Hill Stations near Mumbai for that Much-needed Break

Ah, hill stations! Just the thought of one can make you feel a little refreshed. Imagine what it would do to you when you actually visit one! If you are a Mumbaikar or visiting the City of Dreams only for a short while, and looking to spend time at a hill station, then this blog is for you.

The surroundings of Mumbai are marked with hill stations where you can enjoy awe-inspiring vistas and salubrious weather. A visit to one of these will breathe into you a new life, and make you forget about the humdrum of life.

So, this coming weekend, plan an excursion with your family or friends and break the monotony in a surreal hill stations near Mumbai. Without any further ado, let’s check out these splendid destinations for your getaways.

Hill Stations to Visit Near Mumbai

Karjat

Karjat remains overshadowed by the charm of Khandala, Lonavala, Matheran, and other noteworthy weekend getaways near Mumbai. But that does not take anything away from the fact that it is a gem of a destination. During the monsoon season, the place remains swamped with thrill-seekers who come to partake in activities like camping, trekking, mountain climbing, river rafting, and more. In addition to that, there are also a host of cascading waterfalls in the area where you can go for some waterfall rappelling.

Points of Interest in and around Karjat: Kondana Caves, Jain Temple, Kondeshwar Temple, Bahiri Cave, Kothaligad Fort, and Kotale Waterfall.

Distance from Mumbai: 62 km

Matheran

Matheran is one of the most sought-after hill stations near Mumbai. Perched at an altitude of about 800 meters, it lures holidaymakers with its misty forests and pollution-free environment. It is famed as the only automobile free hill station in Asia. Yes, you read it right! Motor vehicles are restricted from entering the town, so you will most likely be breathing in the cleanest and most refreshing air you have even filled your lungs with. Moreover, there’s so much to do and experience in and around Matheran that one weekend might feel a little too short.

Points of Interest in and around Matheran: Louisa Point, Alexander Point, Echo Point, Shivaji’s Ladder, One Tree Hill Point, and Charlotte Lake

Distance from Mumbai: 80 km

Khandala

Ask the denizens of Mumbai about their favorite spot to spend the weekend and a significant chunk of them would say “Khandala.” That’s how prominent this hill station is. The monsoon season is the best time to visit Khandala as this is when the waterfalls located in its vicinity reach their full glory. Owing to the proximity of the hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala, holidaymakers often visit the two during one tour.

Points of Interest in and around Khandala: Kune Falls, Bhor Ghat, Rajmachi Point, Zenith Waterfall, Manaranjan Fort, and Ekvira

Distance from Mumbai: 82 km

Lonavala

One of the closest hill stations to Mumbai, Lonavala has always been a hit among Mumbaikars. While the pristine environs never fail to lure nature lovers, the rugged terrain of the town and its surroundings beckons thrill seekers from near and far. Among the many adventure sports one can try are camping, trekking, and hot air ballooning. The area is also laden with viewpoints and waterfalls where you can let your eyes feast on bewitching sights. You can also visit the medieval forts belonging to the Maratha and Peshwa monarchs who once ruled over the region.

Points of Interest in and around Lonavala: Kune Falls, Bhushi Dam, Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum, Rajmachi Point, Karla Caves, and Lion’s Point

Distance from Mumbai: 83 km

Igatpuri

Surrounded by untouched wilderness, bestowed with rugged terrain and offering a plethora of experiences – that’s Igatpuri for you. You may not have heard of this small hill town before, but it is one of the most tranquil hill stations you will find in the state of Maharashtra. Igatpuri draws hordes of people from Pune as well, which is only 238 km or 4.5 hours’ drive away. The town is also home to Dhamma Giri, where you can go for some holistic meditation sessions to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Points of Interest in and around Igatpuri: Tringalwadi Fort, Myanmar Gate, Vihigaon Waterfall, Ghatandevi Temple, Harihar Fort, and Camel Valley

Distance from Mumbai: 120 km

Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara is an unexplored hill station in the Vidarbha region near Mumbai. It is among the offbeat hill station near Mumbai. The town holds mythological significance as it is believed this is the place where the Pandava Bhima killed Keechaka in hand-to-hand combat. Chikhaldara is loaded with deep valleys covered in velvet mist and majestic trees. The ambience of Chikhaldara makes it a popular summer retreat among the Mumbaikars and other tourists.

Points of Interest in and around Chikhaldara: Chikhaldara Wildlife Sanctuary, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Bhimkund, Shakkar Lake, Sunset point, Panchbol point

Distance from Mumbai: 672 km

Lavasa

Lavasa is a new hill station near Mumbai. The hill station is based on Portofino – an Italian city. The town is planned and built as a collection of 5 towns on 7 hills. The mountain passes of Lavasa make it a popular spot for motorcyclists in the country. This should definitely be on your list of hill stations near Mumbai. It is the most tranquil and peaceful nearest hill station to Mumbai.

Points of Interest in and around Lavasa: Scenic Beauty, Adventure and Water Sports, Pleasant Weather, Varasgaon Dam, musical fountain, laser animation show

Distance from Mumbai: 185 km

Panhala

The town of Panhala is said to be a quaint and scenic location having medieval forts and spell-bounding views of the Sahayadri mountain range. Points of Interest in and around Panhala: Panhala Fort, Parashara cave, Ambabai Temple, Teen Darwaja, Sambhaji Temple, Andhar Bav, Nayakini Sajja

Distance from Mumbai: 375 km

Bhandardara

Bhandardara is another hill station that is quite popular among adventure lovers. An interesting legend associated with the area claims that this is where Sage Agastya meditated for a year and was blessed by Gods with the holy River Ganga, known today as the River Pravara. Bhandardara is also a great destination in case you wish to enjoy seclusion or solitude.

Points of Interest in and around Bhandardara: Umbrella Falls, Amruteshwar Temple, Randha Falls, Wilson Dam, Kalsubai Peak, and Arthur Lake

Distance from Mumbai: 163 km

Mahabaleshwar

The Summer Capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British rule, the Mahabaleshwar of today boasts the reputation of one of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai. Once you visit this town, you will know why it is a rage among vacationers from aamchi Mumbai and Pune. Besides the stunning sights of nature and refreshing weather throughout the year, Mahabaleshwar is also blessed with myriad tourist hotspots that keep people engaged. Every year, a strawberry festival is held in April towards the end of the harvesting season wherein you can relish food and drinks made with the fruit.

Points of Interest in and around Mahabaleshwar: Pratapgad, Venna Lake, Arthur’s Seat, Wilson/Sunrise Point, Kate’s Point, and Chinaman’s Falls

Distance from Mumbai: 231 km

Panchgani

Panchgani derives its name from the five hills located in the area. It is exactly how you want a hill station to be. That is why swathes of people pick it to enjoy a vacation with their family or friends. Panchgani is also quite famous among couples who regularly throng the place to spend moments of romance. Owing to the large number of accommodation options available in the area, you will have no trouble making a hotel booking. Just remember to make all your reservations in advance if you are planning to visit during the peak travel season.

Points of Interest in and around Panchgani: Table Land, Sydney Point, Dhom Dam, Devil’s Kitchen, Rajpuri Caves, and Parsi Point

Distance from Mumbai: 242 km

Whether you live in Mumbai or have booked cheap domestic flight tickets to this bustling metropolis for business or leisure purposes, pay a visit to any of these and fill yourself with a new life.