The City of Dreams is a destination for everyone for different reasons. Some of us come down to relax, have a good time with friends, and see what is all around Mumbai for a weekend getaway. There is so much to travel around Mumbai, but more than 20 points around Mumbai can be reached within 3 hours to have an awesome weekend.
Distance from Mumbai: 41 Km
Best Time to Visit: October-December
Panvel is known for the Karnala Fort, a popular trekking spot. Migratory birds like the Malabar whistling thrush, Magpie Robin, and Paradise flycatcher are often seen here, making it a favourite spot for bird watchers. There are two famed Ganesha temples in Maharashtra, Ballaleshwar and Varadavinayak. The best time to visit here is winter, as the city has considerable rainfall throughout monsoons and baking summers.
Distance from Mumbai: 62 Km
Best Time to Visit: Nov-Aug
This place is on the bank of the Ulhas River. It has all the things that can be considered natural beauty. Mountains, forts, and rock-cut cave temples make this town popular among tourists from Mumbai. Trekking and additional adventurous activities are popular across the area. The trails can vary from moderately to extremely difficult, which has everything to challenge your strength and balance. This place can be easily reached through the Karjat railway station.
Distance from Mumbai: 76 Km
Best Time to Visit: Nov- March
Durshet makes up for one of the best places to go on a weekend around Mumbai. Nature lovers will find it heavenly when they can spend some time amid the beauty of nature along with their loved ones. It is located on the bank of the Amba River over the Sahyadri ranges. The adventure also has its share at this place in the lap of nature. If you need some time away from the busy life of the metro city, it is just a perfect spot to find some peace and spend some time with the inner self.
Distance from Mumbai: 83 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-May
Matheran means ‘forest on the forehead'. It is a small hill station around the city of Dreams. What makes it more beautiful and serene is that it is the only hill station in Asia free from automobiles. This means that vehicles have no pollution or ear-troubling noises, which is a rarity in a Metro like Mumbai.
If you are wondering how to get to this peaceful and beautiful place, well, there is not much to worry about. A toy train is here to help you reach this place, offering a fun-filled ride. As far as the local sightseeing is concerned, hop on the horse carts and hand-pulled rickshaws. If adventure drives your mind, paragliding and valley crossing are the things that you can't afford to miss.
Distance from Mumbai: 85 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-May
These two are referred to as twin hill stations because they are located close to each other. Khandala is so famous that there is a famous dialogue in Bollywood called ‘Aati kya Khandala’. It is a picturesque getaway in the Sahyadri ranges. Its hazy-green mountains blend with its twin hill, Lonavala, with various flora and fauna.
The word Lonavala is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Lonavil', referring to the numerous caves. The hill stations are rich in vegetation, making this a seamless spot for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and trekkers. This place has got many hotels and resorts for your relaxed stays.
Distance from Mumbai: 92 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
If you have a bent toward history, then you can pack your bags to go to Alibaug this weekend. Reaching there by car is easy; you can drive for just about two hours. If you are not in the mood to drive, take a ferry or bus and arrive relaxed. Kulaba Fort was built during the times of Shivaji and is a main attraction for this place for diving into some Maratha history.
Beach lovers will be thrilled, as numerous beaches are nearby, such as Kashid Beach, Versoli Beach, Nagaon Beach, and Akshi Beach. Phansad Sanctuary is a place to visit for people who love nature and birds simultaneously. The love for trekking is also well taken care of here; the Sagargad Trek will surely rush your adrenaline.
Distance from Mumbai: 101 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-May
Located near the famous hill stations, Lonavala and Khandala, this place is a must-visit for adventure lovers. Famed by the name of the paragliding mecca of India, this place has many points with tailor-made natural conditions for thermal paragliding and climbing. In peak season, you will see adventure buffs from in and around Mumbai visiting here to satiate their thirst for paragliding. Apart from being an adventure hub, it is a place for a weekend with family, with places like Kondeshwar Temple and Kalra Caves.
Distance from Mumbai: 109 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
If you plan a weekend trip to this place, history calls you. Formerly the capital of Shivaji, Raigad is suggestive of the royal Maratha period. The Raigad Fort is a must-visit spot at an altitude of 2700 feet on the Sahyadri Mountain range. You can take the stairs or a cable car to reach the fort. After experiencing the glorious past of the Maratha empire, it is time to know the Marathas from close quarters by visiting the Raigad Museum.
