As India gears up for a mild winter in the coming weeks, plans for a year-end vacation are already being made. But before you plan to head north to enjoy the snow and the chill yet again, have a look at the list below!

Several places near Mumbai come alive as the temperatures drop, calling out to travelers for a short visit at the very least. We’ve rounded up some of the best destinations near the city to enjoy the west coast’s soothing weather.

Panchgani

For travelers who: Love scenic beauty

Distance from Mumbai: 250-300 kilometers

What to see/do: Trekking and Biking, Strawberry farms, Mapro Garden, Kamalgad Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Sydney Point, Mount Malcom

Kamshet

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For travelers who: Seek an adrenaline-pumping adventure sport

Distance from Mumbai: 100-120 kilometers

What to see/do: Paragliding, Karla Caves, Bedsa Caves

North Goa

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For travelers who: Want to experience the best of India’s Christmas festivities

Distance from Mumbai: 500-600 kilometers

What to see/do: Midnight mass at Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa); Water sports and nightlife at Calangute, Anjuna and Vagator; Anjuna’s weekly flea market, New Year’s Eve fireworks in Panaji

Nashik

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For travelers who: Want to explore India’s wine scene

Distance from Mumbai: 160-170 kilometers

What to see/do: Wine tours and tastings at Sula Vineyards, York Winery and Tasting Room, Soma Vine Village and Chateau d’Ori

Lavasa

For travelers who: Want a luxurious winter weekend

Distance from Mumbai: 180-200 kilometers

What to see/do: Nature trails, Watersports at Warasgaon Lake, Adventure sports at Xthrill Adventure Academy, Segaway rides, Spa and reflexology treatments

Aurangabad

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For travelers who: Enjoy heritage destinations and architecture

Distance from Mumbai: 330-400 kilometers

What to see/do: Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki and Darwaza, Gul Mandi Market, Paithani Silk Weaving Center

Igatpuri

For travelers who: Want a lazy weekend away with family and friends

Distance from Mumbai: 130-150 kilometers

What to see/do: Tringalwadi Fort Trek, Ghantadevi Temple, Camping, Rappeling and Ziplining

Mount Abu

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For travelers who: Have a long weekend to spare

Distance from Mumbai: 750-800 kilometers

What to see/do: Mount Abu Winter Festival, Dilwara Jain Temple, Achalgarh Fort, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Trevor’s Tank, Peace Park

P.S. Igatpuri, Panchgani and Lavasa have exclusive JenJon Holiday Home properties. Click here to find out more.

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Images have been attributed to their sources. 

Bollywood movies have a reputation of taking us on a roller coaster of emotions – they make you laugh, they make you cry, they make you want to get up and dance…they even make you want to pack your bags and set off on a life-altering adventure.

Last month, the JenJon editorial team compiled a list of Hollywood’s best travel-themed movies. Turns out, Bollywood’s travel movie track record can give its American counterpart a run for their money! In the last decade, the Hindi film industry has seen the emergence and successful acceptance of movies that beautifully capture the various elements and emotions associated with wanderlust. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones for you.

HIGHWAY (2014)

Credits: UTV Motion Pictures / Window Seat Films

Highway is a visual diary of the ‘Great North Indian Road Trip’ as it tells the story of a young Delhi girl who forms a strange bond with her kidnapper. The plot of the movie takes the audience by surprise, but it firmly captures Imtiaz Ali’s vision of a ‘wandering traveler.’ Highway is an atypical Bollywood road movie that traces a complex journey of self-discovery, and can be easily considered as one of Aliaa Bhatt’s finest performances till date.

Watch the trailer here.

FINDING FANNY (2014)

Credits: Fox Star Studios / Maddock Films

Finding Fanny is a window to Goa – minus the rave parties and beaches. It shows Goa like no other film has ever done before, and captures the simplicity of its landscapes, people and culture.  Five dysfunctional adults, one dead cat and a less-than-perfect car set off on a road trip to complete a decades-old love story.  Although the movie tends to have a very niche audience, it makes for a feel-good watch that tells an average story rather interestingly.

Watch the trailer here.

DIL CHAHTA HAI (2001)

Credits: Excel Entertainment

No travel movie list is complete without the mention of this Indian cult classic that taught us a thing or two about traveling and friendship. Beautifully shot, it captures Goa’s rustic charm and Sydney’s exciting culture. Goa really banked on Dil Chahta Hai’s success, quickly rising to the status of becoming the ultimate ‘exotic’ travel destination for urban Indians. Almost 15 years old, and this film still drives the idea that friendships are incomplete without a Goan adventure!

Watch the trailer here.

YEH JAWAANI HAI DEEWANI (2013)

Credits: UTV Motion Pictures / Dharma Productions

A trek through Manali saw an entry in every urban twenty-something’s travel bucket list after the release of this movie. Friendship, romance, dreams, heartbreak – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani perfectly captures these elements of growing up while taking us through the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the picturesque alleys of Europe and the lavish forts of Udaipur. The relationships between the main characters, the protagonist’s toggle with the complexities of wanderlust, and the differing notions of ‘home’ beautifully underline this re-watchable entertainer.

Watch the trailer here.

QUEEN (2014)

Credits: Viacom 18 Motion Pictures / Phantom Films

A naïve, young, overprotected middle class Delhi girl decides to travel solo on her honeymoon trip after her fiancé calls of the wedding – with such a storyline, Kangana’s character has us rooting for her from the start of the film itself. Initially devastated and scared, Rani’s journey through a romantic Paris and quirky Amsterdam transforms her into a brave, confident woman. Traveling the world and meeting new people bring with it experiences that changes you for the better, and Queen makes a strong case for this.

Watch the trailer here.

