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Places to Visit Near Surat

With a geographical distance of almost 650 to 700 kilometres in totality, Daman and Diu are a part of a single Union Territory in India. Located a little northward towards the state of Gujarat in western India, Daman and Diu lie along the western coast of the country. Lying amidst the many beaches of Maharashtra, Konkan Coast and Goa, this union territory of Daman and Diu is idyllic, tranquil and still quite unspoilt.

Daman and Diu is best for those who wish to have a relaxing holiday. A coastal paradise, anyone who visits this place is guaranteed to have a blissful vacation while enjoying the sea breeze, resting on the beach chair and enjoying the waves of the sea. Mostly a weekend getaway destination, Daman and Diu has a lot of Gujarati as well as Maharashtrian population due to the close proximity to these two states.

There is a huge influence of Portuguese culture in Daman and Diu. This is because it was under the Portuguese rule for over 450 years, which has obviously left its mark on the districts. This is one of the main reasons why tourists flock to the region a lot. It is also due to this influence that you can find a lot of stunning architecture, lip-smacking food as well as breath-taking art and crafts in Daman and Diu.

One of the main tourist attractions here is Devka Beach in Daman. It has an amusement park right beside it, which boasts of vibrantly coloured fountains, a corner especially for kids as well as a food court. For those who wish to take a swim in the cool seawater, you can head to Jampore Beach, located south of Daman.

Additionally, you can also find the St. Jerome Fort on the northern side of the Daman Ganga River. It dates back to the 17th century and has an exceptional structure and architecture which will take your breath away. Furthermore, you can find many notable Portuguese churches scattered throughout Daman and Diu.

Known as the” cutest little hill station of India”, the Matheran hill station is the best place to enjoy the sunset and sunrise view along with some mind blowing sceneries to keep you fresh and up front. This extraordinary hill station offers the best tourist places in Matheran which are untouched and undisturbed by the rustling city life that surrounds the town. The place is actually located on the Western Ghats that ranges in an elevation of around 800 meter above the sea level. The place always has a pleasant weather to enjoy during any time of the year, but its beauty gets added up during the season of rain and thunderstorm.

 Another thing about the beautiful hill station is that it is eco friendly and has no rush of cars and buses honking on the street. The major was taken by the government of Maharashtra in order to protect Matheran. The best thing about this place is that it is like a quiet and relaxing place with no buzzing of horns and pollution and along with that it contains some mesmerizing places and views of the extraordinary nature that will leave you bewitched of its beauty and make you feel relax and stress free.

 Just not only trekker, Matheran is a treat for the photographers also to explore and capture the best of the beauty of the beautiful hill station. The beauty of Western Ghats, Matheran is the smallest hill station of India. Travellers and tourists who visit the place love exploring the place by walking on foot. By which it becomes more exciting to get lost in the scenic beauty of the town while finding your way. Plan your trip to Matheran and indulge yourself in various activities that Matheran provides like camping, trekking, rappelling etc.

Matheran town is the best option for a person who loves getting lost in the nature and also for those who wants to take a break from their busy city life. The tourist places in Matheran are absolutely breathtaking.

Ahmedabad, also known as the 'Manchester of India' is an apt weekend destination amongst tourists who want to unwind themselves amidst nature and capture the beautiful essence of Gujarat. Ahmedabad is the western India's most vibrant city known for its cotton industries mushrooming into the cities and its cotton products burgeoning across India. The best tourist places in Ahmedabad offer an array of activities as ­ a known shopping destination for fabrics, an exciting and pleasing vista of flora and fauna, an essence of true Gujarati cuisine and an amalgamation of architecture.

The Sabarmati Ashram situated in 1917 was the abode of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi or better known as Mahatma Gandhi during the years of Independence struggle. The ashram on the banks of and named after the river 'Sabarmati' has a very subtle architecture with a soothing and tranquil atmosphere.

The ashram has served two purposes quintessentially as the epicenter of freedom struggle and as the place that united a group of people who committed to 'ahimsa' or non-violence to secure independence. Tourists get to explore nature and the place does immense justice to tourists with its varied ecosystem and an enriched heritage that provides fun, frolic, adventure and a sneak peek into India's ancient history. The city offers a number of sanctuaries, national park and lake rides with beautiful sunsets that was inhabited by Bhil king of Ashaval in 11th Century, Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411 C.E. and later by Shahjahan.

The marvelous architecture juxtaposed with breathtaking view serves the tourist places in Ahmedabad as a popular destination for tourists with a mixture of fun, food and frolic. The standalone architecture essays a great trip down the lane of history and magnificence.

