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 : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves
Perched on the foothills of Sahyadri, Khandala provides for a perfect weekend respite for the Mumbai population, with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes and misty waterfalls. This is one of the most popular weekend getaway for the people from nearby cities of Mumbai and Pune. The natural beauty blooms to its zenith and reveals a magical charm during the monsoons.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 132 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Ahupe Waterfalls is situated in Bhimashankar in Maharashtra. It has a wildlife reserve in the vicinity and a beautiful view of the Dimbhe Dam backwaters. The waterfalls is a popular tourist destination especially among young couples.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 51 km
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 a privately planned hill city located near Pune in Maharashtra.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 160 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Bhushi Dam is a masonry dam on the Indrayani River. It is one place in Lonavala which is bound to cheer you up during the monsoons which are the ideal time to visit the attraction. The overflowing water over the steps of Bhushi Dam and then through the rocky terrain make this place a hit among the people of nearby areas who throng in large numbers on weekends during monsoons.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 134 km
Rajmachi Fort is a very famous attraction known for its ancient remains and strategic location. It lies at a distance of 15 kilometres from the hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. It comprises of two fortresses namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan and is surrounded by a vast plateau and can easily spot the Bor Ghat which was a significant trade route between Mumbai and Pune.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 148 km
Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak
Igatpuri is blessed with picturesque beauty and is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It also has some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range. Igatpuri is also a major railway station in Maharashtra connecting surrounding major cities. Igatpuri is a hill station and a city in the Western Ghats located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, 130kms from Mumbai, on the Mumbai-Agra National Highway.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 188 km
Best Time: July to September
Khadakwasla Dam is a famous tourist attraction and a significant work of engineering in Pune. It is built on River Mutha which flows through the city and aids water supply to Pune and its suburban regions. The dam forms a reservoir, called Khadakwasla Lake which offers a quick and pleasant getaway too. Its proximity to Pune City and the scenic surroundings make Khadakwasla Dam a preferred picnic spot. The roadways around Khadakwasla Dam is also a favourite cycling route amongst the city cyclists.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 128 km
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. It is situated between two Ganesh temples of Pali and Mahad and is just off the highway near the village of Khopoli.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 162 km
Best Time: September to February
Known For : Kondana Caves Peth Fort Trekking in Karjat
Karjat, a quaint little village is the last station of Thane district in Maharashtra. The river Ulhas finds its origin in Karjat and trekking and historical spots make it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. It is 90kms from Mumbai and has gained importance because it connects Pune and Lonavala station to Mumbai.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 163 km
Best Time: June to September
Aamby Valley is a beautiful township about 24 kilometres from Lonavala, in the district of Pune in Maharashtra, India. It has been developed by Sahara India Parivar. The 10,000-acre hilly terrain that the township now occupies has been converted into a splendid landscape through designs that are best suited for the environment and have an urban infrastructure compatible to international standards. The township is frequented for a day-long picnic or a weekend getaway by many.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 155 km
The mighty edifice of Aga Khan Palace is situated in Pune and was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in the year 1892. It is one of the most important landmarks in Indian history and has been instrumental in many defining moments of India's independence. It was once the site where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, as well as Sarojini Naidu and Mahadev Desai were held prisoners.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 108 km
Shaniwarwada, once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas. Although the Wada currently covers an area of 625 acres, in its heyday it covered almost the entire area of the city itself.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 109 km
Known For : Paragliding Shinde Wadi hills Pawna Lake
Kamshet is a picturesque hill station in Western Ghats, renowned for paragliding and flying schools. Surrounded by Western Ghats, this place is regularly featured in the top 10 must visit destinations of India for an adventurous junkie. Located inÊPuneÊdistrict, just 45 km from the main town, Kamshet is a paragliders paradise. It's a beautiful place with small villages with natural scenery and fresh air.
Distance from Bhimashankar: 108 km
Best Time: October to June