Road Trips From Mumbai: The Motorcycle Diaries

Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa

There is probably not a soul in Mumbai who doesn’t know about Lonavala – it’s easily the most popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. But no matter how crowded or mainstream, a bike trip from Mumbai to Lonavala is an experience in itself – vastly different than taking a cab or bus. Some might consider the ride in rains dangerous, but the drive becomes extremely pleasant and refreshing during rain – just wear a water-proof jacket and you’re good to go. The surroundings are most beautiful and green during the monsoons and perfect for an invigorating road trip from Mumbai on a bike.

Road Conditions: 2 wheelers are not allowed on the Mumbai – Pune expressway, but the old Mumbai – Pune Highway is in really good shape, and with all the cabs and buses taking the expressway, it leaves you with an extremely open road with hardly much traffic. (Personal best time recorded: 1.45 hours)

Dhabas: Unfortunately, there are not many dhabas on the road apart from the few options that you see just as you leave Panvel. There is a McDonald’s drive-thru and a few restaurants as you leave Panvel.

Time: Roughly 1-2 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Kune Falls
2. Lonavala Lake
3. Bhor Ghat
4. Lion Point
5. Della Adventure Park
6. Tungarli Lake

Distance from Mumbai: 84 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug

Although a crowded beach, Alibaug presents a good short-distance road trip from Mumbai on a bike.

Road Conditions: The road is a part of the Mumbai – Goa highway, which is pretty crowded, and the lack of a divider restricts you from driving too fast throughout the journey. However, the highway is being renovated, with road width being doubled and a divided introduced, which would greatly speed things up. That being said, with the weather on your side, the 4 -4.5 hours ride should be a breeze.

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Kolaba Fort
2. Alibaug Beach
3. Undheri Fort
4. Varsoli Beach
5. Khanderi Island
6. Akshi Beach

Distance from Mumbai: 96 km

Best Time: November to March

29 Alibag Attractions

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

This is the longest drive we’ll suggest you in this list of road trips from Mumbai on a bike– but we’re sure you won’t regret it. Mahabaleshwar is around 300 km from Mumbai but accounts for the factor that it’s a hill station, so the last 50 km take a long time. But the drive up the hill presents some amazing views, and maybe you can stop by a strawberry farm on the way.

Road Condition: Take the old Pune highway, pass Lonavala, don’t miss the Pune bypass and take the Pune – Bangalore road. This road is a part of the Golden Quadrilateral project and hence in a perfectly maintained shape. Take the exit for Wai from the highway, and follow the signboards after that.

Time: Approximately 6 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Venna Lake
2. Elephant’s Head Point
3. Panchgani
4. Pratapgad
5. Wilson Point
6. Lodwick Point

Distance from Mumbai: 263 km

Best Time: October to June

31 Mahabaleshwar 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. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani makes the best choice for bike road trips as they both are famous for scenic beauty.

Distance from Mumbai: 245 km

Best Time: September to May

13 Panchgani Attractions

Known For : Kashid Beach Murud Janjira Fort Phansad Bird Sanctuary

Kashid is the closest thing you’ll get to a secluded beach at a driving distance from Mumbai. With a clean white sand beach and a few adventure sports, you can never be disappointed if you’re looking for a relaxing beach and a good ride. Murud beach is about 40 km further away from Kashid and it has a fort built in the sea – makes for an interesting watch.

Road Conditions: The road from Mumbai to Alibag is pretty decent, and should be renovated soon. Alibag to Kashid (and onwards to Murud) is a thin winding road, but almost all of the 1-hour journey is along the coast, making it a wonderful drive, and more than making up for the potholes on the road.

Bonus tip: If you’re looking to add some variety to your journey, you could instead take the road via Roha while coming back. It ends up around 40 km longer, but there is a small sanctuary on the way, which makes the drive very green and picturesque.

Dhabas: Food is a slight issue in Kashid – there are no dhabas after Alibag, and only a few homemade food options in Kashid, mostly specializing in seafood. Vegetarians might find it hard to find good veg food.

