There are umpteen weekend getaways near Mumbai and Pune. However, especially after the COVID-19 lockdown in India, our idea for travel has transformed. That’s why, International trips might happen later than sooner. However, this cloud has a silver lining. Because we have so many local and homegrown, rural stays in Maharashtra. So, you could visit them sooner than you think!

Sheltered in the embrace of flora and fauna, these magnificent rural stays in Maharashtra are simply breathtaking. Moreover, as these getaways are located away from the cities, dense regions, you can rest assured about their hygiene, safety, and sanitization. So, here are our handpicked hidden gems aka rural stays in Maharashtra that are absolutely unmissable:

Almost like a slice of peace in the middle of a valley, this countryside stay soothes your heart. Most importantly, every room there lets you enjoy the views of the mountains, valleys by the pool. And, like that ain’t enough, they also grow veggies like broccoli, beetroot, carrots, cabbage, brinjals, tomatoes and more there to serve you nothing but the best. Therefore, go there with your kids. Also, for those special occasions and experience life like never before!

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

Why should visit it? To experience the true beauty of Panchgani of the 1980s and 1990s. Relax with your family and relish meals that are infused with the love of Nature.

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

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Karjat is very nearby Mumbai and Pune. So, you can really think about going there post the COVID 19 lockdown. It would be an ideal weekend getaway for your family.

What is great about this stay? This farm stay offers the best views and comfort! The sweet silences of this stay will appeal to your sensibilities. Also, it is engulfed by nature. 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? Won’t you want to breathe some fresh air? Most importantly this picturesque Farm Stay is just an hour or two away from Mumbai. And will be deeply sanitized. They also 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 in the name of slow travel.

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

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

This stay in the dreamy town of Wai will remind you that the simple joys of life cost you nothing! So, go on a family weekend getaway there to enjoy a delish farm to table Maharashtrian meal. Most importantly, connect with Mother Nature. Additionally, 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!

What is great about this stay? Most importantly, their dreamy tents are outsourced from Rajasthan. Also, they are one of the very few in Maharashtra and are comfort personified. Furthermore, you get to stay in lush green surroundings in the sleepy village of Wai and indulge in your peace.

Why should you visit it? Honestly, to enjoy farm-fresh food there. Moreover, they grow local grains and vegetables like cabbage, brinjals, etc and also exotic fruits like gooseberry, strawberry in their farms. Most importantly, your kids, the family would have a great time here because of the same!

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

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Architecture wise, the essence of this homestay is pristinely local and cherished. Quintessentially, Medha, an architect, owner of this rural stay has respected that tradition. Additionally, you would find the cottages of this homestay made up of the same stones. Also, the walls of the cottages subtly show the shine of red laterite stones.

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. Also, it ain’t 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.

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 stay: Know More!

“Half the fun of the travel is the aesthetic of lostness.” – Ray Bradbury

We love to travel. But, most of the time we are caught up in its romance. Moreover, taking pictures, uploading it all on social media has killed the essence of travel by far and wide. However, there are a few farm stays in Maharashtra that still let you cherish the goodness of slow travel. Slow travel makes you a better human. Most importantly, Farm stays in Maharashtra will let you experience all the joys of slow travel like never before!

But first, are you wondering what slow travel is? Well, as per the good folks of Independent Traveller, slow travel is defined as:

“Slow travel is not so much a particular mode of transportation as it is a mindset. Rather than attempting to squeeze as many sights or cities as possible into each trip, the slow traveler takes the time to explore each destination thoroughly and to experience the local culture.”

Quintessentially, you can experience the beauty of slow travel at these places in Maharashtra. As most of them are located near Mumbai and Pune. So, they are easily accessible:

Karjat is very nearby Mumbai and Pune. So, you can really think about going there post the COVID 19 lockdown. Moreover, it would be an ideal weekend getaway for your family.

