One Day Trips Near Mumbai For A Weekend Getaway

Elephanta is situated close to the Gateway of India in South Mumbai, and it takes only a ferry ride (less than an hour ride) to get to this island that houses marvellous cave temples built between the 5th to 8th century. The island got its name from the Portuguese who found a massive rock-cut elephant statue at the entrance of the island. The stone elephant is now placed in the Victoria gardens in Mumbai. There are three rock-cut cave temples on the island, the largest being the Shiva temple. Similar one-day trips near Mumbai include the Ajanta and Ellora cave temples.

Distance from Mumbai: 37 km

Known For : Manori Beach Global Vippasanna Pagoda Beach Parties

Manori island is situated just near the famous Gorai beach and is known as the less crowded of the two. Although swimming and water sports aren’t a good idea here, it is called mini Goa, and true to the claim, it does have a beautiful, quiet atmosphere, really nice budget resorts and so much place to play, swing on hammocks and enjoy a drink. Manori can be reached from Mumbai within an hour and a half by going to Gorai first and taking a ferry from there. Know more about Manori. Similar one-day trips near Mumbai include Gorai beach, Marve beach and Alibag Beach.

Distance from Mumbai: 49 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Manori Attractions

The Karnala bird sanctuary is a favourite among trekkers as a one-day trip near Mumbai and Pune. It is also frequently visited by families looking for a peaceful picnic spot. It is close by to Panvel, the home base for many vacationers. Panvel is within an hour drive near Mumbai, or one can reach there by even local trains. The sanctuary is home to more than 150 bird species, and it is interesting to sit quietly and spot the different bird calls.

Distance from Mumbai: 46 km

Known For : Kondana Caves Peth Fort Trekking in Karjat

Karjat, a quaint little village is the last station of Thane district in Maharashtra. The river Ulhas finds its origin in Karjat and trekking and historical spots make it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

Distance from Mumbai: 62 km

Best Time: June to September

11 Karjat Attractions

This old Portuguese fort is different from many other you will find dotting Maharashtra, in terms of its architecture and also in terms of the vibe it gives you. A lot of college students love to come here and shoot for short films and also just to chill in the area because of its calm and graceful structure. It can get dangerous at night, so only one day trip near Mumbai is advised. Similar one-day trips near Mumbai include Sinhagad fort, Lohagad Fort and Murud Janjira.

Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa

Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala is the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers. Located just 83 kms from Mumbai, Lonavala is a great one day trip near Mumbai to escape the daily grind.

Distance from Mumbai: 83 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

Known as a ‘back-to-nature’ destination, Durshet is renowned for it’s raw, untouched beauty and everlasting serenity. Set amidst dark, dense forests and the Sahyadri range, Durshet is an ideal one day trip near Mumbai. Apart from taking in the scenic beauty of the place, there are several things one can do here. Go for nature walks observing flora and fauna of the area, walk along the tranquil Amba river and bask in the spray of the lovely waterfalls. There are also adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling and river crossing, for the ones who feel the need to do something daring and exciting.

Distance from Mumbai: 76 km

Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran

Among the list of one day trip near Mumbai, Matheran takes the cake with a wide variety of attractions and things to do. The best and cheapest way to get to Matheran is by train, which usually takes 1 hour and 55 minutes. Start by visiting the Charlotte lake and walking down to the other attractions from there like echo point and Louisa point. After lunch at M G Road, get on horse back and ride around the 28 lookout points Matheran has to offer. From Honeymoon point, go valley crossing 1000 ft above the valley, for over 900m ft to the opposite mountain. This is not for the weak hearted, you are warned. Know about the adventures Matheran has to offer. Similar one-day trips near Mumbai include Lonavala and Khandala.

Best Time: Throughout the year

29 Matheran Attractions

Della Adventure Park is a fun amusement cum waterpark based in Lonavala. Boasting of a plethora of activities including Aqua Zorb, swoop swing, flying fox, rappelling, paintball, buggy ride, bull ride, land zorbing etc, the park also has a nightlife club and several restaurants both for fine dine and binge eating.

