“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

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Whether you are hip or not, you must have heard people going gaga about solo travel at least once in life! And why not? Solo travel is a mecca for self-discovery. Quintessentially, it allows you to connect with yourself. By travel with yourself, you know yourself better and more than anyone.

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Conversely, it can be a challenge for many for us, because we always travel with a company. However, I think everyone should solo travel at least once in life. Because, by exploring a new place, exotic destinations all solo, you meet your fears head-on. As per Forbes, solo travel symbolizes your independence and National Geographic believes that solo travel is a great teacher for any individual. Most importantly, there is so much to see in the world. So, why should we depend on someone to travel with us?

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Believing in the same, at Yuyiii, most of us have experienced solo travel. And going by experience, these exotic destinations near Mumbai and Pune are perfect to start your solo travel adventure.

Cherrypicked from umpteen hidden gems, these exotic destinations offer the best beauty of Maharashtra.

If you are a wildlife enthusiast then you must go for a solo trip to Tadoba. Tadoba is a home for rare Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, and honey badgers.

When it comes to flora, fauna, it is absolutely one of the most enchanting hidden jewels of Maharasthra. Up close to nature, life feels exponentially worth living here.

For artists, wildlife enthusiasts a serene stay just nearby the wildlife sanctuary of Tadoba makes for a compelling weekend getaway.

Safe, sanitized Weekend Resort in Tadoba to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

If you would like to take a solo trip to a serene place then head to Karjat. Once upon a time, the land of Karjat was loved by the Buddhist monks for its peace. Kondana Caves still bear testimony to that story. The scenic mountains, pacific rivers, umpteen temples, and ancient caves still lure people.

It so makes for an accessible weekend getaway from Pune and from Mumbai as well. Ain’t that a serious excuse to head for a getaway Mumbai for the weekend already?

Safe, sanitized Weekend Resort in Karjat to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

For a beach lover, a solo trip to Ratnagiri is an absolute must! Quintessentially, the other name of Ratnagiri could be the Beach Haven of Maharashtra.

Also, the simple joys of life like mangoes, waterfalls, and clean white sands are all found there. Furthermore, it is reasonably untouched by urban cacophony.

Spending a blissful weekend at a Homely Stay there and experiencing the decadent Konkan food should definitely be on your mind if you are looking for a pleasant change.

Safe, sanitized Weekend Resort in Ratnagiri to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

Chiplun is for all of us solo travel lovers who feel joy just by breathing some fresh air. Home to the Lake Vashishti, the little town offers stunning views of lakes, white sand beaches, waterfalls, and mango groves. Stillness and Chiplun are almost synonymous.

Experience the most stunning Sunsets and Sunrises of the Konkan coast from this stay. Head there to have the time of your life at this exotic destination near Mumbai.

Safe, sanitized Weekend Resort in Chiplun to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

How about we tell you about this secret beach heaven in Kihim which is near Alibaug yet unexplored, eh? Oh wait, you are packing your bags already? And why won’t you?

The beaches, the peace, the vibe, and staying at a cozy homestay at Kihim — what more can beach babies ask for other than enjoying at this one of the most exotic destinations of Maharashtra?

Safe, sanitized Weekend Resort in Kihim to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

We hope this list helped you figure out your next weekend getaway! 

“To know India and her peoples, one has to know the monsoon. It is not enough to read about it in books, or see it on the cinema screen, or hear someone talk about it. It has to be a personal experience because nothing short of living through it can fully convey all it means to a people for whom it is not only the source of life, but also their most exciting impact with nature.”

― Khushwant Singh, I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale

The monsoons of India are nothing but soulful. Our hearts bloom in monsoon. Most importantly, the desire for freedom from the mundane sprouts with the rains. That’s why, with the onset of monsoon, we are feeling that monsoon weekend getaways are already calling us! Though travel will change now, especially after COVID-19 lockdown. However, every cloud has a silver lining. By ensuring personal safety and choosing the right monsoon weekend getaways to get some fresh air, you can still travel soon than later.

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To let you have the best of monsoon this year, here are our recommendations for wonderful monsoon weekend getaways that you must visit:

Shendi blooms in monsoon. It rests amongst the Sahyadris. Most importantly, Shendi enchants travelers with its picturesque lakes and gushing waterfalls. Indeed, it is a small, modest village. However, it is blessed by River Ganga. That is why it always stays clean, peaceful, and lush green. So, take a trip to Shendi this monsoon and have the time of your life.

Safe, sanitized Monsoon Weekend Resort in Shendi to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

Beaches and rains. What could ever be a better combination? A hub for pilgrims and tourists alike, Ganpatipule is a rare town to remain untouched by commercialization. And trust us, this town looks incredible during monsoon. The town derives its name due to the discovery of an idol of the Hindu Lord Ganesha discovered 1600 years ago. And just like its rich history, its beaches are one of its kind. So, bucket list it for monsoon then?

Safe, sanitized Monsoon Weekend Resort in Ganapatipule to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

Hear the brave tales of Maratha in the backdrop of rains at Saswad. “Every inch of Saswad soil has a chapter of history written on it!” – Babasaheb Purandare. On the banks of the Karha river, Saswad dazzles travelers. Its greenery pacifies your soul. Most importantly, its rich history was home to several Buddhist monasteries and temples and the homeland for the first Peshwa from the Bhat family. If you have watched Tumbad and marveled at the ancient doors and locks withstanding the rains, you can see some of them in Saswad! You got all the right reasons to visit it in monsoon, no?

Safe, sanitized Monsoon Weekend Resort in Saswad to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

Mulshi is magical in monsoon. Because it is located by the sight of the mesmerizing Mulshi Dam. From there you can see the dance of clouds over the tense skies. Under the veil of the majestic Sahyadri mountains, the tranquil waters of the Mulshi dam offer travelers a respite. This village truly charges you up with its views. Whether from Pune or Mumbai, this place deserves your visit, every monsoon.

Safe, sanitized Monsoon Weekend Resort in Mulshi to visit after Corona Lockdown: Know More!

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!

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.

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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.

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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.