Quick getaways from Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore

FROM MUMBAI: PANCHGANI, 240 KMS, 4 HRS APPROX

Panchgani, literally means the place of five hills. It is a scenic destination in Maharashtra and its beauty multiplies with the backdrop of hilly terrains on one side and coastal plains on the other. This place had been used by the British officials as their summer resort during their rule.

The Panchgani hill station is known for its unpolluted air and it is believed that the oxygen content in the atmosphere is higher here compared to other regions.

Panchgani is dotted with many attractive colonial period cottages that have been converted into resorts and guest houses for tourists to spend their vacation in perfect seclusion and enjoyment. British architecture, Parsi houses and boarding schools are plenty over here.

Fresh air, unspoiled natural beauty, breathtaking panoramic views and lush greenery make Panchgani one of the most sought after hill stations in Maharashtra and the perfect escape from the heat of the plains. While here, make sure to visit Tableland, a flat mountain top where a number of Bollywood films were shot. Binoculars and telescopes are available for hire here.

The hill station also has two amusement parks, which host gokarting and a variety of rides. Visit soon and try out the strawberries freshly picked from the fields.

By Road: Drive down from Mumbai-Pune Expressway/ NH4 or opt for the older route, NH17.

By Rail: Pune is the closest railway station.

FROM DELHI: BAROG, HIMACHAL PRADESH, 297 KMS, 3.30 HRS APPROX

Barog is a very small town located on the Shimla-Kalka highway in Himachal Pradesh. Earlier a sleepy township, today tourism in Barog has grown to a large extent, making it an important holiday destination. The town is the perfect spot for enjoying a great picnic surrounded by nature as the place is nestled in a region of lush green beauty.

The town is named after the engineer who was designing a tunnel near the railway station. After the work was started, due to Barog’s miscalculation the ends of the tunnel did not meet and he was fined Re1 from the British government. He could not bear this humiliation and committed suicide. His grave is located near the tunnel, and hence the place got its name.

The Renuka Lake located close to Barog is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh and it is named after Goddess Renuka, who is also popularly known as the mother of Parashurama in Indian mythology.

You can visit the Rajgarh area during your trip. This region is known for its natural splendour. There are many picnic spots in and around the town of Barog, including Nacchna and Habban. Shalooni Devi Temple, located close to Barog is also a popular tourist attraction.

By Road: From Mahatma Gandhi Marg head to NH 22 and ahead to Barog.

By Rail: Amritsar is the closest railhead.

FROM BANGALORE: GOPALASWAMY BETTA, 376 KMS, 7 HRS APPROX

Himavad Gopalswamy Betta, popularly known as just ‘Gopalaswamy Betta’ is a hill located at the heart of Bandipur National Park and is frequented by elephants.

On Gopalaswamy Betta you will be stunned by the sudden climate change — misty winds blowing at a very high speed make it tough to even stand. Mist and fog blanket the higher points of the area.

Visit Gopalaswamy Temple, devoted to Venugopalaswamy (Lord Krishna) and explore the area around, which is rich in greenery. A wide ditch has been dug up around the premises to keep away the wild elephants.

When you stand atop Gopalaswamy Betta, you are close to a point where the borders of the three states (Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) meet. Towards south is Tamil Nadu and to the west is Kerala.

If you plan to visit Gopalaswamy Betta, sign up for a stay at the Bandipur National Park and go on a safari through the reserve to spot leopards, wild elephants, tigers, Indian Gaur, Chittal and Sambar.

By Road: Drive onto Bangalore Nilgiri Rd, NH 212, and forward to Gopalaswamy Betta.

By Rail: Bangalore is the nearest railhead.