Places to Visit near Panvel

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.

Distance from Panvel: 353 km

Best Time: June to March

12 Ajanta Caves Attractions

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. Also, visit Khandala and Rajmachi on the way to Lonavala. The tourist destination has many attractions to its name, Bhaja caves, Bushi dam, Karla caves, Rajmachi fort, Ryewood lake, among others.

Distance from Panvel: 50 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

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 Panvel: 61 km

Best Time: November to March

29 Alibag 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.

Distance from Panvel: 61 km

Best Time: June to September

1 Rajmachi 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.

Distance from Panvel: 178 km

Best Time: July to March

39 Nasik 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 a privately planned hill city located near Pune in Maharashtra. This modern day hill station is an enjoyable retreat for all its visitors and has a lot to offer to its tourists from picturesque sceneries to an extremely well-developed infrastructure including hotels, resorts, educational institutes, malls, residential property, IT companies etc.

Distance from Panvel: 154 km

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.

Distance from Panvel: 178 km

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 makes Kolad a treat for nature lovers as well as shutter bugs. The scenery is a treat to the eyes. The river Kundalika is a big attraction here especially for people who interested in white water rafting.

Distance from Panvel: 78 km

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.

Distance from Panvel: 91 km

Best Time: October to March

7 Kashid Attractions

Located in the Matheran district of Maharashtra, the Chanderi Fort is a historical monument which can be reached by taking a short trek to the hilltop. This day-long trek in the Kalyan area is a breather for people from Mumbai, Pune and the nearby regions, and the fort is as famous as the trek that leads to it. From the top of this ancient fort, one can view the surrounding forts of Prabalgad, Nakind, Kalavantin, Irshalgad, Karnala, Vikatgad, Mhaismal, Matheran, Haji Malang, Tavli and Navra Navri, and also the Western Ghats far behind in all their glory.

Distance from Panvel: 51 km

Located in the Matheran district of Maharashtra, the Chanderi Fort is a historical monument which can be reached by taking a short trek to the hilltop. This day-long trek in the Kalyan area is a breather for people from Mumbai, Pune and the nearby regions, and the fort is as famous as the trek that leads to it. From the top of this ancient fort, one can view the surrounding forts of Prabalgad, Nakind, Kalavantin, Irshalgad, Karnala, Vikatgad, Mhaismal, Matheran, Haji Malang, Tavli and Navra Navri, and also the Western Ghats far behind in all their glory.

Distance from Panvel: 16 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 Panvel: 131 km

Best Time: July to September

14 Igatpuri Attractions

Originally to safeguard the natural habitat of the endemic species, Indian Giant Squirrel, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary has now become a major tourist attraction of Pune and Maharashtra on the whole. The densely forested area is spread over an area of 120 sq km on the Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Ranges. The place is mainly famous for being a home to many endemic and pandemic animal and bird species including the Indian Giant Squirrel.

Distance from Panvel: 164 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. It is 90kms from Mumbai and has gained importance because it connects Pune and Lonavala station to Mumbai.

Distance from Panvel: 29 km

Best Time: June to September

11 Karjat Attractions

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. It is historically significant place as it served as a battlefield when Shivaji Maharaj fought Kartalab Khan for Umbarkhind in the late 1600s.

Distance from Panvel: 43 km

Best Time: September to February

7 Durshet Attractions

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 in Pune district, 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. You can enjoy the surroundings and also have a closer look at the village life of India with muddy huts and village markets.

Distance from Panvel: 66 km

Best Time: October to June

7 Kamshet Attractions

Dombivli is a town located in Kalyan Tehsil. It is about 50 kms away from Mumbai, and 25 kms away from Thane. It is mostly a residential area, as many service class people and migrators reside here. There are places such as Khidkaleshwar Temple, Khidkali Lake, Shree Ganesh Temple in the East and a few other temples as well. Dombivli also offers some nice fast food joints.