With visitors and tourists flocking to Lonavala for morning treks and campsites, Pawana Lake is somewhat aloof, about 20 kilometres from the Lonavala Railway Station. The sheer size of the lake along with the surroundings make for an awesome sight as it imposes itself like a canvas painting in your eyes. A camper's paradise is what it is, surrounded by high towering hills and blessed with an all year round pleasant climate rendering it a lovely getaway location.
Distance from Mumbai: 119 km
Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla is the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by all sorts of people, especially hikers and trekkers.
Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug
A little coastal town tucked away in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway holiday destination and has earned itself the name of 'mini-Goa', owing to the high tourist footfall all year round. Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 110 kilometres from Mumbai, and is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty of forts and temples, ensuring that despite being a small town, you never run out of activities to do.
Distance from Mumbai: 96 km
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Beach town on the Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule has temples of Lord Ganesha as major attractions apart from the beautiful virgin beaches.
Distance from Mumbai: 341 km
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Shaniwar Wada Aga Khan Palace Osho Ashram
Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, Pune is a bustling hub of multifarious people and activities and is in the contention for rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country. When someone says Pune, you immediately think of a laidback, yet lively town with a young and vivacious crowd that welcomes every visitor with an open heart. However, there is a lot more to Pune than just its youthful vigour. Behind the modern commercialized façade of Pune lies the roots of ancient Poona, which gave birth to the Maratha Empire and had a very crucial role to play in the history of India’s independence. Pune is a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition, and it deserves the title of being the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
Distance from Mumbai: 147 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall
A hill town in Western Ghats, apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks.
Distance from Mumbai: 262 km
Best Time: October to June
Known For : Kaas Plateau Table Land Mahabaleshwar
Deriving its name from the five hills surrounding it, Panchgani is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar, famous for its various sunset/sunrise points and scenic valley view.
Distance from Mumbai: 244 km
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to “overhead forest”, Matheran is the smallest hill station in all of India, but it is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Durshet Forest Lodge Uddhar Hot Springs Water sports in Durshet
Durshet is a little village found on the banks of the river Amba, nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. Due to its proximity to Mumbai and Pune it serves as a weekend getaway for people to move away from the crowded cities.
Distance from Mumbai: 76 km
Best Time: September to February