If you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Western Ghats or the Konkan Coast. From speedily trekking across hills to gently walking on a beach in the rains, one can undertake a range of activities, when travelling to these locales.
So, if you have been planning a short road trip this weekend, we have you covered! Here is a list of 5 vacation spots near Mumbai, you should include in your ‘Maharastra Monsoon 2023’ checklist right away.
Matheran
Matheran, also known as the ‘cutest little hill station of India’ is a small picturesque town located in the Western Ghats. It is situated 90 km away from Mumbai and is an ideal weekend getaway for those seeking solace. The air is crisp, the sky is clear, and the vegetation is lush and green. As Asia’s only hill station free of cars, visitors to Matheran will be transported back to a time when horse trading and the use of clay carts were in motion.
The hill station is famous for its 38 different viewpoints, so you’re sure to find plenty of things to do while you’re there. From the Western Ghats to Charlotte Lake, from Panorama Point to the Panthers’ Caves, there’s something for everyone to experience. Also, Matheran’s nearby attractions include Dodhani Waterfalls, Chanderi caves, Louisa Point, oh, the list is endless!
Neral
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience and want to be one with nature, Neral is the place for you! This green corridor is just 80 km from Mumbai and is situated between two of Maharashtra’s biggest eco-protected zones. On one side, there is Matheran and Bhimashankar on the other.
You’ll find a mix of rivers and streams, forested plains, and lush hillslopes here, so you better keep your cameras handy. If you want to have an adventurous experience, you can head out on a trek to Garbett Plateau as well.
Essentially, Neral is a great stopover for people headed to Matheran, but it also has its own unique charms and attractions. Plus, you can explore the mysterious Sagargad Fort in the dense Neral Forests and get lost in its history. Also, be sure to book your tickets of the Matheran-Neral toy-train for an unforgettable experience.
Khandala and Lonavala
Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations, located near each other and are very popular monsoon getaways from Mumbai – just 82 kms away. These two peaks are situated in the gorgeous green Western Ghats of Maharashtra, and there are lots of amazing places to explore here! The scenic viewpoints are the major attractions of these two hill stations.
Further, only during monsoons, do tourists get to enjoy lush green views and dense cloud covers over the hills here. And along with small waterfalls, the nearby attractions include: Loghad Fort, Kune Waterfalls, The Tiger’s Leap, Rajmachi Fort, Duke’s Nose, Bhushi Lake, Karla and Bhaja Caves, and so on.
Bhandardara
Bhandardara, located in Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar District, is approximately 117 km from Mumbai and can be easily reached by road. Bhandardara is home to some of the most prominent tourist spots, such as Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls and Arthur Lake, where you can arrange a picnic for your family members.
The village is also an ideal destination for history buffs as it is merely 23 km from the famous Ratangad Fort, located on the bank of the Indravolu River. Moreover, Bhandardara’s most famous tourist attraction, Mount Kalsubai, is also one of the highest points in Maharashtra.
If you are looking to get away from Bhandardara, there are a few more places that you can visit in the vicinity of the hill station, such as Nashik, Igatpuri, Pune and so on.
Alibaug
Alibaug is known as ‘mini Goa’ because it’s so popular with tourists, all year round! It’s a small town steeped in colonial history, located around 96 km from Mumbai. It’s got beautiful beaches within close proximity to each other, clean air, and lots of fort and temple sites – so you’ll never run out of things to do here.
Here, you should surely hitch a boat ride to see the sunrise or sunset across the horizon, as well as the majestic Kolaba Fort. Kihim and Nagaon beaches are also popular here while the former is a photographer’s dream destination.
