10 Fascinating Places To Visit Near Mumbai For 3 Days Filled With Nature, Heritage & Culture

A bird on a tree branch at Karnala, one of the places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days.

Places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days offer the ideal combination of hill-station serenity, beach attractiveness, adventure, history and wildlife, within driving or train distance of India’s economic capital. If you are an off-the-cuff beach vacationer or a relaxed garden resort stay by a stream, there is something to cater to every kind of traveller in a snug 3‑day weekend getaway in the Mumbai area. From peaceful hills like Matheran and ancient Elephanta, there is plenty to view that lies outside the city boundaries.

10 Places To Visit Near Mumbai For 3 Days

These places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days offer nature, adventure, history, and relaxation—ideal for solo trips, weekend getaways, and family vacations.

1. Lonavala

Scenic view of Lonavala hills, one of the top places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days.

Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash

Lonavala is among the most sought-after places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days. This small hill station within the Sahyadri hills is a peaceful paradise in nature. Especially from the monsoon season (June to September), Lonavala is a misty paradise with waterfalls and foliage. There are different obligatory must-visit sites in the region, including Shooting Point and Tiger’s Leap for valley scenery and historic rock-cut Karla and Bhaja Caves, testifying to ancient Buddhist heritage. Bhushi Dam is another potential spot for unwinding in running water, and Tungarli Lake and Valvan Dam gardens are serene spots for leisurely strolling and quiet reflection.

Distance From Mumbai: 86.8 km
Main Attractions: Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Bhushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, Sunset Point, Lonavala Lake

2. Matheran

Gentle waterfall cascading over black rocks, surrounded by thick greenery and wet ground.

Photo: Pritesh Patel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Matheran, Asia’s only car-free hill station, offers a peaceful escape from urban chaos. The journey itself is part of the charm, starting with a train to Neral, followed by a scenic toy train ride, hike, or horseback ride. Visitors are welcomed by colonial-era hospitality, pleasant weather, and over 30 breathtaking viewpoints. Highlights include Panorama Point, Echo Point, and the tranquil Charlotte Lake surrounded by dense forests. The red soil roads, lined with century-old trees, add vintage charm. Ideal for long walks, horse riding, and relaxation, Matheran is perfect for couples, families, and nature lovers seeking a calm 3-day retreat from Mumbai.

Distance From Mumbai: 85.9 km
Main Attractions: Panorama Point, Echo Point, One Tree Hill, Charlotte Lake, Market Walks

3. Alibaug

Sandy shore and waves at Alibaug Beach, one of the scenic places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days.

Photo: Lopez Robin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Alibaug is a beach paradise and one of the most sought-after 3-day getaways from Mumbai. Aromatic with white sand beaches and laid-back beach life, Alibaug is just the perfect break from city life. It begins with a picturesque ferry ride from the Gateway of India, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Treat yourself to the white, sandy beaches like Alibaug, Nagaon, and Versoli during your stay, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or enjoying your adventure sports like jet skiing, banana boat ride, and kayaking. History buffs may visit the 17th-century sea fort Kolaba Fort, which can be reached at low tide.

Distance From Mumbai: 86.6 km
Main Attractions: Nagaon Beach, Kihim Beach, Kolaba Fort, sea rides, seafood bazaars

4. Karnala Bird Sanctuary & Fort

Several colorful birds perched on a tree branch at Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

Photo: viswaprem anbarasapandian / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Karnala is a serene and refreshing getaway that finds its spot nicely in the list of Mumbai’s nearby places to stay for 3 days. Karnala is where nature enthusiasts and trekkers would want to head for a combination of nature, birding, and history. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a green paradise, especially during the period of October to April, when it shelters a wide range of migratory and native bird species, which is a birdwatchers’ and photographers’ paradise. The most coveted among the visitors is the Karnala Fort on top of a hill, which is reached through a moderately challenging trek.

Distance From Mumbai: 51 km
Main Attractions: Bird sanctuary, trek to the fort, viewpoint, picnic spots

5. Karjat

Sleek glass-fronted building in lush hills, one of the best places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days.

Photo: ManoBV16 / Wikimedia Commons

Karjat is just the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and peace, and one of the places to see near Mumbai for 3 days. Karjat is situated in the Sahyadri mountains and has green landscapes, trekking routes, and ancient monuments. The region is a favourite among trekkers for trails to Kondana Caves and Peth Fort, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse of history bygone. The terrain transforms into a paradise green with monsoon thunder waterfalls and misty trails, perfect for nature photography and serene getaways. Karjat’s mix of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty is a welcome respite for couples, families, and those seeking relaxation around Mumbai.

Distance From Mumbai: 68.3 km
Major Attractions: Peth Fort, Pawna Lake (camp & water sports), Kondana Caves

6. Kolad

Water cascading down rocks at Kolad waterfall surrounded by lush green vegetation.

Photo: Samuel Ferrara / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kolad is an adventure heaven for adventure lovers as well as nature lovers, and hence one of the best destinations near Mumbai for 3 days. This adventure destination is renowned for white-water rafting in the Kundalika River, which runs through the scenic Sahyadri hills. The river provides an adrenaline kick with rapids, perfect for kayaking and water sports. Kolad is not all about adventure, however. It is also a peaceful haven in nature. Green valleys and Tamhini Ghat waterfalls embrace nature with ancient Bedsa and Karla Caves, providing an unblemished mixture of peace and discovery.