Mumbai, the city of dreams. Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. Mumbai, the old world charm and fast pace of the modern life. There is so much that one can say in the praise of the one city in India that everyone wants to visit at least once in their life. That maybe because of the grandeur of this city or because of the history it has seen. Nonetheless, this city has a lot in store for everyone who visits. The USP of places to visit in Mumbai is that they are all iconic and all you need is a picture to recognize them, that is the charm of this city. Some places here are pieces of history, some are spiritual hotspots, and others are mesmerizing places to relax, chill or munch on the famous streets of Mumbai, like the ever famous Chowpatty Beach.

You can see the Gateway of India, Marine drive or the film city of Goregaon, or visit the Siddhivinayak temple and Haji Ali Mosque for your fill of the spiritual. You can even get to see the new addition to the roster of mesmerizing and intimidating places in Mumbai, the Bandra Worli Sealink. And be it a group hangout, a solo search of solace or just a couple's getaway, Chowpatty, Juhu, and Aksa Beach are names that almost everyone in the city knows and crowds on various occasions. They are equally coveted by the many who come to Mumbai from outside for the frolicking and snacking experiences that are available at these locations. One more thing that Mumbai is famous for is the shopping district at Colaba, where you can get everything from high brand store clothes to cheap knock-offs to add to your wardrobe as part of your fashion statement.

 Always bustling with energy, a trip to Mumbai should be on your travel list to understand the best way of how India portrays unity in diversity. Visit the hidden temples or pay a visit to famous monuments to explore the most cosmopolitan city in India. Enjoy the perfect blend of festivities, religions, music, food, music and theatres with a trip to Mumbai. Some of the best places to visit in Mumbai are the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Girgaum Cave, Siddhivinayak Temple, Essel world, Elephanta Island etc. 

While you are in this amazing city you can also visit the Kanheri Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mount Mary Church, Banganga Tank etc. Make a stop at the Marina Beach in the evening and have lip-smacking street food while you witness the best sunset being greeted by splashing waves of the sea. Find out all you need to know about the best places to visit in Mumbai on your vacation here.

And that is not just it. If you are looking for things to do and places outside the city, there is a lot of scope to plan weekend getaways near Mumbai. At just a small drive away from the city is the favourite picnic and night stay spots of Lonavala and Khandala. You can even visit the famous Sai Baba temple in Shirdi. With so much to offer, there is no wonder why Mumbai has been a favourite of everyone in the country for so many decades.

Lonavala city is one of the most beautiful retreats, that takes you away from the maddening rush of the metropolises. It is located in the western part of India in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This hill station lies 96 kilometres east of the metropolitan city of Mumbai and 64 kilometres west of modern-day Pune city. Therefore, a profound location on the Mumbai-Pune expressway makes Lonavala cater to both cities with the smoothest connectivity through roads.

Lonavala City is popularly called the “city of caves' and the “Jewel of Sahyadri”. That is because the hill station boasts some of the most spectacular settings, including luxuriant green valleys, remarkable caves, serene lakes and stunning waterfalls. The spectacular rock-cut Bhaja and Karla caves in Lonavala have been notable tourists with their old beams, motifs and inscriptions.

The surrounding regions of Lonavala are blessed with an unbeatable collection of waterfalls that include the Kune waterfall, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath and Jummapatti waterfalls. The refreshing ambience of the postcard-perfect landscape of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake and Lonavala Lake is bound to impress you. Lonavala is famous for its natural wonders, religious attractions, and historical sites. These include the Tikona Fort, Duke’s Nose, Lohagad and Rajmachi fort.

Lonavala hosts an array of fun activities for tourists and these include rappelling, camping at the Pawna Lake, hiking to the Tikona Fort, trekking to the Rajmachi fort and riding at Wet and joy water slides.

Lonavala has a tropical climate but the weather is an all-time maritime one. However, all the stunning places and sites of Lonavala come alive during the winter and monsoon seasons. Thus, pack your bags and come here because Lonavala has something for everyone, from quiet time to adventure.

The city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra is the sixth most populated city in the state and is an important cultural hub. The city has a hilly landscape and is the centre of art, education and commerce. Aurangabad is also famous throughout the country for its silk and cotton clothes.

Despite not being a metropolitan city, it is well-connected internally via urban transport facilities. It has a well-developed network of buses, metered taxis and chauffeur-driven cars for hire. Auto-rickshaws are also available in plenty to travel locally. Well-organized bus service is also provided if one needs to travel to and from Aurangabad and other cities.

