Five quick escapes from Mumbai for the Gandhi Jayanti weekend

Friday’s Gandhi Jayanti holiday gives Mumbai travellers a three-day weekend, with five Maharashtra destinations offering markedly different ways to spend it.

Igatpuri brings the Western Ghats into view, with Tringalwadi Fort, the Bhatsa River Valley and nearby waterfalls for treks, sightseeing and picnics. For a day by the coast, Nagaon in Alibaug offers a beachside stop and the wider Alibaug area to explore at an unhurried pace.

Mahabaleshwar remains a familiar hill-station choice for Venna Lake, Arthur’s Seat and strawberries with cream. Nearby Panchgani offers Table Land, Sydney Point, Parsi Point and a stop at Mapro Garden along a road-trip route.

Matheran, the automobile-free hill station, is suited to visitors who would rather trade traffic for walking trails. Charlotte Lake and Louisa Point are among its popular stops.

Travellers planning a last-minute outing may want to settle transport and stays early, especially for overnight plans across the long weekend.