From adventure to relaxation, Mumbai is the perfect base for several scenic road trips. The road trips from Mumbai offer many travel routes that take you from quiet hill stations to pristine beaches. Whether you are a thrill-seeker looking for a long ride or a weekend warrior and expect a short escape, there are road trips from Mumbai. Such necessary road excursions from Mumbai hold promise for scenic routes, historical landmarks, and precious memories. So, get ready for the ride of a lifetime out of Mumbai.
12 Popular Destinations For Road Trips From Mumbai
Check out top picks for some of the best road trips from Mumbai offering a memorable experience.
1. Lonavala
Photo: Arjun Singh Kulkarni / Wikimedia Commons
Lonavala is among the most frequent weekend road trips from Mumbai. It is famous for its lush green landscapes and cool weather. The drive takes around 2 hours by the collective winding of the roads and beautiful views, especially during the wet season when the greenery is at its highest level. Lonavala caters to endless tourist attractions such as Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves, and the famous Tiger Point, making it one of the most travelled road trips from Mumbai. Whether a short weekend getaway or an exhausting day trip, this place shall bring a much-needed equilibrium between nature and serenity.
Location: Lonavala
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Time Duration: 2 hours
2. Alibaug
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Head to the roads connecting Mumbai to Alibaug for a beach visit and escapade. This coastal town boasts clean beaches and historic attractions like Kolaba Fort and Murud-Janjira Fort. The road to Alibaug is relatively smooth, with small villages alongside it and beautiful seaside views, making it one of the best places for road trip from Mumbai. The town lives up to the reputation of a calm city, guaranteeing a relaxed escape from the hustle of Mumbai. Alternatively, one can quickly go by ferry from Mumbai to Alibaug. Alibaug is the perfect destination for those interested in water sports, fresh seafood, or simply basking in the sand.
Location: Alibaug
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Time Duration: 3 hours
3. Mahabaleshwar
Photo: Janhavi Parmar / Wikimedia Commons
Mahabaleshwar is one of Mumbai’s most scenic hill stations, especially during the monsoon season. This drive takes you through winding roads in the Western Ghats, through lush green vistas, cool, misty weather, and places where tea plantations are put to bed and looked after by thick blankets of fog. It’s not about reaching the destination; it’s the route itself that is a significant part of the experience. This place’s freshness and serenity are why it is one of the most famous road trips from Mumbai, especially suitable for nature lovers seeking serenity.
Location: Mahabaleshwar
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Time Duration: 5 hours
4. Matheran
Photo: Le Priyavrat / Wikimedia Commons
Matheran, Asia’s only automobile-free hill station, is a unique destination. Lying just an hour’s drive from the city, making it one of the best short road trips from Mumbai. It is nestled in the Western Ghats, offering the most spectacular views of misty hills and dense forestation. Access to vehicles is not allowed up to a certain point, so one has to park the car at Dasturi and then walk or take the toy train to get to the main town. There are multiple viewpoints like Panorama Point and Charlotte Lake that are perfect for nature lovers.
Location: Matheran
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Time Duration: 2 hours
5. Igatpuri
Photo: Piyushshelare / Wikimedia Commons
For thrill-seekers, a journey from Mumbai to Igatpuri can be the perfect amalgamation of serenity and excitement. Situated in the Nashik district, Igatpuri is one of the quaintest hill stations, boasting misty mountains, beautiful landscapes, and trekking spots such as Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak in Maharashtra. This drive is relatively smooth, with a picturesque view of the Western Ghats. Igatpuri is also famous for the Vipassana International Academy, where you can enrol in meditation courses. These peaceful vibes and breathtaking sights make it one of the famous road trips from Mumbai.
Location: Igatpuri
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Time Duration: 2.5 hours
6. Goa
Photo: Hemant meena / Wikimedia Commons
The iconic road trip from Mumbai to Goa is indeed an adventurous journey that tops the bucket list of many road trip enthusiasts. That is one of the longest and most exciting drives you can take on – scenic highways and coastal views. It is the most famous road in Goa, known for beaches, vibrant nightlife, Portuguese architecture, and laid-back culture. It is one of the long road trips from Mumbai. It takes nearly 10 hours to cover the distance, but there are so many pit stops like Kolhapur and Ratnagiri en route.
