Maharashtra has a lot to offer, brimming with vast treasures and guaranteeing you’ll never run out of places to explore! Explore the epic forts, ancient caves steeped in history, and beaches so stunning, that they’ll leave you in awe.
This Maharashtra tourism guide reveals some of the best spots near Mumbai, perfect for a quick weekend road trip or an extended adventure into the state’s wild side. So buckle up– Maharashtra’s open road is calling, and the adventure is yours to embrace!
Forts
Spice up your next road trip from Mumbai with some epic forts! These hidden gems near the city are bursting with history, killer views, and adventure. Let’s go!
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Rajmachi Fort-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 95 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June- September
3. Nearby attractions- Tungarli lake, Ryewood Park, Tiger’s Leap
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Lohagad Fort-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 100 Km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- March to June
3. Nearby attractions- Celebrity Wax Museum, Della Adventure park
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Panhala Fort-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 374 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to December
3. Nearby attractions- Pusati Buruj, Tabak Udyan, Masai Pathar
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Sinhagad Fort-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 194 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to February
3. Nearby attractions- Shaniwar Wada, Butterfly Trampoline Park, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological park
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Mahuli Fort-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 70 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to March
3. Nearby attractions- Manas Mandir
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Karnala Fort-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 56 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to April
3. Nearby attractions- Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Shiv Temple
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Tung Fort-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 152 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- July to September
3. Nearby attractions- Pavana Lake
Waterfalls
Maharashtra’s cascading waterfalls are the perfect post-fort-trekking reward, all located just a short drive away from the city. So grab your bags and let the beauty of these waterfalls near Mumbai revitalise your mind, body, and soul.
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Naneghat Waterfall-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 120 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- July to September
3. Nearby attractions- Malshej Ghat, Harishchandragad
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Bhagirath Waterfall-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 68 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to September
3. Nearby attractions- Chanderi Hills
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Kune Waterfall-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 80 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to October
3. Nearby attractions- Parsi Point, Sydney Point, Table Land lake
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Lohagad Waterfall-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 100 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to September
3. Nearby attractions- Prati Pandharpur, Lion’s Point, Dinosaur’s Park
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Anjaneri Waterfall-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 211 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to March
3. Nearby attractions- Saputara Ropeway, Soma Vineyards
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Zenith Waterfall-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 73 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to September
3. Nearby attractions- Gagangiri Ashram, Imagica Waterfall, Tungarli Lake
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Bhivpuri Waterfall-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 95 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to August
3. Nearby attractions- Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point
Beaches
Forts, waterfalls, been there, done that! Now, let’s talk about the offbeat beaches near Mumbai, where you can just, like, park yourself and do absolutely nothing. Because hey, chilling is a kind of vacation too, right?
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Kashid Beach-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 135 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to February
3. Nearby attractions- Korlai Fort, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
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Alibaug Beach-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 95 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit-November to February
3. Nearby attractions- Kanakeshwar Forest, Brahma Kund, Raigad Bazaar Mall
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Manori Beach-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 46 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to March
3. Nearby attractions- Global Vipassana Pagoda, The Sufi Dargah, Samudreshwar Temple
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Murud Beach-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 152 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to February
3. Nearby attractions- Ahmedganj Palace, Garambi Dam, Kasa Fort
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Kalamb Beach-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 464 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- September to March
3. Nearby attractions- Sopara Stupa Site, Rajodi Beach
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Uran Beach-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 59 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- Throughout the year
3. Nearby attractions- Utsav Chowk, The Sunny Side Market
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Kelva Beach-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 103 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- November to February
3. Nearby attractions- Kelva Pankot, Kelva Dam, Danda Creek Bridge
Caves
Alright, we know we’ve hit most of the Maharashtra highlights, but what about those cave lovers out there? Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you! We’re adding some of the top caves near Mumbai to the list, so get ready to ditch the sunshine for some underground adventures.
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Mahakali Caves-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 39 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to February
3. Nearby attractions-
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Elephanta caves-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 28 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- November to February
3. Nearby attractions-
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Ellora Caves-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 328 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to March
3. Nearby attractions- Mughal Silk Bazaar, Aurangzeb’s Tomb
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Bedse caves-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 144 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to September
3. Nearby attractions- Shinde Vadi Hills, Bhandar Dongar
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Pataleshwar Caves-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 150 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to February
3. Nearby attractions- Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir, Shaniwar Wada
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Bhaja Caves-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 141 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- October to February
3. Nearby attractions- Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum, Prati Pandharpur
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Ajanta Caves-
1. Distance from Mumbai- 389 km approx.
2. Ideal time to visit- June to September, November to February
3. Nearby attractions- Ajanta Caves Waterfall, Ajintha Caves Reflection
Scenic Roads
We got you covered with all the road trip deets! But listen up, driving ain’t so bad when the route’s a beauty, with trees swayin’ on one side and the sea all sparkly on the other. Hit these scenic roads from Mumbai, for a freaking swell experience!
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Mumbai- Pune Expressway- This 93-kilometer expressway takes you on a journey through a wonderland. The Sahyadri mountains, a crown jewel of India, will tower beside you, while picturesque valleys paint a breathtaking panorama.
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NH 66- This highway unfurls along Maharashtra’s western coast, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Discover hidden gems like Alibaug, Kashid, and Murud, each with its own unique beach vibe. It’s the perfect road trip for those seeking relaxation and a touch of exploration.
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NH 52– More than just a highway, the Nagpur-Aurangabad-Mumbai route is an explorer’s dream. Travel through the heart of the Deccan Plateau, where majestic caves like Ajanta and Ellora whisper tales of the past. This scenic drive offers a unique blend of historical wonders and beautiful landscapes.
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NH 222- Wind your way through breathtaking landscapes on this route. Explore charming towns like Bhandardara, Malshej ghat, and Wai, all nestled amidst cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and picturesque valleys. Nature lovers and adventure seekers, this one’s for you!
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NH 160- This highway is your gateway to the captivating hill station of Mahabaleshwar. Embark on a scenic journey from Lonavala, with stunning views of the Sahyadri range and charming stopovers in towns like Panchgani and Satara.
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Mumbai-Goa Highway- This scenic route winds its way past charming towns like Ratnagiri, Malvan, and Vengurla, each with its own coastal charm. Pristine beaches, sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea, and fascinating historical sites await you on this unforgettable journey.
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NH 965- Planning a trip to Nagpur? This exciting highway winds its way through the heart of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most prominent wildlife sanctuaries. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of a majestic tiger or other captivating creatures roaming free in their natural habitat. It’s the perfect adventure for anyone seeking a thrilling encounter with the wild.
