Gorakhgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Gorakhgad and Machindragad are twin forts in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Gorakhgad is situated at an elevation higher than its twin fort.
Distance from Mumbai: 90 km
Bitangad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. One of the many such forts in the district of Nasik, it rises to an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground.
Distance from Mumbai: 161 km
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.
Distance from Mumbai: 62 km
Best Time: June to September
Situated at a height of 3400 feet, Lohagad Fort is a formidable fort about 52 kilometres away from Pune. Perched atop an impressive hill near Malavali, this destination is the perfect amalgam of ancient architecture and natural beauty. Lohagad Fort was built in the 18th century and is an ideal destination for trekking and nature lovers, especially from Pune and Mumbai. The place is flanked by nature at its lush green best and hosts panoramic views and cool mountain air.
Distance from Mumbai: 98 km
Perched upon a lush green plateau, the Visapur Fort is a very popular excursion destination for adventure mongers as well as nature lovers. The fort stands majestically tall and ruggedly firm at the height of 1084 meters above sea level offering a panoramic view of a wide range of hills covered in a thick blanket of green. The majestic fort is a very popular destination for trekking activities. With an eventfully historic backstory and an unmatched view of nature at its best, the Visapur fort is indeed a treat for all- history buffs, adventure mongers and nature enthusiasts.
Distance from Mumbai: 118 km
Harishchandragad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. It is situated at an elevation of about 4670 feet in the district of Ahmednagar. Within the fort there are several temples dedicated to Vishnu and Ganesh. The monument dates back to the 6th century and finds home at an altitude of 1424 meters and more often than not, given its altitude finds itself marked on a number of trekking trails in and around the area.
Distance from Mumbai: 201 km
Chavand (or Prasannagad) is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. Located at an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground in the district of Pune, this fortress is a part of the 'famous five'. The other forts which are included under this category are Hadsar, Shivneri, Jivdhan and Naneghat.
Distance from Mumbai: 164 km
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline.
Distance from Mumbai: 37 km
Karnala fort also known as the Funnel Hill is a hill fort in Raigad district, about 10 km from Panvel city and 65 km from Mumbai. The fort is a protected property which is situated within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and offers a great opportunity to enjoy a refreshing, easy trek. Karnala fort consists of two forts out of which one is at a higher level and other is at a lower level.
Distance from Mumbai: 48 km
Mt. Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges. The view of this majestic mountain is an amazing sight in Bhandardara. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, as it is the highest peak in the state.
Distance from Mumbai: 175 km
Known For : Shaniwar Wada Aga Khan Palace Osho Ashram
With a large student population, Pune is popularly known as the college town of India and has a range of great restaurants, happening nightlife and an overall young atmosphere.
Distance from Mumbai: 147 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran
With close to 40 look-out points offering great sunrise and sunset views in the smallest hill station in India with, Matheran clearly wins on the rejuvenating experience it provides to visitors.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug
A popular weekend getaway destination for Mumbai folks, Alibaug is a coastal town in the Konkan region well known for its sandy beaches, clean water and fresh, unpolluted air.
Distance from Mumbai: 96 km
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa
Popular hill station close to Pune and Mumbai especially appealing to hikers and trekkers, Lonavla is famous for its historic caves, striking forts and pretty lakes
Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik
Nasik is a religious Hindu city, abode of Maharashtra's most revered saint Shirdi Sai Baba and also makes for a perfect wine tour destination
Distance from Mumbai: 167 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Sightseeing in Lavasa Lakeside Promenade Bamboosa
Lavasa, a private planned hill city located near Pune in Maharashtra, is known as India's newest hill station since independence and is a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure.
Distance from Mumbai: 187 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
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.
Distance from Mumbai: 126 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Devka Beach Mirasol Lake Garden Lighthouse, Daman
The cool beaches, greenery, scenic natural beauty and most of all, its easy availability of cheap liquor makes Daman a popular destination among youths.
Distance from Mumbai: 179 km
Best Time: October to Apr
Known For : Raigad Fort Diveagar Beach Jagadishwar Temple
Raigad, is a historically rich district is situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, renowned Maratha ruler, won this place in 1656. His prized win, the Raigad Fort is one of the main attractions of this place.