Distance From Mumbai: 104.5 km
Main Attractions: Waterfalls, rafting, fort/cave excursions, camping

7. Malshej Ghat

Malshej waterfall flowing through rocky cliffs, one of the serene places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days.

Photo: Danny Piper / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Malshej Ghat is a monsoon miracle and also one of the best tourist attractions near Mumbai for 3 days. This scenic Western Ghats mountain pass is converted into an emerald paradise during the monsoon as leaping waterfalls, driftwood clouds, and cloud-covered valleys form an otherworldly beauty. It is paradise for the bird-watcher, a photographer’s treat, and a trekker’s heaven, courtesy of the migratory flamingos thronging the neighbouring wetlands. Adventure sport enthusiasts can trek up to ancient forts like the Ajoba and Harishchandragad forts, while lovers of peace can just relax by the tranquil Pimpalgaon Dam or go trekking through rural villages to savour homely village life.

Distance From Mumbai: 164.7 km
Main Attraction: Igatpuri falls, Siddhagad trek, meditation, additional road drives

8. Igatpuri

A lush green valley in Igatpuri with misty hills and serene natural beauty.

Photo: Josephus Bajo / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Igatpuri is a calm hill station which unites piety with nature, and is therefore one of the favourite attractions near Mumbai for 3 days. This peaceful town is famous mainly because of the Vipassana International Academy, which invites international tourists to practice silent meditation and quieting of the mind. Nature lovers and trekkers will love the scenic walks to Tringalwadi Fort and Kalsubai Peak, the highest point of the state, giving panoramic views of the surrounding ranges. The scenic Bhatsa River Valley and Vihigaon Waterfall are ideal picnic, photography, and relaxed nature walking spots. The favourable climate, serene environment, and picturesque views render Igatpuri an ideal spot for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Distance From Mumbai: 149.2 km
Main Attractions: Vipassana, treks, waterfalls, valleys, railway architecture

9. Nashik

Riverside steps and temples in Nashik, one of the iconic places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days.

Photo: Rishu Bhosale / Unsplash

Nashik is a thrilling weekend trip that has the ideal combination of spirituality, culture, and relaxation. Nashik is India’s wine capital and home to world-renowned Sula Vineyards, where vineyard tours, wine tastings, and breathtaking vistas are available from Swiss-style resorts. Spiritually inclined visitors have the holiest of pilgrimage sites, such as the Kalaram Temple and divine banks of the Godavari River, to visit in Nashik. For thrill-hunters, there’s the Pandavleni Caves with their ancient rock-cut Buddhist architecture or hiking up the picturesque Anjaneri Hills, the mythological birthplace of Lord Hanuman.

Distance From Mumbai: 188 km
Main Attractions: Sula Vineyard, Kalaram Temple, Trimbakeshwar, Pandavleni Caves, wine tasting

10. Elephanta Caves

Ancient rock-cut cave entrance with pillars and visitors standing at the wide opening.

Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

A ferry ride of about an hour from the Gateway of India takes you to the Elephanta Caves, a captivating cultural escape. These World Heritage-listed caves, dating back to the 5th–7th centuries, are dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva. After a serene ferry journey, visitors enjoy a gentle uphill walk to intricately carved rock-cut temples. The highlight is the impressive 20-foot Trimurti sculpture of Shiva, surrounded by detailed shrines reflecting ancient Indian art and mythology. The island offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, making it ideal for photography, history enthusiasts, and a peaceful half-day tour in a 3-day Mumbai trip.

Distance From Mumbai: 7 km
Main Attractions: Great Cave, Shiva statues, heritage museum, island views

From sun beaches and hill stations to ancient caves and forests, the top weekend escapes from Mumbai are just the thing. Nature lover, adventure lover, history buff, or simply a beach lover at heart, there’s something for everyone. With TripXL, treat yourself to unforgettably awesome places to visit near Mumbai for 3 days amidst coastal landscapes, mountain vistas, waterfalls, and cultural heritage, all within driving distance of Mumbai.

Cover Photo: Hans Veth / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Hill stations like Mahabaleshwar offer fruit jams, chikkis, and leather articles. You do local homemade soaps and beachwear from Alibaug. Tribal handicrafts, Warli paintings, and local wine or farm-fresh fruits and vegetables can be found in Karjat and Nashik.
Yes, most places like Lonavala, Matheran, and Alibaug are family-friendly with activities and attractions suited for children. Places like Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Elephanta Caves also provide educational and fun experiences for kids.
Public transport options include trains, buses, and ferries. For example, ferries connect Mumbai to Alibaug and Elephanta Island, while local trains run to Lonavala and Karjat. Hiring taxis or booking guided tours can also be convenient and time-efficient.
Yes, all these places offer a range of accommodations from budget guesthouses, homestays, and hostels to luxury resorts. Early booking and local stays often provide the best value for money.
Try local Maharashtrian snacks like Vada Pav, Misal Pav, and Bhajiya in towns like Lonavala and Matheran. Coastal areas like Alibaug are famous for fresh seafood dishes. Don’t miss regional sweets like chikki in Lonavala.

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