Get Away From The Shor In The City

We love the fast paced life of the metro cities. From high-end fashion stores to street shopping, from five star hotels to the pani-puri stall, from watching movies at PVR to munching popcorn at single screen theatres. We love the edgy, competitive and never-halting spirit of the metro cities. But every once in a while, we need a break from the dusty, noisy, and crowded metros and get away from the Shor in The City.

So, in a mood to trade the frenzied city for a peaceful space for a couple of days? Fret not. We’ve got you covered. Gaze at the stars shining brightly in the clear sky or lounge in the jacuzzi or plunge in the pool or challenge your friends to board games or go for a nature walk. The world is your oyster.

Here are the private villas just a few hours away from the hubbub of the city!

Getaways Near Mumbai

SaffronStays Casa Blanca, Karjat

A house adorned with beautiful murals and frescos, it boasts of 4 cosy bedrooms, a dance floor accompanied by a DJ console and speakers, a poker table, a small TT table for kids, Wi-Fi and a mini library with board games. A modern, luxurious villa with a cricket ground, a pool and organic farms, SaffronStays Casa Blanca, is the ideal place to unwind.

Total (Including GST): INR 33040 for Minimum 8 Guests!

 

SaffronStays RiverRock, Panvel

Overlooking the bubbling river, SaffronStays RiverRock is just a couple of hours away from the heart of Mumbai. Take a dip in the outdoor Jacuzzi or trail along a hike or go fishing in the river. A 2 bedroom, pet-friendly homestay with a private outdoor jacuzzi and earthy vibes, it is the perfect escape home for you and your furry little friend.


Total (Including GST): INR 7080 for Minimum 2 Guests!

Getaways Near Delhi

SaffronStays Tridiva, Gwaldham

Perched on the hilltop overlooking the Nandadevi range, SaffronStays Tridiva, with its stone fireplace, warm and colourful interiors and breathtaking views, is the perfect spot for rejuvenation. Look at the glistening peaks of the snow-clad Himalayas as you enjoy a cup of piping hot tea. Experience the impeccable Garhwal hospitality as you are busy gorging on Pahadi delicacies.

Total (Including GST): INR 8260 for Minimum 2 Guests!

 

SaffronStays Jaipura Garh, Jaipur

A 6-bedroom haveli, who’s every wall, every corner, and every artefact, has a tale to tell, SaffronStays Jaipura Garh offers a quaint and rich home stay. This heritage haveli brings the authentic rich and diverse Rajasthani culture under one roof. Experience the royal treatment as you treat yourselves to fascinating anecdotes of history and gob-smackingly delicious food.

Total (Including GST): INR 5310 for Minimum 2 Guests!

Getaways Near Bangalore

SaffronStays Kurinji Estate, Kodaikanal

SaffronStays Kurinji Estate, a picturesque stone cottage built in traditional Thanjavur style, surrounded by lush greenery, landscaped gardens and a pond, exudes a charming aura reminiscent of a simpler era. Unwind and enjoy your stay with scrumptious meals and finest Tamil hospitality at this idyllic retreat.

Total (Including GST): INR 5310 for Minimum 2 Guests!

 

SaffronStays Milton Abbott, Ooty

Built in 1865, SaffronStays Milton Abbott emanates the old world charm where you can experience a true heritage stay. Surrounded by charming ambience it is perfect for estate walks or morning treks to the Ooty Golf Course or cozying up in front of the fireplace. Savour the regal charm of this heritage stay as you dine on authentic Sri Lankan/Tamil cuisine.

Total (Including GST): INR 6490 for Minimum 2 Guests

Does your Pooch love to be outside? Pet friendly stays- Part 2

Bunty or Sonu can, but Cookie or Pooch can’t! Why? The sky is showering love for nature and so must you for your beloved. While you spend plenty time away from your home and plausibly day dreaming about your ideal weekend trip, make sure you mention your pets in the plan too. Oh, wait what? Pets? You always thought weekend activities aren’t pet friendly. We brought you pet-friendly places around Mumbai last time (read Pet-friendly-stays-near-mumbai-pune), which was received with a resounding bark. We bring you new places in continuation of the theme:

#1. Crawl back to the nature at Kolad

A stay in the lap of nature, Kolad
A stay in the lap of nature, Kolad

This place will put the jumping jack in your pet at ease. Be it a dog, a cat or any other pet, taking them to the green lush is like taking them to where they actually belong. The serene beauty located next to river in forest area provides a beautiful sit out next to river where you along with your pet can relax and gaze at the river and fish in the river in your leisure time.

