Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla 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.
Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to ?overhead forest?, Matheran is the smallest hill station in all of India, but it is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug
A little coastal town tucked away in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibag or Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway 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 96 km from Mumbai and 150 km from Pune, 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: 95 km
Best Time: November to March
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: 221 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Sightseeing in Lavasa Lakeside Promenade Bamboosa
Known as India's newest hill station, the Lavasa Corporation is constructing this private city. The city is a beautiful project, stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino. Spreading across 7 hills, covering an area of 25000 acres, Lavasa is a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure.
Distance from Mumbai: 186 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves
Perched on the foothills of Sahyadri, Khandala provides for a perfect weekend respite for the Mumbai population, with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes and misty waterfalls.
Distance from Mumbai: 84 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Trekking in Rajmachi
Rajmachi is a small village situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Rajmachi has two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, located near two famous hills of Lonavala and Khandala.
Distance from Mumbai: 94 km
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Shaniwar Wada Aga Khan Palace Osho Ashram
Pune is a bustling metropolis of Maharashtra, ranked number one in India in the ease of living. Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, it is a hub of diverse people and activities and is in rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country. Pune is a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition sprinkled with colonial-era charm, and it deserves the title of being the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
Distance from Mumbai: 147 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Ajanta Caves Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora The Buddhist Caves, Ellora
Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves are located near Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra, India. Adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings and frescoes, Ajanta and Ellora caves are an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments as the complex includes both Buddhist monasteries as well as Hindu and Jain temples. The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built in the period between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD whereas the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and dates to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD.
Distance from Mumbai: 342 km
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple Shani Shingnapur Samadhi Mandir
The home of great saint Sai Baba, Shirdi is a religious site close to Nasik with various temples apart from the famous Sai Baba temple and a few historical sites.
Distance from Mumbai: 240 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Kaas Plateau Table Land Mahabaleshwar
Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar, famous for its various sunset/sunrise points and scenic valley view.
Distance from Mumbai: 255 km
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak
Bhandardara, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, has all the nature's blessings a place can get. The lush greenery, the humble waterfalls and surrounded by high mountains makes for the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers.
Distance from Mumbai: 163 km
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Kolad River Rafting Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls Bhira Dam
Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is gaining traction as an adventure sports destination with provisions for rafting, rappelling, kayaking etc.
Distance from Mumbai: 112 km
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik
Nasik is a religious Hindu city, host to the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. It also makes for a perfect wine tasting destination.
Distance from Mumbai: 166 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Raigad Fort Diveagar Beach Jagadishwar Temple
Raigad, is a historically rich district is situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Located at 2,851mts, it is surrounded by Mumbai Harbour, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri and the Arabian Sea.
Distance from Mumbai: 103 km
Best Time: November to March
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
Known For : Murud Janjira Fort Murud Beach Garambi Falls
Murud is known for it widespread sandy beaches adorned with majestic forts and outlined by palms and coconut trees, creating a perfect holiday scenery.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Manori Beach Global Vippasanna Pagoda Beach Parties
Manori beach, along with Gorai beach is a growing favourite among back packers and people who just want to cross over to the peace and quiet of the country side for a while.
Distance from Mumbai: 49 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad
A beautiful hill station with its numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers.
Distance from Mumbai: 130 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Lion Safari Wildlife Park Vanganga Lake Island Garden
With the hills of the Western Ghats and surrounding lush greenery, it is an ideal indulgence into the wild side for a tourist and its Portuguese heritage makes it famous amongst the history enthusiasts as well.
Distance from Mumbai: 171 km
Best Time: November to June
Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak
Igatpuri is a hill station and a city in the Western Ghats located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, 130kms from Mumbai, on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway. Blessed with picturesque beauty, it is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It also has some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range.
Distance from Mumbai: 120 km
Best Time: July to September
Known For : Artist Village Hatgadh Fort Vansda National park
Snuggled in the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, Saputara is a quaint little hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first favourite among tourists. It is located at a height of 875 metres above sea level and is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love adventure sports.
