Located in a prime location in south Mumbai, St. Regis is an oasis of luxury. I had booked a 1-night stay and fell in love with the ambiance and the property. After checking in, a 24-hour personal assistant was assigned to us who looked after our every need. Moreover, the spacious rooms had premium bedding, a desk, snacks, and stable Wi-Fi. The grand bathroom had a bathrobe, a shower, a bathtub, and complimentary toiletries. 

For dinner, we went to The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar and savored North Indian delicacies. The next day, we were greeted with a scrumptious buffet of South Indian, Italian, European, and waffles at Seven Kitchens. Unfortunately, the pool and spa were closed due to COVID restrictions. However, the hospital staff and delicious food made up for it!

Lonavala is the perfect weekend getaway to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can take the Eastern Freeway or the Eastern Express Highway via BKC, depending on if you're in south or north Mumbai. However, the real fun is the 6-lane Mumbai - Pune Expressway. Known for its steep ghats and sharp turns, this expressway treats you with tunnels and mind-blowing views of the villages and towns. Be sure to stop at Food Mall and fill yourself with mouth-watering vada pav, a spicy potato dumpling served in a bun. Note that two-wheelers are not permitted on the expressway. Plus, you'll have to pay a toll of approximately 310 INR (3.74 USD) for this route. 

Gateway Of India Mumbai is the 20th-century arch monument overlooking the Arabian Sea. You can spend hours watching the tides washing up on the shores and the several colorful fishing boats waiting for the day's catch. Here's a picture of me trying to pose in front of this monument. However, you can get yourself clicked by a professional photographer for a minimal charge of 30 INR (0.36 USD) and get a print within 15-20 minutes. The best time to visit here is during the monsoon season when you can enjoy yourself in the lovely weather. You'll also find several vendors selling tea, cotton candies, and balloons, making it an ideal hangout place for families with kids. Right at the entrance, near the security checks, you'll find several eateries where you can eat fast food with your friends.

Planned a day trip to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Gharapuri. It's a must-visit for history buffs or families who are looking for a location not too far from the city for a one-day picnic. Here, you can find several caves showcasing rock-cut architecture and Hindu engravings.

This 20th-century monument can be easily reached by taxi or bus from Churchgate station or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. If you wish to save on cost but travel comfortably, you can take an AC bus or a shared taxi from these two spots. Here, you can click pictures, walk along the promenade, or try lip-smacking street food from the nearby stalls. There are also several vendors selling balloons and tea to keep you and your little ones entertained.

Re-visit the colonial era by spending a day in Colaba. You can start your day with relishing Chinese and Indian snacks at Leopold Cafe. After that, shop for clothes, bags, footwear, and antique jewelry at Colaba Causeway. However, be sure to bargain and get the best price for whatever you buy. After that, enjoy your afternoon tea at The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, and end your day with a ferry ride from Bhaucha Dhakka. Here's a picture of me outside The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, enjoying some rain and sunshine!

Public transportation, such as BEST buses, is the ideal option if you're on a budget trip. You can choose an AC or a non-AC bus for luxurious travel. The frequency is good, and there's barely a difference between the fare. Download the Chalo App on your smartphone to check the schedule, ticket fare, and to track your bus. 

Owned by the famous Kapoor clan of the Indian Bollywood industry, who have been winning the hearts of Indian as well as global audiences, Prithvi Cafe is a must-visit after watching a show at Prithvi Theatre. The café has a limited menu of delicious appetizers, milkshakes, and main courses. I had tried the Jalapeno cheese balls and kadak chai, which are a must-try here. The place is filled with the young crowd and is always high on energy. If you're visiting here on the weekend or in the evening, expect a wait time of 15-45 minutes.

The glittering street lights have earned Marine Drive its moniker, "Queen's Necklace." Like all other famous public places in Mumbai, Marine Drive is also under strict police vigilance. Thus, you're not allowed to stay here after midnight. Also, avoid throwing trash on the promenade as that may attract a heavy fine if caught by the BMC officials. So, if you're planning a picnic, remember to take care of all the trash.

Here's a picture of me soaking in the sunshine and taking in the salty ocean breeze at Marine Drive. It's advisable to come here early in the morning or around sunset to avoid the harsh sun. However, this promenade is usually crowded during weekends, so it might be hard to get a spot. You can stroll by the water and taste the delicious star fruit, corn, peanuts, or ice creams, which will cost around 20-50 INR (0.24-0.60 USD) per item. After that, head to Nariman Point to try its famous chana chat (boiled chickpea mixed with spices) or take a horse carriage ride for 50 INR (0.60 USD) each. There are several other street food, games, and entertainment available here for people of all age groups.

Lonavala is one of the most sought-after hill stations, just 2 hours away from Mumbai. The travel time has been reduced considerably thanks to the newly-opened Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Trans Hbr Link. This place has several scenic points, seasonal waterfalls, attractions, and food options. The route towards Lion's and Tiger's Point passes through Lonavala Lake and several waterfalls available during monsoon seasons. You'll have to climb the ghat with several sharp turns to reach the points where you can relish the views and savor hot corn, fritters, and tea. A little further, there's another beautiful spot called Shivlinga Point, a must-visit during the rains. Food lovers can visit Buvanchi Misal to sample its delicious misal pav, a dish made of sprouts and beans in spicy gravy. After that, visit Mapro Garden to taste its signature fresh Strawberry cream with ice cream. It also has a beautiful garden with a pond and a store where you can sample and buy snacks and drinks.

You can visit south Goa if you're looking for a laidback travel exploring the old charm or visit north Goa to experience its fun nightlife and action. Here's a picture I clicked for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji in south Goa. If you wish to play casino, the famous Deltin Royale is around 8-10 minutes from here. While you're here, be sure to buy cashews as a souvenir for your loved ones. Also, several vegetarian eateries are available in the lane opposite the church.