ROAD, MOVIE (2009)

Credits: Madman Entertainment

This film is unconventional to the say the least, and sadly forgotten by many. Vishnu (Abhay Deol) takes a journey through Rajasthan to deliver his father’s truck to a local museum. Travelers join in along the way, and this journey proves transformational for each one of them. The rural and rustic landscapes of the state are nothing less than a visual treat.

Watch the trailer here.

ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBAARA (2011)

Credits: Eros International / Excel Entertainment

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a more than just a re-boot to Dil Chahta Hai’s charm and popularity. It takes the Indian road-trip movie out of India and captures Spain in all its breathtaking beauty.  A coming-of-age film brilliantly directed by Zoya Akhtar, it is a heartfelt tale of love and friendship. With a stellar ensemble cast, foot-tapping music and beautiful poetry, it stands to be a timeless cinematic experience for every movie-lover.

Watch the trailer here.

PIKU (2015)

Credits: MSM Motion Pictures / Yash Raj Films

An eccentric father-daughter duo on a road trip from Delhi to Kolkata – Piku is charming, simple, heartwarming and will have you smiling from start till end. The film hilariously depicts the happenings of taking an ageing parent on a 48-hour car journey without getting too preachy. Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan emerge as a trio to be reckoned with as they translate their star power into ‘real’ characters that you might find living next door to you. Shoojit Sircar does a beautiful job in capturing the cityscape of Kolkata, in addition to giving us a brief glimpse into the spiritual aura of Varanasi at dusk.

Watch the trailer here.

Got a favorite travel movie that needs to be up on this list? Share it with us on our Facebook page! We’d be happy to hear from all you Bollywood-enthusiasts out there!

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Images used in this post are taken under the Creative Commons Licenses. 

It’s that time of the year again when India in its entirety is gearing up for a long week of festivities. Diwali is fast approaching and schools have begun their annual break, while the multitude of preparations leading up to grand celebrations are already underway. However with a short-lived festive break that slips away all too fast, we’re back to the daily grind even before we know it.

Amidst a hectic festive schedule, squeezing in a short family trip is a great way to bring in the spirit of togetherness and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Whether you seek a quick getaway from the city’s crowds and chaos or wish to take the celebratory madness with you to a different city – we have a list of 5 great local destinations for a sparkling four-day weekend!

Goa

Driving distance from Mumbai: 609 km | Flight to Goa from Mumbai: 1hr 10m+

Spend an entire day at the beach, drive around the beautiful tropical locales or simply feast on this region’s endless seafood delicacies – you can never go wrong with Goa as a holiday option! The people of Goa celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali) with much aplomb – several towns organize fairs, firecrackers light up the night sky and Goa’s culinary scene is lively as ever. During Diwali, Goa offers you a glimpse into its roots, which despite the dominant Portuguese culture, has still held on to the influence of its Hindu heritage through decades.

Alibaug

Driving distance from Mumbai: 100 km | Ferry from Gateway of India (Mumbai): 45-50 mins

Celebrate a peaceful Diwali break with your family lounging around your holiday home, building sandcastles on Alibaug’s picturesque beaches or going on an nature trail with your kids. Additionally, the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary located here attracts birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts throughout the year. This quite Maharashtrian coastal town is a perfect destination for a lazy holiday away from the jazzy city celebrations.

Panchgani

Driving distance from Mumbai: 268 km

This quaint hill station truly comes alive during the Diwali week – a multitude of lanterns and diyas adorn homes and shops, while Panchgani’s streets are lit up with decorative lights. Local markets come alive with festive offerings and sweetmeats. Large families often drive down to Panchgani and rent holiday homes, taking the celebration with them away from the city.

Gokarna

Driving distance from Bangalore: 500 km | Driving distance from Goa: km

A popular destination for Hindu pilgrims and tourists alike, Gokarna makes it to the list of ideal vacation destinations for couples and groups of friends this Diwali. Preferred by people who enjoy long drives, this little town is located down-south in Karnataka, and is easily accessible from both Mumbai and Bangalore. Gokarna is a home to some of India’s most pristine beaches that are beautifully framed by the majestic Western Ghats. With water sports during the day and bonfires by the beach at night, it has a vibe of a laid-back, quieter Goa.

Aamby Valley

Driving distance from Mumbai: 110 km

Blessed with a great weather, Aamby Valley is made for the quintessential city-dweller who seeks a plush holiday. The best way to Aamby Valley is with the company of family and friends – the more, the merrier! Luxurious accommodation options of chalets, cottages, villas and cabanas – coupled with an array of adrenaline-pumping sporting activities – make India’s first planned hill city an exciting holiday destination.

So, have we triggered your wanderlust yet?

Goa, Alibaug and Panchgani are exclusive JenJon Holiday Home destinations. Make your enquiries here.

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Images used in this post are taken under the Creative Commons Licenses. 

JenJon Holiday Homes, a leader in the Managed Holiday Home sector, is here to provide travelers with options to stay in some of the best vacation destinations across the country’s west coast.

JenJon Holiday homes are located in beautiful, peaceful and natural surroundings. They are ideal breaks away from the noise, stress and pollution of city life. Whether you enjoy long walks and mountain drives, or prefer to swim in the ocean and bask on a quiet beach, JenJon has an ideal destination for you. We can provide the perfect place for you to experience and understand the true meaning of quiet – to read, meditate, or just gather your thoughts, or spend that long-needed quality time with family and friends.Your stay in a JenJon Holiday Home will give you an opportunity to bond with nature, immerse yourself in tranquility and return to your daily routine fully rejuvenated.

JenJon helps owners convert their beautiful second homes to income generating properties by allowing us to manage them as quality vacation homes.  While owners enjoy the privilege of using their second home at their discretion, JenJon ensures that their prized assets are safe with us.

We remain focused on being Your Happiness Host.