Homestay at Kolad
Sit and gaze at the river endlessly

# 2. Feel home away from home at Karjat

Karjat farm house

Set amid the lush green valleys of Karjat, this farmhouse is situated on 120 acres of thick wooded mango orchards land in Karjat near Mumbai. A natural man made lake, bicycle tracks and the near by mountain ranges offer a view and activity that nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers will remember. The poolside, with place for an outdoor lunch and barbecue, is completely geared to having fun.

farmhouse in karjat
Catch-up on your book while your pet runs freely around the trees

#3. Spend an active weekend at Kelwa Beach

beach stay at Kelwa beach

Barely 2.5 hours away from Mumbai, is located this beautiful Villa by the sea that makes sure you don’t spend your weekend like a lazy bum! With three forts on this beach, one at the southern tip of the beach, submerged in seawater during high tides; the smaller one located within the coniferous trees near the northern tip on the beach, Kelwa beach provides a fair share of activities. They have paragliding and ATV bikes. There is also a famous shitala devi temple at Kelwa.

beachstay Kelwa beach
Stay amidst lovely coconut plantation, right next to the sea

# 4. Witness the sunset at Kamshet

kamshet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your pet loves water as much as you do and all you want to do is sit back and watch the sunset with your friends or family, we suggest you to spend your weekend at Villa by the lake, at Kamshet. This serene lakeside heaven will rejuvenates and repair your weekday stresses and sorrows.

Kamshet 02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

# 5. Spend quality time away from city

homestay in dapoli

If you are looking at spending your weekend with no TVs, and a very rustic, natural yet modern settings, this place provides the perfect getaway to spend quality time. Nestled in interior Dapoli in Coastal Maharashtra (about 220 kms from Mumbai), you can go bird watching trails, mountain treks, bonfires (rains permitting!). Or visit nearby plantations of mango, cashew, coconut, areca nut, jackfruit, chikoo, water apple and spices.

# 6 Embrace the fresh air at Alibaug

Pool villa in Alibaug

If you are wanting to go out for a weekend trip with your family or a large group of friends, this place is ideal for private seekers and will help you to rejuvenate yourself over a weekend. While you enjoy your leisure time with your friends and family, throw the ball at your dog and let him get nasty in the mud! The Villa has a Sky deck for sun worshipers and stargazers with amazing 360 degree views.

# 7 Stay in harmony with Nature

Bungalow in Mahabaleshwar

Experience a magnificent aura as you enter the spacious, big Villa at Mahabaleshwar. The place makes sure you return home with peaceful mind. With a splendid view of the clouds descending over lush green fields, not just you but your pet can lay their silent and easy, admiring the beauty of nature.

# 8 Go sand digging at Diveagar

With incredibly soothing surroundings of beautiful and pleasant garden, and a seashore at just 5 minutes walk away, is this homestay that offers all the leisurely tranquility of a true beach getaway and the comfort here will make you feel at home. Let your kids and pets play in the beach sand while you go walking the seashore with your beloved.

To ensure that you travel safely with your pets, follow the below points to make your journey as comfortable as possible:

  1. Stop playing heads or tails! While you travel with your pets in a car, make sure to keep those heads inside, for the debris in air might affect their eyes or the cold breeze may cause the illness. Also, never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck.
  2. Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.
  3. Take frequent breaks so that your pet can stretch and exercise a little.
  4. Never leave your pet unattended in car, hotel or anywhere, they might freak out and panic in your absence.
  5. Leave the front sit for humans and bring along a human buddy to share driving and pet caretaking.
  6. Do not leave your pet alone in the car, ever, especially a heated car. Extreme temperature can lead to organ failure for pets and your 5 minute break might just turn into a heartbreaking disaster!
  7. To keep your pet calm carry their favorite toy, blanket, or anything familiar.
  8. Before your dog enters the hotel room make sure you or either of your family member check in into the room, so that the dog can catch your scent and feel comfortable.

 

About the Author:

Keenjal Patel

A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!

Pet friendly stays near Mumbai and Pune. Now, no one gets left behind.

pet friendly holidays

By Aatreya Bhat

“A house is not a home without a pet”.

Ever feel sad looking at the forlorn eyes of your pet when you go out on a holiday without them? Do you feel your holiday pictures are incomplete because your pet had to be left back in a pen or with a friend? You don’t have to leave them behind anymore as we bring to you a host of homestays around Mumbai where your pets are welcome and can be part of the merriment.

