10 Best Weekend Getaways from Mumbai
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it's India's largest city. Life here is truly exciting and electrifying. However, at times the exciting lifestyle and hustle bustle of the city may get your nerves. But the best part about this city is that you always have a place to go and relax your bones. Being surrounded by the spectacular Western Ghats, there are numerous weekend getaways from Mumbai with incredible scenic beauty where you can get some peace and quiet away from the maddening crowds and chaos of the metros. Here, we tell you the 10 best weekend destinations from Mumbai, each of which deserves a visit in its own right.
1. Lonavala
Lonavala - Khandala is known to be the popular holiday spot near Mumbai and being the popular twin hill resorts, it is mostly visited by the tourists and locales of Mumbai.
This destination always remains the top priority of the tourist so as to escape into the hills and mesmerize in the tranquil of serene beauty. Both the places cater to the fancies and moods of the tourists and hence it remains the top best places near Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai : 83 Km
Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year
Places to See : Karla & Bhaja Caves, Tungarli Lake, Pavna Lake, Duke’s Nose, Tiger’ Leap, Lohagad, Korigad Fort, Lonavala Lake, Nedsa Caves, and Bushy Dam
2. Matheran
Hanging beautifully on top of the Western Ghats at the altitude of 2516 feet above sea level, the Matheran is the most popular and the oldest hill station in Maharashtra and a beautiful scenic spot near Mumbai that remains the top getaway of weekenders.
Unadulterated ambience, serene environment, and lush green pastures make this place really the ultimate weekend retreat near Mumbai. Don’t forget to enjoy the remarkable Neral-Matheran Toy Train.
Distance from Mumbai : 83 km
Best Time to Visit : October to May
Places to See : On Tree Hill, Luisa Point, Panorama Point, Lords Point, Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, Malang Point, Heart Point
3. Alibaug
Alibaug is a famous romantic destination which looks like it was made for couples, although that’s not to say that singles won’t have a great time! There are several beaches in this quiet coastal town. Kolaba Beach, which offers spectacular views of the sunrise, sunset & Fort Colaba, and Mandwa Beach, from where you can enjoy views of the Gateway of India, are two famous beaches. You can enjoy water sports like jet skiing & boating or visit the forts & temples.
Distance from Mumbai : 95 Km
Best Time to See : November to March
Places to See : Korlai Fort, Akshi Beach, Kihim Beach, Hirakot Fort, Korlai Fort, Kolaba Fort, Keneshwar Mandir, Alibag Fort, Vikram Vinayak Temple and Varsoli Beach, Underi, Nagaon Beach and Murud Janjira
4. Bhandardara
Bhandardara is one of the most sought places around Mumbai for weekend outings. Spend quiet and tranquil moments amid the lush greenery and picturesque sceneries. Bhandardara Lake and Randha Falls are two of the most prominent places to visit here. Bhandardara camping is very famous amongst locals, so if you are visiting it make sure you add this activity to your list.
Distance from Mumbai : 163 Km
Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year
Places to See : Bhandardara Lake, Randha Falls, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Agasti Rishi Ashram, Amriteshwar Temple and Sandhan Valley
5. Karjat
Karjat nestles on the basin of river Ulhas. Scenic natural vistas, mountains, forts and ancient rock-cut cave temples makes this little Konkan town a popular weekend outing from Mumbai. Trekking and other adventurous activities are quite popular in Karjat. The trails vary from moderately difficult to extremely treacherous, making this one of the best places near Mumbai for weekend.
Distance from Mumbai : 62 Km
Best Time to Visit : July to September
Places to Visit: Ulhas Valley, Bhor Ghat, Kondana Caves and Peth Fort
6. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is one of those weekend getaways from Mumbai which attracts both families and couples. It is an amazing place to visit because there are so many interesting things to do like horse riding, boating in Lake Venna, hiking to Pratapgarh Fort, tasting strawberries, enjoying the two waterfalls, Lingmala and Dhobi, watching the views from Wilson Point & filling your lungs with clean healthy air!
Distance from Mumbai : 263 Km
Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year
Places to See : Mapro Garden, Venna Lake, Pratapgarh Fort, Elphinstone point, Lodwick Point, Parsi Point
7. Malshej Ghat
When it comes to best monsoon getaways, Malshej Ghat wins the first spot! When it rains heavily, the streams and waterfalls spring into action, while their air is infused with a new life all of a sudden. The mist ascends and spreads out its arms gradually, and you think that everything must have awakened after a long sleep. Monsoon is also when various species of birds arrive in large numbers, especially the Flamingo. There are numerous trekking trails dotted with temples, forts and ancient rock cut caves.
Distance from Mumbai : 128 Km
Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year
Places to Visit : Shivneri Fort, Harishchandragad, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Malshej Falls, Shivneri Fort
8. Jawhar
Jawhar is the little small town and the best holiday destination close to Mumbai that is popular for its deep-rooted cultural background. The little town is also known for its dated Warli tribes, Warli Paintings, crafts and traditional art which has gained immense popularity for its exclusive illustrations and designs. Besides, this little town is also visited for its serene and picturesque sceneries and mesmerizing sights.
Distance from Mumbai : 155 km
Best Time to Visit : September to April
Places to Visit : Jai Vilas Palace, Hiradpada Waterfall, Jai Sagar Dam, Kal Mandvi Waterfall, Dabhosa Waterfall, Sunset Point, Hanuman Point, Khadkhad Dharan, Bhopatgad, Shirpamal
9. Raigad
Raigad is the place that reminds the success and power of Maratha King, Shivaji. It was the capital of Maratha Kingdom and hence it stands as the reminiscent of Royal Maratha Kingdom. Constructed in the 17th Century, the Raigad Fort remains the top attraction of the place which is located at the altitude of 2700 ft above sea level right on the top of Sahyadri Mountains. Either take the 1737 stairs or you may enjoy cable car ride which connects to the Raigad fort.
Distance from Mumbai : 103 km
Best Time to Visit : September to November
Places to See : Elephanta Caves, karnala Fort, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Devkund Waterfall
10. Igatpuri
Nestled beautifully in the midst of a picturesque and serene environment of Western Ghats, Igatpuri is considered to be the most romantic and mesmerizing getaway for couples near Mumbai. This is the best holiday destination near Mumbai which guarantees to quench your passion for trekking with some of the world-class trails ranking from fairly arduous to moderate. This place is also popular for its age-old Vipassana Meditation and people from across the country come to this place to learn this art of meditation.
Distance from Mumbai : 120 km
Best Time to Visit : June to September and November to March
Places to Visit– Camel valley, Amruteshwar Temple, Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Peak, Bhatsa River Valley, Tringalwadi Fort and Dhammagiri