What is great about this stay? This farm stay offers the best views and comfort! Quintessentially, the sweet silences of this stay will appeal to your sensibilities. Also, it is engulfed by nature. 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? Won’t you want to breathe some fresh air? This picturesque Farm Stay is just an hour or two away from Mumbai and will be deeply sanitized. Moreover, they also have maintained a nursery there. So, you actually get to unwind in the lap of nature as well as luxury. Furthermore, it is one of the first Farm to Table concept Farm Stay near Mumbai. Head there soon in the name of slow travel.

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

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Quintessentially, this stay in the dreamy town of Wai will remind you that the simple joys of life cost you nothing! So, go on a family weekend getaway there to enjoy a delish farm to table Maharashtrian meal. And you would connect with Mother Nature. Most importantly, the golden wheat farms, gooseberry and strawberry field there will grow on your heart. Furthermore, you would leave a piece of your soul at this place — it is that rejuvenating, we say!

What is great about this stay? Their dreamy tents are outsourced from Rajasthan. Also, it is one of the very few in Maharashtra and is comfort personified. So, you get to stay in lush green surroundings in the sleepy village of Wai and indulge in your peace.


Why should you visit it? Most importantly, to enjoy farm-fresh food there. Also, they grow local grains and vegetables like cabbage, brinjals, etc and also exotic fruits like gooseberry, strawberry in their farms. Therefore, your kids, the family would have a great time here because of the same!

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

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

Almost like a slice of peace in the middle of a valley, this countryside stay soothes your heart. Most importantly, each room there lets you enjoy the views of the mountains, valleys by the pool. Like that ain’t enough, they also grow veggies like broccoli, beetroot, carrots, cabbage, brinjals, tomatoes and more there to serve you nothing but the best. Therefore, 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. Additionally, every room there offers never seen and experienced views of majestic Maharashtra. Furthermore, the stunning architecture and organic veggies served fresh, make your stay one of its kind.

Why should visit it? Most importantly to experience the true beauty of Panchgani of the 1980s and 1990s. Moreover, to relax with your family and relish meals that are infused with the love of Nature.

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

Check the detailed review, photos, and videos for this stay: Know More!

So, on that note, do visit these farm stays in Maharashtra soon. Because slow travel is all you need to do after such a taxing lockdown.

Travel has changed in 2020. COVID 19 has been a major reason for this. There is uncertainty. You must have planned international trips to Europe. But, that is shelved now. Because for a traveler, safety is paramount.


Especially now, more than anything else. However, local travel in India will emerge stronger. There is a strong plea for getting Vocal for Local brands in India. So, homegrown weekend stays in South India will open up for travelers.

In India, we have some inkling for the future of local travel. Because of the division of various areas. There are red, orange, and green zones. For instance, while red zones, orange zones would have movement and other restrictions. Furthermore, Green zones are safe for people as per the government’s announcements. Albeit with social distancing and standard operating procedures for safety, sanitization. Eventually, you may be able to get some respite at Weekend Stays in South India.

Thankfully, many of the cities, towns in South India are declared as green zones by the government. Also, as states like Kerala

South India is gifted. It has treasures of fauna. Moreover, it has many premium, luxury weekend stays there. They would provide you a safe cocoon as a respite after the lockdown.

At Yuyiii, we have these hidden gems, weekend stays in South India handpicked after meticulous inspection. Spread over Karnataka and Kerala these weekend stays in South India in the green zone would be safe for you because of their social distancing, sanitization and safety procedures widely implemented to the detail.

Without further adieu, check out these stunning weekend stays in South India that lie in green zones and are safe to visit sooner than you think:

An absolutely stunning tree-house, colonial stay near Bangalore. It is surrounded by mesmerizing plantations. Furthermore, its architecture is very uplifting. Not too mention the fact that it has spacious rooms and is all well-maintained. Do consider it as a weekend getaway once the COVID 19 lockdown is over.

