Are you sick and tired of city life and traffic jams? You're not alone. But here’s the good news. Within a few hours of Mumbai, there are numerous relaxation places. Whether you need some place cool, camping beaches, historical landmarks, old forts or even wildlife, there are many weekend getaways near Mumbai which will make your weekend retreat memorable.
These visits can be arranged easily, and they provide a fair balance of nature, adventure and culture. No matter whether you are going out as a family, or going out as a couple, or even taking a trip to a city by yourself, you will find some places where the vibe and your budget suit you. This guide will reveal some of the most interesting weekend getaways near Mumbai
15 Best Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai
It's time to get refreshed and relaxed in the coming weekend through an exciting weekend getaway near Mumbai. Here are the top 15 places you can choose from.
1. Lonavala & Khandala
These are the most popular locations for a weekend getaway near Mumbai. The monsoon has its fair share of waterfalls, green valleys, and misty hills. The two hill stations are wonderful to have some rest in nature and to drive on picturesque roads. Some of the attractions include the Tiger Leap, the Bhairav dam and the Rajmachi fort. This is a favourite place among trekkers and photographers.
Best time to visit: June-September (monsoon) and October-March (good weather)
Things to do: Hike to Rajmachi, Bhushi Dam, and try street food such as Chikki.
2. Matheran
Matheran is the only hill station with no cars in Asia. It provides a harmonious getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is among the best weekend getaways near Mumbai due to its toy train, viewpoint rides, and environmentally friendly atmosphere. Walking here feels so fulfilling due to its red-soil paths, thick trees and pure air. Don’t miss sunrise and sunset in Charlotte Lake and Echo Point.
Best time to visit: October-May (summer and winter)
Things to do: Equine riding, visiting Panorama point, Trekking, horse riding, toy train ride.
3. Alibaug
Alibaug is a perfect choice if you are a lover of beaches. Its sandy beaches, sea forts and water sport activities give it the title of the Goa of Maharashtra. All the adventure lovers consider it among the best places to visit near Mumbai in 1 day due to the adrenaline rush it provides through its water sports. Alibagu consists of a combination of history and relaxation between Kolaba Fort and Nagaon Beach. It also provides a variety of seafood and, therefore, is a heaven for seafood lovers.
Best Time to Visit: November- July.
Things to do: Jet skiing, parasailing, visits to forts, and enjoying seafood in shacks at the beach.
4. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a delightful hill station that is also a location associated with strawberry farms, beautiful valleys and colonial beauty. It is a go-to place for most of the Mumbaikars whenever there comes a vacation for a short span of time. It is located in the Western Ghats, and it is one of the ideal places to visit near Mumbai for weekend. The Arthur Seat view, boating at Venna Lake, and the Pratapgad Fort are some places that families and couples love.
Best time to visit: March- June (summer) and October- February (winter)
Things to do: Go picking strawberries, go boating, hike, and try local jam and honey.
5. Panchgani
Another favourable, tranquil hill station to relax is Panchgani, which is located between five hills. It possesses fine schools, excellent viewpoints, and Table Land, which is one of the greatest volcanic plateaus in Asia. To those with a tight budget, Panchgani also has cheap accommodation with breathtaking valley and upstream sceneries, making it one of the perfect cheap weekend getaways near Mumbai.
Best time to visit: September-May.
Things to do: Visit Table Land, Sydney Point, buy handmade products, and go paragliding.
6. Karjat
Karjat is also one such favourite among those who appreciate adventure and trekking. It contains green trails, ancient caves, and adventure resorts. It is among the most wonderful places close to Mumbai for the weekend. Kondana Caves, Ulhas Valley, and Peth Fort are historical and natural sites frequently visited by history and nature lovers.
Best time to visit: July-September (monsoon) and November-March (winter)
Things to do: River rafting, trekking, cave exploration, and camping.
7. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a village hill town located in the Western Ghats. Waterfalls and foggy mountains surround it. The nature enthusiasts and trekkers come to the town in pursuit of tranquillity and physical beauty that is only a few hours away from Mumbai. There is a Vipassana International Academy here, which is popular worldwide. Igatpuri is another location that is considered one of the popular places near Mumbai for weekend, which is peaceful yet enchanting.
Best time to visit: June-September (to enjoy the falls) and November-March (to enjoy good weather) are the best times.
Things to do: Do Meditation at the Vipassana centre, trekking at Kalsubai peak, and witness huge Waterfalls.
8. Lavasa
Lavasa is the first planned hill city in India and is an up-to-date resort for people who want to relax and, at the same time, enjoy all the luxuries. It has lakeside promenades, coloured buildings, and adventure sports activities that make it one of the most unique weekend getaways from Mumbai. It offers a very different experience compared to other destinations due to its European nature of architecture and the calm surroundings that the town presents.