Distance from Mumbai: 83 km

Drive down to the Sula vineyard and don’t forget to take a detour to the Vaitarna dam. Driving on the expressway is blissful, and it usually would take 3 hours to reach Sula minus any stops making it a perfect one day trip near Mumbai. Wine tasting and grape stomping are both worth travelling the distance from Mumbai. Sula Vineyards also host an annual wine festival called the Sula Fest.

Distance from Mumbai: 170 km

Known For : Trekking in Rajmachi

A fort not located very far from Lonavala, Rajmachi is an ideal destination for a one day trip near Mumbai. The beauty of this place is at its peak during the monsoon season, and that makes it the ideal time to visit Rajmachi. Trekking all the way to the fort would be another experience altogether. One can get an amazing view of the Sahyadri mountains and the backwaters of Shirota Dam.

Distance from Mumbai: 94 km

Best Time: June to September

1 Rajmachi Attractions

Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug

A little coastal town tucked away in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway holiday destination and has earned itself the name of 'mini-Goa', owing to the high tourist footfall all year round. Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 110 kilometres from Mumbai, and is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty of forts and temples, ensuring that despite being a small town, you never run out of activities to do.

Distance from Mumbai: 96 km

Best Time: November to March

29 Alibag Attractions

With a plethora of scenic beauty in and around it, Kamshet, also known as the ‘paragliders’ paradise‘, is a popular one day trip near Mumbai. The tiny, traditionally made huts in the local villages and the natural beauty of the place hold a special spot in the hearts of all the travellers who visit this place. The hills around Kamshet are dotted with numerous age old forgotten forts and caves which are definitely worth exploring. Paragliding is the activity for which is the most famous and adventurers from all over the country and world are attracted to this place for the same reason.

Distance from Mumbai: 100 km

Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad

Surrounded by green hills and many waterfalls, Malshej Ghat is a scenic hill station located very close to Mumbai. A nature buff’s paradise, it is an excellent place for a one day trip near Mumbai for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and bird watching. Alternatively, you could choose to spend your time relaxing and rejuvenating in a resort.

Distance from Mumbai: 130 km

Best Time: July to March

4 Malshej Ghat Attractions

Known For : Devka Beach Mirasol Lake Garden Lighthouse, Daman

The cool beaches, greenery, scenic natural beauty and most of all, its easy availability of cheap liquor makes Daman a popular destination among youths and even as a getaway for those in Gujrat.

Distance from Mumbai: 179 km

Best Time: October to Apr

18 Daman Attractions

Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall

A hill town in Western Ghats, apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks.

Distance from Mumbai: 262 km

Best Time: October to June

31 Mahabaleshwar Attractions

Across the Pushpavati River lies the sprawling 5 km-long structure of Pimpalgaon Joga Dam. It is spread over a vast expanse of backwaters, equally enchanting for bird watchers. Here, one can spot a huge flock comprising many bird species such as purple moorhen, pitta, alpine swift, whistling thrush, green pigeon, quail, and pied crested cuckoo. The nesting colony of migratory flamingo birds can also be found in the backwaters of this beautiful dam.

Distance from Mumbai: 145 km

Pawna lake is an artificial lake which came into existence due to the creation of the Pawna dam. It’s slowly emerging as a major tourist spot and becoming a popular destination for one-day trips near Mumbai. Nestled in the peaceful confines of the Sahyadri range, the picturesque views of the dam and the lake are a visual treat for the visitors and even more for nature lovers and enthusiasts. It’s an ideal camping destination, and one can also engage in several water sports activities such as para-sailing and boating.

Distance from Mumbai: 119 km

Kolad is around 3 hours drive from Mumbai and a perfect place for a one day trip. It is most famous for white water rafting on the Kundalika river and other adventure activities like rappelling, wall climbing, kayaking, hiking etc. A lot of adventure camps have sprung up by the rive which provides good rafting packages with camping, food and sightseeing. Apart from rafting, you can also explore nearby attractions like Ghosala Fort, Tala Fort, Kuda Mandad Caves, Sutarwadi Lake, Bhira Dam etc.

Distance from Mumbai: 112 km

Known For : Harihareshwar Beach Kalbhairav Temple Ganesh Gully

Surrounded by four hills and with river Savitri flowing through the town, Harihareshwar is famous for its temple of Lord Harihareshwar and is a popular weekend beach destination especially for people in Mumbai and Pune.