Location: Goa
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Time Duration: 10 hours
7. Nashik
Photo: Savitr1915 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This road trip from Mumbai to Nashik is perfect for wine enthusiasts and those planning to spend some serene time. Nashik is referred to as the wine capital of India, and several vineyards, including the famous Sula Vineyards, dot the place. The four-hour journey will take you through some magnificent fields and vineyards as the backdrop for your ride. Besides wine-tasting tours, the city is an essential hub for religious purposes in the country, being one of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela. Nashik is one of Mumbai’s most famous road trips due to the well-balanced blend of wine tourism and cultural significance.
Location: Nashik
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Time Duration: 4 hours
8. Lavasa
Photo: Mayur239 / Wikimedia Commons
Located near Pune, Lavasa is one of the most outstanding road trips from Mumbai. It offers a scenic mountain view along with extremely well-maintained roads. Lavasa’s architecture is so Western-inspired, yet with peaceful lakeside views, it provides an excellent blend of luxury and nature. One can stroll along the promenade, engage in water sports, or chill out by the lake. There’s something for every kind of adventure. Lavasa makes for one of the most crucial road trips from Mumbai, especially among families or couples looking for a peaceful escape.
Location: Lavasa
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Time Duration: 4 hours
9. Pune
Photo: Mack Male / Wikimedia Commons
The road trip from Mumbai to Pune is the most frequently travelled and essential road trip from Mumbai for weekend getaways. The connectivity of the route is spot on, and the highways are pretty smooth, making the journey quick and soothing. All these have made Pune a great place to visit when you like to see history, cultural heritage, or a different place with good food. This historical town offers everything, from its legendary Aga Khan Palace to its vibrant food scene. Of course, you can always divert to Lonavala or Khandala if you want a scenic drive.
Location: Pune
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Time Duration: 3 hours
10. Daman
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
A road trip from Mumbai to Daman is perfect for a relaxing stay at the seashore. A former Portuguese colony, Daman offers a mix of colonial architecture, quiet beaches, and lush greenery. The journey is relatively short and perfect for a quick weekend escape. Famous for its forts and churches, the destination also boasts a laid-back, calm vibe, making it one of Mumbai’s most renowned road trips for those seeking relaxation. So, take a drive along the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway and enjoy the scenic beauty of this tiny little coastal town, making it an all-important road trip from Mumbai for people who want to unwind.
Location: Daman
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Time Duration: 3 hours
11. Bhandardara
Photo: Adwait / Wikimedia Commons
Bhandardara is a hidden treasure in the Sahyadri mountain range, making it one of the most picturesque road journeys from Mumbai. Pristine lakes, waterfalls, and trekking trails make this place a perfect destination for those who love nature— winding roads with greenery all around, finally leading to a peaceful retreat. Bhandardara attracts the Arthur Lake and Randha Falls. His is one of those offbeat spots that is known to soothe visitors looking for peace. Its offbeat charm and natural beauty make this one of the vital road trips from Mumbai, which is ideal for a peaceful weekend getaway.
Location: Bhandardara
Best Time To Visit: June to February
Time Duration: 4 hours
12. Silvassa
Photo: Sharada Prasad CS / Wikimedia Commons
Silvassa is the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which have lush green landscapes, tribal culture, and Portuguese heritage. The drive is scenic since there are good roads, and the traffic is meagre. Several activities can be done in the city, such as visiting wildlife sanctuaries, boating on Dudhni Lake, and seeing historical sites. Silvassa offers one of the famous road trips from Mumbai, which gives the visitor a chance to breathe a sigh of relief in the tranquil surroundings and its unique ensemble of nature and culture.
Location: Silvassa
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Time Duration: 3.5 hours
The road trips from Mumbai offer diverse experiences, from beachside retreats to hill station adventures. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a quick weekend getaway, these famous road trips from Mumbai provide something for everyone. From the scenic beauty of Lonavala to the cultural richness of Nashik, each destination is unique and guarantees an unforgettable experience. Plan your next adventure with TripXL and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Cover Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons