"You need a village, if only for the pleasure of leaving it. A village means that you are not alone, knowing that in the people, the trees, the earth, there is something that belongs to you, waiting for you when you are not there."

- Cesare Pavese

The soul of India lives in its villages. Gandhiji was so right about it! You feel all rejuvenated as soon as you see a village. Quintessentially, some of the best road trips happen on the way to villages. After all, they are still so pristine and pollution-free!

Because travel has changed because of COVID-19 lockdown. Although you might have had to cancel those international trips, slow travel in India now would give that much-needed freedom after lockdown. So, once the final unlock is announced, do plan of the best road trips of your life to these safe, deeply sanitized, hygienic rural stays near Mumbai:

Photo by Pinakeen Bhatt on Unsplash

Best Road Trips Destinations Near Mumbai

Mumbai and Pune, thankfully are surrounded by some of the most stunning towns and villages. Trust us, you do not need any excuses to go there. Especially when you are dying to experience one of the best road trips of your life, right? So, just in time with a potential unlock, here's us presenting you some of the safest rural stays near Mumbai that you might consider to take a road trip to:

Secluded Stay at Ratnagiri

Love road trips? Love rural stays? This Ratnagiri stay is ideal for you then! Quintessentially cocooned as a rural homestay, it makes your time there absolutely memorable. Additionally, architecture wise, the essence of this homestay is pristinely local and homegrown. Medha, an architect, owner of this rural stay has respected that tradition. You would find the cottages of this homestay made up of the same stones. The walls of the cottages subtly show the shine of red laterite stones. Not to mention, it is cleaned around the clock with deep sanitizers. Therefore, you stay there would be safe and social distancing proof as this rural stay is spacious and spread out.

Does it all seem very Spartan? Fret not! You are served simple yet decadent, piping hot Konkanstha Brahmin food. Red rice, dal, modak — all of that is cooked in a homely way from fresh organic produce just for you at this homestay in Ratnagiri, 250 kilometers from Pune! Ain’t that a reason to keep going back to that place?

What is great about this stay? It is not just a resort. Or a hotel. It is managed by an architect, Medha and her mother. That's why this stay would be your home away from home. Their hospitality is very homely. Also, with comforting tents, till the hospitality of the local staff, this secluded stay rejuvenates you! But, most importantly, for us, the delish spread of authentic Maharashtrian food was the show-stealer. Homely hospitality, cleanliness, and safety at a stay away from the hustle of Mumbai make you yearn to go there again and again.

Why should you visit it? Do you want to disconnect from the city? Please visit this stay then! Also, the architecture there is very indie, uplifting and so are the interiors. Moreover, your kids, better half and even friends will have a great time there in the lap of nature and homely warmth! Furthermore, there are 5 beaches around Ratnagiri. Aare Ware, the beach near this stay is truly virgin. Most importantly, the coastal road winding through the mountains to reach there is stunning. So, post the COVID19 lockdown, make plans to visit it soon.

Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 5/5

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this safe, deeply sanitized, social distancing proof stay: Know More!

The Eco Farm Stay in Wai

This stay in the dreamy town of Wai. It reminds you that the simple joys of life cost you nothing! It will make you cherish going there as one of the best road trips of your life. That's why go on a family weekend getaway there to enjoy a delish farm to table Maharashtrian meal and connect with Mother Nature. The golden wheat farms, gooseberry, and strawberry field there will grow on your heart and you would live a piece of your soul at this place — it is that rejuvenating, we say! Also, the staff and the owners there take the utmost care to make your stay safe, hygienic, and social distancing proof.

What is great about this stay? The dreamy tents there are outsourced from Rajasthan. They are luxurious. Also very comfortable. And only a few of them are available in Maharashtra. You get to stay in lush green surroundings in the sleepy village of Wai and indulge in your peace. The tents and also the rooms there are spaced out. Also, as they are surrounded by greenery, staying there would be a great detox for you after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Why should you visit it? To enjoy farm-fresh food there. They grow local grains and vegetables like cabbage, brinjals, etc and also exotic fruits like gooseberry, strawberry in their farms. Your kids, the family would have a great time here because of the same! You can stay assured of your stay there - it would be safe and social distancing proof.

Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this safe, deeply sanitized, social distancing proof stay: Know More!

The Countryside Stay in Panchgani

Almost like a slice of peace in the middle of a valley, this countryside stay soothes your heart. Each room there lets you enjoy the views of the mountains, valleys by the pool. Most importantly, they also grow veggies like broccoli, beetroot, carrots, cabbage, brinjals, tomatoes and more there to serve you nothing but the best. Go there with your kids or for those special occasions and experience life like never before!

What is great about this stay? It is located in one of the pristine areas of Panchgani. Most importantly, every room there offers never seen and experienced views of majestic Maharashtra. Moreover, the soothing architecture and organic veggies served fresh, make your stay one of its kind.

Why should visit it? You will experience the true beauty of Panchgani. Almost of the 1980s and 1990s. Also, the farm-fresh food there is the highlight of this. Most importantly, this rural stay is spacious. Your stay there would be very secured as everything there is deeply sanitized.

Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay:  4.5/5

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this safe, deeply sanitized, social distancing proof stay: Know More!

Boutique Farm Stay in Karjat

Karjat is very nearby Mumbai and Pune. So, you can really think about going there post the COVID 19 lockdown. Interestingly, it would be an ideal weekend getaway for your family. Especially relevant is heading on one of the best road trips to this farm stay. Guess what, it is owned Ramanand Sagar's family. And that's why the aesthetics of this place are absolutely mesmerizing.

What is great about this stay? Quintessentially, this farm stay offers the best views of Karjat! Moreover, the sweet silences of this stay will appeal to your sensibilities. Also, it is engulfed by nature. That's why you can hear your silence here. So, rest assured of the fact that social distancing, hygiene, and safety would be of utmost importance there.

Why should you visit it? Do you want to breathe some fresh air? Go this farm stay then! Most importantly, this picturesque Farm Stay is just an hour or two away from Mumbai and will be deeply sanitized. Also, they have maintained a nursery there. So, you actually get to unwind in the lap of nature as well as luxury. Moreover, it is one of the first Farm to Table concept Farm Stay near Mumbai. Therefore, head there soon. Mainly after the unlock. You will enjoy a comforting, luxurious, and safe stay there.

Yuyiii’s Travel Expert Rating for this Stay: 4.5/5

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this safe, deeply sanitized, social distancing proof stay: Know More!