The diverse range of attractions in Maharashtra draws tourists of all ages and tastes to this magnificent Indian state. From Mumbai, the “city of dreams,” to beautiful hill stations near Maharashtra like Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, and Khandala, the state has more than enough to offer. Dapoli is a small, pretty town in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district. It used to be a British military camp. People come from all over the world to visit this port city with beautiful beaches, historical sites, tasty Konkan food, exciting water sports, and more.
Top 10 Hill Stations Near Maharashtra
If you want to visit at least one hill station in Maharashtra, here is a list of the top 10 hill stations near Maharashtra.
1. Lonavala
Photo: Nitish Kadam / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The beautiful hill town Lonavla is in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its calm lakes, lush vegetation, and nice weather. A lot of people from Mumbai and Pune like to spend the weekend in Lonavla, which has beautiful scenery like the Bhushi Dam and the peaceful Lonavala Lake. The area is also famous for its old caves, like the Karla and Bhaja Caves, which have buildings made out of rock. Trekking trails and beautiful lookout places like Tiger’s Leap are fun for people who like to go on adventures.
Things To Do: Explore stunning viewpoints, trek through scenic trails, visit historic forts, indulge in local chikki, and enjoy adventure activities like paragliding
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Get there by taking a train straight to the Lonavla railway station
2. Mahabaleshwar
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The hill town of Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra is a great place for honeymooners. You should go there in 2021. You can get to the hill station from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby towns. The hill station has a beautiful mediaeval feel, and the cool air from the Sahyadris makes it a great place to go on vacation. You should go to some of the beautiful places in Mahabaleshwar. Three to four days would be the best time for a vacation here.
Things To Do: Enjoy boating on Venna Lake, explore panoramic viewpoints, visit the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple, trek through lush forests, and sample delicious strawberries.
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Pune or Mumbai, or travel by train to Satara and then continue by road
3. Panchgani
Photo: B Balaji / Wikimedia Commons
“The land of five hills” is what Panchgani means in English. As you might expect, the hill town in Maharashtra is surrounded by hills on all five sides. Panchgani in Maharashtra is the place to see the stunning beauty of the lush green Sahyadris. For people who love adventure, the dense woods are a great place to go trekking. Many rivers, fancy hotels, and other tourist spots in the hill station make it a must-see in Maharashtra. Plus, getting to places like Mumbai and Pune is not hard.
Things To Do: Visit stunning viewpoints, explore strawberry farms, trek to Table Land, enjoy paragliding, and savour local cuisine.
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Pune, approximately 100 kilometers away, or travel by train to the nearby Wathar Station.
4. Igatpuri
Photo: Vishal Tiwari / Unsplash
The beautiful hill town Igatpuri is in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is famous for its lush greenery, peaceful streams, and stunning mountain views, making it a great place for nature lovers and people who like to go on adventures. The peaceful Bhatsa River Valley, the historic Kalsubai Peak (Maharashtra’s highest point), and the old Buddhist caves of Pandav Leni are all popular places to visit. The nice weather in Igatpuri makes it a great place to visit all year, especially during the monsoon, when the scenery turns into a lush paradise.
Things To Do: Enjoy trekking, visit the famous Bhatsa River Valley, explore ancient temples, and relax in scenic nature spots.
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a train from Mumbai or Pune, with direct services available to Igatpuri Station.
5. Malshej Ghat
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash
About 85 km from Kalyan, it is the perfect getaway for people who love travelling and trying new things. You will feel like you are in a dream when you see how green Malshej Ghat is. Because it has so many waterfalls and interesting buildings, Malshej Ghat is a big deal in Maharashtra’s tourist guide. When you’re in Maharashtra, you should put this place on your list of places to visit. This place will not let you down. Make sure you visit the Malshej Falls and the Pimplgaon Joga Dam.
Things To Do: Explore scenic trekking trails, enjoy stunning viewpoints, visit the Malshej Waterfall, and indulge in birdwatching, especially during the monsoon season.