Know more: Weekend Stay in Sulthan Bathery

As the name suggests, this weekend stay offers the best of forest baths and nature. Also, we give it full marks for always being hygienic, well-maintained but most importantly spacious. You will feel great by standing there in the vast balconies. Keep this stay in mind for a soothing, safe getaway.

Know more: Weekend Stay at Lakkidi

As per Outlook India, countless Indian travelers are having a hard time. Because coping with all their International trip cancellations has become a nightmare. Thanks to COVID 19, there is little clarity about refunds. The international travel industry has taken such a major hit that Indian travelers are left with no options. Most of the die-hard travelers feel that they would not be able to take any respite. Especially when we have faced mentally, emotionally demanding lockdown. However, there is some good news for you in terms of local travel in India.

Photo by Balaji Srinivasan on Unsplash

While International trips will take a backseat for unforeseen time, local travel in India will slowly open up. Quintessentially because it would be safer to travel near your homes. For instance, going to say Switzerland would be prone to more risks. That’s why it would be better to head to weekend getaways near Mumbai and Pune once the lockdown gets less restricted in India.

Photo by Rahul Chakraborty on Unsplash

At Yuyiii, just as Prime Minister Modi said we have always believed in being vocal for local brands and business of India. And we have done it in our way by featuring hidden gems, choicest luxury homestays, boutique hotels, erstwhile havelis across India. Moreover, having known their patrons and their gutsy entrepreneurship stories, we are sure about the detailed safety, sanitization measures that all of them would be taking to revive local travel in India.

Farm stays, valley stays that are close by nature could be on your mind for that much-needed getaway after lockdown. These stays are near Mumbai and Pune. Hence, you wouldn’t really have to travel far and think about safety, sanitization because you could drive there. Also, because of rampant awareness, all these hidden gems have started putting up standard operating procedures. These will ensure that as a guest you get to maintain social distancing. Their rooms are spacious, regularly sanitized and the staff is regularly monitored for their temperature and conduct.

So, if you are looking for stunning weekend getaways that are marked in the green zone, are safe, sanitized, and maintain social distancing, do visit us! We would be happy to cheer you up with our pristine hidden gems and help you plan that much-needed trip post the lockdown.

Thanks to COVID-19 lockdown, our travel plans just changed in a jiffy. Those romantic plans for a getaway to Europe or going solo to various hidden gems of India have gone for a toss. But, there, there, all hope is not lost yet because we got the good old travel films to rely on!

While there might be that uncertainty about international travel, local tourism in India will rise up like a Phoenix soon. Till then we got something to cheer you up already!

How about you soothing your wanderlust by relaxing on your couch with your loved ones, that tub of popcorn, ice-cream while watching some of the choicest travel films, eh? Sounds like a great plan, no?

So, here are our handpicked recommendations for travel films which you could watch during this lockdown and make it more cheerful! Thank us later if they satiate your wanderlust and makes you fall in love with travel all over again:

Photo Credit: bswise (Flickr)

Directed by Wes Anderson, The Darjeeling Limited takes you through the magnificent western and northern India like a breeze. Moreover, it makes you fall in love with the Indian roads, rail, and people all over again. This film also touches upon brotherhood and it tugs your heart for all the right reasons.

Photo Credit: Colin Edwards

By the stunning backdrop of Kenya and the UK, this film makes you fall in love with Africa and its savannah all over again. It won 7 Oscars and you would know why once you end up watching this film again and again.

Photo Credit: Dean Moriarty (Flickr)

Do you love hitchhiking, hitting the unknown roads, and the wilderness? Well, this flick is just for you then! It portrays this journey of a topper student, an athlete who abandons the material world in the search of the truth. If you thrive on larger than life movies, this one will hit you and soothe you at all the right places in your heart.

Italy and romance – what else do you need while soothing your wanderlust, eh? Under the Tuscan Sun takes you through the journey of a woman and her soul searching quest through Tuscany. Warm chocolate on a cold winter night – yes, this film makes you feel just like that!