Distance from Mumbai: 120 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-May
Aamby Valley is nestled amid the Sahyadri mountains. Here, you can do several recreational activities like Go-Karting, Horse riding, Water sports, etc. Trackless toy trains, city tours, and spas are perfect for a pleasurable experience on weekends. Planning a date with your partner can be perfect when you are here, as this place has several fine dining restaurants and cafés serving luscious food and drinks. This fantastic getaway is just 75 miles from the city, so you can quickly come here and have a good time with your partner. Even a family trip would be nice.
Distance from Mumbai: 121 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
Located in the Nasik district, this place can be the icing on the cake when you go to the country's Wine Capital. It is not that it is just a stoppage point on the way to Nashik, but it has its fair share of beauty and things to do. Bhandardara, Ghatandevi Temple, and Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre are the spots that wait for your visit. It is also a topic of discussion among people who love adventure activities such as rappelling, trekking, zip lining, and camping.
Distance from Mumbai: 154 Km
Best Time to Visit: July-February
Pune combines modernity with tradition and is known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. It is known for the Osho Ashram and is dotted with palaces, such as Shaniwar Wada and the Aga Khan Palace. The Singhagad Fort is a must-visit for tourists, as it is splendid in Maratha architecture. Because of its alluring location on the Bhuleshwar Range of the Sahyadri Mountains, it has trekking trails for adventure buffs.
Distance from Mumbai: 167 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
If you are in love with wines, there is no chance you would not have heard about the port wines of Nashik, the country's wine capital; Nashik City is the ideal weekend getaway if you are to taste some fantastic Indian wines. It is home to some of the country's oldest and most famous vineyards, such as the Sula Winery. Going on wine-tasting tours is an experience; crush grapes in barrels and pick them straight from the plantations. This is not just famous for wines but also holds a distinct place in the Hindu religion. This is the place. Where Ram, Laxman, and Sita lived during their years of exile. So, various tourists throng Nashik on weekends with their plans.
Distance from Mumbai: 172 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-April
Daman has some lovely, serene beaches and greenery. This city is around 2000 years old. Hence, quite a few monuments showcase its history and places of religious importance, which reflects the rich cultural heritage of this city, located on the West coast of India.
If you land here on a weekend, there is no shortage of attractions. Some are Devka Beach, Jampore Beach, Cathedral of Bom Jesus, Mirasol Lake Garden, and St. Jerome Fort. There is also the Somnath Mahadev Temple. Some options are Vaibhav Water World, Devka Amusement Park, and Mirasol Water Park, which can give a perfect dose of fun and amusement.
Distance from Mumbai: 167 Km
Best Time to Visit: Nov-March
It is a town on the Daman Ganga River, bordering Gujarat. It is among the finest places to visit near Mumbai. Previously under the Portuguese's grip, it is famed for its diverse tribal heritage, which the Tribal Cultural Museum explains very well using masks and musical instruments. Vrindavan and Balaji temples are famous temples that can be visited in this place, and apart from them, Ban Ganga Lake is a beautiful one to spend time with your partner.
Distance from Mumbai: 189 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
This beautiful coastal town is in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by three hills and has some beautiful landscapes that will leave you completely awestruck. It is the twin town of Shrivardhan. Harihareshwar refers to ‘Lord Shiva, who is believed to have blessed this town. There is a beach temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and apart from this, Ganesh Gali and Kalbhairav Temple are the other tourist attractions. Apart from being naturally beautiful, there is a vibe of bhakti about this place
Distance from Mumbai: 200 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
When travelling to Bhimashankar over the weekend, you can halt at Malshej Ghat to observe the grand waterfalls flowing down the lush cliffs. Just immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Your camera can do much of the talking by capturing spectacular photographs and enjoying the stimulating mist of the waterfalls.
The mystical aura of the Bhimashankar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, snuggled amidst the greenery of the Sahyadri Mountains, can engulf you. Marvel at the elaborate architecture and immerse in the spiritual mood of this sacred place.
