Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug
Alibag is another one of Mumbai’s famous getaway with beautiful beaches and ancient fort ruins, it makes for quite a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can spend a day at the Kashid beach enjoying the sea and water along with some water sporting activities. A little further in from Alibag is the ruins of Korlai Fort; trekking enthusiasts can take a day’s trip here.
Distance from Mumbai: 96 km
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Nakki Lake Guru Shikhar Toad Rock
The only hill station of Rajasthan, its cool atmosphere and lush green surroundings make it a major tourist spot within the state. The most important attraction, however, is undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country. If you are a history or architecture buff, this is one of the places you should absolutely not miss out in India. So, if you are a Mumbaikar and planning to get away for a long weekend then Ahmedabad and Mount Abu tour is the right destination for you to spend some quality time.
Distance from Mumbai: 756 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Matheran is one of the beautiful hill stations near Mumbai that is known to be a quick weekend getaway from Mumbai. Definitely one of the places near Mumbai to visit in Winter. Two days at Matheran could be spent in much leisure – taking walks along the hill top, comfort food or take a day’s excursion to see the 12 points of the hill on a Horse.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Naida Caves Nagoa Beach Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
For the solitude seekers, it doesn’t get better than this, more so during the winter. Diu has lots to explore. It was recently promoted as a great beach destination by the viral campaign in which it was difficult to point out that the beach located in India itself. Diu, unlike Daman, is beautiful, offbeat and have amazing beaches. Diu, blessed with incredible and pristine beaches, that takes care of your solitude needs when you’re tired from regular monotonous life in Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 822 km
Best Time: July to March
This is another great option for a winter trip near Mumbai. Arrive at Ahmedabad a night before start your day at Little Rann of Kutch early. Spend the day exploring the desert by an open jeep where you can spot a wide variety of animals, overnight stay at the dessert should not be missed.
Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik
You could leave for Nasik on the third day, spending the rest of the day exploring the beautiful city that boasts of famous ancient temples like the Trimbakeshwar Temple, Ramkund – the bathing tank where pilgrims come daily to bathe and pray or visit the trek along the Brahmagiri hill. Alternatively, if you are not looking for a religious trip, you can pay a visit to the Sula Vineyards and savour the choicest wines to make for a heady trip. You can read more about it in this travelogue. Overall, an excellent outing for winters near Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 167 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Ganapatipule is the one of the lesser known destinations around Mumbai with minimal human alteration; it provides a rather calm and secluded beach front as compared to Alibag with some delicious Konkani food to compliment it. You can also visit the Ganapatipule Ganesh Temple and shop for some traditional handicrafts in the village markets. It makes for a balmy getaway in winters from Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 333 km
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Dwarkadhish Temple Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Bet Dwarka
While proceeding to Dwarka, one can take a pit stop at Jamnagar to visit Lakhota Lake and Museum and the Bala Hanuman Temple. Once in Dwarka, visit the Dwarkadeesh Temple, Bet Dwarka, Nageshwar Temple and take an evening boat ride in Gopi Talav.
Distance from Mumbai: 935 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Sabarmati Riverfront Dada Hari Wav Swaminarayan Temple, Ahmedabad
Note: This trip requires you a minimum of 4 days and hence suitable only for long weekends. Beautiful monuments, amusement parks, delicately carved mosques and sheer pleasure of exploring the Islamic-Hindu style of architecture present in the old structures of Ahmedabad. The textile city has a museum of textiles, and freedom struggle inspired museum, the tomb of Ahmed Shah – the then ruler of the city, among other attractions. Mount Abu is the serene counterpart to Ahmedabad, numerous temples, forts and museums make up for the main attractions here along with various points such as Sunset Point, Honeymoon Point, Sunrise Point. A perfect combination for a short winter trip near Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 534 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Kalika Mata Temple Pavagadh Fort Jain Temples in Pavagadh
These two towns of Gujarat boast of representing the rich culture and heritage of traditional Gujarat. They house the ancient forts, tombs, and old monuments. The Kali Mata Temple at the Pavagadh Hill witnesses a large number of devotees daily while the Champaner- Pavagadh Archaeological site is the repository of the palaces, temples, water reservoirs, etc. Explore these places in the winter mist to have a surreal experience.
Distance from Mumbai: 464 km
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Artist Village Hatgadh Fort Vansda National park
In Saputara, the main attractions include – Saptashrungi Temple, Hatgad Fort and the Purna Sanctuary. Other than these, the Gir Falls, Botanical Gardens and the Sunset Point are also must visit this winter.
Distance from Mumbai: 244 km
Best Time: Mid March to mid November
Known For : Water sports Tarkarli Beach Karli backwaters
A beach vacay with sands glowing in the sun, a rigid yet placid looking sea and a vague sense of peace is never too mainstream! Head over to Tarkarli instead of Goa this winter, and feel the difference. The water sports on offer (read scuba, snorkelling, banana boat ride), and mad collection of beautiful starfish and shells are the spur that you need to visit this idyllic haven. To know more, read this Tarkarli Travelogue.
Distance from Mumbai: 528 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak
Bhandardara, famous for its lake town status, where boating and other water sporting activities are enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. Bhandardara can be explored in two days where you can trek to the Ratangad Fort, visit the Randha and Umbrella Falls, and go boating in the sunset at the Arthur Lake. Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra falls on the way to Bhandardara and is another excellent trekking option.
Distance from Mumbai: 163 km
Best Time: June to March
The lovely chaotic places of Mumbai is a retreat for your eyes. Make this winter a memorable one by visiting the surprising places listed above.