Mumbai is a city of dreams for many people, although life is a bit hectic here.
Amidst their busy schedules, many people look for a small vacation in the hills.
There are a number of Hill stations near Mumbai in Maharastra, India that you can visit.
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These are beautiful holiday destinations, with natural surroundings, adventurous sports, breathtaking views, and sacred pilgrimage destinations
They are ideal places to spend your holidays or the weekend.
In this article, you will get to know about the following hill stations in Maharashtra,
These hill stations are located close to Mumbai. So let’s see each of these hill stations in detail…
1. Lonavala
Lonavala is one of the most popular hill station getaways for the residents of Mumbai and Pune.
It is situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra.
The lovely hill station is located 96 kilometers east of Mumbai and 64 kilometers west of the modern-day city of Pune.
Therefore, Lonavala provides the best road access to both cities. The neighboring areas of Lonavala include an unrivaled variety of waterfalls, including the Kune, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath, and Jummapatti waterfalls.
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The breathtaking landscapes of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake, and Lonavala Lake will undoubtedly amaze you.
Lonavala is generally known as the “City of Caves” and the “Jewel of Sahyadri”.
The stunning rock-cut Bhaja and Karla caves with their antique beams, themes, and inscriptions also make Lonavala an important historical spot.
Tourists may enjoy a variety of recreational activities here, such as rappelling, camping at Pawna Lake, hiking to Tikona Fort, trekking to Rajmachi Fort, and riding the magical slides.
The best time to visit Lonavala is during the winters when the lush hills look more lively and the surrounding lakes and waterfalls look magical.
2. Khandala
Khandala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra, located in the rugged mountain ranges of the Western Ghats.
It is located at a distance of about 5 kilometers from Lonavala.
This place, situated at the top of Bhor Ghat, serves as the key route between Maharashtra’s major cities of Mumbai and Pune.
Because it is surrounded by lush green forest covers, misty valleys, and surging waterfalls, Khandala is a perfect weekend getaway.
Adventure lovers generally go for trekking trips to see panoramic vistas of the Sahyadri mountain ranges in the Western Ghats.
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Khandala has some of the best tourist attractions in Western India.
You can visit Rajmachi Point and Sunset Point, the enthralling three-tiered Kune waterfalls, and the tranquil Tamhini Ghat mountain pass.
You can also visit the ancient caves of Bhaja and Karla, which are ornamented with Buddhist religious etchings.
Lohagad, Bhushi Lake, and Duke’s Nose are some other great places to visit near Khandala.
You can go to the top of the Tiger’s Leap to view amazing sunrise and sunset or hike to the top of the Rajmachi fort to see enticing natural beauty and enjoy the mesmerizing atmosphere at the top.
3. Matheran
The Matheran hill station is a popular location to enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises in Maharashtra.
It is also known for its captivating scenery that keeps you fresh and energetic.
It is located in the Western Ghats, at an elevation of roughly 800 meters above sea level.
The location always offers great weather to enjoy at any time of year, but its attractiveness is enhanced during the rainy season.
Away from the city’s bustles, this amazing hill station provides many great tourist attractions.
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Matheran is a pleasure for photographers as well, as they may explore and capture the finest of the splendor of the lovely hill station.
So plan a vacation in Matheran and participate in the different activities that it offers, such as camping, trekking, rappelling, and so on.
4. Karjat
Karjat is a city in the hilly and picturesque area of Raigad. It is another popular destination near Mumbai.
The beautiful tiny hill station is 62 kilometers from Mumbai and is known for its lush scenery and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Karjat has many mesmerizing temples, monuments, lush green surreal valleys, and gorgeous caverns.
It is also one of the most spectacular places to visit for adventure enthusiasts in Maharashtra.
Mountain climbing, hiking, trekking, and river rafting are just a few of the thrilling activities available here.
Hindu pilgrims and trekkers visit this place to see the city’s historic and magnificent temples.
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When in Karjat, you must see the gorgeous old Kondana caverns. You can go for the adventurous hike and awe-inspiring grandeur.
You can also visit the artistically carved Kondeshwar temple.
Do not miss out on the magnificent Ulhas Valley with an amazing view of some beautiful streams and fascinating waterfalls.
5. Panchgani
Panchgani, named after the five gorgeous hills that surround it, is a well-known hill station in Maharashtra.
It is perched almost 1334 meters above sea level.
This place is surrounded by Sahyadri mountains, calm valleys, gushing waterfalls, and lush woods.
Panchgani is a popular summer gateway and is frequented by a large number of visitors looking for tranquility, romance, nature, and adventure.
The primary attractions of Panchgani are Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam, which add to the beauty and charm of the area.
Panchgani offers its guests a myriad of mind-boggling activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, speed boating, and horseback riding.
This location is tucked with various nature-friendly camping spots and also provides guests with fantastic night camping alternatives.
6. Bhandardara
Bhandardara is a great hill resort for nature enthusiasts, perched majestically within the Sahyadri hills in the state of Maharashtra.
Because of its rich green natural surroundings, it is known as the “Queen of the Sahyadri Ranges.”
The name Bhandardara translates to “Valley of Treasures”.
It is a lovely hideaway for travelers in the Ahmednagar area, with some enthralling natural attractions for people who enjoy the raw beauty of nature.
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Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls, and Arthur Lake are notable locations in the village. There is also a museum and forts such as Ratangad and Harishchandragad.
Mount Kalsubai, the highest mountain in Maharashtra, is another popular tourist destination near Bhandardara.
If you’re seeking a soothing weekend vacation near Mumbai, this is the place to visit.
There are several trekking and hiking trails in the Sahyadri hills that can provide you with an adrenaline rush.
Bhandardara also features several resorts where visitors may unwind and enjoy the panoramic views and simply relax with their loved ones.
The beautiful hill station provides a calming setting with a pleasant climate all year.
7. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a lovely hill station and city located in the Western Ghats, 130 kilometers from Mumbai in the district of Nashik.
This place is known for the Vipassana International Academy, the largest Vipassana meditation center in the entire world.
It teaches the meditation that was first taught by Gautam Buddha.
Igatpuri is a great location for rock climbing and trekking in addition to old forts, magnificent waterfalls, and towering mountains. It offers breathtaking views of Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Konkankada Valley, and Randha Falls.
These locations are blessed with beautiful streams and waterfalls and are therefore ideal locations for photographers, thrill seekers, and nature enthusiasts.
Trngalwadi Fort, also located in Igatpuri at a height of 3000 feet, is a popular hiking destination. The fort offers a captivating view of the surrounding lush green landscapes.
Undoubtedly, this place is a perfect getaway destination for those who want to escape from the urban hassles.
8. Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass and well-known hill resort located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.
It is a favorite destination for hikers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts because of its abundance of lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and lush flora and fauna.
This place is also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune, and Thane because it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
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The lush green hills present here and the pink flamingos that migrate here between July and September (during the monsoon) make it a famous sight among local and foreign tourists.
Apart from the natural delights, this place has sturdy forts, temples, and well-built dams that make it a wonderful place to explore.
Harishchandragad Fort, Pimpalgaon Dam, and Ajoba Hillfort are some of the spellbinding attractions in this area.
Tourists can surely experience an essence of spiritual and sublime natural aura all around Malshej Ghat.
These are some of the popular hill stations that you can visit in Maharastra, India.
So pack your bags and head to these lovely hill stations for an unforgettable vacation that can soothe your soul.
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