By Varada Bhat

COME the monsoon and weekend getaways seem to be in for urban leisure travellers. More and more families prefer short trips to resorts on the outskirts of Mumbai compared to far-flung destinations.

The speedy getaways from the frantic pulse of modern life are being recognised as the best therapy for those drained by the nine-to-beyond-five grind.

"Weekend getaways have become fashionable. Not only does one save time but they are also cost effective," Sandeep Murthy, chairman of travel portal Cleartrip, told IANS.

Photograph: Scenes from Matheran, a two hour journey from Mumbai.