Best Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai

Tucked away near the western ghats lies the capital of Maharashtra and the financial and business powerhouse of India — Mumbai. Known to be a city that never sleeps, Mumbai has hundreds of attractions throughout the city, you simply can’t finish covering this town even if you’re a resident. The hectic life of the city can be tiring, and a short and peaceful break is essential. Luckily, there are a bunch of places to visit near Mumbai for weekend getaways. Here are some of the most popular sites for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle.

Explore Mumbai Over The Weekend

Lonavala

Located at a distance of 90km from Mumbai, Lonavala is a favourite honeymooning spot in India. Thanks to its proximity to Mumbai, it also serves as a weekend getaway for residents of the city. You can enjoy the scenery of its lush valleys and cuddle up in the cool climate. The beauty of Lonavala is amplified during monsoon, and you can spot hundreds of freshwater streams flowing throughout the town. The hill-station also gets shrouded by clouds during this time, and you will feel that the whole city has come right out of a fantasy novel. If you’re an adventure seeker, then you can indulge in some adrenaline filled activities like rappelling and trekking here.

Lonavala- CC by 2.0/Arjun Singh Kulkarni

Parsi Colony- CC by 3.0/Udaykumar PR

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]From July to February during monsoon and winter[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”]If it is a retreat that you’re looking for, The Machan is the best option out there while OYO Rooms is perfect for a comfortable and economic stay.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-book”]You can take a train or drive to Lonavala from Mumbai. The travel takes roughly 2 hours.[/tab]

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Matheran

Located right next to Mumbai, this hill station is known for a unique feature — no vehicles are allowed. If it is the peace you’re looking for, this is the place you should head off to. One of the most outstanding features of this hill station is the 100-year old Matheran Railways which takes you from Neral to Matheran in a mini-train that gives you some stunning views of the valley. You can marvel at the beauty of nature from the various viewpoints here like the one-tree hill viewpoint. You can also have a peaceful stroll by the Charlotte Lake and have some chilled ‘neera (palm nectar)’ at the local market!

CC by 2.0/Carlos Adampol Galindo

CC by 2.0/Aditya Patawari

Matheran Railways- CC0 1.0/Nicolas Vigier

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]From July to February.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”]Experience the forest life when you stay at Neemranas Verandah in The Forest.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-book”]You can take a train to Neral from Mumbai and then travel by Matheran Railways or you can drive till the hilltop. Travel time is about 1.5 hours.[/tab]

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Mahabaleshwar

The most popular hill station of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar located about 250km from Mumbai and is also a well-developed town. If you’re interested in history, you can head over for a trek to the 400-year-old Pratapgad Fort which is famous for the Battle of Pratapgad. You can go for boating in the Vienna Lake with your loved one and take in the beauty of the trees that surround it. If you’re looking for some scenic valleys, visit the Parsi Point or Elephant’s Head Point, which give panoramic views of the Krishna Valley. The mist covered Lingmala and Dhobi Waterfalls are a treat to watch.

Krishna Valley- CC by 2.0/Ankur P

Pratapgad Fort- CC by 2.0/Vikas Rana

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]From July to February.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”] A luxurious stay awaits you at Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort and Spa.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-book”]You can take a train to Pune from Mumbai and then catch a bus to Mahabaleshwar or you can drive all the way. Travel time by road is about 5 hours.[/tab]

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Alibag

At a stone’s throw distance from Mumbai, Alibag is a coastal getaway spot and can be reached by catching a ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa. Here, you can laze around on the famous Alibag and Varsoli beaches or go for some water-sports like jet ski and banana boat ride! If you’re looking for some historical sites, Murud-Janjira, Kolaba Fort and Korlai Fort are the perfect places for you to explore some 15th and 16th-century bastions.

Alibag Beach- CC by 4.0/Harshruti

Murud-Janjira- CC by 2.0/Ashwin Kumar

Kolaba Fort- CC by Vikas Rana

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]From November to July.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”] A relaxed and laid-back weekend awaits you here! Radisson Blu Resort and Spa in Alibag is the perfect hideaway from the busy Mumbai life and is ideal for seclusion.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-book”]You can take a jetty ride from Mumbai to Mandwa, which takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, a drive from Mumbai to Alibag takes 1 hour.[/tab]

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Lavasa

This is a city that has been built from scratch and modelled after Portofino in Italy. You can relax in your lakefront apartment and see the serene lake with lush hills in the backdrop while sipping a glass of beer. The marvellous Italian architecture in the midst of hills is something that will appeal to all architecture enthusiasts. You can explore the lush scenery of Lavasa on segways and make a visit to Temghar Dam. The lake is the hub for some exciting water sports, and you can do some kayaking here or watch water dance to the tunes of music at Oase Fountain.

Lavasa Aerial View- CC by 2.0/Bharath Ganesh

Lavasa- CC by 3.0/Cryongen

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]From June to August and the winter months.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”] Get some serene views of the lake while staying at Fortune Select Dasve.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-book”]A drive from Mumbai to Lavasa takes about 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take volvo bus to Pune from Mumbai and catch another one from Pune to Lavasa.[/tab]

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Karnala Bird Sanctuary

If you love camping and trekking, this is THE spot for you. Located near Mumbai but far enough to give you unobstructed views of the starry sky, you can camp under the stars here and head out early in the morning into the Karnala Bird Sanctuary that is known to have 222 species of birds. You are sure to get mesmerised by hearing the beautiful sounds of birds chirping all through your trek. You can explore the ruins of the centuries-old Karnala Fort which is located inside the bird sanctuary and overlooks a beautiful valley.

Karnala Valley- CC by 2.0/Elroy Serrao

Karnala Fort- CC by 2.0/Elroy Serrao

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]From October to April.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”] The best place to stay in Karnala is the Panoramic Resort for its serene views.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-book”]A drive from Mumbai to Karnala takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Panvel and travel by road to Karnala.[/tab]

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Malshej Ghat

This mountain pass near Mumbai turns into heaven on earth during monsoon season. You can reside here at the MTDC resort and take in the stunning views of the valleys. If you’re a bird lover, you will be treated to sightings of flamingos, crakes and other avian population. Looking out for some thrill? Malshej Ghat has many trekking trails to keep you busy. It is during the monsoon that you’ll see numerous waterfalls develop on these hills and you can actually walk through and get drenched in the falls because they pass through the roads while descending! You can also see clouds descend to your height and this surreal view is what draws thousands here every monsoon.

Malshej Ghat-CC by 4.0/Rahul0n1ine

Clouds descend on the hills- CC by 2.0/Aditya Patawari

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[tab title=”Best time to visit” icon=”entypo-book”]From June to February. Monsoon months are the best months to visit Malshej Ghat.[/tab]

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-book”] Malshej Ghat has no private hotels and MTDC Resort is the only place you can book from the State Tourism Department.[/tab]

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-book”]A drive from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Kalyan and travel by road to Malshej Ghat.[/tab]

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With ample of retreats around Mumbai to help you slow down, you can keep pace with the hectic life of the city. When you visit these places, not only do you find new things to see but you even discover yourself.