Photo Credit: Vimeo

Love New York and Iceland like nothing else? This film is absolutely unmissable then! A story of Walter Mitty and incredible adventures will move you to that thing you always wanted to! This film has motivated countless folks to take the plunge! It will surely inspire you as well.

Photo Credit: Flickr

For deep dialogues, profound statements, and the soul-soothing views of Europe, Austria, Vienna, you absolutely have to watch this trilogy. If slightly offbeat movies are your thing, do watch these films at your earliest.

Picture Credit: Flickr

Tokyo, Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson – what better to pep you up, no? This film shows you the beautiful side of being in a new country. And for all the right reasons, it nudges you to visit Japan whenever it is possible.

Photo Credit: Flickr

Want to watch a wholesome Indian travel film that you can keep going back to? Well, ZNMD it is! For the unmissable views of Spain, hilarious dialogues, soul striking scenes and rediscover life, friendship you must watch this film directed by the Boss Lady Zoya Akhtar.

Believe it or not, Gen Z, Gen Y, and even boomers thrive on the Gram. And it still continues to rule. Although travel will change due to COVID-19, travel Instagrammers will continue to redefine it. Most importantly, as a social media platform, Instagram has provided a voice to many maverick writers, photographers, and die-hard travelers to put their art out there, grow a community.

We are thrilled to share deets about a few incredible Instagrammers today! So, whether you are a die-hard traveler or not, these travel Instagrammers will move your core, pacify your travel woes and make you smile with all the aesthetics on their feeds and stories.

Photo by Trip & Trek India on Unsplash

With their eye for flawless photography, unparalleled content, and passion for travel, there are umpteen travel bloggers/vloggers/sustainable travel influencers who have been soothing our wanderlust. Let’s know them better today? Here are a few interesting, out of the box travel Instagrammers that you must follow today itself. Don’t be surprised if their pictures and beautifully curated feeds give you sleepless nights, okay?

Photo Credit: trulynomadly

Sharanya quit her lucrative corporate career to take a plunge into full time traveling, blogging, and living a creative life. True to her insta handle, her feed takes you on an adventure. Her pictures are vivid, full of life. And not to mention her collabs with tourism boards have earned her recognition far and wide already!

Photo Credit: @neelimav

Neelima’s love for mountains, trekking makes her stand out. She also is vocal about climate change. She travels to never seen before places, hidden gems. Therefore, her photos look surreal every time you see this unexplored destination mindfully shared by her. Umpteen travel international travel publications have acclaimed her work as well.

Photo Credit: peppytravelgirl

Love to read joie de vivre visual stories on travel? Well, you must follow Preethi then! Along with being on TLC’s travel show, she has also been a podcaster, blogger. Her pictures cherish the small joys of travel. Most importantly, her dialogue on body neutrality, mental health makes her stories, posts one of their kind.

Photo Credit: @shivya

You might have read her bestselling book, The Shooting Star already by now. And it is no surprise to know that Shivya has always practiced what she writes. She is a mindful, vegan traveler. Her photos are zen, so they would soothe your sight for sure. Moreover, her efforts for slow and sustainable travel has been recognized by many leading travel publications and networks.

Photo Credit: siddharthajoshi

Siddhartha has been one of the most seasoned travel influencers in the country. His pictures stem from his passion for storytelling and exploring places with nothing but a clean slate of mind. It goes without saying that most of the travel publications, tourism boards have acclaimed his work. His penchant for showcasing the culture, heritage, and the designs of various places makes his feed follow-worthy any day.

Photo Credit: srish_teee

Photo Credit: @coffee.karma

Photo Credit: @kamakshi.pal

Photo Credit: @mishti.and.meat

Shramona’s IG feed is a treat for eyes. Her love for travel as well as indie fashion peps up your spirit.