Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

A Complete Guide on Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

Introduction

Often referred to as the city of dreams, Mumbai is known for its tall buildings, busy streets, beaches, and rich historical background. People of different cultures, races, and economic backgrounds all live here in harmony and makes it a vibrant city. With the fast-paced lifestyle and hectic schedules being a normal part of life in Mumbai, weekends become the most awaited days to unwind after a hectic week. Owing to its ideal location there are tons of weekend getaways from Mumbai which offers a hideout from the chaotic city life and takes you to a different world.

The surrounding areas around Mumbai offer an extensive mix of natural beauty, leisure, and adventure to travelers. So, if you are also looking for weekend getaways from Mumbai, then there are some beautiful places nearby where you can spend a relaxing and memorable weekend with your loved ones. Here is a curated list of lovely places that can be covered from Mumbai on a weekend.

Also Read: The Minimalist Guide to Weekend Getaways

Shirdi

Distance from Mumbai: 260 kms/ 6-7 hrs

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Shirdi

Popularly known as the home of Saint Sai Baba, Shirdi is a holy town with various temples and some historic sites. It is believed that Sai Baba arrived at Shirdi in 1858 and spent his 60 years until he attained moksha/ salvation in 1918. He was popular for his preachings and good deeds and always spread the message of universal brotherhood.

Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple is a must-visit temple here. What makes this place so special is the fact that Sai Baba spend his 60 years here, helping people and changing their lives. Gir national park is one of the most visited religious weekend getaways near Mumbai.

Major attractions:          

Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple, Shani Shignapur (70 kms from Shirdi)

Nashik

Distance from Mumbai: 170 kms/ 4-5 hrs

Best time to visit: October to March

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Nashik

Nashik is another holy city located on the banks of river Godavari, with many exotic temples. As per Hindu mythology, this is the place where Ravana’s sister Surpanakha tried to seduce Lord Ram and got her nose cut off by Lakshman. Nashik is also known for the Kumbh Mela which happens every 12 years in Trimbakeshwar. Apart from its temples, Nashik is also known for its waterfalls and vineyards.

Home to many vineyards – Sula is one of the most popular wineries located in Nashik and is known for its varieties of grape wines. The place is open to the general public throughout the year and one can visit here, go for a round of wine tasting and tour of the vineyard.

Major attractions:          

Trimbakeshwar, Anjaneri hills and Sula vineyard – Grape stomping (Jan – Mar) and Sula Fest – Annual live music festival (1 & 2 February)

Igatpuri

Distance from Mumbai: 120 kms/ 3-4 hrs

Best time to visit: July to March

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a hill station which is located in the western ghats, 45 kms before Nashik on the Mumbai-Agra national highway. Igatpuri is one of the perfect weekend getaways near Mumbai and is considered to be the most romantic and mesmerizing getaway for couples near Mumbai.

Major attractions:

Vipassana centre, Bhatsa river valley, Camel valley, and Tringalwadi fort

Lonavala/ Khandala

Distance from Mumbai: 85 kms/ 2-3 hrs

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Lonavala

Lonavala and Khandala are two popular holiday spots near Mumbai located at a distance of 5 kms from each other. Both these are the most visited hill stations in Maharashtra and popular destinations for camping, trekking, and adventure sports. This place is famous for Chikki and produces various varieties of the same. Chikki is sweet made from different nuts mixed with jaggery. Peanut and Sesame chikki are very popular ones. Easy access and pleasant weather add this place to the preferred list of weekend getaways from Mumbai.

Major attractions:

Tiger point, Lohagarh fort, Duke’s nose viewpoint, Lonavala lake and Kamshet for paragliding

Matheran

Distance from Mumbai: 100 kms/ 2-3 hrs

Best time to visit: October to May

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Matheran
Matheran, most frequently visited and popular weekend getaway near Mumbai.

Situated on the western ghats, Matheran is India’s smallest hill station. Just like other hill stations Matheran also offers some breathtaking views. It has more than 30 viewpoints which offer amazing views of the Sahyadri mountain range. One interesting fact about Matheran is that no vehicles are allowed inside this hill town – so it’s like you are transported back to the old-world era with zero automobiles and you have to be dependent on your foot or take a horse ride. All this makes Matheran an ideal hill station with almost zero pollution.

The region offers a lot in terms of attractions and activities making it one of the most frequently visited and popular weekend getaways from Mumbai.

Car – you need to park your car at Dasturi car point, 2 kms from Matheran, and take a walk or horse or man pulled rickshaw.

Toy Train – you can come to Neral station and take the toy train to Matheran. The total distance covered by toy train is around 21 kms within a time frame of 2.5 to 3 hrs. Tickets will cost you INR 750 for first-class and INR 300 for second class.

Major attractions:

Echo point, Louisa point, and Charlotte lake

Alibaug

Distance from Mumbai: 100 kms/ 2-3 hrs

Best time to visit: October to March

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Alibaug
Alibaug

Located on the Konkan belt of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a small coastal town popular for its beaches, forts, and temples. This place is also known as ‘Mini Goa’ due to its beaches. There are several beaches and all are located a few minutes’ drive from each other. The most popular beach here is Alibaug beach which offers a spectacular view of Kolaba fort, Sunrise, and Sunset. Apart from spectacular views, this beach is also popular for adventure sports and recreational activities like motorboat rides, jet skis, parasailing, horse-riding, and more.

Owing to its location along the coastline, Alibaug is a paradise for all seafood lovers. Still one can enjoy a variety of food options ranging from south Indian to continental. There are many restaurants from budget to expensive which offer local as well as traditional cuisines. Easy access coupled with lovely attractions make Alibaug one of the perfect weekend getaways from Mumbai.

Major attractions:

Beaches, Kolaba fort, and Ganesh temple

Raigad

Distance from Mumbai: 100 kms/ 2-3 hrs

Best time to visit: October to May

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Raigad

This place is known for its historical significance. The main attraction here is the Raigarh fort. After capturing this fort Shivaji Maharaj renovated and named it the capital of the Maratha kingdom. The fort is located on a hilltop and can be reached by taking a small 2 hrs trek or one can take 5 mins ropeway ride for INR 300 per person.

Major attractions:

Raigarh Fort

Kolad

Distance from Mumbai: 120 kms/ 3-4 hrs

Best time to visit: June to March

Kolad is a small village area in Raigad district 50 kms before Raigad town. This place is known for its waterfalls, green valleys, and picturesque backdrop of the Sahyadri mountains. Kolad is gaining popularity these days as an adventure sports destination. The river Kundala is a big attraction here and is the hub for white water river rafting. One can experience grades ranging from medium to challenging and Rafting charges are around 1000-1500 per person.

Major attractions:

Valley views and River rafting

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Mumbai to Aurangabad – 360 kms/ 8-9 hrs

Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves – 100 kms/ 3-4 hrs

Best time to visit: June to March

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Ajanta

Ajanta and Ellora caves are considered to be some of the best specimens of ancient rock-cut caves. Both are listed as UNESCO heritage sites and are popular among travelers from all over the world. Covering both caves in one day is quite difficult and not recommended as both are located away in different directions. Ajanta is 100 kms north of Aurangabad and Ellora is 30 kms from Aurangabad.

Ajanta caves are mostly Buddhist sites and were used as a retreat by Buddhist monks. Ajanta caves are 30 in number and were built in between the 2nd century BC ad 6th century AD.

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Ellora

Ellora caves are a mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist sites. Ellora caves are more spread out with 34 caves and were built between the 6th to 11th centuries AD. One of the most famous sites in the entire Ajanta and Ellora caves is the single rock structure – Kailash temple in Ellora.

Major attractions:

Ajanta, Ellora caves, and Kailash temple

Mahabaleshwar

Distance from Mumbai: 230 kms/ 7-8 hrs

Best time to visit: September to March

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, one of the most popular weekend getaways from Mumbai

Also known as “The Land of Strawberries”, Mahabaleshwar is a small hill town located on the western ghats of Maharashtra. The hub of strawberry farming in India, almost 80% of the production is from this region. The Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar road is full of plantations of strawberry, raspberry, and blueberries. One can stop and visit any of these farms, take a walk and try out fresh berries. The annual strawberry festival is held here in April. Mahabaleshwar is also popular for its many viewpoints, waterfalls, and mountain peaks.

Major attractions:

Pratapgarh fort, Elephant’s head point, Arthur’s seat, Venna lake, Mahabaleshwar temple, and Panchgani (20 kms)

Conclusion:

Apart from scenic attractions, Mumbai and nearby regions are famous for their food as well. Food in Maharashtra is very diverse from being sweet to mild spicy to spicy. Some of the dishes like Vada pav, Pav bhaji, Poha have become famous throughout the world. The cuisine and variety found here are countless and the reason behind this is a vibrant mix of culture derived from the people of different backgrounds.

Life in a metropolitan city like Mumbai is exciting and thrilling, however, at times the hectic work schedule can take a toll on your nerves. In such cases, there’s nothing better than to plan a short trip or weekend break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are several weekend getaways from Mumbai which offer unbelievable scenic beauty. So, what are you waiting for? Plan now, pack your bags and embark on a mini-vacation with your loved ones to these scenic weekend getaways near Mumbai.

Also read: A Complete Guide on Weekend Getaways from Delhi

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