Weekend Getaways near Mumbai

Is the scorching heat of Mumbai bothering you too much? All the Mumbaikars, especially those who travel daily for their jobs, colleges, or schools know how hot and exhausting it is outside. The current temperature of Mumbai rises to 36 and goes down up to 29. With an increase in temperature, the weather in Mumbai gets super hot. This is the time when most people look out for a cooling escape, but they also know that their boss or the college will not give them a long holiday trip. Worry not! We bring you the best weekend getaways near Mumbai.

The diverse land of Maharashtra is home to several hill stations with scenic beauty and a peaceful environment. Moreover, these hill stations are quick getaway destinations from the busy city life and can be covered over a weekend. It also offers some of the best night campings, star gazing, and cozy surroundings.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head on to these best places to visit near Mumbai in summer.

Mahabaleshwar

Literally translating to ‘Great God Of Power’, the region is also known as the Queen of Sahyadri Hills. The place comprises numerous waterfalls and majestic peaks. Moreover, Mahabaleshwar is famous for its mulberry strawberry farms, zigzagging roads, and stunning views of hills and valleys. 

How to get there:

• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is Satara which is at a distance of 57 km and Wathar at 60 km. However, the best accessible and easy-to-reach one would be Pune.
• By Road: Many state transport buses go to Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai and Pune or else you can opt for private transport. Mahabaleshwar is located at a distance of 222 km from Mumbai.

Temperature: 29 °/ 19 °C

Best Things to do:

• Visit Pratapgarh Fort built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
• Enjoy boating and horseback rides at Venna Lake.
• Head to Elphinstone Point for a stunning valley view.
• Offer prayers at Mahabaleshwar Temple which is a shrine to Lord Shiva.
• Have fresh and juicy strawberries at Mapro Gardens.

Panchgani

The word Panchgani comprises of two words ‘Panch’ meaning ‘five’ and ‘Gani’ meaning ‘hills’. It is nestled amidst five hills in Sahyadris which is topped by a volcanic plateau known as ‘Table Land’. Moreover, it is the second-highest plateau in Asia after the Tibetan plateau. It is also believed that Pandavas from Mahabharata had visited this place during their exile. Panchgani is just 18 km away from Mahabaleshwar and the two can easily be clubbed in one trip.

How to get there

• By Rail: There is no direct train to Panchgani from Mumbai. Though Satara is the nearest railway station to Panchgani, Pune serves as the most important one as it is well connected with the rest of India.
• By Road: Panchgani is 244 km away from Mumbai and one can use both public as well as private transport.

Temperature: 28 °/ 19 °C

Best Things to do:

• Try bungee jumping at Om Wheelz Amusement Park.
• Visit Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy scenic valley views from Parsi Point.

Bhandardara

Bhandardara is Trekker’s Paradise which offers the most picturesque view. The term Bhandardara translates to ‘Valley Of Treasures. Moreover, the place offers some of the best and most thrilling treks like Kalsubai, Harishchandragad, and Ratangad. It is also famous for its green lush valleys and pleasant weather. The best way to spend time here is by opting for Bhandardara camping.

How to get there

• By Rail: The Igatpuri railway station is the nearest to Bhandardara which is at 45 km.
• By Road: Bhandardara is located 166 km away from Mumbai. Regular bus service is available to and fro which is being operated both by private and government.

Temperature: 32 °/ 22 °C

Best Things to do:

• Trek to Kalsubai, Ratangad or Harishchandragad Fort.
• Spend time near Bhandardara Lake, Randha, and Umbrella Falls.
• Explore Wilson Dam which was built during WWI.

Panhala

Panhala is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in summer. It was founded by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and it is the only place where he spent more than 500 days, other than his childhood homes. Though it takes longer to reach Panhala than the other places mentioned, it is worth visiting. The place is famous for Panhala Fort which is also called the ‘Fort of Snakes’ as it is zigzagged in shape. Moreover, it was the center of all the trade routes.

How to get there

• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Panhala is Kolhapur which is at a distance of around 30 km.
• By Road: The place is well connected with all the major cities of Maharashtra. One can reach Kolhapur Bus Depo and then hire a Taxi to Panhala.

Temperature: 32°/ 22 °C

Best Things to do:

• Visit Panhala Fort.
• Explore Parashar Caves, which was the residence of Maharishi Parashar.
• Seeks blessings at Mahalaxmi Temple.

