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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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

Source

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. 

Locals, as well as experienced tourists unanimously write-off the idea of traveling in India during the months of June through August. Peak monsoons don’t exactly scream “holiday” especially if you live in a city that feels like it’s on the verge of a breakdown – but we beg to differ! As the rain Gods render all their focus to the subcontinent at this time of the year, several places in India take on greener hues and call for undivided attention.

So, here’s us, convincing you to take a break this monsoon with our top five reasons to gift yourself a getaway this season –

Lesser crowds and tourist activity

A major perk of travelling during the monsoons is that most destinations end up having the least tourist activity. Travel agents avoid organizing large tours to the tourist hot-spots as they would during the summer and winter months. Places that are otherwise prone to long queues, waiting lists and people photobombing your selfies empty out between June to September leaving you with ample time on your hands to explore at your own pace.

Cheaper deals on hotels and airfares

With foreign tourists giving India a miss during the monsoons, the most luxurious hotels and overbooked private resorts are completely open to you. Hotel rates and airfares drop dramatically during this period, leaving you with a strong incentive to embark on a relaxing vacation. Monsoons are undoubtedly the best time to enjoy quality hospitality on a budget.

A call to appreciate Mother Nature’s grandeur

If weekend getaways are your thing, it’s strongly recommended that you drive down to the nearest hill station to witness the region’s flora, fauna and roaring waterfalls in all its glory! Places like Coorg, Munnar, Matheran, Musoorie, Darjeeling, Panchgani and Igatpuri truly come alive with the onset of this season.

Ideal temperatures in Northern India

Rajasthan under the scorching sun and Himachal blanketed in snow are extreme weather conditions that may make traveling difficult, contrary to popular belief. The monsoons make it a good time to visit these places since the temperatures are cooler and the rains are much lighter there – thereby giving you enough opportunities for comfortable holidaying.

An opportunity to take a break

Enjoying the monsoons on a lazy weekend away from home is an ideal vacation for the mind and body. Driving away from the mad rush of the city, renting a beautiful villa and enjoying the rain with your friends are family are the simple joys of life that you shouldn’t miss out on this monsoon. Instead of playing spoilsport all the time, it actually gives you a chance to take a breather from the tiring routine of daily life.

So, if the city’s rain-induced traffic has been harassing you these past few weeks, maybe it’s time pack your umbrellas and take that relaxed vacation to enjoy the glorious Indian monsoon the way it’s meant to be!

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

Travelling is a concept that appeals to many of us, regardless of where we come from. Travelling solo, on the other hand, is widely misconstrued as the perfect recipe for loneliness, and boredom.

Despite the constant chatter about the myths and dangers of being alone and away from home, the trend of solo travel, is slowly picking up in our part of the world – especially among the millennials. Stories of solo travellers across the world who meet with exhilaration and uninhibited freedom are motivation enough to get the thrill-seekers and risk-takers of today to pack their bags and get going on a life-altering adventure.

Embarking on a solo trip will get you plenty of advice, much of it unsolicited, most likely to make you rethink your globetrotting dreams. Rather than letting misconceptions deter your plans, read up and prepare for the unexpected before setting off on your big adventure!

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

• Visit a place close to home if you haven’t travelled alone before. Gradually breaking in to the solo travel lifestyle will make it a lot less terrifying for first-timers.
• Share your flight details, hotel reservations, and local contact details with a close friend of family member to ensure that they can track you down in case something were to go wrong.
• Scan copies of all your travel documents, IDs, ticket numbers, etc., and email them to yourself or back them up on Google Drive or DropBox for easy access anywhere.
• Don’t assume that your phone will work. Sign up for a pre-paid local sim card or an international package if you plan on traveling overseas.

IN-TRANSIT

• Avoid arriving at strange airports or stations late at night. Alternatively, opt for hotel pick up services if you do arrive at your destination at odd hours.
• Track your cab via Google Maps to know if you’re going off route. Also, it’s safer to use call taxi services rather than flagging them down in the street, especially if you’re alone.
• When taking the train, avoid sleeping in empty compartments. You’re safer sharing a compartment with a family.

STAY SAFE

• Dress like a local or a long-term expat to avoid unwanted attention. Tourists are often easy targets for pickpockets and swindlers.
• Always carry a travel-sized first aid kit with Band-Aids, pain killers, anti-histamines, mosquito repellents and anti-rash ointments.
• Keep a note of any hospital or 24-hour clinic nearest to your hotel or guesthouse for serious medical emergencies.
• If you’re listening to music, avoid wearing both headphones. This way, you’ll be more alert with what’s going around you.
• Local acquaintances will help you figure out ways to get around in the area and places to avoid if you’re alone.

