Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

Mumbai is the most versatile city for touring in India, offering a wide variety of places to explore, which includes cultural and historic caves, wildlife safari, iconic hotels, etc. Mumbai is in the heart of Maharashtra, surrounded by many weekend getaways, which are the most fascinating places for outings with family, friends, etc. The city is surrounded by lush green Western Ghats, which are great places to visit and relax. These places are the best to come out of the stressful life in metro cities.

Here’s a list of weekend getaways from Mumbai.

★ Mahabaleshwar, Distance - 264KM (16mi)

Mahabaleshwar, named after Lord Shiva, is the most favourite hill station of Mumbaikars. Located in the dense forests of Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most scenic places in Maharashtra and a perfect weekend getaways from Mumbai. There are many places in Mahabaleshwar like Elphinstone, Tapola dam, etc. The speed boat ride in Tapola dam is one of the most exciting experiences, crossing the dam, there is a very famous historic temple. There is also a very popular strawberry farm. Fresh strawberry juice is also available there. All kinds of accommodation like hotels, cottages are available in Mahabaleshwar. The best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is in winter, between November-February.

★ Lonavala and Khandala, Distance - 90KM (56mi)

Lonavala and Khandala are mini hill stations in Maharashtra with many things to explore, which makes it a weekend getaways from Mumbai. The distance between Lonavala and Khandala is just 4KM (2.5mi), due to the small distance, both the places can be easily covered. Lonavala and Khandala can be reached through bus, train, car, and taxi from Mumbai easily. These hilly towns offer many places for sightseeing. There is a very famous fort located here, which was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Chikkis and fudges are the two most popular desserts available here, which are definitely worth a try. The best time to visit Lonavala would be June-September when these places are lush green and chilled.

★ Igatpuri, Distance - 121KM (75mi)

Igatpuri is another famous hill station in the western ghats of India, which falls in Nashik district between the Mumbai and Nashik road, can be reached by train also. Igatpuri is surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri mountain range, also known as Western Ghats. There is a famous meditation centre in the lush green Igatpuri named Vipassana International Academy, where the Buddhist way of meditation is taught. There is a famous Lord Shiva temple in Igatpuri named Amruteshwar Temple, which was built in the 11th century AD. Arthur Lake is another attraction, which is present in the dense forest of Sahyadri. The best time to visit would be in monsoon.

★ Bhandardara, Distance - 165KM (103mi)

Bhandardara is located nearby Igatpuri. Both these places in the Western Ghats can be visited at once, by extending the weekend trip. Bhandardara is a famous holiday resort hill station near Mumbai, located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake are some of the famous sightseeing places in Bhandardara. There is also a Fireflies camp in Bhandardara, which is the most famous attraction among tourists. Bhandardara is a great place for trekkers to reach Mount Kalsubai, which is the highest peak of the Sahyadri Mountains in Maharashtra, which is 5400ft above. The starting point of the trek is in Bari Village, which is just 12 KM away from Bhandardara. The best time to visit is from September-February.

★ Malshej Ghat, Distance - 126KM (78mi)

Malshej Ghat, another weekend getaways from Mumbai, is a hill station that falls in between Thane-Ahmednagar road, not too far away from Mumbai. Malshej Ghat is rich in a wide variety of flora and fauna. Flamingo birds are found in huge numbers in Malshej Ghat and are home to several leopards, tigers, peacocks, and rabbits. The birthplace of the great king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shivneri Fort is just 40KM from Malshej Ghat. Some of the famous sightseeing spots here include Malshej falls, Harishchandragad, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam. Malshej ghat is the most thrilling place to visit for nature lovers, to spot various species of birds, flowers, and also some wildlife. The best time to visit is August and September when the ghats offer the best scenic view.

★ Bhimashankar, Distance - 215KM (134mi)

Bhimashankar, a hill station in the Western Ghats, is a perfect combination of devotion, spirituality, and nature, making it a perfect weekend getaways from Mumbai. There is a very famous and one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one among the 12 auspicious Jyotirlinga. Bhimashankar peak is 3200ft above and offers trekking. Trekkers usually begin Bhimashankar trek from Lonavala. There are many hotels, cottages, resorts, etc available for accommodation. Also, there is Dharamshala in the Bhimashankar temple for devotees. Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra. Animals such as leopards, sambar, hyenas, etc can be spotted here. The best time to visit is from June to December when the weather is cool and pleasant.

★ Alibaug, Distance - 100KM (62mi)

Alibaug is a coastal town in Maharashtra in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Alibaug, also known as Alibag, offers various places for tourists and is one of the best places in Maharashtra to visit for the beach lovers. Khanderi and Underi Islands are famous Islands built in the year 1660 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, as a sea observation port, and the island is still used for sea navigation. There are beaches like Varsoli, Akshi, etc. present in Alibaug, where the beach lovers can play in the water of the Arabian Sea at the seashores. Alibaug is famous for Coconuts and betel nuts. There are few old temples situated in Alibaug. The best time to visit is from November to July. However, it is not recommended to visit the place during the rainy season.

★ Kalsubai, Distance - 155KM (96mi)

Exploring the Western Ghats in Maharashtra would be incomplete without paying a visit to the highest peak of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Mount Kalsubai peak is 5400ft above, there is a road route available too, through which tourists can visit the centre of the Kalsubai town. However, the peak can be reached only through trekking. There are many places available for accommodation in Kalsubai town. Mount Kalsubai is the most famous trekking peak among the trekkers who visit Maharashtra. Also, there is a very famous and old temple named Kalsubai Temple. Umbrella falls is one of the major attractions in Kalsubai. The best time for trekking and camping is from September to October. The best time to visit this place for holidays would be from August to February.