Distance from Mumbai: 103 km
Best Time: November to March
Known For : Paragliding Shinde Wadi hills Pawna Lake
Kamshet is a picturesque hill station in Western Ghats for all kinds of tourist, especially those who love nature and adventurous paragliding activities
Distance from Mumbai: 99 km
Best Time: October to June
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.
Distance from Mumbai: 76 km
Best Time: September to February
Known For : Diveagar Beach Harihareshwar Beach Bagmandala
Gleaming white sand, pristine blue water, swaying coconut palms and betel nut trees and gentle breeze producing a serene and calming effect, this is not a dream but the enchanting place called Diveagar.
Distance from Mumbai: 172 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Lion Safari Wildlife Park Vanganga Lake Island Garden
With the hills of the Western Ghats and surrounding lush greenery, it is an ideal indulgence into the wild side for a tourist and its Portuguese heritage makes it famous amongst the history enthusiasts as well.
Distance from Mumbai: 171 km
Best Time: November to June
Known For : Trekking in Suryamal Suryamal Peak
Suryamal is the highest peak of the region, located in Thane district of Maharashtra.
Distance from Mumbai: 141 km
Best Time: September to May
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.
Distance from Mumbai: 166 km
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Trekking in Ratanwadi Ratangad Fort Trek Amruteshwar Temple
Ratanwadi is a village near Bhandardara of the Kalsubai peak in Maharashtra. It houses the famous Ratangad fort and the popular Shiva temple called Amruteshwar.
Distance from Mumbai: 181 km
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Murud Janjira Fort Murud Beach Garambi Falls
A small village in Raigad district, Murud is most famous for its majestic forts and sandy beaches lined with swaying palms and coconut trees.
Distance from Mumbai: 145 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Manori Beach Global Vippasanna Pagoda Beach Parties
Manori beach, along with Gorai beach is a growing favourite among back packers and people who just want to cross over to the peace and quiet of the country side for a while.
Distance from Mumbai: 49 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Karnala Bird Sanctuary Karnala Fort Prabalgad Fort
Panvel is best known for all the forts that dot this city. Called the gateway of the Konkan coast, Panvel is the most crowded city of Navi Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 34 km
Best Time: July to February
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.
Distance from Mumbai: 111 km
Best Time: June to March
Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak
Igatpuri is blessed with picturesque beauty and is a heaven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Distance from Mumbai: 120 km
Best Time: July to September
Known For : Dabdaba Falls Jai Vilas Palace Sunset Point, Jawhar
A small hill station located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, Jawhar is a place with abundant nature's beauty and several man made marvels.
Distance from Mumbai: 160 km
Best Time: September to Apr
Known For : Pilucha Dhabdhaba Waterfalls Jai Vilas Palace
Vikramgad, situated about 80km from Mumbai is a nature escapade and is blessed with lush vegetation and ample flora and fauna.
Distance from Mumbai: 124 km
Best Time: June to January
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.
Distance from Mumbai: 130 km
Best Time: July to March
Known For : Hal Museum or Pragati Aerospace Museum Vigneshwara Temple Swami Bhramanand Temple
Ozar is a small town situated in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, famous for its Vigneshwara Temple.
Distance from Mumbai: 185 km
Best Time: December to February
The Karla and Bhaja caves are among the oldest caves in India and date back all the way to 160 B.C. and are situated near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves which are believed to have existed from the times of Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. Karla Cave is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India Travel back in time on this trip to ancient Indian rock-cut caves with the best rock-cut architecture of all times. The ancient caves are protected as Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Distance from Mumbai: 95 km
Carved into a rocky hillside, Karla caves are among the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in India. It is located on the Pune-Mumbai highway at Karla and if sources are to be believed, these are only a few among scores of other caves unearthed in Sahyadri Hills. Carved almost 2000 years ago around the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD, this place constitutes a large collection of beautiful Chaityas (halls) and Viharas (monasteries) reflecting upon a journey of the past, narrating some amusing stories. A temple made of pillars from the Buddhist period has also been built recently at the entrance of the caves.
Distance from Mumbai: 93 km
Pratapgad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Situated close to the famous hill station of Mahabaleshwar in the district of Satara, the citadel rises to an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground.
