15 Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra for a Scenic Getaway

Apr 05, 2025

Nature in Maharashtra’s hills presents visitors with a peaceful experience by spreading across both the Western Ghats and Sahyadri ranges. These hill stations in Maharashtra bring a mix of cool air, green slopes and a touch of history that draws people in. Picture misty mornings, gentle breezes, and paths winding through forests or past old forts—each spot has its own story to tell. Various types of locations in Maharashtra provide enjoyable experiences that range from peaceful retreats to active sites, and different environments keep visitors interested. This travel guide covers fifteen unique places featuring their distinctive qualities which visitors should experience. Visitors can find tranquil spots to enjoy adventurous activities or take a break from routine vacation destinations.

15 Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra

The hill stations in Maharashtra provide visitors with delightful and relaxing experiences because of their pleasant temperatures plus their attractive natural landscapes. The multiple locations have distinctive appeal through their combination of natural beauty and historical sites that make them ideal spots for relaxation. Discover these fifteen impressive places amongst many others.

1. Mahabaleshwar

Perched at 1,353 metres in the Sahyadri range, Mahabaleshwar holds a special place among the scenic getaways in the state. Strawberry fields spread wide, giving a sweet sight paired with views that stretch far, hinting at a deep history. The town’s cool autumn breeze matches well with places like Venna Lake, where boats glide, and Pratapgarh Fort, standing tall with old tales. Ancient temples rise amid green valleys, calling to those who find peace in nature or enjoy tracing the past. It’s a place that leaves a mark, blending calm hills with echoes of time gone by.

Best Time to Visit: October to June
Key Attractions: Wilson Point, Lingamala Falls, Mapro Garden
Activities: Boating, trekking, berry picking

2. Lonavala

Situated on a short trip from Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala secures its place among hill stations in Maharashtra with easy reach and pleasing views. At 622 metres, the height shows misty hills, still lakes, and worn stone forts that catch the eye. Summer rains bring life, with the Bhushi Dam waterfall pouring over rocks in a cheerful rush. Close to the city bustle, it offers a quick shift to quiet or a chance to roam about. The mix of green slopes and old ruins makes it a spot worth seeing for a break.

Best Time to Visit: July to September
Key Attractions: Rajmachi Fort, Kune Waterfalls, Lohagad Fort
Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, photography

3. Matheran

Matheran, a small yet lovely retreat, sits 800 metres high in Raigad district. No vehicles keep the air pure and paths silent, holding onto their natural charm. The toy train from Neral winds through woods, revealing distant peaks in a gentle, old-fashioned ride. Lookout points like Panorama Point and Echo Point give a restful sight, ideal for those seeking a quiet moment surrounded by green. It’s a simple escape where the hills feel close and the calm stays long after leaving.

Best Time to Visit: October to May
Key Attractions: Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, One Tree Hill
Activities: Horse riding, nature walks, train rides

4. Panchgani

At 1,334 metres, Panchgani takes its name from five hills in the Sahyadri range, shining among the top hill station in Maharashtra. Once a British summer retreat, it now offers wide valley views and high flat lands that impress. The Table Land, a vast volcanic spread, stands out, while Dhom Dam adds a soft, quiet touch. With steady weather year-round and a short ride to Mahabaleshwar, it pulls in those after peace or a bit of action. The open spaces and cool air make it a fine pick.

Best Time to Visit: September to May
Key Attractions: Sydney Point, Kate’s Point, Parsi Point
Activities: Paragliding, camping, sightseeing

5. Igatpuri

Located at 1,900 feet in the Western Ghats, Igatpuri blends rugged charm and calm. The Vipassana International Academy draws those after quiet, while monsoon rains wake falls and misty peaks near Tringalwadi’s old fort. This place sits between two worlds, opening up to roamers and those who sit still in thought. The hills roll out green and wide, with cool air that soothes. It’s a spot where nature and peace meet, offering a break that feels both wild and gentle.

Best Time to Visit: June to February
Key Attractions: Bhatsa River Valley, Ghatandevi Temple, Vaitarna Dam
Activities: Trekking, meditation, birdwatching

6. Khandala

Khandala, tied often to Lonavala, rests at 625 metres and holds a good rank among hill stations in Maharashtra. Rainy months paint cliffs and valleys green, with waterfalls slicing through in a lively show. Duke’s Nose offers a broad view, while Karla’s old caves keep pieces of history alive. Near cities, it brings cool breezes and paths to stroll, making it an easy choice for a rest or a wander. The fresh air and green hills give it a pull that’s hard to miss.

Best Time to Visit: July to September
Key Attractions: Tiger’s Leap, Bhaja Caves, Visapur Fort
Activities: Rock climbing, hiking, picnicking

7. Bhandardara

Tucked in the Ahmednagar district at 750 metres, Bhandardara offers a soft retreat. Arthur Lake reflects thick woods and peaks, including Mount Kalsubai, the highest hill station in Maharashtra at 1,646 metres. Monsoon stirs Randha waterfall into a strong flow, lifting the quiet scene. This less-crowded spot fits those chasing a peaceful stretch of nature’s plain beauty. The calm water and green hills make it a place to slow down and take in the stillness.

Best Time to Visit: June to March
Key Attractions: Umbrella Falls, Wilson Dam, Kalsubai Peak
Activities: Camping, fishing, trekking

Suggested Read: Best Time To Visit Kaas Plateau

8. Panhala

Panhala, at 977 metres in Kolhapur district, weaves history and charm among hill stations in Maharashtra. The large Panhala Fort, tied to Maratha ruler Shivaji, watches over valleys that fog up in the rains. Green hills turn bright, catching the gaze of those who like tales with their scenery. It’s a place where the old days blend into now, framed by nature’s steady touch. The mix of past and present in the open air makes it a spot to linger.

