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. 

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.