Time: 3-4 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Nandgaon Beach
2. Phansad Dam
3. Kashid Beach
4. Murud Janjira Fort
5. Datta Mandir
6. Korlai Fort

Distance from Mumbai: 126 km

Best Time: October to March

7 Kashid Attractions

Known For : Murud Janjira Fort Murud Beach Garambi Falls

Murud is known for its widespread sandy beaches adorned with majestic forts and outlined by palms and coconut trees, creating a perfect holiday scenery. Murud, in the Raigad district with resorts and natural beauty beckoning you, is the place to be for a relaxed, modest vacation, with sparkling golden beaches. Murud has adventure and spirituality, infused into its pristine landscapes. The soothing breeze, eyecatching view of Kashid and Murud is all that you need to refresh your mind and soul.

Distance from Mumbai: 145 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

7 Murud Janjira Attractions

Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad

A beautiful hill station With numerous waterfalls and dams, and a couple of forts, Malshej Ghat is one of the popular spots for bike road trips from Mumbai and Pune. Monsoon again is the best time to visit when the entire route is green and picturesque. Just around 130 km, the ride might leave you wanting for more.

Road Condition: Half of the time would be spent on getting out of the city traffic. You won’t be out on the open till half an hour after Kalyan, by which time you would almost be there. The road to Malshej Ghat from Mumbai is in a decent condition, so you won’t face many troubles. with its numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers.

Time: 3-4 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Ajoba Hill Fort
2. Malshej Falls
3. Harishchandragad Fort
4. Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
5. Sindola Fort
6. Kokan Kada

Distance from Mumbai: 130 km

Best Time: July to March

4 Malshej Ghat Attractions

If you’ve got a refined taste for things, then how can you not take a trip to the Sula Vineyards in Nashik. The vineyard is 1800 acres wide and is a great place to let loose and have some fun with your friends. The months of January to March are the best time to visit the vineyards as you can take part in the grape stomping activity and also attend the SulaFest music concert held at their outdoor amphitheatre where you can also camp.

Time: 3-4 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Wine tasting
2. Grape stomping
3. Tour the wine-making process

Being the only hill station in Rajasthan, the destination is treated as a retreat by tourists as well as locals. Thus, the ideal time to visit Mount Abu is during the monsoon or winter starting from July till February. Mount Abu is a sight for sore eyes as compared to the desert that is Rajasthan because it has waterfalls, lakes, rivers, and luscious green forests.

Time: 12-13 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Toad Rock
2. Honeymoon Point
3. Nakki Lake
4. Trevor’s Tank
5. Sunset Point
6. Dilwara Temples

Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna

Gokarna (meaning “cow’s ear”), known for its beaches and located in Karnataka is called so because it is supposed that Lord Shiva had appeared from a cow’s ear on earth. Due to this, the place has become famous as a pilgrimage site for a lot of Hindus. If you’re looking to take a longer road trip, then a trip to Gokarna via the NH 48 is something to be considered. The view while driving is something out of a movie with rocky mountains, the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea visible on either side of the road. And the best time to visit Gokarna is between the months October to March.

Time: Minimum 12 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Om Beach
2. Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple
3. Half Moon Beach
4. Maha Ganapathi Temple
5. Shiva Cave
6. Kudle Beach

Distance from Mumbai: 711 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

20 Gokarna Attractions

Igatpuri, located in the district of Nashik is a small town surrounded by Sahyadri (the highest peaks) or otherwise also known as the Western Ghats. Igatpuri is a popular spot as Bollywood films shoot their outdoor scenes and songs here. You can reach Igatpuri by NH3, and since it is a short ride, you can travel back and forth in a day. The best time to visit Igatpuri is during the monsoons/winters – June to February.

Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Myanmar Gate
2. Kasara Ghat
3. Vihigaon Falls
4. Bhavali Dam
5. Camel Valley
6. Ghatandevi Temple

Known For : Calangute Beach Baga Beach Dudhsagar Falls

Goa is a destination on everyone’s vacation list, and that’s why we had to have it on our list too. Popular for its shopping, nightlife, architecture, beaches, and water sports, Goa also has famous spots of worship that are recognized as World Heritage Sites. On your way to Goa, you will be greeted by coconut trees, and sufficient spots overlooking the sea for your photoshoots. The best time to visit the tourist-favourite state is during the winter months of November to February.

Time: 11-12 hours
Attractions to Visit:
1. Aguada Fort
2. Anjuna Beach
3. Dudhsagar Falls
4. Baga Beach
5. Basilica of Bom Jesus
6. Chapora Fort

Distance from Mumbai: 570 km

Best Time: October to March

198 Goa Attractions