Best time to visit: All year round, although monsoons and winter are best.
Things to do: Boating, bicycling, nature trails, adventure sports.
9. Daman
Daman is one of the ideal weekend getaways near Mumbai for people who would like to have a blend of history, the beaches, and Portuguese culture. It is the city of forts, churches, and golden beaches; it is also one of the most perfect places close to Mumbai for a weekend getaway, being a relaxing place to spend time with your friends and loved ones. Another thing that makes Daman a relatively low-cost beach is its low-priced liquor and seafood.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Things to do: Devka Beach, Moti Daman Fort, go to church, dine at the beach.
10. Silvassa
Silvassa, the capital of the Dadra and Nagar Haveli region, is recognised because of its tribal culture, rich vegetation, and Portuguese influence. It is also an ideal place to visit with family members because there are wildlife parks, gardens and museums where one can enjoy and relax at the same time. Silvassa is a great place where one can have a pocket-friendly weekend getaway in the neighbourhood of Mumbai, and there is a lot to see there.
Best time to visit: October- March.
Things to do: Lion Safari, tribal museum, walking safari, and photography.
11. Nashik
Nashik is such a city that combines worship and relaxation. Traditionally called the wine capital of India, it boasts very fertile vineyards that you can tour and engage in wine tasting at Sula, among other popular estates. Meanwhile, Nashik is also a holy city, containing the Trimbakeshwar Temple whose Jyotirlinga is one of a dozen, and as such makes it a major pilgrimage destination.
Caves, forts, and riverside ghats also form part of the city and present you with a combination of history, devotion, and scenic beauty, making it one of the most amazing weekend getaways near Mumbai
Best time to visit: October-March.
Things to do: Wine tasting at Sula Vineyards, visit Trimbakeshwar temple, visit Pandavleni caves, walk on Godavari Ghats.
12. Bhandardara
Bhandardara is a serene hill station and is a jewel of the Sahyadris. It is a perfect place to camp and look at the stars since it is known for its lakeside beauty. Covered with the picture-perfect background, Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam are also worth visiting, whereas Randha Falls cannot be overlooked by nature-lovers.
The Ratangad and the Harishchandragad forts near the area are ideal habitats for trekking lovers. The fireflies festival that takes place just before the monsoon gives Bhandardara its true magic and turns the whole area into a dreamy land.
Best time to visit: June-February.
Things to do: Camping at Lakeside, Ratangad Fort trekking, Fireflies Festival, and boat riding on the Arthur Lake.
13. Durshet
Durshet is the beloved of nature lovers and is secluded in the Sahyadri range, and it is surrounded by the foot of the Amba River. This is a secret spot that should be visited by individuals who want to have a budget-friendly but entertaining break. It is an adventure centre where one can also experience a river crossing, rappelling, and jungle treks. Durshet forest is also full of birds and hence a haven for a birdwatcher. It is among the nearest and most affordable weekend getaways near Mumbai because of its proximity and its low-cost resorts.
Best time to visit: October-March.
Things to do: Rappelling, river crossing, Bird watching, Trek in Sahyadris.
14. Kolad
Kolad is a Utopian vacation resort. It is well known for white water rafting on the Kundalika River and provides one of the best rafting experiences in Maharashtra. The flowing falls and the picturesque environment attract adventure travellers. Besides rafting, Kolad is also a place full of beautiful waterfalls in the monsoon, making it a package full of adventure and nature. You can also enjoy camping along the riverside, hence a good option with friends or any group who want an adrenaline-filled weekend.
Best time to visit: June to September (for rafting)
Things to do: White water rafting, camping, trekking, and walks through the woods.
15. Kamshet
Kamshet has the love of being known as the paragliding capital of India, and it is among the most exciting weekend getaways from Mumbai. It is an incredible place to fly with impressive scenery, embraced by beautiful hills and calm lakes. Different adventure enthusiasts from all over the country come to experience paragliding. Besides the adventure, ancient caves such as Bedse and Karla can be found, and so Kamshet is considered a mixture of thrills and culture too.
Best time to visit: October- May.
Things to do: Paragliding, visiting Bedse and Karla Caves, camping on the Pawna Lake and trekking.
Conclusion
Life in a city may be hectic and overwhelming, but there are numerous weekend getaways near Mumbai which provide peace, adventure and unending recollection of memories. Be it the chilly hill of Lonavala and Matheran, the sandy beaches of Alibaug, or the Nashik vineyard, each of them has its own attraction. The best part is that these destinations on the weekend are best when going with friends, family, or even alone. You have all you need to be happy, and this is only a short drive, so what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go to these best places to visit near Mumbai for the weekend!