Distance from Mumbai: 245 km
Best Time: Mid March to mid November
Known For : Dabdaba Falls Jai Vilas Palace Sunset Point, Jawhar
A small hill station located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, Jawhar is a place with abundant nature's beauty and several man made marvels. Preserving numerous picturesque views, this hill town is loaded with tourist attractions and exotic beauty of flora and dense cover of forest.
Distance from Mumbai: 120 km
Best Time: September to Apr
Located at a distance of 40 kms from Pune, at the crest of Western Ghats, between the villages of Mulshi and Tamhini in the state of Maharashtra, Tamhini Ghat is a gorgeous mountain pass that is lately gaining a lot of popularity among the Punekars and even the Mumbaikars.
Distance from Mumbai: 143 km
Best Time: July to September
Known For : Vashishti River Marleshwar Temple Guhagar Beach
In the quiet, far away from the city port district of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, lies Chiplun, the city that offers you time among mango groves next to the beautiful lake, Vashishti. This town is most known for its white sand beaches and beautiful mango and cashew groves by the Vashishti river.
Distance from Mumbai: 238 km
Best Time: July to February
Known For : Pilucha Dhabdhaba Waterfalls Jai Vilas Palace
Vikramgad, situated about 80km from Mumbai is a small village on the Manor - Jwahar road in the Thane District of Maharashtra. It is a nature escapade and blessed with lush vegetation and ample flora and fauna.
Distance from Mumbai: 114 km
Best Time: June to January
Known For : Harnai Port Unhavare - Hot springs Panhalakaji Caves
Dapoli, situated 215km away from Mumbai is popular tourist destination that serves the needs of all kinds of travelers. It is known as mini-Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra owing to its cool climate throughout the year. It is located in the Ratnagiri district and is a famous Konkan hill station.
Distance from Mumbai: 219 km
Best Time: June to September
Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Beach town on the Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule has temples of Lord Ganesha as major attractions apart from the beautiful virgin beaches.
Distance from Mumbai: 329 km
Best Time: November to February
Situated at the height of 3400 feet, Lohagad Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and formidable fort about 52 kilometres away from Pune. Perched atop an impressive hill near Malavali, this destination is the perfect amalgam of ancient architecture and natural beauty. Lohagad Fort was built in the 18th century and is an ideal destination for trekking and nature lovers, especially from Pune and Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to keep his treasury in this fort.
Distance from Mumbai: 98 km
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline. You can reach the Elephanta Caves via a ferry ride from Gateway of India. This collection of cave temples dates back to 5th to 7th centuries and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Distance from Mumbai: 37 km
Perched upon a lush green plateau, the Visapur Fort is a very popular excursion destination for adventure mongers as well as nature lovers. The fort stands majestically tall and ruggedly firm at the height of 1084 meters above sea level offering a panoramic view of a wide range of hills covered in a thick blanket of green. The majestic fort is a very popular destination for trekking activities. With an eventfully historic backstory and an unmatched view of nature at its best, the Visapur fort is indeed a treat for all- history buffs, adventure mongers and nature enthusiasts.
Distance from Mumbai: 118 km
The Karla and Bhaja caves are among the oldest caves in India and date back all the way to 160 B.C. and are situated near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves which are believed to have existed from the times of Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. Karla Cave is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India Travel back in time on this trip to ancient Indian rock-cut caves with the best rock-cut architecture of all times. The ancient caves are protected as Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Distance from Mumbai: 95 km
Counted as the holiest temple of India, the Trimbakeshwar Temple houses one of the most important twelve Jyotirlingas, a form of Lord Shiva. Perched on the foot of Brahmagiri Hills, the temple is situated in the pious city of Trimbak (Dist Nashik in Maharashtra) which finds its mention in the powerful Mrityunjaya Mantra that bestows immortality and longevity. Built in the 18th century by Maratha ruler, Peshwa Nana Saheb, the temple is a perfect epitome of classic architecture. The sacred river Godavari originates near Trimbak. There is a kunda in temple premises that is considered to be the source of river Godavari
Distance from Mumbai: 169 km
Adlabs Imagica, opened in April 2013, is one of the most popular entertainment theme parks that is often referred to as a one-stop recreation centre. It is located on Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khopoli and is one of the latest additions to getaways from Pune and Mumbai. The park is divided into three entertainment zones namely Theme Park, Snow Park and Water Park with a plethora of entertainment options that include live shows, roller coasters, water park, themed entertainment shows, and even a refreshing water park.
