Backyard Playground

I am not sure why I say that any sort of travel is at a standstill when I just keep finding new places to explore. My last two adventures have pretty much taken place in my Mumbai backyard. There are amazing hillstations and beaches within a few hours drive of the city. I learned that many Mumbaikers take off for these destinations over the weekend to get away from the hectic city life.
First stop, Murud, on the Konkan Coast. This quiet fishing town was a spur of the moment choice for a getaway. Murud is about 100 or so miles south of Mumbai and traveling there is half the fun. Murud itself is a little beach village with many hotels and eateries, and little else. The goal is simply to relax. There is a fort to visit, Janjira, which sits just offshore, about 4 miles outside of town. I promised I wasn't going to visit any more forts, but I did lift my own ban just this once. Janjira was built by Siddi Jahor in 1140. The fort, or so I am told, is one of the few in the world that was never conquered. Aside from visiting the fort, the rest of the day was spent floating around the Arabian Sea and eating fresh coconut, not a bad way to spend the weekend, really!
The following weekend was spent away from the sea during a quick trip to Karnala. Again, this destination is only about an hour or so from Mumbai. Karnala is home to a bird sanctuary. I will use that term loosely as there are only about four birds there. It seems most of the birds have left due to pollution from Mumbai. I can't say I blame them. Aside from seeing these poor incarcerated birds, there is an amazing trail that leads to yet another fort if you are up for the very long climb up, up, up! I was up for the trek, but no idea exactly how high I would be going. I made it to the top, barring any fear of heights, saw yet another fort, and could not believe I actually had to climb all the way down, down, down. Ok, I am really done with forts now. There can't possibly be any left in India that I haven't seen....seriously.....!
In all, I have traveled this country extensively and was pleasantly surprised to find such adventure so close to home. Traveling to these destinations provided a further glimpse into Indian village life as we wandered in and out of many sleepy little towns. This, in my opinion, is the REAL India.