ALONE DOES NOT MEAN LONELY

• Discover interesting places that are hidden away from tourists by getting to know local service people such as store clerks, hotel staff, taxi drivers and servers. They usually have the inside scoop on things to do that travel blogs and brochures won’t tell you about.
• Sign up for group walking tours, safaris, special-interest trips and group expeditions, which tend to have a high percentage of solo travellers. Befriending like-minded tourists and locals is a part of the experience.
• Gastronomically adventurous but afraid of eating alone? A book is the perfect café companion.  Additionally, websites and apps such as Yelp and Zomato will help you discover restaurants and cafeterias with communal tables for single travellers like you!

The decision to take a trip alone, locally or internationally, is a choice that every person should make at least once in their lifetime. Stepping out of our sheltered lives and voluntarily signing up for a tryst with independence can be as exciting as it can be daunting.  However, whether you’re a sophomore in college or whether you’re grey and well into your 70s, very few experiences can match up to the way travelling can – it changes you for the better.

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

Travelling need not always be about cramming your life into a suitcase and attempting to survive a flight next to a complete stranger – it should be fun and easy, giving you a change to spend quality time with friends or family. As we scan our 2016 calendars for long weekends to plan the ideal getaway, consider taking a leisurely road trip to a holiday destination near you and make travel a little interesting this year!

Road trips make the journey as exciting as the destination – while giving you that episodic push outside your comfort zone. Planning a perfect road trip may appear to be an exhausting ordeal, but we’ve got you covered.

Plan your route.

Once you skim through the notes of your fellow travelers and pick a destination that speaks to your wanderlust, take into consideration several personal priorities while deciding on the preferred route – Do you want to see several attractions on the way? Would your family prefer breaks to cut the fatigue? Do you have children who get car-sick easily? Are you looking to save petrol or avoid the rush hour traffic?

Mapping out the route and exits accordingly will give you a good estimate of the travel time, helping you plan the rest of the weekend better. Source your information from the internet and travel blogs. Speak to the concierge at the resort or holiday home you plan on staying in about the quality of the roads or temporary detours – and avoid surprises en-route.  Save the coordinates of your destination on your preferred GPS system a night in advance to avoid wasting time the day you set off on your adventure.

Port-a-bed.

Travelling with young children? Here’s a tip to up the comfort levels of the weekend journey for your snoozing little ones – create a portable bedroom for them! Recline the back-rest and line the seat with thick blankets. Throw in a few pillows along with their favorite soft toys you’ve transformed an otherwise uncomfortable car seat into a cozy bed for the long haul car ride.

Don’t drive in silence.

Music is to a road trip what petrol is to a car – and good music can kick your highway journey into high gear. Pre-set your favorite radio stations to get a mix of today’s latest tunes or curate a playlist with your favorite road trip albums that you and your travel buddies can enjoy. A CD collection works best if you happen to drive through regions that have sketchy radio signals. Movie soundtracks and show tunes will get everybody to sing along – and if you’re feeling particularly musical, download a few karaoke tracks to let your inner rockstar shine. 

If you wish to bring your travels to the digital age, music apps such as 8tracks, SoundCloud, Wynk, Last.fm and Gaana are the perfect road trip companions. These apps allow you to stream songs based on genres, artists, moods, activity or decade – the options are endless.  The songs you choose need not have “travel” or “road” in their lyrics – all they have to do is make sure you sing out loud and have fun!

Keep a back-up of your papers and emergency numbers.

Regardless of where you’re going and for how long, it’s always a good idea to ensure that your dashboard has a copy of your driver’s licence and vehicle’s insurance papers – you never know when they may come in handy! Also, always keep a little notepad in your car with a list of persons who can be contacted by strangers in case of an emergency – and be sure to update this information periodically.

Scrap your trip. 

Scrapbooks are a great way to preserve the memories of a good holiday. Entrusting your children with theresponsibility of maintaining a scrapbook will keep them busy and help you avoid the dreaded “are we there yet?” Motivate them to take pictures, record videos, sketch the scenery and write about their favorite activities along the way. You could help them collect mementos such as brochures, tickets stubs, receipts, paper coasters, leaves or sea shells, from the holiday destination. Use them to compile a scrapbook at the end of your trip and reminisce about your little adventure, together!

There are sights and terrains that are waiting to be a part of your travel story. So, let’s hit the road this 2016?

Written by Lynn Verghese for JenJon Retail & Services Pvt. Ltd. Cover Photo credits: Mariam Thomas. All other images in this article have been used under the Creative Commons License.

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.