The most famous and important place to visit in Aurangabad is Ajanta and Ellora caves. It is the most historically significant asset of the city. These caves are situated 99 km from the main city of Aurangabad and are some of the finest specimens of rich Indian heritage. The Ajanta caves were built around the 2nd to the 6th century A.D. and Ellora Caves were built sometime during the 6th and 11th century A.D. These caves were carved out from a single rock and cave paintings inside that are thousands of years old, give you a breathtaking insight into the history of art and culture in India. Other important sites to visit in and around Aurangabad are Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Jama Mosque, Grishneshwar Temple, Himayat Bagh, Salim Ali Lake and Panchakki, to name a few.

The best time to visit Aurangabad is between October and March. The weather during this time of the year remains pleasantly cool which makes it ideal for exploration and sightseeing. Winters are cold as the temperature drops down to a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius, which is relatively pleasant. There are several hotels, resorts, home-stays and inns in the area to accommodate all your needs comfortably when you visit Aurangabad.

Perched beautifully amidst the Sahyadri ranges in the state of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is a wonderful hill station for nature lovers. It is often called the Queen of Sahyadri ranges for its lush green natural landscapes. The name Bhandardara literally translates to valley of treasures and it is not a doubt to say that the natural beauty of this place certainly justifies the name. It is a picturesque retreat for the backpackers in Ahmednagar district and boasts of some scintillating natural attractions for those who are fond of raw beauty of nature.

The village has prominent places like Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls and Arthur Lake where you can plan a picnic with your loved ones. The village is also a delight for history lovers as there are places like Ratangad and Harishchandragad Fort. Another famous tourist attraction of Bhandardara is Mount Kalsubai which is also hailed as the highest peak in Maharashtra. There are also many local villages where one can visit to relax and enjoy the pleasant weather of this scenic hill station in Maharashtra.  

For the adventure lovers, there are some enthralling activities where you can explore Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks to soak in the serenity of nature with the views offered by Sahyadri ranges. 

There are numerous trekking and hiking places in the Sahyadri ranges where you can savour an adrenaline rush. Bhandardara also has various resorts where one can enjoy the panoramic views and just relax with their loved ones. The gorgeous hill station offers a soothing environment with a cool climate throughout the year where you can refresh yourself and see some of the most eye-catching vistas of the Sahyadri ranges. 

Bhandardara is a small village where the tourists are in for a treat as they are surrounded by mountains and enchanted by gurgling waterfalls away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The place is a wonderful respite when you are looking for a rejuvenating weekend getaway near the city of Mumbai.

Khandala City is a hill station that is located on the Western Ghats Mountain Range of Maharashtra. It is about 3 km from Lonavala, 12 km from Khopoli and about 33.4 km from Karjat region. Located at the top of Bhor Ghat, this place serves as the main link between the major cities of Maharashtra - Mumbai and Pune.

Khandala is a beautiful place and has got a good share of nature’s alluring beauty. As it is surrounded by lush green forest covers, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls, this place serves as a great weekend getaway as well as adventure hotspot for travellers from various parts of the country. Khandala is mainly famous for hiking tours to sight panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges in Western Ghats.

Khandala is home to some of the wonderful tourist attractions in Western India. You can visit the vantage spots like Rajmachi Point and Sunset Point, dramatic three tiered Kune waterfalls, serene Tamhini ghat mountain pass, and ancient caves of Bhaja and Karla which are adorned with the etchings of Buddhist religion. You can also visit Lohagad which is known for its serene environs, Bhushi Lake for its peaceful ambience, Duke’s Nose for its impeccable beauty and many other brilliant attractions.

Khandala is also a dream destination for adventure lovers. You can trek to the summit of the Tiger’s leap to sight pristine sunrise and sunset views, trek to the top of the Rajmachi fort to sight alluring natural beauty, relish the mesmerizing ambience at the reversing station, and trek up to the Shrivardhan Fort to glance the beautiful Sahyadri Mountain ranges.

As Khandala lies about 571 meters above sea level, the climatic condition here remains tropical. Khandala receives significant rainfall in most months with a very short dry season. The average temperature of this place is 24.3 degree celsius and the annual rainfall is recorded at 4541 mm per year.

Located just below the border of Mumbai, Alibag is a little coastal town in the state of Maharashtra. The name of the town literally means “The Gardens of Ali” and refers to the fruit orchards that were planted by Ali, an Israelite who used to live in the town during its earliest days. Owing to its convenient location by the sea, the town was regarded as an important strategic port during the British reign in India.  Being a coastal town, the beauty of Alibaug derives largely from the various beaches here. With its glittering golden black sands and clear blue waves, the clean and sparkling beaches of the town are a sight to behold. The brilliance of the beaches is often complemented by the historical fort ruins and ancient temples that can often be found scattered around the place.

