10 Best Road Trips from Mumbai

Mumbai is one of the busiest cities, and it never sleeps. This city symbolizes the fast pace of growth in urban India. Mumbai has a lot of attractive destinations all around the city. On weekends you can easily explore the destinations by car or bike.

Therefore, a road trip is the easiest way to explore all the surrounding places in Mumbai. Whether you want to plan a trip with your friends or your partner, you can plan it anytime. Here, in this post, we are going to share the 10 best road trips from Mumbai.

List of 10 Beautiful Road Trips You Can Plan From Mumbai

1. Mumbai To Khandala/ Lonavala

Khandala is one of the most popular places to visit around Mumbai. The 90s film named Ghulam made Khandala more famous. Khandala is just 85 kilometers from Lonavala. You can reach both Lonavala and Khandala easily from Mumbai.

In both these two destinations, you can participate in many adventurous activities like climbing. Just within two hours, you can reach these destinations from Mumbai. When you visit Khandala, make sure to visit the ancient jail.

• Distance: 82 km (approximately 2 hours).
• Route: Via Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• Best Time to Visit: Monsoon (June to September) for lush greenery and waterfalls.
• Key Highlights: Tiger’s Leap, Bushi Dam, Karla and Bhaja Caves, and the scenic ghats.
• Travel Tips: Ideal for a weekend getaway; expect some traffic on weekends. Don’t miss trying the famous Lonavala chikki.

Also Read: 10 Places To Visit In Khandala To Enjoy A Splendid Weekend

2. Mumbai To Nashik

Nashik is filled with tourists all around the year. This city is famous for so many attractions. Kumbh Mela is one of the major reasons behind the popularity of Nashik. Also, here you will explore the wine industry and coin museum. From Mumbai, the distance is only 167 kilometers.

So, on the weekend surely you can plan a short trip to Nashik. A road trip to Nashik will be a great refreshment to your busy monotonous life. Harihar Fort, Sita Gumpha, and Vallonne Vineyards are some popular places to visit in Nashik.

• Distance: 165 km (approximately 3.5 hours).
• Route: Via NH 160.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to February) for pleasant weather.
• Key Highlights: Sula Vineyards, Trimbakeshwar Temple, and Pandavleni Caves.
• Travel Tips: Perfect for wine lovers; combine this trip with a visit to the Sula Vineyards for wine tours and tastings.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit near Nashik with Distance

3. Mumbai To Kamshet

The road trip from Mumbai to Kamshet is very beautiful. The spectacular views of the surroundings will increase the beauty of the journey. Through the Pune Expressway, you can reach Kamshet easily in just 2 hours. The distance is only 102 kilometers to Kamshet from Mumbai.

Bedsa Caves, Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, and Kondeshwar Temple are attractive places you must visit on the way to Kamshet. The sunflower fields and paddy fields will surely make your road trip more mesmerizing.

• Distance: 102 km (approximately 2.5 hours).
• Route: Via Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to February) for paragliding.
• Key Highlights: Paragliding spots, Bedse Caves, and Pawna Lake.
• Travel Tips: Kamshet is known for adventure sports, especially paragliding. Booking in advance is recommended during peak season.

4. Mumbai To Alibag

Alibag is one of the closest and most beautiful port cities near Mumbai. Alibag is easily accessible through the Mumbai Goa highway. Throughout the year, tourists gather at this place. Alibag is filled with so many beaches.

For the pleasant weather, the road trip will be more enjoyable. It is just 92 kilometers from Mumbai. It will take nearly 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Alibag. Also, make sure to visit the Kolaba Fort for excellent sightseeing.

• Distance: 95 km (approximately 2 hours).
• Route: Via NH 66 (alternatively, take a ferry from Gateway of India).
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to February) for beach activities.
• Key Highlights: Alibag Beach, Kolaba Fort, and Nagaon Beach.
• Travel Tips: Alibag is a popular beach destination for Mumbaikars, perfect for a short weekend getaway. Ferry rides offer a scenic view of the coastline.

Read More: Alibaug Travel Guide – All You Need to Know

5. Mumbai To Pune

The way to Pune from Mumbai is the most enjoyable driving route. The distance is 148 kilometers from Mumbai to Pune, and it takes almost 3 hours to reach. Therefore, this road trip is going to be the most beautiful road trip from Mumbai.

On this road trip, you will explore the beauty of the Western Ghats. Also, you will experience the thrill of long tunnels on the Mumbai To Pune route. While you reach Pune, make sure to visit the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelkantheshwar Temple, etc. Also, you can experience trekking as well.

• Distance: 150 km (approximately 3 hours).
• Route: Via Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to February).
• Key Highlights: Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada, and Osho Ashram.
• Travel Tips: Pune is known for its historical sites and vibrant city life. The expressway makes it a smooth and fast road trip.

• Places to visit near Pune within 100 Km
• Best Trekking Spots near Pune
• Travel from Mumbai to Pune by Vistadome coach Deccan Express for scenic journeys

6. Mumbai To Kashid And Murud

If you want to flee away from the daily hustle-bustle of your daily life, then the road trip to Kashid and Murud from Mumbai will be an ideal choice for you. The amazing scenic beauty of this road trip will surely captivate you. The distance is about 122 kilometers to Kashid and 156 kilometers to Murud from Mumbai.

The road trip will take almost 3 hours and 30 minutes. You also can enjoy a bike ride to reach these two destinations. When you reach Kashid, make sure to visit the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary. And, in Murud, visit the Janjira Fort.

• Distance: 125 km (approximately 3 hours).
• Route: Via NH 66.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to March) for beach activities.
• Key Highlights: Kashid Beach, Murud-Janjira Fort, and Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Travel Tips: Kashid offers a quieter alternative to Alibag, with pristine beaches and water sports. Murud-Janjira Fort is a must-see for history lovers.

Read also:

• Nature Retreats Near Mumbai in November
  
• Unmissable Places to Visit Near Mumbai in September

7. Mumbai To Dandeli

Dandeli is one of the best places for white river rafting. However, it is not that near Mumbai. But, it is easily accessible through a road trip from Mumbai. It is one of the most famous locations in North Karnataka.

It will take 10 hours to reach Dandeli from Mumbai. When you come to Dandeli, make sure to visit limestone caves, and wildlife sanctuaries. The adventurous water sports will surely captivate you.

• Distance: 578 km (approximately 10 hours).
• Route: Via NH 48.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to March) for wildlife and adventure activities.
• Key Highlights: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, white-water rafting, and jungle safaris.
• Travel Tips: Dandeli is a long road trip, ideal for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Plan a 2-3 day trip to enjoy rafting and wildlife tours.

8. Mumbai To Matheran

Can you imagine a road trip to an automobile-free destination? Then the road trip from Mumbai to Matheran will be perfect for you. It is the first automobile-free hill station in India. So, to spend a peaceful weekend, surely head to Matheran from Mumbai.

The distance is only 83 kilometers, and it will take nearly 2 hours and 20 minutes. On the road trip, you will surely explore the spectacular views and the incredible weather as well. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best road trips from Mumbai.

• Distance: 80 km (approximately 2 hours).
• Route: Via NH 48 and Matheran Hill Railway (toy train).
• Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and winter (June to February).
• Key Highlights: Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, and the toy train ride.
• Travel Tips: Matheran is a vehicle-free hill station, so you’ll need to park your car at Dasturi Naka and take a horse ride or walk to reach the town.

9. Mumbai To Aurangabad

Aurangabad is famous for its architectural heritage of the Mughal period. This city includes a lot of forests, temples, museums, and mosques. Also, it is a popular pilgrimage. The distance is around 337 kilometers from Mumbai to Aurangabad, and it takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes.

When you come to Aurangabad, make sure to visit Bibi ka Maqbara, the Tomb of Aurangzeb, Sunheri Mahal, and the Daulatabad Fort.

• Distance: 335 km (approximately 7 hours).
• Route: Via NH 160 and NH 52.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to February) for exploring heritage sites.
• Key Highlights: Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and Daulatabad Fort.
• Travel Tips: Aurangabad is rich in history and architecture, so plan for a 2-3 day trip to fully explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Also read: 11 BEST Places to Visit in Aurangabad (2021 Guide)

10. Mumbai To Sula Vineyards

If you are a wine lover, you can surely plan this road trip on the weekend to the Sula vineyards. In February, you can plan this road trip as it’s the best time to visit the Sula Vineyards. The distance is only 170 kilometers, and it takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the vineyards.

