It doesn’t take an expert to know, Mumbai is synonymous with congestion, noise and traffic. And once in a while, everyone feels the need to be away from all the rush. To relax, replenish, get some time to think, and to explore.
Mumbai, again, is a diverse city and so are its citizens. Some people want to visit monuments, while others want to search for joy among nature. Some look to go to theme parks while others prefer an adventure over everything else.

But none of us have the time to just leave for a long vacation, do we? Hence leaving one with only the weekend to go around.

We understand this perfectly and so we present to you a diverse list offbeat destinations and lesser known places in/near Mumbai catering to every choice.

1. Looking for a small trip close by? Try one of these-

Heritage Section of CST

What: Believe it or not, there’s an entire museum right inside the CST building! Hidden silently in the administrative building of the ever-lively Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the in-house Railway Museum pays homage to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway. On display are the cutlery, miniature models, photos, bells, ticket windows, advertising hoardings, dining areas, architectural hacks and stained-glass paintings and much more. Located at the busiest places of all, yet the Heritage Section of CST is very much lesser known places in Mumbai!

The Heritage Section of CST also provides a great view of DN Road from the balcony of CST from where you would see the high-rising BMC building and the entire carnival of life that passes by. This is the one spot inside Mumbai city which manages to capture the true essence of the fast-paced Mumbai life.

Getting there: Located right inside the CST building, the Heritage Section is probably the most easily accessible location by any means

Where to stay: Visitors can relax for a few hours at Hotel Bawa International, which is amongst the premier hotels in Mumbai.

Sahara cricket Gaurav Point

What: BMC along with Sahara give cricket enthusiasts a reason to smile at this gallery dedicated to the sport of Cricket. The Sahara Cricket Gaurav Point houses souvenirs of prominent cricketers and noteworthy cricketing events including the historic Indian World cup wins in 1983, 2007 (T20) and 2011. Everything a cricket-crazy Indian looks for can be found on display- from autographed bats, balls, gloves, stumps, cricketing kits, caps to exclusive photographs.

Sahara Cricket Gaurav Point; with its chilled out interior ambience and its numbing grandeur as a whole, has been designed to impress and express. The entrance grabs attention with a massive frame on its wall displaying the 2011 Indian cricket team and their world cup winning moment. The museum also houses life size wax statue of Sachin Tendulkar (which many say is a better representation than the one at Madame Tussauds) that without a doubt is the prime attraction of Sahara Cricket Gaurav Point.

Getting there: Located in Andheri Sports Complex, Sahara Cricket Gaurav Point is well connected with all sorts of transportation facilities available.

Where to stay: An equally well designed and grand place where you can freshen-up for a few hours can be found at Hotel Bawa International

Hasnabad Dargah

What: Often overlooked due to its more famous cousin Haji-Ali Dargah is the Hasnabad Dargah, Hasnabad Dargah is one of Mumbai’s most beautiful mausoleums, the city’s very own Taj Mahal. This architectural marvel has four corner minarets and a beautiful blue dome – a welcome sight for sore eyes. Located in Mazgaon, amongst the seven islands that made up the Mumbai Heptanesia, Hasnabad Dargah was built in honour of 1st Aga Khan.

Hasnabad Dargah apart, Mazgaon is rich in cultural eclecticism, echoing the ethos of Mumbai. Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism and Zoroastrianism, all exist harmoniously within its bosom, leaving deep cultural imprints on this forgotten island. There are many other monuments that speak volumes about its rich past. The presence of Rosary Church, St Peter’s Church, Chinese temple (the only one in the city), Gaon Devi temple, Framji Patel Parsi Agiary, exemplify the rich religious and cultural diversity of Mazgaon.

Getting there: Located right at the heart of Mumbai, Hasnabad Dargah is located in close proximity from Byculla Local station.

Where to stay: Hotel National is a good hotel close-by providing affordable stay.

Global Vipassana Pagoda

What: The Global Vipassana Pagoda is an angelic structure built in honour of Buddha, his teachings and the monks who practice the Vipassana (meditation). It is a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar which is claimed to be the oldest pagoda in the world.

