Lonavla and Khandala are two hill resorts near Mumbai. These twin places are just 106 kms from the rat race of Mumbai. In recent years the heavy flow of weekenders and conference groups from Mumbai has changed the demography of the area dramatically. Khandala gives a good view of the rain-water-fed waterfalls while Lonavla acts as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B.C and are one of the finest examples of rock temples by the Hinayana sect in India. The Karla caves were carved by the monks and the artisans who tried to imitate the carvings on wood. The light filters inwards through the Sun window. The Dagoba or representation of Buddha is protected by a wooden umbrella. The pillars are topped by kneeling elephants who have seated figures. These 37 pillars are the circumambulatory aisles. The ceiling is ribbed by teak beams. Out side the cave a stambha with four back to back lions stands. This pillar is associated with Ashoka and is believed to have been kept there later. The Bhaja caves are older and peaceful than the Karla caves. Bhaja has out of 18 cave ten are vihars and one is an open chaitya. There are 14 stupas just outside these caves. Lohagad fort and Visapur fort are also nearby.

Matheran is the nearest Hill station to Mumbai. The name means "Jungle Topped" or "Wooded Head" which is just what it is- an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees. It became popular during the days of the Raj as the abundant shade and altitude (800metres) made it slightly cooler than Mumbai.

This place was discovered in 1850 and due to its greenery & shade it was immediately taken as the nearest hill station from Mumbai. Matheran is sightly above the plains so it is cool and provides escape from the heat of Mumbai. Matheran has maintained the tranquility and peace by banning any kind of motor vehicle within the town limits. The best season to visit this place is between November to June but the place is worth visiting any time of the year. During the monsoon the trails become very dirty and the place virtually shuts down.

Best Season: In April and May and around the Diwali Festival in October/November. During the tourist season, you won't find accommodation unless you've made a reservation well in advance. During the monsoon season Matheran virtually closes up. Very few hotels and restaurants remain open, and the dirt walking trails and roads become very muddy. On the plus side, there are very few people around, and the hotels that remain open reduce their rates significantly.

How to Get there: Getting to Matheran is great fun; from Neral Junction you take a tiny narrow-gauge toy train up the 21-km route to the hill station. It's two-hour journey through the steep slopes and lovely trees is worth feeling. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or minibus from Neral. However, as cars are prohibited in Matheran, you will then face a 40-minute walk into Matheran or you'll have to hire a horse or cycle-rickshaw. Only the toy train goes right into the centre of the town.

From Mumbai, only a few of the Pune expresses stop at Neral Junction, so make sure you take one which does. The shortest route to Bombay (100 km) is via Panvel by road & Pune is 140 km away. Share taxis from Neral to Matheran also operate.

Worth Seeing Places: Porcupine Point is a good place for catching the sunset, but Panorama Point, at the extreme north, is said to have the finest views. The western side, from Porcupine to Louisa Point, is known as Cathedral Rocks, and Neral can be seen far below. At the south, near One Tree Hill, is a trail down to the valley below known as Shivaji's Ladder, so called because the Maratha leader is said to have used it. It is very good walking trails through trees and one will enjoy it.

Places to Stay: Lots of options including MTDC Tourist Camp, Royal Hotel Matheran, Gujarat Bhavan Hotel, Rugby Hotel, Regal Hotel, Brightlands Resort, Lord's Central Hotel.

This popular hill station was the summer capital of the Bombay presidency during the days of the Raj. It has pleasant walks and good lookouts, and the area has interesting historical connections with Shivaji. The station was founded in 1828 by Sir John Malcom.

As with most hill stations, Mahabaleshwar closes up tight for the monsoon season (mid-June to mid-September). Local buildings are clad with kulum grass to stop them being damaged by the torrential rain -an unbelievable six meters (around 235 inches) of rain falls during this time.

The small Venna Lake, about four km from Mahabaleshwar, has boating and fishing facilities. The Krishnabai, or Panchganga (five streams), Temple is said to contain the springs of the Krishna, Veena and Koyana rivers.

The local specialities - strawberry and raspberry jam - are good. Elphistone, Babington, Bombay and Kate's Point all offer fine views from this wooded plateau to the plains below. Arthur's Seat, 12 km from Mahabaleshwar, looks out over a sheer drop of 600 meters to the Konkan coastal strip. There are pleasant waterfalls such as Chinaman's Falls (2.5 km), Dhobi (three km) and Lingmala (six km). Most of the walking trails are well signposted.

Places to Stay : Many choices including Poonam Hotel, Ripon Hotel, Dreamland Hotel, Regal Hotel and Fredrick Hotel.

Getting There: Mahabaleshwar is 117 km south-west of Pune via Panchgani. The closest railway station is Satara Road, about 15 km north-east of the town of Satara. There are daily buses to Kolhapur, Satara, Pune and Panchgani. There's an MTDC luxury bus daily to/from Bombay. Arriving by car or bus, you must pay a 'municipal tax' to the official on the roadside as you enter town. Private vehicles must also pay a per day parking fee.

Panchgani (Five Hills) is 19 kms. east of Mahabaleshwar and, at 1334 meters, is just 38 meters lower.It's also a popular hill station, splendidly located. It has the 'Raj' stamp all over it, which is evident in the architecture of the old British buildings, the Parsi bungalow and the boarding schools that have been around for over a century.

It is a delight to canter through thickly wooded walkways to explore the area, catching glimpse of the River Krishna winding its way through the ravines, hundreds of meters below. Kamalgad Fort is easily reached by foot or on horseback.

Places to Stay: Aman Hotel, Hotel Five Hills, Malas Guest House.

Situated outside the city of Aurangabad (whose airport offers flights to and from Mumbai), 400km northeast of Bombay, are the caves of Ellora. They constitute one of the most beautiful expressions of the art of the Indian Middle Ages, and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are noteworthy as three major Indian religions have laid joint claim to the caves peacefully since they were created. These breathtaking caves are definitely worth visiting for their remarkable reliefs, sculptures and architecture.

The buddhist caves of Ajanta are situated 100km northeast of Ellora. These magnificent caves containing carvings that depict the life of Buddha have also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They date from around 200 B.C. and their carvings and sculptures are considered to be the beginning of classical Indian art.

Goa is located 400km south of Bombay, on the coast of the Sea of Oman. It is a paradise of beaches and coconut palms, and a popular destination with tourists. It is interesting to note that Goa is a former Portuguese colony. As of such, it is a sort of crossroads where East meets West. Here, choricos (Portuguese sausages) are as common as the more traditional Indian curries and rice. Chrisitianity is practiced by many Goans; in fact, St. Francis Xavier is buried in Goa's Bom Jesus Basilica.

Goa is a choice destination if one is looking for a relaxing beach holiday. Its many excellent beaches rival those of Hawaii. There are also some interesting churches and monuments to visit in the capital city, Panji.