Location: Pune
How To Reach: Malshej Ghat can be reached by road from Mumbai or Pune, approximately 130 km away, via the NH61 highway
6. Khandala
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash
Khandala is a lovely hill town in India’s Western Ghats. It’s only a short drive from Mumbai, a very busy city. Khandala is popular with nature lovers and weekend travellers because of its beautiful scenery, lush vegetation, and nice weather. Some of the most popular places to visit are the beautiful Duke’s Nose viewpoint, stunning views of the hills below, and the calm Bhushi Lake, perfect for a peaceful getaway. People also come to the area to hike and see the waterfalls, especially during the rainy season.
Things To Do: Enjoy breathtaking views from Duke’s Nose, explore scenic trails, visit Bhushi Dam, and relax at the serene Khandala Lake.
Location: Satara
How To Reach: Khandala is easily accessible by road from Mumbai and Pune, located about 83 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
7. Matheran
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash
Matheran is a serene hill station in Maharashtra, India, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and charming colonial architecture. Nestled at an elevation of 800 meters, it is one of the few places in India where motor vehicles are banned, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. The area is famous for its breathtaking viewpoints, such as Panorama Point and Echo Point, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Lush forests, vibrant flora, and picturesque trails make it a haven for nature lovers and trekkers.
Things To Do: Enjoy scenic nature walks, horseback riding, visit viewpoints, explore the toy train, and savor local snacks amidst lush greener
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a train to Neral Station and then a toy train or taxi to the hill station.
8. Amboli
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
In the Indian state of Maharashtra, Amboli is a peaceful hill station in the Western Ghats that is famous for its lush grass and stunning natural beauty. At an elevation of 690 meters, Amboli is a cool place to get away from the plains’ heat, especially during the rains when it turns into a lush paradise. The area has a lot of different kinds of plants and animals, which makes it a great place for people who love nature and animals.
Things To Do: Explore the stunning Amboli Waterfall, trek to Sunset Point, visit the ancient Mahadevgad Fort, and enjoy birdwatching amidst lush greenery.
Location: Sindhudurg
9. Jawhar
Photo: Harsha Kulkarni / Unsplash
The beautiful hill town of Jawhar is in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its rich tribal culture and natural beauty. It is 500 meters above sea level and has lush green scenery, waterfalls, and beautiful views. The historic Jawhar Fort is a big draw for tourists to Jawhar. From there, you can see hills and rivers all around you. The area is also famous for the colourful Warli art that comes from the tribal history of the area. The Dabhosa Waterfall and the peaceful Jaisagar Lake are some of the places that tourists can see.
Things To Do: Explore scenic waterfalls, visit the historic Jawahar Fort, enjoy nature trails, and experience local tribal culture.
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Mumbai, approximately 140 kilometers away, via the Kasara Ghat route.
10. Rajmachi
Photo: BHARATHGOTTEMUKKULA / Wikimedia Commons
Rajmachi is a beautiful hill station in Maharashtra, India, known for its stunning scenery and historical importance. It is between Lonavala and Khandala and has gorgeous views of the Sahyadri mountains and many trees. The Rajmachi Fort, a beautiful fort from the 17th century with an ancient design that is a popular place for trekking, is what the area is known for. Of the walks, Rajmachi is a popular place for nature lovers and walkers who want to escape city life’s noise and chaos.
Things To Do: Trek to Rajmachi Fort, explore the scenic landscapes, visit the beautiful Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, and enjoy the picturesque waterfalls during the monsoon.
Location: Sahyadri Mountains
How To Reach: By trekking from Lonavala or Karjat, with the nearest road access available from these towns approximately 15 km away.
Hill stations near Maharashtra have many landscapes, from misty mountains and dense woods to peaceful lakes and tribal villages. These places are great for getting away from the busy city life, whether you’re looking for excitement, spirituality, or a quiet place to relax. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the natural beauty and cultural diversity and the majestic Western Ghats.
Cover Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash