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Mumbai, with its overwhelming street life and dizzying pace, can leave people desperate for weekend escapes. But there are plenty of attractions near Mumbai for a short weekend trip. Here are some of the best places near Mumbai for weekend trips to escape the bustling city. If you crave the seclusion of a hill station, a respite on a beach, or a culturally rich small town, some tourist attractions near Mumbai have something for every traveller.
Top 10 Places Near Mumbai For Weekend
Below are some of the best places near Mumbai for the weekend, offering unique experiences.
1. Karnala
Photo: Krish Chandran / Unsplash
Karnala is a small town near Mumbai. The town is popular among bird watchers and trekkers. The Karnala bird sanctuary has more than 200 species of birds, which includes migratory birds during the winter season. Another attraction of Karnala is the Karnala Fort trek. It is a moderately difficult trekking spot and upon reaching the top, you enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings. If you are a nature lover and want to take a break from city life for a day of trekking, bird watching and other outdoor activities, this place is for you.
Distance From Mumbai: 60 km
Major Attractions: Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala Fort
Best Time To Visit: October to April
2. Karjat
Photo: Aditya Chache / Unsplash
Karjat is a quiet little town in Ulhas Valley. It is a paradise for adventure seekers. It has places for trekking like Peth Fort and Kondana Caves. The Ulhas River is a good place for river rafting during the monsoon. The scenic beauty, cool weather, and closeness to Mumbai make this place a perfect weekend getaway for trekking, river rafting, and picnicking near waterfalls.
Distance From Mumbai: 62 km
Major Attractions: Kondana Caves, Peth Fort, Ulhas Valley, etc.
Best Time To Visit: Visit during July-September
3. Matheran
Photo: Ashwini Chaudhary(Monty) / Unsplash
Matheran, a small hill station in Maharashtra, is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. It is a perfect tranquil getaway from the city. You can take a toy train that runs through Matheran’s dense forests. Don’t forget to explore several viewpoints, such as Charlotte Lake and Panorama Point. The climate is temperate throughout the year, but the monsoon transforms the hill station into a lush oasis of misty peaks and green valleys.
Distance From Mumbai: 80 km
Major Attractions: Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point, Echo Point
Best Time To Visit: October to May
4. Lonavala
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash
Lonavala is another hill station just two hours from Mumbai, best known for its scenery of rolling hills covered in mist. It’s one of the most popular places for weekend getaways, with Tiger’s Leap, the Bhushi Dam, and the Karla Caves among the main attractions. During the monsoon, Lonavala is surrounded by numerous waterfalls and lush greenery. The place is popular for Chikki. It is a traditional sweet of the region.
Distance From Mumbai: 83 km
Major Attractions: Tiger’s Leap, Karla Caves, Bhushi Dam
Best Time To Visit: June to September
5. Kamshet
Photo: Photo Dharma / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kamshet, a popular paragliding destination in Maharashtra, is about two hours from Pune. It has beautiful landscapes and Buddhist caves like Bedse caves and Bhaja caves. You can find some trekking trails and nature walks on the rolling hills and lakes. Visitors can go to Pawna Lake, a scenic reservoir, where you can spend weekends.
Distance From Mumbai: 110 km
Major Attractions: Paragliding, Bedse Caves, Pawna Lake
Best Time To Visit: October to May
6. Khandala
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash
Khandala, in the vicinity of Lonavala, is a quieter place and has equally great views. Must-visits in Khandala include Rajmachi Fort, Duke’s Nose, and Kune Falls. Kune Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra, adding beauty to the place. Khandala is also close to Lonavala and is a preferred weekend destination.
Distance From Mumbai: 82 km
Major Attractions: Rajmachi Fort, Kune Falls, Duke’s Nose
Best Time To Visit: June to September
7. Tansa Lake
Photo: Dr. Raju Kasambe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tansa Lake in the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most tranquil places to see near Mumbai. It is surrounded by large forests and thick foliage and is a place for nature lovers. One can sit by the lake for bird watching, enjoy a picnic, and go on a nature walk. The wildlife sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The birds and creatures make it an ideal site for eco-tourism. The calmness of the place helps enjoy nature in peace and spend some good time away from the noise of the city.
Distance From Mumbai: 90 km
Major Attractions: Tansa Lake, Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time To Visit: November to February
8. Manori
Photo: Camille Minouflet / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Manori Beach is a tranquil coastal destination that can be found on the outskirts of Mumbai. With its calm blue waters and peaceful atmosphere, Manori is a great place to unwind. You can enjoy a short ferry ride from Marve Beach. The area also has some lovely Portuguese-style architecture to explore. Manori is the place to visit for a quiet weekend by the sea.
