TRAVEL SPECIAL... QUICK GETAWAY

QUICK GETAWAY FROM MUMBAI: SHEDUNG VILLAGE, 45 KMS, 1 HRS AND 10 MINS     December to February is the best time to explore Shedung village. Once here, you can explore the Kalawantin Fort. This fort was built by the Marathas but now lies deserted. Trekking enthusiasts can amble their way up to the fort. The trek takes about three hours and requires people to be a little agile as one will have to climb rock-cut stairs through a steep slope along the journey. Though the trek is not too tough, it is meant for those who seek challenges and have previous experience in trekking. Monsoon season makes the trek even more difficult, which is why winter is the best season to embark on the journey to the fort. Among the other attractions that are located in the nearby region is the fort of Prabhal, which is located atop Prabhal Hills. This fort was once reigned over by Mughal Emperors. Pisarnath Temple, located at a height of 800 ft on a hill top, is a religious spot in nearby Matheran. Also visit the artificial Charlotte Lake, situated nearby. By Road: Get on to Sion panvel highway and then onwards onto Mumbai Pune expressway and get off at Shedung exit. By Rail: Panvel railway station is convenient to get to Shedung. FROM DELHI: CHAIL, HIMACHAL PRADESH, 375 KMS, 6 HRS AND 30 MINS The town of Chail is elevated 2,250 meters above sea level. Tourists often refer to it as a paradise getaway during the peak summer months. The many historical backgrounds also adds to the quaint charm of the town. You can visit the Chail Sanctuary, which boasts of lush deodar and oak trees. Take a tour and you will spot animals like sambar, goral, Himalayan black bear, red deer and the common langur in the sanctuary. Keep your cameras ready so you can take their pictures as soon as you spot them, though refrain from using a flash. The Chail Palace, on the Rajgarh Hill is another common attraction here. You can also visit Sidh Baba ka Mandir and the popular cricket ground, which is supposed to be one of the highest in the world. The ground is also used to play polo and is surrounded by deodar trees. By Road: Get onto 2 Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg and then NH 2. By Rail: The nearest railway station from Chail is at Kalka. FROM BANGALORE: PEARL VALLEY, 40 KMS, 90 MINS     Pearl Valley Drop is a hilly region and resembles a mini-forest. One of the main attractions here is the Muthyala Maduvu waterfall, which resembles pearl drops splashing out of the rocks, during monsoon time. The area is a popular tourist spot during the other seasons as well as it is known for its peaceful and relaxing ambience. There are ample resorts and restaurants in the vicinity since it is close to Bangalore and the proximity encourages tourists to visit the area throughout the year. In fact, the location is often seen as an extension of the Bannerghata National Park in Bangalore. Pearl Valley is also a great place to go trekking with friends and family. By Road: Take the road further down Bannerghatta National Park. By Rail: The Bangalore-Hosur railway line connects Bangalore to Ankel Road Railway Station. ETTR1301010