The traditional Burmese design and grandeur are a sure delight to visiting eyes. Located close to Essel world, Global Vipassana Pagoda features an in-house meditation hall, a library, book shop and a small video room playing clips on the course of making the Pagoda. It also has a painting gallery dedicated to Gautam Buddha. The entry is absolutely free.

Getting there: Take the Virar local to Bhayandar and from where buses are available directly to Global Vipassana Pagoda.

Where to stay: Located close to this monument is at Hotel Swamini Nivas where guests can take up a room.

2. Want to go away from the hustle and bustle, but not too far? We got you there too!

Vardhman Fantasy

What: Located in Mira Road (East) – Mumbai, Vardhman Fantasy is a lesser known theme park in Mumbai. It features a boating lake called “Lake Venetia”, a Spanish food court, Vie club, an Amphitheatre and a games section called Viva Las Vegas.

The most unique attraction of Vardhman Fantasy though are the replicas a few iconic structures from around the world brought together in one space. You will see replicas of Leaning Tower of Pisa, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Christ the Redeemer, Great Wall of China, Colosseum and Chichen Itza.

Getting there: One can directly catch a local to Virar and get off at Mira Road local station, which is just 1.5 km from Vardhman Fantasy.

Where to stay: After a day full of fun, the best places to rejuvenate near Vardhman Fantasy would be the GCC Hotel and Club

Arnala Fort

What: Arnala fort is one of those rare forts in Maharashtra that still stand tall to tell its story, unlike most other ruined forts where only the name remains. Arnala Fort is built on a small island just outside Mumbai. Built and owned by the Portuguese, this fortress island’s attractions include an octagonal water reservoir and various temples and tombs of rulers. The external ramparts are in a fairly good condition, and a roughly wide path exists along the outer walls. There exists a lone watch tower about 550 meters away from main fort, on the island’s Southern end.

Other than Arnala Fort itself, the boat ride there is just as exciting. Also located close-by is the Arnala beach.

Getting there: One can reach directly to Virar using the Mumbai local from where Arnala Fort is at a small distance

Where to stay: Arnala beach has on offer many resorts alongside offering comfortable accommodation.

3. Willing to go the distance? Well then buckle up!

Bhandardara

What: Unlike other places in this list, Bhandardara is quite a popular spot among nature lovers. With plethora of sight-seeing options, from waterfalls, through dams to mountain peaks, Bhandardara assures to be the best getaway from the rush of Mumbai.

Making their way through the resilient cliffs of Sahyadri, the most notable falls at Bhandardara are the snow-white and calming Umbrella falls, formed due to the backwaters of Wilson Dam. Wilson Dam itself is among the oldest and yet surviving dams of ASIA! Charming as it is Bhandardara is amongst the best kept secrets of Maharashtra.
While you are there, you might also want to check-out the surrealistic firefly dance in a village called Purushwadi close-by.

Getting there: The best way to arrive at Bhandardara would be to travel by road, by your own car/ bike, whilst enjoying the unbeatable off-beat locations on the way.

Where to stay: You can find some good hotels close by once there. There are also options for lake-side camping beside Bhandardara lake.

Kolad

What: Kolad is an unspoilt offbeat destination near Mumbai for the adventurous sorts. Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is also the premier spot to try out white water rafting in Maharashtra. The tadventur

Apart from rafting, a visit to Tamhini waterfalls amidst cool green hills is highly recommended. Kolad also offers a plethora of treks - from simple to extremely difficult that you can choose from.

Getting there: By rail, Kolad has its own railway station or one can drive down or take a State Transport or Private Bus

Where to stay: There are only a few good options for stay in Kolad. You also get the option of staying at the campsite or the farmhouse nearby.

And while these are our favorite, we are well aware that this post only scratches the surface of the phenomenon that is Mumbai. There are tons of more secrets in Mumbai that are yet unexplored.
Know some more getaways other than these? Share the knowledge in the comments!