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Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in the country, and the fast-paced life here can make you feel pretty stressed out at times. Luckily, there are also a lot of hill towns close to this big city that you can quickly get to and enjoy a break from the noise and chaos. Most people in Mumbai don’t have time for long vacations, but these hill stations near Mumbai are great for getting away for the weekend. Going to one of these places occasionally will help you feel ready to return to the city and get to work.
Top 10 Hill Stations Near Mumbai
Here is a list of hill stations near Mumbai you can visit at any time of the year for a refreshing retreat:
1. Lonavla
Photo: Arjun Singh Kulkarni / Wikimedia Commons
Most people who visit the hill station near Mumbai go to Lonavala because it is so close to the city. There are beautiful grounds to explore and forts, caves, and churches to see. People come to this small hill station from all over India, mainly from Maharashtra and Karnataka. It’s also called the Jewel of the Sahyadri. Nature walks can be taken at your own pace, and the waterfalls make for beautiful picture backgrounds.
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 Lonavala railway station
2. Matheran
Photo: Travel Miles With Smiles / Wikimedia Commons
This hill station is close to Mumbai and is also good for the environment. It’s a great place to spend the weekend. The name means “Forest on the Forehead” in English. According to the Ministry of Environment and Forests, it is the only hill station in Asia that doesn’t allow cars. Neral is the next train stop, which is about 21 km away from Matheran.
Things To Do: Enjoy scenic nature walks, horseback riding, visit viewpoints, explore the toy train, and savor local snacks amidst lush greenery
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a train to Neral Station and then a toy train or taxi to the hill station
3. Panchgani
Photo: Akhilesh Dasgupta / Wikimedia Commons
It’s said to be the oldest hill station in the world for some reason, and when you get there, time will seem to stop. The place’s name comes from the five rolling hills that circle it, and the lakes are apparent. If the weather is nice, you can camp in the rolling fields. It’s an excellent place for a family vacation. The area is crossed by the Krishna River, which has interestingly shaped the rocks.
Things To Do: Visit stunning viewpoints, explore strawberry farms, trek to Table Land, enjoy paragliding, and savor 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. Mahabaleshwar
Photo: Janhavi Parmar / Wikimedia Commons
Many people say this is Maharashtra’s biggest and most famous hill station. Well-known people from Mumbai sometimes come here to unwind and enjoy the area’s beauty. In Old Mahabaleshwar, the Krishna River starts close to the Mahadev Temple. It is the third-largest river in India. The hills here look like they belong in a painting, and you can see a lot of different kinds of plants and animals 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
5. Chikhaldara
Photo: Luis Quintero / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This is not only a well-known hill station near Mumbai, but it is also one of the best coffee farms in Maharashtra. Since only a few people have been there, you will not be bothered by many tourists. Instead, you can enjoy the peace by yourself. Many people say that this is where Bheema killed Keechaka in a fierce fight. From the concrete jungle of Mumbai, this area has deep slopes and tall, beautiful trees, which is a welcome sight.
Things To Do: Enjoy wildlife sightings at Melghat Tiger Reserve, explore scenic viewpoints, trek through lush forests, visit ancient temples, and indulge in local cuisine
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take the train to Badnera, which is 110 km away from Chikhaldara, and then hail a taxi from there
6. Lavasa
Photo: 318anushka / Wikimedia Commons
This is a new hill station near Mumbai, but it is quickly becoming one of the best. It can compete with the other hill stations for visitors. It is a planned hill town that is being built to look like the city of Portofino in Italy. It’s spread out over seven hills and has five planned towns. The good roads have also made this a popular place for bikers to visit. They ride their heavy-duty motorbikes through the mountains.
Things To Do: Enjoy watersports, take scenic walks, visit the waterfront, explore adventure activities, and savor delicious dining experiences in a picturesque setting
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Pune, approximately 57 kilometers away, via the winding Lavasa Road
7. Panhala
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Even though it’s the smallest city in Maharashtra, this one packs a powerful punch. You can find the famous Panhala Fort and several other fascinating mediaeval forts here. Check out the Parashara Caves and enjoy the beautiful scenery around Andhra Bay. A lot of birds and flowers can be seen around these water tanks. The Most Famous One is the Someshwar Tank. The place has more historical value thanks to the Teen Darwaza, the Sajja Kothi, and the Nayakini Sajja. You need a long weekend to see everything the place offers.
Things To Do: Explore historic forts, enjoy scenic views, visit the Panhala Fort, trek through lush landscapes, and savor local cuisine
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a bus or taxi from Kolhapur, which is approximately 20 kilometers away
8. Karjat
Photo: Amit Jha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The caves at Karjat hill station are what make it famous. They are spread out over the Bhorghat and the Sahyadri. The Ulhas River runs through the area where most caves are located. This is also an excellent place for outdoor sports like river rafting, trekking, hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling. The Peth Fort and the Kondana Caves are also places you should see and learn more about.
Things To Do: Enjoy trekking, visit ancient caves, explore waterfalls, indulge in river rafting, and relax amidst scenic landscapes
Location: Mumbai
How To Reach: Take a train from Mumbai or Pune, which provides direct connectivity to the station
9. Igatpuri
Photo: Sharmagourav27 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Igatpuri is a very peaceful hill station that is also home to the biggest Vipassana meditation centre in the world. The area is good for your body and mind, and the hills nearby are great for hiking. A lot of films are filmed here because the setting is so beautiful. The Vipassana Centre and the Dhammagiri Meditation Centre are both great places to try meditation. In the summer, showering under the waterfalls will feel great.
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
10. Jawahar
Photo: Wikietarnal / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists often miss a village called Jawahar because it is so tiny and cute. But that’s what makes it so unique. This is the most beautiful place in nature. It is in the Thane area of Maharashtra. You will have a great time seeing one beautiful part of nature after another. There are rocky hills and dense woods, wild waterfalls and pleasant farms. Jawahar also has a lot of cultural history.
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
Maharashtra and its areas have many more interesting, off-the-beaten-path places worth seeing. On the other hand, the above list only includes the best hill stations near mumbai. Some of them are close to the city centre. So, if you want to plan your next trip to a hill station, read this guide to get the information you need and then call TripXL to make your plans.
Cover Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons
