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Are you feeling the pressure of city life? The hustle and bustle of Mumbai’s streets, the endless traffic, and the demands of modern living can leave you yearning for a peaceful retreat. Thankfully, Mumbai is surrounded by beautiful destinations that offer a perfect escape for a weekend getaway. From lush green hills to tranquil beaches, from historical forts to adventure-packed trekking spots, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit near Mumbai, each offering a unique experience for travelers seeking a quick break from the urban chaos.
Here are some places to visit near to Mumbai that you can check out for weekend getaways:
1. Karnala – A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
If you're a nature lover and enjoy bird watching, Karnala should be at the top of your list. Known for its Karnala Bird Sanctuary, this location is home to over 150 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The Karnala Fort, a historical landmark dating back to the 14th century, adds an element of adventure and history to your visit. The lush greenery and the cool breeze make it an ideal spot for a day trip from Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 47.8 km
Time taken (approximate): 1 hour, 30 minutes
Top places to visit: Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala Fort
2. Karjat – A Blend of Nature and History
For those looking to escape into the lap of nature, Karjat is an excellent choice. Known for its lush landscapes and serene environment, Karjat is home to steep Ulhas Valley, which transforms into a green paradise during the monsoon season. This area offers picturesque trekking routes, waterfalls, and the opportunity to explore historical forts. A visit to Kondana Caves or a trek up Peth Fort will give you a taste of the region's rich cultural heritage.
Distance from Mumbai: 63 km
Time taken (approximate): 1 hour, 30 minutes
Top places to visit: Kondana Caves, Peth Fort, Kothligad Trek, Bhivgad Trek, Karjat Waterfalls
3. Lonavala – The Jewel of the Sahyadri Range
Lonavala is one of the most popular hill stations near Mumbai and is renowned for its scenic beauty. The cool weather, lush green valleys, and numerous waterfalls make it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re a fan of nature walks, or you want to explore caves like the Bhaja Caves or Karla Caves, Lonavala has plenty to offer. Imagicaa Water Park and Lohagad Fort are also great spots to add to your itinerary.
Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
Time taken (approximate): 1 hour, 45 minutes
Top places to visit: Lonavala Lake, Ryewood Park, Lion Point, Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum, Lohagad Fort, Imagicaa Water Park
4. Matheran – A Historical Gem with Scenic Views
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat without the noise of modern civilization, Matheran is the perfect destination. Located just a short drive from Mumbai, this quaint hill station is known for its colonial architecture, serene environment, and panoramic views. The best part? Matheran is a vehicle-free zone, ensuring that your getaway remains peaceful and serene. Enjoy a ride on the iconic toy train and visit beautiful spots like Echo Point, Charlotte Lake, and Sunset Point.
Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
Time taken (approximate): 2 hours, 30 minutes
Top places to visit: Alexander Point, Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, Sunset Point, Prabal Fort, Adventure sports, Toy Train
5. Alibaug – A Beach Lover’s Haven
Alibaug is the ideal destination if you’re craving the sound of crashing waves and sandy beaches. With a number of beautiful beaches, including Nagaon Beach, Kashid Beach, and Versoli Beach, Alibaug offers a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, indulge in some water sports, or explore the historic forts in the region, like Kolaba Fort. The fresh sea breeze and tranquil environment make Alibaug an excellent escape from the busy city life.
Distance from Mumbai: 95 km
Time taken (approximate): 2 hours, 30 minutes
Top places to visit: Nagaon Beach, Kashid Beach, Versoli Beach, Akshi Beach, Sagargad Trek
6. Kamshet – A Paraglider’s Paradise
For adrenaline junkies, Kamshet offers an exciting paragliding experience. This picturesque destination, surrounded by rolling hills and serene lakes, is a paradise for adventure lovers. Pawna Lake and Bedsa Caves offer scenic views, while the open sky above makes it ideal for paragliding. Whether you're an experienced paraglider or a first-timer, Kamshet offers the perfect setting for this thrilling adventure.
Distance from Mumbai: 101 km
Time taken (approximate): 2 hours
Top places to visit: Pawna Lake, Bedsa Caves, Kamshet Dam
7. Kolad – The Ultimate River Rafting Destination
If you love water sports, Kolad is the place to be. Located on the banks of the Kundalika River, Kolad is famous for its river rafting. With thrilling rapids, lush landscapes, and serene surroundings, Kolad is perfect for a weekend getaway that combines adventure and relaxation. In addition to river rafting, you can explore historical forts and caves or relax by the Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls.
Distance from Mumbai: 114 km
Time taken (approximate): 3 hours
Top places to visit: Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls, Devkund Waterfall, Ghosala Fort, Tala Fort, Kuda Mandad Caves
8. Malshej Ghat – A Nature Lover’s Dream
Malshej Ghat is a stunning mountain pass in the Western Ghats, famous for its trekking trails, waterfalls, and scenic lakes. A visit to Malshej Falls, especially during the monsoon, is an experience you’ll never forget. This serene location is perfect for nature lovers and trekkers alike. With its lush green surroundings and picturesque landscapes, Malshej Ghat offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s chaos.
Distance from Mumbai: 127 km
Time taken (approximate): 3 hours, 30 minutes
Top places to visit: Malshej Falls, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Ajoba Hill Fort, Harishchandragad Fort
9. Bhandardara – A Tranquil Escape
Bhandardara is known for its serene Arthur Lake, majestic waterfalls, and scenic trekking spots. The region is home to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, making it a great place for trekking enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway with beautiful views, Bhandardara offers just that. The area is also famous for its fireflies festival which takes place in the monsoon season, adding a magical touch to the already picturesque landscape.
Distance from Mumbai: 165 km
Time taken (approximate): 4 hours, 15 minutes
Top places to visit: Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Mount Kalsubai, Waterfalls, Ratangad Fort, Bhandardara Fireflies Festival
10. Igatpuri – The Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers and Adventurers
Located amidst the majestic Western Ghats, Igatpuri is a serene town known for its lush landscapes, pristine waterfalls, and thrilling trekking trails. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking peace and adventure in equal measure. Igatpuri is famous for its Vajreshwari Waterfalls, Tringalwadi Fort, and the picturesque Kundalika River. The town also boasts the Nashik Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, making it a spiritual stop as well. Whether you're into trekking, nature walks, or just relaxing amidst greenery, Igatpuri offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity.
Distance from Mumbai: 120 km
Time taken (approximate): 2 hours, 45 minutes
Top places to visit: Vajreshwari Waterfalls, Tringalwadi Fort, Kundalika River, Nashik Trimbakeshwar Temple, Igatpuri Buddhist Caves, Kalsubai Peak
Carpool with POOLit: A Sustainable Way to Travel
Exploring these stunning destinations doesn't have to harm the planet. With POOLit, you can make your weekend getaway eco-friendly and fun. The Intercity Carpool feature connects you with like-minded travellers heading to the same place. By sharing a ride, you reduce your carbon footprint, save on fuel, and minimize traffic. It’s not just about sustainability—carpooling with POOLit also lets you meet new people, share stories, and enjoy a more affordable trip. Download the POOLit app and make your travel experience greener and social!
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