Best Time to Visit: October to December
Key Attractions: Sajja Kothi, Teen Darwaja, Shree Jotiba Temple
Activities: Fort exploration, trekking, photography

9. Jawhar

Jawhar, at 518 metres in Palghar district, remains a quiet gem among hill stations in Maharashtra. Tribal life and rushing falls, like Dabdaba Falls, sketch a scene of days long past. Jai Vilas Palace stands solid amid green calm, offering a true break from crowded ways. This spot suits those after a real, still taste of land and life off the beaten track. The simple beauty and peace here leave a mark that feels honest and deep.

Best Time to Visit: October to February
Key Attractions: Sunset Point, Shirpamal, Hanuman Point
Activities: Waterfall visits, cultural tours, hiking

10. Amboli

Situated at 690 metres in Sindhudurg district, Amboli brings a hushed retreat, known for misty air and wild creatures. Rainy days spark waterfalls and cloak hills in fog, with Amboli Falls leading the scene. Near Konkan’s coast, it mixes shore and slope, pulling in those who enjoy nature’s fresh, living sides. The quiet hills and soft sounds make it a place to step back and breathe in the calm.

Best Time to Visit: June to September
Key Attractions: Hiranya Keshi Temple, Madhavgad Fort, Nangarta Falls
Activities: Birdwatching, nature trails, waterfall picnics

11. Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara, the sole coffee-growing place among hill stations in Maharashtra, sits at 1,118 metres in Amravati district. Cool air and wooded slopes tie to Mahabharata stories, while Melghat Tiger Reserve hums with life. Hurricane Point spreads out wide views, blending nature’s pull with old tales for a broad draw. The coffee scent and green hills offer a mix that feels both new and rooted, making it a spot that stands apart.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Key Attractions: Bhimkund, Gavilgad Fort, Narnala Fort
Activities: Wildlife safaris, trekking, coffee plantation tours

12. Lavasa

Lavasa, a new twist among hill stations in Maharashtra, rests at 640 metres near Pune. Built with Italian flair, it pairs town ease with a lakeside charm. Hills around it craft a fresh escape, and water sports add a bit of spark. Still growing, it offers a modern take on hill quiet in the Sahyadri range. The clean lines and open water make it a place that feels both planned and free.

Best Time to Visit: September to March
Key Attractions: Temghar Dam, Vortex Splash Pad, Bamboosa
Activities: Jet skiing, boating, sightseeing

13. Rajmachi

Rajmachi, at 820 metres in the Sahyadri range, stands firm with its twin forts—Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Treks to these old posts reveal valley sweeps and falls that glow in the rain. Between Lonavala and Khandala, it’s a top hill station in Maharashtra for those chasing rough trails and big views. The wild feel and high ground give it a pull that’s strong and free.

Best Time to Visit: June to September
Key Attractions: Kondana Caves, Udhewadi Village, Kalbhairavnath Temple
Activities: Trekking, camping, historical exploration

Suggested Read: 20 Fantastic Places To Visit Near Mumbai

14. Durshet

Durshet, at 150 metres in Raigad district, sits lower than most hill stations in Maharashtra but glows with old sites and lively fun. Once a battleground for Shivaji Maharaj, it now holds Ganesh temples and Uddhar hot springs that steam gently. Thick woods and a tie to Imagicaa Water Park make it a handy stop for nature and action. The mix of past marks and present play keeps it fresh and worth a look.

Best Time to Visit: September to February
Key Attractions: Mrugagad, Adoshi Dam, Duke’s Nose Trail
Activities: Water sports, night safaris, trekking

15. Suryamal

Suryamal, at 1,800 feet in Thane district, hides as a rare find. Wild hills and tribal homes offer a true taste of life off busy roads. Mist drifts over slopes, and thick forests hold the air cool, giving a calm nook for those after nature’s raw side. The quiet and open land makes it a spot to step away and feel the earth as it’s been for years.

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Key Attractions: Tribal settlements, forest trails, scenic viewpoints
Activities: Hiking, cultural immersion, photography

Having seen these fifteen places, the hill stations in Maharashtra leave a strong mark with their different landscapes. Every tourist destination at these attractions delivers unique experiences leading visitors to form enduring mental recollections. The inactive forts watch over present times while fresh breezes sweep over verdant mountain ridges connecting historical moments to the present epoch. Travellers easily choose to visit these locations twice because they offer enduring experiences that showcase peaceful images with striking landscape views of Maharashtra.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the famous hill station in Maharashtra?

Mahabaleshwar often comes up as a well-known name among hill stations in Maharashtra. Its strawberry fields and old forts like Pratapgarh give it a charm that’s hard to overlook, drawing plenty of visitors year-round.

2. Which place is best for a 3-day trip in Maharashtra?

Lonavala suits a 3-day trip nicely. With misty hills, Bhushi Dam waterfall, and forts like Lohagad nearby, it offers a good mix of calm and exploration, all within easy reach from cities.

3. Which is the coolest place in Maharashtra now?

Matheran stays cool with its no-vehicle rule and high perch at 800 metres. The fresh air and quiet paths make it a refreshing spot, especially from October to May.

4. Which is the best peak in Maharashtra?

Mount Kalsubai, rising to 1,646 metres in Bhandardara, stands tall as a top peak. Its views and trekking paths through green hills make it a favourite for many.