Mumbai, or as it is still lovingly called Bombay, is a hub for creativity, art, and theatre. It is one of those exquisite places where once you set foot, you never want to leave. Such is the charm of Mumbai.
On that note, let's take a look at some of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai, and what are the features that make these getaways near Mumbai so popular among the mass?
From hill stations to temples and picnic spots, this city is loaded with beauty and ultimate serenity. Mentioned below are some of the top weekend getaways near Mumbai that you should definitely check out.
The first one to make it to the list of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai is Pawna Lake. Situated at a distance of 117.1 km from Mumbai, Pawna Lake is an artificial lake. It has been declared one of the major hubs for adventurous activities and is surrounded by beautiful hill forts.
Yet another very popular weekend getaway near Mumbai is Kolad, which is a small village situated near Mumbai. It has often been called the paradise of nature lovers because of the stunning scenic beauty that it offers. It is filled with thick, dense forests and Sahyadri mountain ranges and is home to a wide range of bird species.
Kolad Bungee Jumping
Kundalika Rafting Camp
Kolad Zipline
Paragliding.
Located at a distance of just 89km away from Mumbai is Lonavala, a very beautiful hill station. If you are going by road, it will take you a maximum of one and a half hours to reach this location. This hill station is full of ancient caves and beautiful waterfalls that well justify its nickname, 'City of Caves. It is considered to be one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai for those who are looking for some beautiful retreats and a break from mundane daily life.
A trip to the Tiger's Leap
Marvel at the ancient structures of the Lohagad Fort
Go camping in Aundholi
Have a fun picnic time with your close ones at Amrutanjan Point.
If you are a fan of river rafting, then Kundalika is the perfect place for you. Situated at a distance of 125.9 km, Kundalika is a small yet very beautiful river near Kolad. During your stay at this place, you can engage in various adventurous activities such as white water river rafting or go camping alongside the banks of this river, which is surrounded by lush green dense forests.
Kamshet (102 km from Mumbai)
Yet another very popular location near Mumbai is the small village of Kamshet. If you are traveling from Mumbai via road, it will take you up to two hours to reach Kamshet. Apart from the gurgling waterfalls, the beautiful temples, and the majestic hills that fill up this place, Kamshet is also known for being the perfect paragliding spot, so much so that it has been given the nickname, 'Paragliding capital of India'.
Explore the oldest caves of Maharashtra, the Bedse caves.
Pay a visit to the Pavana dam
Marvel at the ancient architecture of the Kondeshwar temple
Go trekking in the Bhairi caves.
Known for the Buddhist Meditation Centre and its waterfall. Igatpuri is a very beautiful hill station that is located at a distance of just 121 km from Mumbai. For those who like to go on a hike or treks a lot, this is the ideal place to visit since Igatpuri is surrounded by some of the highest ranges of the Sahyadri ranges.
Go sightseeing at Kalsubai Peak
Offer your prayers at the Ghatandevi Temple
Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tringalwadi fort
Go river rafting in Vaitarna
Goa is perhaps one of those few places in the world that needs no formal introduction. Be it the beautiful blend of Portuguese-Indian architecture or the serene golden beaches, Goa has it all. It is the perfect spot to enjoy gala time with family and friends. Perhaps that's why every year, thousands of tourists from every corner of the world flock in to get a taste of this heaven.
Enjoying the fresh air at the beaches.
Explore the majestic forts
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites at Goa
Don't forget to offer your prayers at the historical temples in Goa.
Rajmachi is another one of those beautiful places that have quite successfully made its way up to the list of 55 best weekend trips from Mumbai. Located at a distance of 32 km from Mumbai, Rajmachi is known for its ancient architecture.
Located at a distance of 263 km from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most renowned hill stations in Maharashtra. If you are traveling from Mumbai via road, it will take you approximately five hours to reach this beautiful town. Known for its ancient temples and lush green forests, Mahabaleshwar has some stunning strawberry and mulberry farms.
Go jungle trekking
Bask in the sweet smell of strawberries and cream at the Mapro garden
Watch the sunset from the Wilson Point
Go Birdwatching at Babington point.
Known for its sweet Alphonso mangoes in the summer and the glistening tranquil waterfalls during the monsoon season, Ratnagiri is yet another very popular spot, which is located at a distance of 335 km from Mumbai.
Plan a trip to the Jaigad lighthouse.
Enjoy the full overview of Ratnagiri from the Thibaw point
Bathe in the tranquil water of Pandre Samudra
Visit the Ratnagiri Fort
If you detest the idea of traveling long distances and instead just want to focus on some of the nearby places around Mumbai, then don't worry; we have got you covered as well. Here is a list that contains some of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai, within 150 km.
Karnala is home to a large variety of bird and animal species. It is located at a distance of just 55 km from Mumbai, which you can quite easily cover within one and a half hours. Apart from such rich fauna, Karnala also boasts of ancient architecture and forts, some of which were even constructed during the early periods of 1400 BCE.
Pay a visit to the Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Offer your prayers at Ambarnath Shiva Temple
Explore the Matheran Hill Station
Marvel at the stunning sculptures of Elephanta Caves.
Kajrat is yet another beautiful city, located at a distance of just 62 km from Mumbai. It is filled with beautiful caves, exquisite temples, and lush green valleys, making it the perfect getaway for adventurers.
