the heavy showers adding new life to the stunning waterfalls and the picture perfect scenery.

• Matheran

Another popular romantic weekend destination from Mumbai is Matheran. A small hill station situated on the Western Ghats, Matheran is about 90 km away from Mumbai and a popular hang-out zone for both domestic and international travelers. The valley is known for its serene and pollution free environment. The region is declared as an eco-sensitive area and therefore the usage of vehicles is banned making it the only place in the world without the use of vehicles. The air is fresh around this part in Maharashtra.

• Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is one of the evergreen forests of the world located in the Western Ghats region. This region is renowned for its stunning views of the densely forested valley. The humming sound of the river Krishna and the lush foliage at the milieu, Mahabaleshwar is a wonderful weekend retreat easily accessible from Mumbai. Do not forget to take a boat ride in the Lake Venna.

• Alibaug

Couples willing to take a romantic weekend near a seaside must visit Alibaug, a 300 year old town located at a distance of about 13 km south of the Mumbai harbor. It is Mumbai's nearest weekend seaside getaway comprising of several beaches and fishing hamlets. Coconut palms, chikoo and mango orchards, paddy fields adds their own charm to this place. Alibaug is a gateway to several beaches like Kihim Beach, Akshi Beach, Nagaon Beach, versoli Beach etc.

• Pune

Located east and south of Mumbai and also within Maharashtra, Pune is a city of more than 3 million population. Pune is a happening city crowded by young population who loves to hang out in the city’s scattered multiplexes and malls. Pune is also home to ample Hindu temples. Pune is close to Mumbai and road or rail connections are enough to get you there for a romantic and fulfilling weekend getaway.

• The Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Couples looking for a weekend getaway not too far from home can check out The Karnala Bird Sanctuary, located 60 miles south of Mumbai. You will get ample romantic resorts and wooded cottages as accommodation.

• Panchagani

Panchgani is a renowned hill station located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, at a distance of about 250 km from Mumbai. It offers mesmeric views of the Krishna River on one side and the stunning views of the coastal plains of Maharashtra on the other making it a most preferable destination for a romantic weekend from Mumbai. Panchgani has derived the name from the five hills around it. This region is also in close proximity to another popular hill station, Mahabaleshwar. It used to be a popular summer retreat for the British.

• Canacona

Canacona is a quite and peaceful seaside village located about 663 km south of Mumbai in south Goa. It is a prefect weekend destination for Couples willing to take a break from the hectic and monotonous city life of Mumbai in some quite places away from crowds and traffic. Concona has some fresh water springs and many white coves. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Canacona along the Goa-Karnataka border.