Distance From Mumbai: 49 km
Major Attractions: Manori Beach, Portuguese architecture, Marve ferry
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Durshet
Photo: Debargha Bhattacharya / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Durshet, situated between Khopoli and Pali, is a beautiful place for adventure and nature enthusiasts. The green surroundings are perfect for trekking, bird watching, and waterfall rappelling. Durshet Forest Lodge is a good place to stay for tourists who want to stay close to nature. Pali Ganpati Temple, another prominent place, is a historic place for tourists to visit and learn about the history. These things make Durshet a worthy weekend getaway.
Distance From Mumbai: 76 km
Major Attractions: Durshet Forest Lodge, Waterfall Rappelling, Pali Ganpati Temple
Best Time To Visit: June to September
10. Murud-Janjira
Photo: Sagar Jadhav / Wikimedia Commons
Famous for Murud-Janjira Fort, This coastal town is a hidden treasure for weekend tourists. Murud-Janjira Fort is on an island in the Arabian Sea. You can go there by boat. This place is beautiful and famous for its history and architecture. Travelers can go to Murud Beach, a place with golden sand and cool breezes. The history and beauty of this place make it a perfect place to visit for a peaceful and enriching weekend.
Distance From Mumbai: 126 km
Major Attractions: Murud-Janjira Fort, Murud Beach
Best Time To Visit: November to February
11. Palghar
Photo: Dhiru Parmar / Unsplash
Palghar is an offbeat place yet famous for beaches, forts, and a peaceful atmosphere. Kelva Beach in Palghar is known for its stretch of shoreline and laid-back atmosphere. It is relatively less crowded. Kelva Fort and Shirgaon Fort are terrific places for the history enthusiast coming to this place. Guests can also visit nearby villages and taste the local food of the region.
Distance From Mumbai: 113 km
Major Attractions: Kelva Beach, Shirgaon Fort, Kelva Fort
Best Time To Visit: October to February
12. Dahanu
Photo: Kanak Bari / Wikimedia Commons
Famed for its vast Chikoo (sapodilla) orchards and scenic coastline, Dahanu is a serene getaway from Mumbai. Besides Dahanu Beach, which is a great place to chill, take long walks, and dip into the clear waters, you can spend some time exploring the orchards and eating fresh Chikoo. Chikoo is a specialty of this region. If you want to unwind in a quiet coastal town surrounded by nature, then Dahanu is the place you should be.
Distance From Mumbai: 115 km
Major Attractions: Dahanu Beach, Chikoo Orchards
Best Time To Visit: October to February
13. Alibaug
Alibaug is a coastal town which is popular for its beaches and historical forts. Visitors can go to Alibaug Beach where they can relax near its seashores. You can also visit Kolaba Fort or Kihim Beach. The place also offers activities like jet skiing and parasailing in its waters. The numerous beaches and historical landmarks make it one of the ideal places to visit near Mumbai Maharashtra.
Distance From Mumbai: 95 km
Major Attractions: Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort, Kihim Beach
Best Time To Visit: November to February
14. Malshej Ghat
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Unsplash
Located in the Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat is known for its beautiful water cascades, mist-covered valleys, and lush green surroundings, especially during monsoon. Malshej Ghat houses a variety of bird species, like migratory flamingos who visit the area at a particular time of the year. The place is very suitable for trekking, nature walks, and photography expeditions. One of the prime trekking spots is Harishchandragad Fort.
Distance From Mumbai: 127 km
Major Attractions: Waterfalls and Harishchandragad Fort
Best Time To Visit: July and September
15. Igatpuri
Photo: Mvkulkarni23 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Igatpuri is a hill station in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, which is famous for its lush greenery, and misty mountains. Kalsubai Peak, the highest point in Maharashtra makes it a popular destination for trekking and hiking. Igatpuri has the Bhatsa River Valley, Vaitarna Dam, and the Vipassana International Academy, one of the biggest meditation centers in the world. Igatpuri has several lakes and waterfalls.
Distance From Mumbai: 120 km
Major Attractions: Kalsubai Peak, Bhatsa River Valley, Vaitarna Dam
Best Time To Visit: June and September
With so many panoramic, adventurous, and peaceful destinations all within a short drive from Mumbai, weekends are an easy plan. From the silvery hills of Lonavala to the coasts of Alibaug, there’s something here for every kind of traveller in these places near Mumbai for weekend. Plan a trip with TripXL to obtain a personal deal that suits your needs, and enjoy the trip.
Cover Photo: Satyajeet Mazumdar / Unsplash