You will enjoy the blissful drive on this trip, and surely it will be the perfect road trip for you. The grape swamping and the wine tasting will give you the best feelings at the end of this road trip.

• Distance: 170 km (approximately 4 hours).
• Route: Via NH 160.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter (November to February) for the vineyard tour.
• Key Highlights: Wine tasting, vineyard tour, and scenic views of the Nashik countryside.
• Travel Tips: Sula Vineyards offers a relaxed wine-tasting experience, making it perfect for couples or friends. Consider booking an overnight stay at their boutique resort.

Conclusion

So, these are the top 10 road trips from Mumbai. You can plan these trips anytime through the year. So, plan your trip and flee away from the hectic city life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are the best road trips from Mumbai for a weekend?

Great weekend road trips include Mumbai to Lonavala, Alibaug, Matheran, and Nashik. These destinations are within a 3-4 hour drive and offer scenic routes.

2. What are the best long road trips from Mumbai?

Popular long road trips include Mumbai to Goa, Dandeli, Aurangabad (for Ajanta and Ellora Caves), and Mahabaleshwar. These trips take around 5-10 hours of driving.

3. Can I do a 10-day road trip from Mumbai?

Yes, you can plan a 10-day road trip from Mumbai to explore destinations like Goa, Gokarna, Hampi, and return via Pune. Another option is a Gujarat road trip covering Ahmedabad, Gir, and Kutch.

4. What are good 4-day road trips from Mumbai?

A 4-day road trip could include a drive to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani or a trip to Dandeli for nature and adventure activities.

5. Which are the best road trips in Maharashtra?

Top road trips in Maharashtra include Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar, Pune, Malshej Ghat, and Igatpuri. Each offers a mix of scenic views and pleasant drives.

6. What are the best bike ride destinations near Mumbai?

Popular destinations for bikers include Lonavala, Khandala, Malshej Ghat, and Alibaug, with smooth roads and beautiful landscapes.

7. How is the road from Mumbai to Alibaug?

The road from Mumbai to Alibaug is well-maintained, and the drive takes around 3 hours. You can either drive via Panvel or take the scenic coastal route.

8. Where can I go for a long drive from Mumbai?

For a long drive, consider heading to places like Kashid Beach, Lavasa, or Igatpuri. These locations offer stunning views and are within 2-4 hours from Mumbai.

9. Is it possible to take a road trip from Mumbai to Gujarat?

Yes, you can take a road trip from Mumbai to Gujarat. Popular routes include Mumbai to Ahmedabad or exploring places like Gir National Park and Kutch.

10. What is the distance from Mumbai to Dandeli?

The distance from Mumbai to Dandeli is approximately 600 km, and the drive takes around 10-12 hours. It’s a great spot for wildlife and river rafting.

11. What are good one-day road trip destinations near Mumbai?

For a one-day trip, you can visit places like Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran, or Alibaug. These spots are less than 3 hours away and ideal for a quick getaway.

12. What is the best route for a road trip from Mumbai to Aurangabad?

The best route from Mumbai to Aurangabad is via the Mumbai-Nashik Expressway, and the journey takes about 6 hours (around 350 km). You can explore the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves there.

13. Can I take a road trip from Mumbai to Kerala?

Yes, a road trip from Mumbai to Kerala is possible. The drive covers around 1,300 km and takes around 20-24 hours, typically spread across 3-4 days with stops at Goa or Mangalore.

14. What are some short drives from Mumbai?

Short drives include Mumbai to Lonavala, Alibaug, or Matheran, which take 1.5 to 3 hours. These are perfect for a quick, relaxing trip.

15. How is the road from Pune to Mumbai?

The Pune-Mumbai Expressway is a smooth, well-maintained 2-3 hour drive (around 150 km). It’s one of the best roads in Maharashtra for a hassle-free trip.