The Growing Trend of Holiday Homes on Mumbai’s Outskirts

With the growing urbanization of Mumbai, owning a holiday home on the outskirts of the city has become the latest trend among the city dwellers. The bustling metropolis of Mumbai, with its fast-paced life and jam-packed streets, has left many craving for a break amidst the serenity of nature.

As a result, people who can afford it are investing in holiday homes outside the boundaries of the city. Mumbai’s burgeoning middle class is the driving force behind this trend with many looking for weekend getaways or a few days of peace and quiet.

The areas surrounding Mumbai have become hotspots for the development of holiday homes. Locations such as Karjat, Lonavala, Alibaug, and Matheran are becoming increasingly popular with many real estate developers investing in these areas to provide luxurious and well-equipped holiday homes for the city’s elite. With picturesque surroundings and easy accessibility, many of these locations have become desirable vacation spots, particularly during the monsoon and winter seasons.

These holiday homes are nothing like the small shacks of the past. Instead, developers are constructing sprawling bungalows and apartments, equipped with modern amenities. With swimming pools, indoor games rooms, gyms, spas, and other recreational facilities, these holiday homes are a far cry from the basic huts with no electricity and water that were popular years ago.

Some of these holiday homes come with a hefty price tag, easily running into several crores. However, many developers are now catering to the middle class with more affordable options in the range of 50 lakhs to 1 crore. Despite the high price tag, some people consider it a worthy investment as they can rent out their properties for a handsome price when not in use.

Apart from being a place for relaxation, owning a holiday home has become a status symbol and a symbol of wealth. Many city dwellers view it as a luxury item rather than just a holiday home. In addition, having a holiday home close to Mumbai has its perks, such as avoiding the long travel hours associated with going to other vacation spots.

However, owning a holiday home also has its consequences. The development of holiday homes has led to the exploitation of the environment with increased construction around the surrounding hill stations and natural reserves. Moreover, the development of physical infrastructure has also caused disruption to the natural ecosystem of the area.

In conclusion, owning a holiday home on the outskirts of Mumbai has become the latest trend among the affluent of the city. With the development of modern amenities, these holiday homes provide luxury and relaxation with access to the serenity of nature. However, the consequences of such development should not be ignored, and it is essential to strike a balance between tourism and conservation of the environment.