Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. The daily hustle and bustle of the city can be demanding on its inhabitants. Camping is the best way to relax with your friends and loved ones. Night camps can be the most amazing way to take a break from the city and spend some surreal time in the lap of nature.
Here is a list of some amazing weekend getaways from Mumbai that are not only perfect for a quick escapade but also it’s not very far, which means you don’t have to really compromise your leaves or your budget.
Uttan – Camp under the stars
Uttan is a laid-back fishermen village and is Mumbai’s best-kept secret, located on the Northern outskirts of the city. Uttan is perfect for weekend camping near Mumbai. Despite being a part of the city, it feels world afar from the concrete jungle. Come here and get to live under the blue sky, devour the most amazing seafood, enjoy the live performances, and indulge in some awesome adventure activities.
Distance from Mumbai: 17 km from Dahisar East
Best camping resort: Bandcamp by U-Tan Resort
Key attractions: Activities like sumo wrestling, archery, paintball, and swimming
How to reach:
- By road: Buses for Bhayandar start from different locations of Mumbai, such as Goregaon. From Bhayandar you’ll have to catch another bus for Uttan or hire local transport.
- By train: If you’re planning to reach by railway then Bhayandar Railway Station is merely 12 km away from Uttan.
Karnala – A bird-watchers fantasy
Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Karnala Fort are two of the most widely known attractions to Mumbaikars. The sanctuary, as well as the fort, makes this place an unforgettable camping trip destination near Mumbai. The hummocks here are carpeted with lush green grass and vegetation, hence making this place among the best monsoon getaways near Mumbai and Pune.
Distance from Mumbai: 50 km
Best camping resorts: Letscampout and Big Red Tent
Key attractions: Colorful birds cooing and chirping and trek to the famed Karnala Fort
How to reach:
- By road: Karnala is easily accessible via road. Once you take NH17 from Panvel, take the left after 10 km after Shirdun. There are many state-run buses that start from Mumbai Central to Karnala.
- By train: Panvel is the nearest railway head from Karnala, 12 km away. You can hire an auto or taxi, or board a bus from the station to reach Karnala.
Vasind – A picturesque town for relaxing
The serene and picturesque town of Vasind is the best night camping site near Mumbai. This place considered one of the best places to forget your daily worries and meet some like-minded campers. Vasind is a good place to go kayaking or swimming or walk the refreshing trail in the woods.
Distance from Mumbai: 63 km
Best camping resort: Big Red Tent
Key attractions: Pin-drop silent nights and the beautiful hike to Mahuli
How to reach:
- By road: Mumbai and Vasind are easily connected via road. You can reach Vasind from Andheri in about an hour. Buses from Vasind are frequent especially in the Northern parts of the city.
- By train: Take a train from Central to Kalyan Junction and board a bus or hire a taxi to reach Vasind (33 km).
Lonavala – Famed spot for camping near Mumbai
Lonavala is a breath of fresh air that refreshes the city-dwellers. This beautiful green hideout is a popular site for weekend camping near Mumbai especially due to its proximity to the city and easy access. With plenty of accommodations and food options available in Lonavala. It is one of the best options for a short and awesome road trip from Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 66.5 km
Best camping resorts: Letscampout and Rusticville Camping Ground
Key attractions: Karla Caves, Lohagad Fort, and adventure activities like waterfall rappelling and flying fox
How to reach:
- By road: There are many state-run and private buses that ply between Lonavala and Mumbai. Even if you plan to drive to Lonavala, it would be a good idea as the route is not too long and is very scenic.
- By train: Lonavala Railway Station too is easily connected to Mumbai and Pune.
Matheran – Nature’s playground
Matheran –is another perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai – known as nature’s playground thanks to the lush greenery, small hills, and waterfall, it is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai. As vehicles are prohibited from entering the area it helps in sustaining the richness of nature.
Earlier, a toy train used to run from Neral to Matheran. Of late it has been discontinued, but if the service gets resumed, there can be no other fun way to reach Matheran.
Distance from Mumbai: 80 km
Best camping resort: Letscampout
Key attractions: Charlotte Lake, One Tree Hill, and the Mini Blue Rail ride that offers the panoramic views of the Western Ghats
How to reach:
- By road: Take the Mumbai-Neral-Matheran route if you’re going via road. From Matheran Hill Ghat Road, get ready to hike up to 7 km to reach your destination.
- By train: By rail to you’ll have to reach via Neral. Board a train to C.S.T to Neral and then from Neral (8 km from Matheran), take a mini train to Matheran.
Malshej Ghat – Monsoon camping in the hills
Yet another exciting place for night camping near Mumbai, Malshej Ghat is placed in the lap of Western Ghats and is blessed with a huge variety of flora and fauna. When in Malshej Ghat, you’ll be welcomed by flamingos, cuckoos and many other colorful birds. A perfect weekend getaway for the adventure enthusiast.
Distance from Mumbai: 127 km
Best camping resort: BNHS Monsoon Camp
Key attractions: Nature trails, bird watching, rock climbing at Ajoba Hill Fort, and trek up to the popular Harishchandragad Fort
How to reach:
- By road: You can easily get buses that ply between Mumbai and Malshej Ghat from different points of the city.
- By train: Kalyan is the nearest railway station from Malshej Ghat (85 km away from Malshej Ghat). You can take a train for Kalyan from Central and then carry on with your journey to Malshej on a bus.
So are you looking at your calendar and wondering when is the long weekend due so that you can plan a camping endeavor.