Be it summers, winters or monsoon season, it is always perfect time to plan a vacation or a weekend getaway if you are in Mumbai. Every weekend and long weekend gives us a chance to leave behind the city life and enjoy a quiet and peaceful time and reconnect with your family and friends. When planning a getaway the first choice of most people is to travel to a hill station. Luckily there are many hill stations near Mumbai.
The cool climate, pleasant atmosphere and city filled with greenery serve as the best place to calm the nerves and rekindle the spirits. Serene landscapes, beautiful waterfalls and dense forests and plantations are found in abundance here. Escape from the hustle and heat of the city life with a trip to some of the most stunning hill stations near Mumbai. Here we have compiled a list of 12 hill stations that can be easily reached from Mumbai.
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1) Amboli
Situated 690 m above sea level this scenic hill station is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna. Amboli is filled with dense vegetation and several waterfalls as the city receive the highest rainfall in Maharashtra. Amboli the hill station is not same as the suburb of Mumbai, known by same name. Amboli is one of the lesser known hill stations near Mumbai.
The weather remains pleasant and Amboli can be visited all through the year.
Distance from Mumbai: 492 km
2) Karjat
Karjat is a little town in midst of Western Ghats and the Konkan coastline, that is the perfect blend of agricultural fields and beautiful green mountain ranges. The hill station of Karjat is quite a popular tourist place in the state.
The climate remains pleasant through out the year. Karjat is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering many trails perfect for trekking and hiking. Places like Peth Fort, Bhor ghat, Ulhas valley, Kondana caves are the major attractions of Karjat. Ulhas river originates in Karjat.
Distance from Mumbai: 62 Kms
3) Matheran
Located in Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, Matheran is a small hill station nestled at a height of 800 meters. Matheran is just 100 kilometers away from Mumbai making a great option for a weekend getaway.
The hill station of Matheran is completely free of automobiles and pollution and is the best place to connect with nature. One of the must-try activity is the toy train ride through the hills and forests of Matheran. No vehicles are allowed to enter proper Matheran hill-station. Best way to reach Matheran is via toy train that starts from Neral and takes you to Matheran offering amazing experience and picturesque views of hills and forests. Horse riding is another popular activity available in Matheran offering some adventure for kids.
Famous points of interest in Matheran include Charlotte Lake, Alexander Point, Echo Point and Olympia race course.
trodly Distance from Mumbai: 83 Kms
4) Khandala
The beautiful hill station of Khandala is nestled near the foothills of Sahyadris at a height of 625 meters above sea level. The weather here remains nice throughout the year. Monsoon months just after peak summer are ideal time to visit when the whole region turns lush green. The drive en route to Khandala is very interesting with many waterfalls and scenic views on the way.
This place along with its twin hill station of Lonavla is a perfect holiday spot for a weekend or long weekend. Activities available here include some adventure activities like quad biking, camping and trekking. There is no dearth of accommodation options available here with hotel and resort options suitable for every budget. This makes Lonavala & Khandala an ideal weekend destination for people of Pune and Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 82 Kms
5) Igatpuri
The grassy mountain slopes and green meadows amidst the high mountains of Sahyadri, makes Igatpuri every trekkers’ dream destination. Igatpuri is a cozy little hill station near Mumbai which offers lovely scenic natural beauty in quaint setting.
Igatpuri is a great destination for people looking for some rafting adventure. Over night camp stay options are also available. Igatpuri a popular destination for meditation is also famous for Vipassana International Academy, world’s largest Vipassana center.
With places like Dhammagiri, Bhatsa river valley, Tringalwadi fort, Camel valley, Amrutheshwara temple this hill station is a must visit.
Distance from Mumbai: 121 Kms
Check Out: Tours from Mumbai
Known as the ‘Jewels of the Sahyadri’, Lonavala is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway with family and friends. It is also famous for making chikki, delicious Indian sweet made from jaggery and peanuts.
Distance from Mumbai: 96 Kms
7) Jawhar
Known as the ‘Mahabaleshwar of Thane District’, Jawhar town hosts some beautiful hills and historic monuments that are a real treat. It is also home to the people of the Warli tribe (famous for Warli paintings). Hanuman Point and Sunset Point are two famous vantage points in Jawhar. Jai Vilas Palace and Bhopatgad Fort are two historical attractions that can be visited on a Jawhar trip.
Distance from Mumbai: 155 Kms
8) Lavasa
Spread across an area of 25000 acres, Lavasa is a perfect blend of amazing infrastructure and alluring landscapes. The best time to visit is during the monsoon season as the entire city is covered in lush greenery, rain-soaked trees and has a wonderful atmosphere. Lavasa can be easily visited from Pune as it is less than 60 Kms from the city.
Distance: Lavasa is 186 Kms from Mumbai
9) Panhala
Panhala is the smallest city in Maharashtra and one of the popular hill station near Kolhapur district known for the magnificent Panhalgad fort. The town was the capital of Maratha rulers from 1782 to 1827.
The small town of Panhala is situated 20 Kms for Kolhapur and Panhala Fort is a famous tourist attraction here.
Distance from Mumbai: 373 Kms
10) Panchgani
Panchgani is a trekkers wonderland. This city amidst green forest and lush valleys are famous for being the starting point for many trekking trails. Tourists can also visit some of the old Parsi and British bungalows that are spread across the city.
Distance from Mumbai: 244 Kms
11) Bhandardara
Located on the banks of River Pravara, Bhandardara is a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra. Bhandardara is 172 Kms from Pune, 163 Kms from Mumbai and only 71 Kms from Nashik.
Some of the tourists’ attraction spots are the Arthur Lake, Umbrella Falls and the Wilson Dam. Ratangad Fort, just 23 kilometers from Bhandardara. Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra and a popular trekking destination located near Bhandardara.
Distance from Mumbai: 163 Kms
12) Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is one of the largest hill stations in Sahyadri range of Maharashtra. Some of the popular places to visit are the Frere Hall, Krishna temple, government house. It is also famous for strawberries and accounts for 85% of the strawberry production in India.
Lingmala Waterfall set at picturesque location is a must visit place. Mahabaleshwar has many hotels and resorts making it a great hill station destination from Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 254 Kms
Check Out: Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani Tour from Mumbai
All these places are perfect for a one day trip or a weekend getaway. Explore these hill stations with your friends and family and create great memories that will last a lifetime.
Last Updated on December 27, 2018 by Rohan