Whether you’re a lover of the sea or a history buff looking for an insightful vacation, Alibaug is just the place for you. The excellent beaches here, such as the Alibaug Beach, Mandwa Beach or Nagaon Beach, among others, offer a happening day out for the entire family. Apart from the regular swimming and sunbathing, some of these beaches offer a marvelous variety of watersports as well.T hose with a penchant for the past can also spend a happening day touring all the historical attractions here, such as the Brahma Kund or the Kolaba Fort. One of the best ways to spend your time while in Alibaug is to try your hand at the watersports offered by the beach here.

Sports like parasailing, jet skiing and banana boating can be done by beginners as well as experts, and promise a fun experience for all. While in Alibaug, you can also try your hand at camping, with the several beachside campsites here offering perfect locations for the activity. Summers in Alibaug are generally hot and humid, winter months tend to be cooler and pleasant. Winter here lasts between November and February, and is generally considered to be the best time to visit. Rainfall in Alibaug generally concentrates between the months of July and September, while the winter months remain dry.

Located around 110 kilometres from Mumbai, Kolad is a small hamlet in the beautiful Raigad district of Maharashtra. Often called the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, the village boasts of numerous scenic valleys, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mist-laden hills and dense evergreen forests. The verdant greenery, clear streams and a peaceful ambience add to the beauty of this quaint hamlet.

Kolad is a treasure trove of sightseeing attractions, and caters to all kinds of tourists. Some of the best attractions in Kolad City include the Kundalika River, which is the hub of white water rafting in the region. You can also visit the serene Tamhini Ghat, and soak in picturesque views of the surrounding hills. Or you can enjoy a fun-filled and memorable picnic at the Bhira Dam, while enjoying views of the gorgeous Devkund Waterfalls. Other famous attractions of Kolad include the ancient Ghosala Fort and the Kuda Caves. You can also enjoy camping and bird watching at the tranquil Sutarwadi Lake, or enjoy the history at the Talgad Fort. For adventure sports lovers, you can go trekking at the Plus Valley, or hike to the Devkund Waterfalls.

From water sports like white water rafting and boating, to adventure activities like hiking, camping, nature walks and trekking, Kolad has a lot of thrilling activities for travellers. Due to its advantageous location, you can also enjoy paragliding in Kolad when the day is clear.

Kolad experiences a typical tropical climate, with pleasant weather throughout the year. While the summers here are a little humid as compared to the other seasons, the monsoons are the best time to enjoy a river rafting experience in Kolad. Furthermore, the rains during this time make the entire region come to life, with the waterfalls and rivers flowing at their full speed, the forests and valleys experiencing the blooming of flowers and plants and an overall soothing and calm atmosphere. The months from November to February make up the cold winter season in Kolad, when the village transforms into a winter wonderland with dipping temperatures and beautiful sceneries. This is also a great time for sightseeing, hiking and other activities.

If Mumbai is the most happening place in Maharashtra, then it’s neighbour Pune is the cultural hub and the biggest city in the state. An upcoming IT centre and a fascinating city, Pune has no shortage of things to intrigue the interest of almost anyone who has ever been here or has heard of the city. With being in the proximity of many major cities and acting as a centre seat for when getting to major attractions of the state is concerned, the places to visit in Pune and around will never cease to amaze you with their unique roster of features. 

From treks to Lohagarh and Rajmachi Forts, to the canoeing and white water rafting adventures in Kolad River, from a fascinating Scuba Diving experience to the unique experience of trekking in Andharban, the city is in a proximity of some of the most fascinating things to do in Pune and near.

Adventure never stops in Pune as you can embark on an exhilarating underwater experiences in the Sangam safari and maybe, if you are a daredevil, pay a visit to the Crocodile Island. And even if you are not well acquainted with the adventures around, don’t be disheartened as there are many places near Pune where you can take on things at a beginner level, like the Kundalika river that serves as the perfect place for beginners in rafting or the famous Rajmachi fort which is most suited for people who wish to start on an easy trek

And for places to stay in Pune and around, there are innumerable options to choose from. You can choose to stay in a luxurious resort in Pune or go for a hillside resort in the embrace of Maharashtra’s favourite hill stations like Khandala, Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar for the true weekend getaway from Pune, not so far away from the city. And for the ones who like mix adventure with their stays and take it all to a whole new level, Pune is not going to disappoint you. With options ranging from a camp stay on the banks of Pawna Lake to a village stay experience in Junnar, there is just no stopping the fun that one can have in Pune. Pune is the whole deal, everything around it is just a pleasant add-on, and who doesn’t like freebies, right?