Best Places To Visit near Mumbai During Monsoon

Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa

Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala 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. Surrounded by lush greenery and little poodles of water and gushing streams, this is an all in one place to visit near Mumbai in monsoon.

Waterfall in Lonavala: Tiger's Leap

Distance from Mumbai: 83 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall

The most popular hill station in the Sahyadri Ranges of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar offers a fantastic panoramic view of surrounding hills and valleys. Monsoons cover the area in thick vegetation and waterfalls and springs crop up. Mahabaleshwar receives some of the highest rainfalls in Maharashtra which makes the hilltops look dressed in rains.

Waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar: Chinaman's Waterfall, Dhobi Waterfall

Distance from Mumbai: 262 km

Best Time: October to June

31 Mahabaleshwar Attractions

Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak

Igatpuri is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in monsoon to get away from the crazy rains of the city. It is a small and charming hill station located in the Sahyadri Hills in the Western Ghats. Dense forests and a number of ancient temples characterize the landscape of Igatpuri. It is renowned for the Vipassana International Academy where one can learn the age-old technique of meditation called Vipassana. During monsoon, this tiny place is transformed into another world altogether, especially with the greenery and cool atmosphere.

Waterfalls in Igatpuri: Ashoka Falls, Lake Vaitarna Waterfalls

Distance from Mumbai: 120 km

Best Time: July to September

14 Igatpuri Attractions

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. The monsoon season lasts till September.

Waterfall in Khandala: Kune Waterfalls

Distance from Mumbai: 79 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Khandala 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. It receives comparatively less rainfall than Mahabaleshwar and has beautiful valleys and rock formations to boast. It has Asia's second-largest mountain plateau called Table Land. Apart from this, Sydney Point, Devil's Kitchen and Parsi Point are some other attractions. It is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in monsoons.

Waterfalls in Panchgani: Lingmala Falls

Distance from Mumbai: 244 km

Best Time: September to May

13 Panchgani Attractions

Declared as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites of India in 2012, Kaas Plateau in Panchgani is a magical place with landscapes with lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. Kaas Plateau is a biodiversity hotspot situated at a mighty altitude of 1200 metres and is a major biodiversity hotspot owing to the many varieties of endemic flowers and butterflies that are found here. Housing about 850 species of beautiful wildflowers, the 1000 hectare area of the plateau is now a reserved forest which is famous for its natural beauty and flora, Kaas Lake and how it turns into a valley of flowers during monsoon. Recently, the place has started gathering a bit of tourist rush and popularity for all the natural treasures that it holds. However, to preserve the virgin charms of this location, the number of visitors have been restricted to 3,000 per day. State Transport buses ply from the parking area to Kaas Plateau and cost INR 10 per person each side.

Distance from Mumbai: 278 km

Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad

A hill station in the mighty Sahyadri ranges, this place to visit near Mumbai in monsoon is engulfed in green hills and innumerable waterfalls. The drive to Malshej Ghat through itself is calming with the picturesque view of the splendid valleys and placid lakes. This mountain pass is also home to various flora and fauna; flamingos are known to come here all the way from Europe during the monsoons! An excellent place to visit near Mumbai for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, bird watching and there are some good resorts nearby to relax and rejuvenate as well.

Waterfall in Malshej Ghat: Malshej Falls

Distance from Mumbai: 130 km

Best Time: July to March

4 Malshej Ghat Attractions

A quick 3-hour drive from Mumbai, Mulshi Dam is your one-day place to visit near Mumbai in monsoons. The Dam built on the Mula River is a major electricity generator for Maharashtra. In the peak monsoon season, the dam flows in full force and there is a deep fog in the region making it feel like literally walking in the clouds. A drive to Mulshi itself is invigorating with the area covered in forest lands and mist.

Distance from Mumbai: 174 km

An envelope of green with gushing waterfalls, Karnala is one of the closest places near Mumbai situated just 80 kms away. Treks or drive through Karnala from Mumbai offers a majestic view of the misty Sahyadri Ranges in the monsoon. The waterfalls are refreshing and the Karnala Fort has much to explore. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to some of the most exotic birds. Monsoon sees a variety of migratory birds.

Distance from Mumbai: 48 km

Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran

When you think of a weekend place to visit near Mumbai in monsoons, the first thing you think about is quiet and calm. Then what better than Matheran, which has a rule of no vehicles allowed within the town! Just the journey to Matheran is exciting, a train ride in a heritage railway and travel around the town on horseback or hand-pulled rickshaws. The hills themselves have much to offer as the clouds practically descend over it in the monsoon and with an adjoining valley, it has over 30 lookout points, the beautiful Charlotte Lake and the ancient Pisarnath Mahadev Temple.

Best Time: Throughout the year

29 Matheran Attractions

Thoseghar Village in Satara is filled with waterfalls ranging from 20 metres to 500 metres in height. The Thoseghar Falls, one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in monsoon are in their prime in the monsoon with more water gushing from the heights. A calm and serene surrounding with a quiet lake and the only noise filling the silence is from the waterfalls. An ideal place for picnic, a quick swim in the lake or for just watching the ebb and flow of water.

