Must Visit Picnic Spot in Maharashtra

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. Lonavala, being a part of the Sahyadri hills, offers an alluring and bewitching experience of nature's most gifted region. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, dam alongside lakes, Lonavala is a must-visit if you admire nature and want a gateway to having a soulful weekend or a good trip.

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

Known For : Ajanta Caves Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora The Buddhist Caves, Ellora

Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves are located near Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra, India. Adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings and frescoes, Ajanta and Ellora caves are an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments as the complex includes both Buddhist monasteries as well as Hindu and Jain temples. The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built in the period between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD whereas the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and dates to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD.

Best Time: June to March

12 Ajanta Caves Attractions

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. Located at an altitude of 1, 334 mts. , Panchgani is a hill station in Maharashtra, known for its scenic views. Five hills form the Sahyadri mountain ranges offer Panchgani its name. The picturesque backdrop of hills on one side and coastal plains on the other makes for an amazing view.

Best Time: September to May

13 Panchgani Attractions

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. Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in Satara district of Maharashtra. Known for its captivating beauty and the beautiful strawberry farms, the city comprises of ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys.

Best Time: October to June

31 Mahabaleshwar Attractions

Known For : Trekking in Rajmachi

Rajmachi is a small village situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Rajmachi has two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, located near two famous hills of Lonavala and Khandala. At the base of the fort is the village Udhewadi which is another name for Rajmachi. Rajmachi has seen many change of hands from Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and eventually the British reign. The fort of Rajmachi is famous among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

Best Time: June to September

1 Rajmachi Attractions

Known For : Panhala Fort Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)

Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the south-west region of Maharashtra.  Situated 230 kilometres away from Pune, Kolhapur is one of the princely states and boasts of a rich legacy dating back to the times of the Marathas. Presently, Kolhapur is known for Kolhapuri sandals and necklaces that are sold worldwide. Kolhapur derives its name from a mythological story of Kolhasur - a demon who was slain by Goddess Mahalakshmi. The famous Mahalakshmi temple is situated here in the honour of Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Best Time: July to February

30 Kolhapur Attractions

Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik

Nasik is a religious Hindu city, host to the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. It also makes for a perfect wine tasting destination. Nashik (Nasik), named after a relic associated with Ramayana, is a city in Maharashtra located on the banks of river Godavari. Nashik plays host to the famous Kumbh Mela every 12 years. The city is home to plenty of exotic temples and is known in Hindu mythology as the place where Ravana's sister, Surpanakha, tried to seduce Lord Ram and got her nose cut off by Lakshman in the process.

Best Time: July to March

39 Nasik Attractions

Known For : Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve Moharli Khosla

Famous for its natural heritage, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is definitely one of India's most exciting and best protected Tiger Reserve, with most visible tiger sightings in the state of Maharashtra. Tadoba national park is located in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. This place is an ideal weekend gateway for wildlife and nature lovers. Spotted in this region are rare species of flora and fauna, soothing your very being. Tadoba is famous for Tadoba national park, Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Tadoba lake, Erai dam, Moharli and Khosla village.

Best Time: October to March

6 Tadoba Attractions

Known For : Sightseeing in Lavasa Lakeside Promenade Bamboosa

Known as India's newest hill station, the Lavasa Corporation is constructing this private city. The city is a beautiful project, stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino. Spreading across 7 hills, covering an area of 25000 acres, Lavasa is a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure. Lavasa is turning out to be a new hangout for people looking for a small trip away from the hustle and bustle of hectic city life. It is absolutely a leisure holiday destination located in the middle of lush green hills.

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Lavasa Attractions

Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak

Bhandardara, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, has all the nature's blessings a place can get. The lush greenery, the humble waterfalls and surrounded by high mountains makes for the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers. Situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is 117 km. from Mumbai and is easily accessible through roadways. This little village is packed with so many attractions coupled with the serenity of the nature that it makes for an adventurous weekend to run away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Best Time: June to March

7 Bhandardara Attractions

Known For : Kolad River Rafting Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls Bhira Dam

Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is gaining traction as an adventure sports destination with provisions for rafting, rappelling, kayaking etc. Famous for white water rafting, Kolad is a thriving tiny village in the Raigad district in Maharashtra. It boasts of natural beauty which blooms during the monsoons. The majestic valleys and picturesque backdrops make Kolad a treat for nature lovers as well as shutterbugs. The scenery is a treat to the eyes.

Best Time: June to March

11 Kolad Attractions

Known For : Kashid Beach Murud Janjira Fort Phansad Bird Sanctuary

A Beach town, popular for its white sand and blue seas situated in Konkan region of Maharashtra, Kashid is the perfect destination for a quiet weekend getaway from Mumbai. A soothing and calm place in nature's lap, Kashid is mildly enchanting with its quiet environment and picturesque location. This beach town is known also for its majestic mountains and whispering Casuarinas. A delightful place for those seeking a serene environment, Kashid is has a calm shore that stretches to a vast extent and presents with a spellbound appearance.

Best Time: October to March

7 Kashid Attractions

Known For : Water sports Tarkarli Beach Karli backwaters

Tarkarli is famous for its long and narrow stretch of beach, with its pristine water, white sand, and of course Singhudurg, Maharashtra's popular sea fort. Tarkarli with a series of pristine beaches made up of white sand makes it an ideal choice for a holiday weekend. If lucky enough, you might spot Dolphins too. Tarkarli boasts of the finest talcum-powder sand to be found along Konkan. It could be called the most beautiful beach in all of Maharashtra, if not in India.

Best Time: October to March

20 Tarkarli Attractions

Known For : Amboli Falls Madhavgad Fort Shirgaonkar Point

Amboli lies in the Sahyadri hills in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is the last hill station of Maharashtra before the plains of Goa begin and is a relatively unexplored one. Amboli receives the highest rainfalls in Maharashtra and thus remains pleasant all round the year. It attracts a lot of weekend visitors from Goa and Belgaum.

Best Time: June to September

6 Amboli Attractions

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

29 Matheran Attractions

Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad

A beautiful hill station with its numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers. Malshej Ghat is an ideal retreat from the clamor of city life and is a heaven abode full of natural beauty. With uncountable number of waterfalls to beautifully structured dams and steep, lofty forts, the ghat is a perfect place for nature lovers delight. This place is especially beautiful during monsoons and is one of the favourite weekend getaways for youngsters from Mumbai, Pune and Thane.

Best Time: July to March

4 Malshej Ghat Attractions

Known For : Harnai Port Unhavare - Hot springs Panhalakaji Caves

Dapoli, situated 215km away from Mumbai is popular tourist destination that serves the needs of all kinds of travelers. It is known as mini-Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra owing to its cool climate throughout the year. It is located in the Ratnagiri district and is a famous Konkan hill station. It is a small town packed with attractions from historic forts, temples, pristine beaches and lush vegetation surrounding all of it, making it a recent favorite for weekend destination travelers.

Best Time: June to September

14 Dapoli Attractions

Known For : Gateway of India Juhu Beach

Mumbai, the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, is a spectacular paradox of chaos and hope, glamour and squalor, modernity and tradition. Famously known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai – formerly known as Bombay - Mumbai is a beautifully blended melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. The city soaks in everything into its fabric, making it its very own. From upcoming actors struggling to make it big on the silver screen; from Bolly superstars to big industrialists to tribes of fisherman and slum dwellers, Mumbai is a city that proudly boasts of stories from different walks of human survival.

Best Time: October to February

120 Mumbai Attractions