Counted as the holiest temple of India, the Trimbakeshwar Temple houses one of the most important twelve Jyotirlingas, a form of Lord Shiva. Perched on the foot of Brahmagiri Hills, the temple is situated in the pious city of Trimbak, which finds its mention in the powerful Mrityunjaya Mantra that bestows immorality and longevity. Built in the 18th century by Maratha ruler, Peshwa Nana Saheb, the temple is a perfect epitome of classic architecture.
Distance from Mumbai: 177 km
Located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Velneshwar is a village south of the Guhagar town. Velneshwar is well known for the temple of Lord Shiva and it also has a beautiful crescent shaped beach which is clean and unspoilt and ideal for swimming. Velneshwar gets much limelight during the month of March, when the Maha Shivratri Festival is held here, as a tribute to the God Shankar or Shiva. If you are seeking an ideal water point where you can relish the beauty of nature while swimming and sunbathing, then the Velneshwar beach in Maharashtra is the perfect place for you.
Distance from Mumbai: 282 km
40 kms away from Silvassa, the capital of the union territory of Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Dudhni has emerged as a popular tourist attraction in the recent years. The construction of Madhuban dam on the Daman Ganga has resulted in the formation of a water front in Dudhni, taking advantage of which, the tourism department of Dadar and Nagar Haveli has invested in making Dudhni a popular destination for water sports.
Distance from Mumbai: 169 km
Manikgad Fort is located on a hill in Manikgad village of Maharashtra. The fort is about 1,878 feet high and is impregnable from three sides. The upper part can be reached only from the south.
Distance from Mumbai: 84 km
Prabalgad Fort, also known asÔ_Kalavantin DurgÔ_is situated between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, at a height of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats. The fort built at the peak of a rocky plateau very close to Matheran has become a major tourist attraction. A trek to this place is perfect for those who enjoy adventure and the way to the fort is a dangerously steep climb. The steps leading up to the fort are cut into the rock of the hill. Reaching the fort is one of the toughest trekking challenges in Maharashtra and only if you are an experienced trekker should you go for this trek. This trek which commences from base village of Shedung, takes about 3 hours and you need to climb rock-cut stairs through a steep slope.
Distance from Mumbai: 47 km
Ratangad is a 400 year old fort, captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his time. It is situated in Ratanwadi which is it's base village and overlooks the Bhandardara.
Distance from Mumbai: 178 km
One of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites of India, Kaas Plateau in Panchgani is a magical place with landscapes with lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. Kaas Plateau is 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, its Kaas Lake and its beautiful landscape and scenic beauty.
Distance from Mumbai: 278 km
20 kms to the south of Silvassa, Khanvel is a popular tourist destination among nature lovers. It makes for a perfect getaway for those who want to holiday the lazy way, not doing much, just being there, getting lost in the quietness of the valley and in the process relaxing and refreshing themselves with the proximity to nature.
Distance from Mumbai: 151 km
The Durshet Forest Lodge is set amid 35 acres of private teak forest, against the magnificent Sahyadhri Range. The River Amba presents a sanctuary for trekkers and birdwatchers. The gardens and lawns in the place magically come alive with a natural waterfall during the monsoon season. Go rafting on the River Kundalika, or scout the Umbarkhind battlefield or go mountain biking in this place as the options are unlimited.
Distance from Mumbai: 76 km
Chandragad is a hill fort in Maharashtra, while Arthur Seat is a hill point in the Mahabaleshwar range of mountains. These two destinations are often visited together and they make for a thrilling trekking experience.
Distance from Mumbai: 270 km
Dhodap is a hill fort in Maharashtra. One of the many forts in the district of Nasik, the fort is situated at an elevation of about 4700 feet from the ground. There is a temple of Jagdamba in the fort, along with an idol of Hanuman at the op of one of the tanks.
Distance from Mumbai: 240 km
Durg and Dhakoba popular are peaks in the plateau between Naneghat and Bhimashankar hill ranges near Pune district. Full of revitalizing greenery and lush thick forests, this trek will succeed in taking from the noise and stress of living in a city and will became your favorite escape to a destination full of peace and tranquility.
Distance from Mumbai: 174 km
Which among these places are you planning to visit this weekend? Do share your experiences and opinions about these places in the comment section below.