8 Best Hill Stations near Mumbai

Mumbai, the Dream City is considered one of the busiest cities in India. Still, it is a melting point for exploring cultures and lifestyles. It has many places to offer scenic views which can bring you peace. The best parts of such an impeccable place are its intact hill stations. One can conveniently plan a short trip to a nearby hill station in Mumbai.

Here are some of the Top 8 Hill Stations Near Mumbai:

1. Maljesh Ghat

The tranquil hill station of Maljesh Ghat is one of the most frequently visited weekend gateways. It is a spectacular mountain pass in the Western Ghats blessed with magnificent waterfalls, lush greenery, rolling hills, and secluded beaches. These places promise to make your journey worth visiting. It supports a wide range of vegetation and wildlife. The Ghat looks even more beautiful in the rainy season.

The best time to visit Maljesh Ghat is from August to October. It has many adventure activities to offer such as trekking, bird watching, waterfall rappelling, nature trails, and camping. Winter is the best time for trekking. You can also explore the local Maharashtrian cuisine at the roadside Dhabas or buy hot Maggie or sweet corn from the locals to eat in the presence of flawless nature.

Things to Do:

• Trekking through lush green trails.
• Enjoy panoramic views from various viewpoints.
• Bird watching and photography.

Nearby Places:

• Lonavala: Famous for its scenic beauty and chikki.
• Khandala: Known for its waterfalls and viewpoints.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Maljesh Ghat is around 60 km from Mumbai and can be reached via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Lonavala, which is well-connected to Mumbai and Pune. From Lonavala, you can take a taxi or local transport.

2. Panhala

Panhala is an elegant and most appealing location in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra near Mumbai. It is full of lush green valleys and forts. It has a panoramic view that attracts tourists from all over. This place has a historic past. You must visit Sajja Kothi which reminds us of the great work and deeds done by King Shivaji. There are a few more places to visit without fail.

These are the Ambabai Temple, Someshwar Tank, Nayakini Sajja, The Panhala Fort, Tabak Udyan, The Nagzhari Lake, Masai Pathar, The Parashar Cave, etc. Panhala holds significant religious importance and tourists offer their praying wholeheartedly here. It also is an exemplary location for photographers to capture the amazing viewpoints of sunrise and sunset. While on a vacation here, must not forget to try out the Kolhapuri cuisine on your way.

Things to Do:

• Explore Panhala Fort and its historic significance.
• Visit Sajja Kothi and Parashar Cave.
• Enjoy scenic walks and local cuisine.

Nearby Places:

• Kolhapur: Famous for the Mahalaxmi Temple and Rankala Lake.
• Jyotiba Temple: A revered pilgrimage site.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Panhala is about 375 km from Mumbai. You can take the Mumbai-Kolhapur highway.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Kolhapur, from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus.

Read also: Best Hill Destinations to Explore in India in October

3. Karjat

Karjat is one of the most pristine hill stations located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is closely situated near Ulhas River and is known for its scenic natural beauty, huge mountains, ancient caves, temples, and forts. It is a clean place that makes it an ideal location for a perfect outing with your dear ones. Kajrat has a cool climate and is popularly known for trekking.

It has various sporting activities like Waterfall Climbing, Rappelling, River Rafting, etc. Kondana Caves, Ulhas Valley, Bhor Ghat, Kothaligad Fort, Jain Temple, Kondeshwar Temple, Bahiri Cave, ND Studio, Blackwaters of Pali Bhutivali Dam, Bhivpuri Waterfall, Peth Fort are a few places around Kajrat. It is merely at a distance of 1.5 hours from Mumbai and can be easily visited by people willing to take a short break.

Read Also: Best Weekend Destinations Near Mumbai in November

Things to Do:

• Trekking to Kondana Caves and Peth Fort.
• White water rafting in the Ulhas River.
• Enjoy farm stays and local food.

Nearby Places:

• Matheran: Known for its toy train and eco-friendly environment.
• Lonavala: Famous for its chikki and scenic views.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Karjat is around 62 km from Mumbai and can be reached via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• By Train: Karjat is a major railway station on the Mumbai-Pune route.

4. Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a very marvelous hill station located in the Nashik district and surrounded by the bonzer peaks of the Western Ghats. It is a true heaven for nature lovers and a great escape from the hectic schedules of everyday lives. It offers several adventure activities like rock climbing, trekking, and camping. It has many ancient forts and divine waterfalls. Igatpuri has also been famous for its fantabulous Villas and Resorts. Also, read Top Places to See near Nashik with Distance.

It is also popular for the Igatpuri meditation center also called Visapanna International Academy of Meditation. Here ancient meditation techniques are taught. The best time to visit Igatpuri shall be between the months of June to December. You can enjoy the waterfalls in the monsoon from June to September, whereas you can enjoy the foggy and cozy weather from October to January. Read Also: 10 Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra.

Things to Do:

• Trekking and hiking to Bhatsa River Valley.
• Visit Vipassana International Academy.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of Vaitarna Dam and Camel Valley.

Nearby Places:

• Nashik: Known for its vineyards and the Trimbakeshwar Temple.
• Bhandardara: Famous for its lakes and waterfalls.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Igatpuri is approximately 121 km from Mumbai, accessible via NH160.
• By Train: Igatpuri has its own railway station, well-connected to Mumbai.