Distance from Mumbai: 183 km

Best Time: October to March

8 Harihareshwar Attractions

Located in Khopoli along the Mumbai-Pune expressway, Adlabs Imagica is a new theme-amusement park which opened up in 2013. It is home to India’s biggest floor-less roller coaster and has fun, exciting rides for people of all ages. Apart from the usual rides, there are several restaurants and shopping places as well.

Distance from Mumbai: 68 km

A treasure trove of history, the Naneghat pass now lies in ruins and is a popular trekking spot for one day trip near Mumbai. Once a busy trade route, cut through the mountains by the Satavahanas, Naneghat connected Kalyan and Nalasopara to the upcountry. If you trek up to the pass and go through it, climbing down you would reach Pune. The trek is an interesting one, with rainwater threatening to throw you down during the monsoons. However, it is definitely worth the climb, you will enter a cave where locals serve tea, and yes, you will feel it is the best tea in the world after that climb. Similar Places for one day trip near Mumbai: Malshejghat, Igatpuri, Karjat, Panvel

Distance from Mumbai: 163 km

Known For : Sightseeing in Lavasa Lakeside Promenade Bamboosa

Claimed to be India’s first planned hill station, Lavasa is modelled on the Italian town of Portofino. It has an extremely well-developed infrastructure with beautiful residential and commercial spaces, public amenities and markets. Located 180 kms from Mumbai, one can spend a day taking in the views, strolling on beautiful promenades or do a little boating in the lake - overall a peaceful and quiet one day trip near Mumbai.

Distance from Mumbai: 187 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Lavasa Attractions

Literally meaning the ‘Lion’s Fort’, Sinhgad fort is a popular one day trip near Mumbai, located at a distance of about 184 kms from Mumbai. It’s been named so because of Tanaji Malusare, Shivaji’s favourite general, who fought like a true brave lion, and one can also find his samadhi inside the fort. Located at the height of about 700 meters above the surrounding landscape, it’s one of the popular trekking destinations around Mumbai and is visited by many people all over the year.

Distance from Mumbai: 180 km

The ruins of the Portuguese fort are veiled in wild plantations. What stand out are the cannon holes in the fortification walls that border the sea. Even though the fort is now in ruins, the pure historic charm combined with the nature's exotic beauty - the Ravdanda beach - make this a must visit one day trip near Mumbai.

Distance from Mumbai: 125 km

Squeezed between the suburbs of Mumbai and Thane, Sanjay Gandhi National park is ideal for picnics and weekends getaways offering respite from the chaos and buzz of the city. Famed to be one the most liked national parks, visitors throng in thousands to spot Leopards, Macaques, Boars, Lions, Flying fox, Kingfisher, Sunbirds and a significant number of butterflies here. Kanheri caves, which are more than two thousand years old are also a major tourist attraction inside the park premises. The caves have been carved out of the rocky cliffs.

Distance from Mumbai: 29 km

Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak

If you want to bask in some peace and quite far far away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, Igatouri is the place for you. It is a small and charming hill station located in the Sahyadri Hills in the Western Ghats. Dense forests and some ancient temples characterise the landscape of Igatpuri. So head out and explore those ancient ruins, or trek your way into the wilderness. Your call!

Distance from Mumbai: 120 km

Best Time: July to September

14 Igatpuri Attractions

A favourite among adults and kids alike, Essel World is one of the best places near Mumbai for a one day trip where you can have the ultimate fun experience. Along with the Water Kingdom, it’s considered to be India’s Best Amusement and Water Park and is flocked by thousand’s of people every day. With rides such as roller coasters and themed rides, you’re definitely in for the time of your life! There’s also a skating rink and a bowling alley which has been a massive hit among the visitors.

Distance from Mumbai: 47 km

Located 130 kms from Mumbai in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, is a popular joint for adventurers known as Sarvakut Village. There are plenty of things one can indulge in while here, such as rapelling, kayaking, white river rafting, which would be an exciting, adrenaline packed experience for sure. The lush, green scenery and the flowing waters of the Vaitarna river are a sight worth remembering as well.