The highest peak in the Sahyadri Ranges (1646m) of Maharashtra, it doesn’t get better than this. Filled with lush vegetation which also sees a lot of springs and streams during monsoon, Kalsubai Peak is a great monsoon getaway near Mumbai or Pune. It has a temple at the top and offers a magnificent view of the backwaters of Bhandardara. An ideal trekking place for adventure enthusiasts; one can also head to the Bhandardara Dam nearby which often overflows in the monsoon.

Waterfalls near Kalsubai Peak: Randha Falls - 10km from Bhandardhara Umbrella Falls - In Bhandardhara Chinaman’s Falls

Distance from Mumbai: 175 km

One of the hill forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this fort near Pune ruins is a perfect blend of historic and adventure. The entrance of the fort is called the Wind Spot which leaves you literally swept off your feet. One of the best trekking options near Mumbai for a day, especially in monsoon, Lohagad Fort offers a splendid view from the top. From the top, you can view the Tung and Tikona Hills, the Pavana Dam and the Duke’s Nose. In monsoon, the fort is covered in various shades of green making it sight to behold.

Distance from Mumbai: 98 km

Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug

A drive to Alibaug is just as beautiful as the place itself. Alibaug has many beaches to boast and the Kolaba sea fort just around the corner. However, for monsoon give the beaches a skip and head instead to Korlai Fort – a half hour distance from Alibaug, it is a lesser known destination but a fantastic place to visit near Mumbai in monsoon. Sprawling fort ruins depicting Portuguese, Moghal and Maratha architecture this fort has changed a few hands of reigns. An easy trekking to the top offers a panoramic view of the sea and right down under you can enjoy a swim in what looks like the ruins of the Royal Bath. During Monsoon, the ferry services to Alibaug are closed, making it accessible only via road.

Distance from Mumbai: 96 km

Best Time: November to March

29 Alibag Attractions

Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak

Bhandardara is a peaceful holiday resort village nestled in the Sahyadri Hills in the Western Ghats. It is famed for its remote location, and also the fact that it is an important stop over point while going to Shirdi. It is located right next to the Pravara River from where one can get spectacular views of the natural beauty in the area. Arthur Lake and Randha falls are the main attractions here. Lying amidst lush greenery, high hills and water, Bhandardara is the perfect monsoon getaway from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and is also visited by tourists throughout the year.

Distance from Mumbai: 166 km

Best Time: June to March

7 Bhandardara Attractions

Known For : Durshet Forest Lodge Uddhar Hot Springs Water sports in Durshet

Covered in thick forests in the lap of the magnificent Sahyadri ranges with the Amba River flowing through the woods; combined offer a tranquil and pleasant atmosphere for a quick monsoon getaway from Mumbai or Pune. The place is full of waterfalls in the rainy season where one can enjoy trekking through the falls and greenery. For the more adventure seekers, Durshet also offers adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, etc. Durshet is also filled with a wide variety of flora and fauna; you can hear the shrill of the birds chirping or see a butterfly at work!

Distance from Mumbai: 76 km

Best Time: September to February

7 Durshet Attractions

Known For : Kolad River Rafting Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls Bhira Dam

Close to the Mumbai - Goa Highway, Kolad is a quaint little place quite close to Mumbai with serene lake surrounded by hillocks and bursting waterfalls. The Kundalika River flows through Kolad and is full to brim in the monsoons, flowing in much gusto. There are white water river rafting facilities at the river. Kolad comparatively sees less visitors which makes for a quiet getaway. One can enjoy a swim in the lake or trek about the hillocks near the waterfalls.

Distance from Mumbai: 121 km

Best Time: June to March

11 Kolad Attractions

Widely known as Mini Kashmir, Tapola is a satellite village of Mahabaleshwar about 25 kms ahead of it. Because of its raw beauty and untouched natural landscape, it's a perfect place to visit near Mumbai in monsoon when the entire area is lush with greenery. One can get an amazing view of the Koyana Dam, which is one of the biggest dams in Maharashtra. Kas Pathar is a place one must visit while here as it turns into a breathtaking bed of flowers post monsoon. But the main attraction at Tapola is the Shivsagar Lake, which all water sports lovers will absolutely love. There are also many strawberry farms and nurseries of Gerberra around Tapola. So head over to this quiet, scenic place near Mumbai during the monsoon season and have a great time!

Distance from Mumbai: 285 km

Known For : Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary Bhimashankar Temple Bhimashankar Trek

Bhimashankar, located about 100 km from Pune and 223 km from Mumbai, is a popular temple town. It is among one of the twelve traditional 'Jyotilingam' shrines of Lord Shiva in India.

Distance from Mumbai: 211 km

Best Time: November to February

5 Bhimashankar Attractions

Known For : Harihareshwar Beach Kalbhairav Temple Ganesh Gully

Surrounded by four hills and with river Savitri flowing through the town, Harihareshwar is famous for its temple of Lord Harihareshwar and is a popular weekend beach destination especially for people in Mumbai and Pune.

Distance from Mumbai: 197 km

Best Time: October to March

8 Harihareshwar Attractions

Located in Rajmachi Village, which lies in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, this fort has an elevation of about 900m and was once used as a watchtower for the Sahyadri Region. It is close to the Manoranjan Fort. Constructed in Maratha style, a cave of the Buddhist period is further down.

Distance from Mumbai: 93 km

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.

Distance from Mumbai: 489 km

Best Time: June to September

6 Amboli Attractions