Nestled in the tranquil mountains of Sahyadri range and Western Ghats, Maharashtra is home to several hill stations with pristine natural beauty and peaceful surrounding.
These hill stations are a quick getaway destinations from the hustle and bustle of the city which allow the travelers to enjoy the fresh air that refreshes mind, body and soul.
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation brings the coolest places for this summer vacation to enjoy the scenic beauty.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar
Zigzag roads, gushing cool breeze, vantage points with spectacular valley and buzzing flea market is the reason why one must visit Mahabaleshwar.
One of the many high points of going to this place is to visit the strawberry ranches in and around the beautiful hill station.
How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Pune airport. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India.
By Rail: The nearby railway network is Satara, which is around 55 km away while the major railway junction is at Pune, 120 km
By Road: Many state transport buses goes to Mahabaleshwar or one can also opt for private transport
Things to do and see:
- For the adrenaline rush, one can enjoy horse riding. For first-timers, this might be a bit of a task but it can certainly add a little adventure to their trip
- Pratapgad Fort is just 22 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar and is positioned 1,080 meters above sea level. It overlooks the road between villages Par and Kinesvar
- Elephant’s Head Point is one of the finest point where the overhanging cliffs look like an elephant’s head and trunk
- Mahabaleshwar Temple, prominent landmark, has lord Shiva as its deity
Where to stay: MTDC Resorts in Mahabaleshwar offers a comfortable stay overlooking nature’s beauty.
Matheran
Matheran
Extremely popular for its stunning views of the Western Sahyadris, Matheran is a hill station just about 100 km from Mumbai. Its proximity to the city makes it one of the most frequented holiday getaways for Mumbaikars.
The climate is always pleasing, allowing a bunch of activities suitable all age groups. Indeed, one of the best places for a stress-free vacation!
How to get there
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai which is at a distance of around 100 km from Matheran is the nearest airport
By Rail: Matheran railway station is linked to most major cities and it is also connected with Mumbai and Pune railway junctions. Tourist can step down at Neral to head towards Matheran.
By Road: Mumbai and Pune are connected to Matheran through the Mumbai Pune Expressway
Things to do and see:
- One can experience a majestic view of the sunrise at the Panorama Point in Matheran
- Enjoy a remarkable view of the city and the remains of Prabal and Vishalgad Fort
- Matheran is home to a diverse species of monkeys and langurs
- Rambagh point is one of the most prominent picnic spots, offering a remarkable view of Karjat and Khandal
Where to stay: MTDC Resorts in Matheran is located amidst lush green hills and valleys which offers a relaxed stay.
Amboli
Amboli
The beautiful hill-station of Amboli is also known as the ‘Queen’ of Maharashtra for its natural majesty.
This is an impressive hill station situated in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Famous amongst ecologists as a valuable environmental hotspot, it is rich with exquisite flora and fauna. Positioned on the edge of the Western Ghats, Amboli is picturesque for its beautiful waterfalls.
How to get there
By Air: Dabolim is the nearest airport
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi road on Konkan railway
By Road: Amboli is well linked by road from Sawantwadi, Belgaum and Kolhapur. Many buses commute from Pune and Mumbai to Amboli.
Things to do and see:
- Sunset Point is a popular point for tourists to spend a lovely evening
- Shirgaonkar Point oversees thick forests around the area
- Amboli Ghat offers spectacular views of the heavily forested valleys
- Hiranyakeshi Mandir is where the Hiranyakeshi River springs out from the entrance of a cave and has a Shiva temple
- Kawaleshet Valley is a well-known echo point
Where to stay: MTDC Tarkali Resort is a modest property situated in the heart of the city.
Bhandardara
Bhandardara
Considered as a trekker’s pardise, Bhandardara is located on the Western Ghats of India in the Ahmednagar district. Situated amongst lush greenery, high hills and water, Bhandardara is an ideal summer getaway from the city and is visited by travellers throughout the year. Bhandardara is famous for its waterfalls and trekking routes.
How to get there
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Igatpuri
By Road: Bhandardara is 185 km. from Mumbai and almost the same distance from Pune
Things to do and see:
- Visit Lake Arthur Hill, generally known as Bhandardara Lake
- Visit River Pravara, which is built across the Wilson Dam
- The enthralling Umbrella Falls and Randha Falls, the third most outstanding waterfalls in India
- The famous Agasti Rishi Ashram and Amruteshwar Temple
Where to stay: MTDC Holiday Resort, located at Bhandardara near Nashik is one of the finest properties to visit.
Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara is a hill station in Amravati district and is the only hill station in the Vidarbha region. With a cool and breezy climate, Chikhaldara is an excellent place to explore during summers.
How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport is Nagpur, which is 230 km away
By Rail: Nearest terminus is Amravati, which is 100 km away
By Road: Several luxury buses commute on Mumbai - Aurangabad - Nagpur Highway
Things to do and see:
- With a boundary of more than 15 kilometres, Gavilgad and Narnala offers astonishing archaeological and architectural visions
- There are several remarkable vantage views such as the Panchbol Point, Hariken Point, Mozari Point, Devi Point, Sunset Point, Prospects Point and Monkey Point
- Attractive reservoirs such as the Bir Dam, Kalapani Dam and the Shakkar Lake
Where to stay: MTDC Resort at Chikhaldara provides accommodation from executive to deluxe rooms and dormitory choices offering genuine local Maharashtrian cuisine.
Jawhar
Jawhar hill station is in Thane district of Maharashtra. Blessed with mysterious valleys with dense forests and pleasant climate, Jawhar offers a different type of experience compared to other hill stations of Maharashtra. Jawhar is well known for its exquisite Warli paintings.
This hill station is home to Warli tribe, one of the well-known tribal kingdoms in Maharashtra. The palace of tribal lords provide an unique experience for the travellers to understand their way of living. Jawhar is also recognized as the Mahabaleshwar of Thane District.
How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport is at Nashik (80 km) and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 165 km from Jawhar
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Mumbai CST, which is nearly 165 km away from Jawhar. Taxi and bus services
By Road: Maharashtra Road Transport Corporation provides bus services between Jawhar and other cities in and around Mumbai
Things to do and see:
- The Sunset Point is a bliss for nature lovers. This place is well known for its attractive surroundings and mesmerizing sunset views.
- Jai Vilas Palace is a famous historic sites which once served as the home to the Kings of Munke Family
- Hanuman Point offers a pleasing natural scenery
Where to stay: There are many private resorts near Jawhar, which offers a holistic natural view to the holiday seekers.
Lonavla -Khandala
Lonavla
Residents of Mumbai and Pune are blessed to have Lonavala and Khandala for a quick weekend travel.
How to get there
By Air: The nearby airport is at Pune, 66 km. away. People can travel from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai as well.
By Rail: From Mumbai the Lonavla station is about 2.5 hours away
By Road: Mumbai - Pune Expressway to Lonavla takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic condition. ST and Asiad buses directed for Pune from Dadar stop at Lonavla.
Things to do and see:
- Tiger's Leap is well-known tourist point which is also an echo point
- Bushi Dam is the most popular tourist spot where commuters can visit in the monsoon
- Kune Waterfall is an attractive cascade, cushioned between the scenic valleys of Lonavla and Khandala. It is the 14th highest waterfall in the country
- Bhaja Caves lies in the 22 rock-cut caves displays various sculptures
- Celebrity Wax Museum is a major attraction with various national and international celebrities and eminent personalities
- Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the hilly landscape and foothills of the Western Ghats of Sahyadris and is perfect for nature walks, trekking and bird watching
Where to stay: MTDC Karla Resort is located near Karla Caves in Lonavla off the old Mumbai-Pune highway. Water sports center, which provides boating activity, is situated near the resort.
Panchgani
Panchgani
Panchgani is a stunning hill station, nestled in the center of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, which includes Dandeghar, Godwali, Khingar, Taighat and Amral. It’s scenic landscapes, peaceful climate and lush green surroundings attracts the travellers. It is believed that the Pandavas from the Mahabharata had waited here for a while during their voyage.
How to get there
By Air: Nearest airport is at Pune about 100 km from Panchgani
By Rail: Nearest railway station is Satara and Pune
By Road: Panchgani is 241 km and 98 km away from Mumbai and Pune respectively
Things to do and see:
- Sydney Point is located on the hill that faces Krishna Valley. This hillock also provides mesmerizing views of Pandavgad and Mandhardeo.
- Rajpuri Caves is a prehistoric attraction of Panchgani region
Where to stay: There are many private resorts near Panchgani offering picturesque views for the holiday seekers.