Distance from Mumbai: 68 km
Karla caves, carved from a rocky hillside, are among the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in India. It is located on the Pune-Mumbai highway at Karla, and if sources are to be believed, these are only a few among scores of other caves unearthed in Sahyadri Hills. Carved almost 2000 years ago around the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD, this place constitutes an extensive collection of beautiful Chaityas (halls) and Viharas (monasteries) reflecting upon a journey of the past, narrating some amusing stories. A temple made of pillars from the Buddhist period has also been built recently at the entrance of the caves.
Distance from Mumbai: 93 km
Mt. Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges. The view of this majestic mountain is an amazing sight in Bhandardara. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, as it is the highest peak in the state.
Distance from Mumbai: 174 km
Ratangad is a 400 year old fort, captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his time. It is situated in Ratanwadi which is it's base village and overlooks the Bhandardara.
Distance from Mumbai: 175 km
Karnala fort also known as the Funnel Hill is a hill fort in Raigad district, about 10 km from Panvel city and 65 km from Mumbai. The fort is a protected property which is situated within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and offers a great opportunity to enjoy a refreshing, easy trek. Karnala fort consists of two forts out of which one is at a higher level and other is at a lower level.
Distance from Mumbai: 48 km
Prabalgad Fort, also known asÔ_Kalavantin DurgÔ_is situated between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, at a height of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats. The fort built at the peak of a rocky plateau very close to Matheran has become a major tourist attraction. A trek to this place is perfect for those who enjoy adventure and the way to the fort is a dangerously steep climb. The steps leading up to the fort are cut into the rock of the hill. Reaching the fort is one of the toughest trekking challenges in Maharashtra and only if you are an experienced trekker should you go for this trek. This trek which commences from base village of Shedung, takes about 3 hours and you need to climb rock-cut stairs through a steep slope.
Distance from Mumbai: 47 km
Declared as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites of India in 2012, Kaas Plateau in Panchgani is a magical place with landscapes with lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. Kaas Plateau is a biodiversity hotspot situated at a mighty altitude of 1200 metres and is a major biodiversity hotspot owing to the many varieties of endemic flowers and butterflies that are found here. Housing about 850 species of beautiful wildflowers, the 1000 hectare area of the plateau is now a reserved forest which is famous for its natural beauty and flora, Kaas Lake and how it turns into a valley of flowers during monsoon. Recently, the place has started gathering a bit of tourist rush and popularity for all the natural treasures that it holds. However, to preserve the virgin charms of this location, the number of visitors have been restricted to 3,000 per day. State Transport buses ply from the parking area to Kaas Plateau and cost INR 10 per person each side.
Distance from Mumbai: 288 km
The Durshet Forest Lodge is set amid 35 acres of private teak forest, against the magnificent Sahyadhri Range. The River Amba presents a sanctuary for trekkers and birdwatchers. The gardens and lawns in the place magically come alive with a natural waterfall during the monsoon season. Go rafting on the River Kundalika, or scout the Umbarkhind battlefield or go mountain biking in this place as the options are unlimited.
Distance from Mumbai: 76 km
Deep and dense rain forests, meadows blooming with flowers, tiny rivulets, ethnic tribal villages or long forgotten temples, the Lonavala - Bhimashankar trail has it all to offer you. This is arguably the best countryside trail, as claimed by many amateurs, and is waiting for you to explore it. The popularity of Lonavala as a hill station only adds to the appeal and makes your experience priceless.
Distance from Mumbai: 195 km
Known For : Jaigad Fort Swayambhu Ganpati Temple Jaigad Lighthouse
Situated in pretty surroundings, Ratnagiri is blessed with hills, sea shores, creeks, beautiful rivers, hot water springs, forests and water falls and offers a rejuvenating experience to travelers.
Distance from Mumbai: 325 km
Best Time: October to March
Pratapgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Situated close to the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar in the district of Satara, the citadel rises to an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground.
Harishchandragad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. It is situated at an elevation of about 4670 feet in the district of Ahmednagar. Within the fort there are several temples dedicated to Vishnu and Ganesh. The monument dates back to the 6th century and finds home at an altitude of 1424 meters and more often than not, given its altitude finds itself marked on a number of trekking trails in and around the area.
Distance from Mumbai: 198 km
40 kms away from Silvassa, the capital of the union territory of Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Dudhni has emerged as a popular tourist attraction in the recent years. The construction of Madhuban dam on the Daman Ganga has resulted in the formation of a water front in Dudhni, taking advantage of which, the tourism department of Dadar and Nagar Haveli has invested in making Dudhni a popular destination for water sports.
Distance from Mumbai: 169 km
20 kms to the south of Silvassa, Khanvel is a popular tourist destination among nature lovers. It makes for a perfect getaway for those who want to holiday the lazy way, not doing much, just being there, getting lost in the quietness of the valley and in the process relaxing and refreshing themselves with the proximity to nature.
Distance from Mumbai: 151 km
Known For : Elvis Butterfly Garden Sargam Water Park Upvan Lake
Located to the North West of Maharashtra, Thane is a metropolitan city that's the closest neighbour of Mumbai. With its natural beauty on one hand and rapid industrial development on the other, Thane has evolved as one of the most perfectly balanced metropolitan cities in India. Known as the 'city of lakes' with the 7 lakes in the city, Thane is one of those few places which exhibits its rich multicultural heritage almost in every possible way. Also known as "Elder sister of Mumbai", thane has been the source of water supply to most parts of Mumbai. Although it is a suburb of Mumbai, Thane has now a population of 1.2 million spread over an area of 147kms.
Distance from Mumbai: 22 km
Best Time: October to March
Located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Velneshwar is a village south of the Guhagar town. Velneshwar is well known for the temple of Lord Shiva and also has a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that is clean, unspoilt and ideal for swimming. Velneshwar gets much of its limelight during the month of March, when the Maha Shivratri Festival is held here, as a tribute to Lord Shiva. If you are seeking an ideal water point where you can relish the beauty of nature while swimming and sunbathing, then the Velneshwar beach in Maharashtra is the perfect place for you.
Distance from Mumbai: 283 km
Manikgad Fort is located on a hill in Manikgad village of Maharashtra. The fort is about 1,878 feet high and is impregnable from three sides. The upper part can be reached only from the south.
Distance from Mumbai: 85 km
Chandragad is a hill fort in Maharashtra, while Arthur Seat is a hill point in the Mahabaleshwar range of mountains. These two destinations are often visited together and they make for a thrilling trekking experience.
Distance from Mumbai: 280 km
Bitangad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. One of the many such forts in the district of Nasik, it rises to an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground.
Distance from Mumbai: 161 km
Chavand (or Prasannagad) is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. Located at an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground in the district of Pune, this fortress is a part of the 'famous five'. The other forts which are included under this category are Hadsar, Shivneri, Jivdhan and Naneghat.
Distance from Mumbai: 165 km
Dhodap is a hill fort in Maharashtra. One of the many forts in the district of Nasik, the fort is situated at an elevation of about 4700 feet from the ground. There is a temple of Jagdamba in the fort, along with an idol of Hanuman at the op of one of the tanks.
Distance from Mumbai: 238 km
Durg and Dhakoba popular are peaks in the plateau between Naneghat and Bhimashankar hill ranges near Pune district. Full of revitalizing greenery and lush thick forests, this trek will succeed in taking from the noise and stress of living in a city and will became your favorite escape to a destination full of peace and tranquility.
Distance from Mumbai: 174 km
Gorakhgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Gorakhgad and Machindragad are twin forts in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Gorakhgad is situated at an elevation higher than its twin fort.
Distance from Mumbai: 90 km
Hadsar is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. It is situated at an elevation of 3200 feet from the ground in the district of Pune. Within the fort there are massive tunnel like entrances built in the Mughal style.
Distance from Mumbai: 156 km
Sri Malang gad is a fort near Kalyan in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is known popularly as Haji Malang, which is one of the most famous among the three sufi shrines located on the hill. The structure of the fort is three-storeyed, and each tier has a specific name.
Distance from Mumbai: 49 km
Jivdhan is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. It is a part of the 'famous five' fort in the Sahyadri mountain range. The other forts which are a part of the famous five include Naneghat, Shivneri, Chavand and Hadsar.
Distance from Mumbai: 165 km