Go trekking to the Kothaligad Fort
Pay homage at the Jain temple
Visit the Ulhas valley
Marvel at the beauty of the Bhivpuri waterfall
Vasind is a suburban town that is located near Mumbai. It is known for its marvelous architecture, beautiful temples, and lush green hills. During your stay in this beautiful place, you can indulge in various fun activities, like riverside camping near the Bhatsai river or spending some quality time with your close ones. You can also swim in the sparkling cold water of the Bhatsai river or go trekking to Mahuli hill.
A lesser-known fact about the Visarpur fort is that it is considered to be one of the highest forts in the whole of Maharashtra. It can be quite a difficult trek, especially for those who are not accustomed to such activities. Furthermore, you also get to experience the other beauties of Nature, that surround this place, such as the beautiful waterfalls, mysterious valleys, and lush green scenery.
Situated near Mumbai is the coastal town of Alibaug, which is known for its exquisite golden beaches. You also get to witness some of the most beautiful ancient temples and historical fort ruins that lie scattered around this place. Mandwa beach, Brahma Kund, and the Kolaba fort, among others, are some of the most popular spots in Alibaug.
Go camping at Revdanda beach
Visit the Kolaba Fort
Indulge in various watersport activities
Sightseeing from the Birla temple
Lohagad is considered to be one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai because of its hill forts. It is one of those perfect locations for all thrill seekers who just want to break away from the monotony of their daily lives.
Maval is a small town located at a distance of 73 km from Mumbai. It is filled with various hills, ancient caves, and old forts, thus, making it one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai. One of the best features of this town is that some of the very famous locations near Mumbai, such as Lonavla, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar, are situated near Maval.
Also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, Kalsubai boasts of being the highest peak in the whole region of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 5400 ft, it is undoubtedly one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai.
Situated between Mumbai and Pune, Durshet is a beautiful town that is surrounded by waterfalls and hillocks, which exemplifies the beauty of this small town further. It is also home to a large range of various animal and bird species. Surrounding this region, are various ancient forts, and temples that attract hundreds of visitors every year.
For those who love sunsets, Matheran is the perfect place to visit. It is also commonly known as the cutest hill station in India, and for all the right reasons. Apart from the beautiful sunsets that this town offers, you also get some beautiful scenic views that will give you that much-needed refreshment. The weather at Matheran is usually quite pleasant throughout the year.
Forest Camping
Paragliding
Trek to Chanderi Caves
Go for waterfall rappelling
Raigad is yet another very popular tourist destination situated near Mumbai. It is filled with striking landscapes of the Western Ghats and some beautiful verdant beaches. Elephanta caves, and Ashtavinayak temple, are some of the notable locations of Raigad.
Pay a visit to the Shree Jagadishwar Temple
Enjoy a steep scenic ride at the Raigad Ropeway Top Station
Marvel at the beauty of the Charlotte Lake
Explore the architecture of the Raigard fort.
Palghar is a very beautiful place that is situated at a distance of just 109 km from Mumbai. It has some beautiful beaches and lush green forests that offer the perfect relief from the daily hustle and bustle of city life.
Visit the Shirgaon Beach
Explore the Kaldurg Fort
Go sightseeing at Manor
Harishchandragad is an ancient fort that is situated near Malshej. This site is extremely popular among tourists, especially experienced trekkers. It is surrounded by various exquisite waterfalls, temples, and caves, making it the perfect spot for all nature lovers. During your stay at this place, you can engage in various activities such as trekking, bird watching, or wildlife viewing.
Revdanda Beach is considered to be one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai. It is a completely isolated beach, which is situated at a distance of just 125 km from Mumbai.
One of the most famous locations in Kashid, which is situated at a distance of 126 km from Mumbai, is the Murud Janjira fort, which attracts hundreds of tourists from every corner of the world every year. Some of the other notable places, in Kashid might include the Phashad Sanctuary, and the Korlai fort, among others.
Located in the Thane district, the Malshej ghat is known for its natural beauty. It is a beautiful mountain pass near the Western Ghats that is filled with rich flora and fauna. Some of the various species found in this exotic place include peacocks, tigers, rabbits, and leopards, among others.
Tikona fort is yet another one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai, which is known for its historical significance. The architectural design of this fort perfectly symbolizes the grandeur of the Maratha dynasty.
Last but not least is the coastal town of Dahanu, which is situated at a distance of 136 km from Mumbai. It is known for its isolated beaches and peaceful atmosphere. The best time to visit this place is during the months of October to February.
With this, we come to an end of some of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai. If you are planning to visit Mumbai, don't forget to refer to this above-mentioned list, and have a wonderful experience. Additionally, to ensure a safe and peaceful journey, you can also refer to various travel insurance policies that are available currently in the market. If you are looking for some of the best and most affordable ones, then refer to the Bajaj Markets website, which will provide you with all the necessary information.
There are various locations near Mumbai that you can explore on a two days trip. Some of the most popular ones are Aurangabad, Lohagad, and Dajupur Wildlife Sanctuary.
If you want to experience the thrilling adventure of a road trip, then here are some of the best places near Mumbai to explore.
Lonavala
Karjat
Malshej Ghat
Here are some of the best places near Mumbai that are known for their historical significance.
Aurangabad
Champaner