5. Mahabaleshwar

The most popular hill station and a marvelous location for a honeymoon near Mumbai are Mahabaleshwar. It is a heaven of place for couples to spend quality time together. Its exact location is in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It has the Krishna River coming out of the mouth of a cow statue and that river is considered Lord Vishnu. It has two other tributaries, the Koyna, and the Venna are Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva respectively. Read more information: 6 Most Famous Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar.

Mahabaleshwar is a major source and producer of fresh strawberries in India. You must plan a trip during the grand celebrations of the Strawberry Festival that takes place between the months of February to March every year. The most ravishing tourist spots in Mahabaleshwar are Dhobi Waterfall, Babington Point, Arthur’s Seat, Falkand Point, Venna Lake, Connaught Peak, and Roman Catholic Church. Also, read Top 20 Trekking Destinations in Maharashtra.

Things to Do:

• Visit famous viewpoints like Arthur’s Seat and Elephant’s Head Point.
• Boating at Venna Lake.
• Explore Mapro Garden and Pratapgad Fort.

Nearby Places:

• Panchgani: Known for its tableland and strawberry farms.
• Pratapgad Fort: Historical fort with stunning views.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Mahabaleshwar is around 263 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Wathar, 60 km away, from where you can hire a taxi.

Click the package for 3 Nights 4 Days Mahabaleshwar With Panchgani Tour Itinerary.

6. Panchgani

Panchgani is yet another hill station situated in the Sahyadri Ranges. People from far away regions visit this place because it is believed that Panchgani’s air has healing qualities. This air is beneficial for one to restore their body and psyche. The name itself suggests the meaning of this resplendent hill station. It was owed to the five villages namely Armal, Dhandeghar, Khingar, Godavli, and Taighat. More details read on 5 Most Popular Places to Visit in Panchgani.

The British used Panchgani as their official summer retreat. It offers many activities to do, ranging from horse riding and paragliding to go-karting. You can also visit famous tourist attractions like Tableland, Sydney Point, Mapro Garden, Devil’s Kitchen, and Parsi Point. It is an ideal location for stargazing, camping, and sightseeing. One can spend a whole day enjoying the cold breeze and gazing at its aesthetic scenery. Also, read 10 Places to Visit in Winter in Maharashtra.

Things to Do:

• Paragliding and horse riding.
• Visit Sydney Point and Parsi Point.
• Explore strawberry farms and local markets.

Nearby Places:

• Mahabaleshwar: Known for its viewpoints and Venna Lake.
• Wai: Famous for its temples and Dhom Dam.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Panchgani is about 244 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and NH 48.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Wathar, from where you can hire a taxi or take a bus.

7. Lonavala

Lonavala is one of the favorite romantic destinations among tourists. It is two hours away from Mumbai. It is undoubtedly the most pleasant hill station that attracts crowds from different parts of the cities. It has an abundance of natural beauty to appreciate. It offers a favorable climate, greenery, and a pleasant atmosphere to feel alive in. ‘Chikki’, a candy made of jaggery and groundnuts is the specialty of this region.

It becomes very popular during festive times. One must not forget to visit the main tourist spots in Lonavala. These are Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Point, Lonavala Lake, and Della Adventure Park. You can reach Lonavala by Pune-Mumbai Expressway and enjoy this most surreal place of peace. Also, explore the 20 Most Famous and Stunning Forts in Maharashtra.

Things to Do:

• Visit Bhushi Dam and Tiger’s Leap.
• Explore Karla and Bhaja Caves.
• Enjoy adventure activities at Della Adventure Park.

Nearby Places:

• Khandala: Known for its scenic beauty and viewpoints.
• Rajmachi: Famous for its trekking trails and forts.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Lonavala is around 83 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
• By Train: Lonavala railway station is well-connected to Mumbai and Pune.

Read Also:

• Top 15 Places to Visit in Maharashtra
• 20 Most Famous Caves of Maharashtra
• 20 Best Beaches in Maharashtra
• 10 Most Famous Religious Places in Maharashtra
• 10 Facts about Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Maharashtra
• 6 Famous Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in Maharashtra

8. Matheran

Matheran is the smallest and the cutest little hill station located in the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats. The literal meaning of the word Matheran is “Overhead Forest”. It is a cozy hill station which is a perfect location for tourists to make an admirable and unforgettable weekend getaway. Visitors can take a short trip and explore the lush green hills around.

You can feel the cold breeze, pollution-free environment, and fresh air all year round. It is one of the best places for trekkers and for indulging yourself in activities like camping, rappelling, etc. Matheran has the most scenic beauty to capture a treat for photographers. It has an angelic view of the sunrise and sunset. One must not miss this treat of actual magic to visualize.

Things to Do:

• Horse riding and toy train rides.
• Visit Panorama Point and Charlotte Lake.
• Enjoy trekking and exploring the eco-friendly town.

Nearby Places:

• Karjat: Known for its trekking trails and adventure activities.
• Neral: Gateway to Matheran with beautiful landscapes.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Matheran is about 80 km from Mumbai. Cars are not allowed inside Matheran; you need to park at Dasturi Naka and either walk or take a horse ride.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Neral, from where you can take a toy train or taxi.

Hope it helped! It’ll hardly need a weekend, So Don’t forget to release your boredom in such an enthusiastic and peaceful way. You can head to these phenomenal spots anytime you want.