Matheran

How long has it been since you saw the best sunrise or sunset? Do you want to wake up with the best sunrise and chirping birds? Then you should definitely head towards Matheran as it offers one of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Matheran means ‘Forest on the forehead’. Moreover, it is coined as Asia’s Tiniest Hill Station but is very much popular for all the tourists. One of the unique features of this hill station is that automobile service is available up to Dasturi, after which the place can be explored on foot or horseback.

How to get there

• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Matheran is Neral Railway Station which is 30mins away. From there, you can enjoy a toy train ride to Matheran.
• By Road: You can drive from Mumbai to Matheran via Mumbai – Pune Expressway. Also, several state transport buses operate from Mumbai to Neral daily.

Temperature: 32 °/ 23 °C

Best Things to do:

• Trek to Kalavantin Fort, Irshalgad Fort or Prabal Fort.
•  Go For Waterfall Rappelling at Dodhani waterfalls.
• Try Rock Climbing.

Lavasa

Another best place places to visit near Mumbai in summer is Lavasa. It is a great place to get relief from the summer heat, especially for water babies. Lavasa is also India’s first planned hill station which is completely inspired by the Italian town of Portofino. The place is surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats alongside thick bamboo forests. You can also try out various adventure activities like rappelling, hiking, camping, raft building, biking, etc.

How to get there

• By Rail: Lavasa city has no railway station as of now. However, you can get down at Lonavala station which is 30 km from Lavasa.
• By Road: To travel from Mumbai take the Mumbai-Pune expressway. State-owned buses also depart on regular basis.

Temperature: 33 °/ 22 °C

Best Things to do:

• Shop for bamboo handicrafts from Bamboosa.
• Enjoy waterfall safari.
• Plan a Picnic at Temghar Dam.

Amboli

Amboli is a famous hill station in the southern part of Maharashtra. Positioned on the edge of Western Ghats, it is also known as Cherrapunji of Maharashtra. The place is famous for its thick forests, serene beauty, and majestic waterfalls. This can be the best place to relax for all those who seek refuge from the heat

How to get there

• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Amboli is Sawantwadi Railway Station which is located at a distance of 30 km.
• By Road: Amboli is well-linked by road from Mumbai. Many public and private buses run regularly.

Temperature: 31 °/ 23 °C

Best Things to do:

• Enjoy the beauty of the Amboli waterfall. 
• Dive-in for Watersports at Xthrill Adventure Academy and Panshet Dam.
• Watch the sunset at Kavalshet Point.

Lonavala

Lonavala and its twin hill station Khandala are popular weekend destinations for people living in Mumbai. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘the City Of Caves’. The name Lonavala is derived from 2 words ‘leni’ meaning caves and ‘avali’ meaning series. i.e. ‘a series of Caves’. It is a perfect place to hang out with your family and friends. Moreover, Lonavala is bestowed with green lush valleys, remarkable caves, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls. Also, don’t forget to try Maganlal Chikki started by Maganlal Aggarwal.

How to get there

• By Rail: You can board any train from CST or Dadar that halts at Lonavala.
• By Road: Travelling by bus or a car is the most preferred mode of transportation. Moreover, the drive through the Mumbai-Pune expressway will give you a spectacular view.

Temperature: 32 °/ 23 °C

Best Things to do:

• Night Camping at Pawna Lake.
• Visit Celebrity Wax Museum.
• Hike to Tiger’s Point.

Kamshet

This charming hill station is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in summer for all the adventure enthusiasts. Kamshet is one of the best paragliding spots in India. The place looks like a fairyland with rich flora and fauna. It is also blessed with some historical remains and Buddhist sculptures. Kamshet is a hub for parasailing and one can also try acro tandem, instructional tandem, and joy tandem.

How to get there

• By Rail: Board a train to Lonavala from Mumbai. From there catch a suburban train to Kamshet.
• By Road: Kamshet is located 118 km from Mumbai. The hill station is also well connected with a regular bus service.

Temperature: 32 °/ 23 °C

Best Things to do:

• Indulge in Paragliding at Shinde Wadi Hills.
• Seek blessings at Kondeshwar Temple.
• Relish lush greenery at Bhaje waterfalls.

Whether you are looking for a crazy friend’s trip, family trip, cute couple trip, or just a me-time trip, Mumbai has something for everyone. With this, we come to the end of the best places to visit near Mumbai in summer. Planning a weekend getaway from Mumbai will truly help you to refresh your mind and body. Share your experiences and suggestions with us in the comment section. Have a Great Weekend

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