Distance from Mumbai: 242 Km
Best Time to Visit: June-March
Shirdi is a famous temple town in Maharashtra. The key attraction is the Sai Baba Temple, which travellers nationwide visit. You will have to drive through the lush green hills. Besides the main temple, quite a few other temples, such as the Jain and Khandoba Temple, can be visited. This is a perfect place for a nonviolent escape from the city. It appeals to people of all age groups, making it a popular getaway around Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 248 Km
Best Time to Visit: March-Oct
Saputara is a hill town located in Gujarat, on the Sahyadri mountain range. It is among the most beautiful tourist places for weekend getaways around Mumbai. Saputara means ‘home of serpents’; a few snake temples exist here. Located at the banks of Sarpaganga, these temples are part of tribal communities. You can always explore the tribal art at the Artist Village Cultural Centre. You can also spend time at the Lake Garden and Step Garden. The sunrise and sunset point can give you the beautiful sceneries of both the dawn and the dusk. Apart from this, Vansda National Park and Hathgarh Fort are some other famous spots to look at.
Distance from Mumbai: 244 Km
Best Time to Visit: September-May
It is another scenic hill station known for its verdant valleys and sunrise and sunset points. Panchgani gets its name from the five surrounding hills, making it the perfect backdrop. It is stunning in February and March when the strawberry farms bloom. The history of this place dates to the British era. Colonial-period formations still dot the hill station and are prevalent attractions. Likewise, visit the Kaas Plateau or Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers. The plateau looks beautiful in August and September, wholly covered with flowers.
Distance from Mumbai: 263 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-June
The Western Ghats surround this place with lush green forests and numerous trekking trails. In Mahabaleshwar, you can visit Venna Lake for boating, horse riding, and other activities.
Located at 4500 feet, Mahabaleshwar has numerous vantage points providing charming views. Kate’s Point, Sunset Point, and Lodwick Point are popular among nature lovers. It is also peppered with numerous ancient temples, the Mahabaleshwar Temple and Krishnabai Temples being famous. A sunset trek to Pratapgarh Fort is a must-visit for an adventure enthusiast.
Distance from Mumbai: 346 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-May
Ratnagiri is best associated with Alfonso Mangoes. A port town in Maharashtra has much to offer if you want to go there as a weekend spot. Ratnadurg Fort, the famous fort of this place, has the Bhagwati temple and a lighthouse overseeing the Arabian Sea. Northeast, a fish museum and aquarium, has turtles and a whale skeleton. Thibaw Palace was the abode of the banished king of Burma. North of the city, Ganpatipule Temple is devoted to Lord Ganesha. So, all in all, this place has a blend of history, beauty, and devotion.
Distance from Mumbai: 331 Km
Best Time to Visit: Oct-March
Aurangabad is the 6th most inhabited city in Maharashtra and also a cultural hub. It is a paradise for those who love hills, trekking, and adventure. If you want to explore the city, you can find places like Bibi Ka Maqbara, Grineshwar Temple, Himayat Bagh, and Salim Ali Lake. Furthermore, the weather throughout October and March remains pleasant, making this an ideal place for a weekend getaway around Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 258 Km
Best Time to Visit: June-September
This is also a famous weekend getaway point for Mumbaikars when the everyday rat race life asks for a much-needed break. Located in Ratnagiri, Chiplun is a city of natural greenery in Maharashtra. What's famous about this place is its white sand beaches, which you can enjoy with a glass of beer with your partner. The region is also covered with groves of mangoes and cashews. When here, trying some authentic Konkani cuisine is a must.
Distance from Mumbai: 155 Km
Best Time to Visit: September-April
Jawhar is another weekend getaway to try; this weekend, it is near Mumbai. It is the home of the Warli tribes. Warli paintings are famous for their exclusive designs. Besides that, there is picturesque scenery and numerous waterfalls to entice travellers. Studded with its ancient architectural masterworks, Jawhar is a place which deserves a try.
25. Rajmachi
Distance from Mumbai: 95 Km
Best Time to Visit: July-November
Rajmachi is a must-visit during monsoons. The lush greenery, the aura around the fort, the amusing fort, and the calm winds are just enough to make your weekend memorable. The attractions of this place are Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Fort.
The trek to Rajmachi and both the forts is popular among adventure enthusiasts. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the fort, and it will throw a challenge at you, whether you are a noob or a seasoned campaigner at trekking.
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