If you are looking for Part 2 of this blogpost, click here Pet-friendly-stays-near-mumbai: Part 2

#1. Farmhouse in Karjat.

Ideal for a luxury vacation, this farmhouse boasts a basketball court, indoor and outdoor games, ATVs and a swimming pool. It can accomodate upto 15 people and is perfect for get-togethers. Food is looked after by a cook, but orders can also alternatively be placed with a local caterer. 10 acres of land that this property is set on, will make your four-legged friend happy, very happy.

Luxury villa in Karjat

Click here to know more and book.

 

#2Bungalow near Awas beach.

If you fancy early morning walks on the beach, yoga and a lip-smacking Konkani breakfast after, then this is just the place for you. Artistically constructed, this stone structure with antique furniture will surely put a smile across your face as you fondly reminisce about your experience. Awas beach is in Alibaug, easily accessible by road and ferry.

Bungalow near Awas beach

Click here to know more and book.

 

 #3Bungalow in Karjat

Kaleidoscopic rooms and a scenic view make for a perfect weekend getaway. The lawns are well tended to and your kids and pets can run and play around. Forge unforgettable happy memories here.

Bungalow in Karjat

Click here to book and know more.

 

#4. Dapoli Beachside villas.

Provisioned with all the requisites, this 2-BHK villa is the perfect getaway from your busy life. The host provides recreational facilities like bicycles on rent, horse riding, badminton, night safari and boat rides into the open sea. The Dapoli beach is very close and you can have a fun-filled vacation along with your pet. Dapoli is about 225 kms from Mumbai and is easily accessible by road.

Dapoli beach side villa

Click here to know more and book.

 

#5. Konkani styled Bamboo cottages in Bhogwe.

Traditionally constructed bamboo cottages offer an awesome view of the ‘sangam’, or the meeting place of the Karli river and the Arabian Sea. A short walk from the beach, these cottages offer a perfect break from the hectic city life and allow you some memorable times with your pet. Bhogwe, which is in Malvan region, is a beautiful 545 km drive from Mumbai.

Bamboo cottages at Bhogwe

Click here to know more and book.

 

#6.  Bungalow in Mahabaleshwar

A simple, yet comfortable 4-BHK villa in Mahabaleshwar, you can enjoy serene evenings in the lawn with your children and pets. Nestled between rows of trees, you can enjoy nature at its finest, and yet be close to the busy Mahabaleshwar market.

Villa in Mahabaleshwar

Click here to know more and book.

 

#7Villa in Alibaug for large groups.

Located in Nagaon, about 10 kms from Alibaug, the peaceful beach and the quiet surroundings make for an ideal retreat. The villa is perfect for hosting parties for large groups. In the forecourt, there is a beautifully tended lawn and hammocks to laze around in the afternoons.

Villa in Alibaug

Click here to know more and book.

 

#8.  Beachside Luxury huts on Vengurla Beach

Go back to your roots in a modern way by living in these luxurious huts just 50 metres away from the Vengurla-Sarageshwar beach. A perfect spot to witness the stunning sunset at the beach, a relaxing and serene holiday awaits you. Vengurla , is one of the south-most beaches along the Maharashtra side of Konkan coast. It boasts white, sandy beaches, azure sea and tasty seafood.

Vengurla beach huts

Click here to know more and book.

 

#9. Beachside Homestay in Chivle, Malvan

Located by the Chivle beach, this homestay provides a beautiful view of the sea. There is a lot of open space right outside the room for outdoor activities, especially to play catch with your dog! The beach is as close as it gets, and you can go on early morning runs with your pet.

Chivle, is one of the lesser crowded beaches on Malvan, Sindhudurg , about 540 kms from Mumbai.

Click here to know more and book.

 

Beachside villas next to Chivle beach, Malvan
Right next to an empty beach, perfect to play catch with your pet

 

NOTE: Some of the hosts charge a convenience fee for pets, a per night pet charge. They may also request for a deposit to cover for damages, if any, by the pet. The hosts are happy to let your pets around in the property, but the guests have to take care their pets do not disturb other guests. Further, hosts do not stock pet food, so you are requested to carry your own stock.

 

About the author: Aatreya Bhat spends a major part of the day reading, writing and jamming. The rest of the day, he spends explaining his name to others. He loves reading political books and is a big fan of the caped crusader. Skydiving and experiencing a Manchester derby at the Trafford will always top his bucket list