Come rains and we all secretly wish for holidays reminiscing the rainy day holidays of the school time. The thundering clouds pouring down continuously on Earth bring immense joy to our hearts. Petrichor captures your heart and soul. As we grew into working professionals, we look forward to weekends to enjoy the monsoon. And, living near Mumbai has added advantage of enjoying hills and beaches alike. Below is the list of places which I love to visit around Mumbai each monsoon season.
Lonavala & Khandala –
The twin hill cities are located at the distance of approximately 80 kms from city of Mumbai are the perfect weekend escape. They are easily accessible by the Expressway and offer a plethora of things.
You can enjoy the view of breathtaking sceneries of the Sahyadris clad with greenery. Or you can go trekking in Khandala. Other favorites are getting drenched in the numerous waterfalls in the hills. Or enjoy eating corn near Duke’s Nose and Bhushi Dam.
And, do not forget to get your parcel of the Chikki from Lonavala, it is sweet made from jaggery, ground nuts and Ghee.
I have always enjoyed Lonavala for a one day short visit, but you can choose to stay here overnight.
Mahabaleshwar –
If you are planning for three day short stay, then Mahabaleshwar is the right place to be. The approximate distance from Mumbai is 280 kms. It is also the Strawberry Capital of India. The hill city is famous for its sunrise and sunset views.
You can also visit Table Land which is the second largest volcanic mountain plateau in Asia and a frequent location for shootings.
For history buffs, you can visit Kamalgad Fort and Mahabaleshwar Temple. The temple is built in South-India architectural style.
I had last visited it few years back and stayed there over a long weekend. My favorite part was visiting the Chocolate Factory located at Mapro Garden. 🙂
Malshej Ghat –
Malshej Ghat is located at nearly 130 kms from Mumbai and is famous for its breathtaking views of Western Ghats. The higher you go, the more clouds you can touch. 🙂
Monsoon makes it a favorite with migratory birds, and you can easily spot quails, rails, cranes, flamingos & cuckoos hear. I never spotted tigers or leopards here, but if you are lucky you can spot them too!
Matheran –
Does the idea of visiting the smallest and automobile free hill station sounds exciting to you? Then, Matheran is a must visit for you. It is declared as eco-sensitive region by the Government of India. Horse riding or on foot is the way to go here!
The lush green trees provide you a comfortable trekking experience. The best thing to enjoy is the toy train ride from Neral to Matheran. It takes you through the tunnels and dense woods.
Beware the monkeys near Monkey Point, who will be ready to jump on any snacks visible to the eye. Even we had a monkey scare as it ran away after snatching snacks from one of my friends.
Karnala
The drive to Karnala during monsoons is a calming experience. You can also visit Karnala Bird Sanctuary or trek to the Karnala Fort.
Hope you are ready with your raincoats and umbrellas to enjoy these weekend getaways. Are there any other places that you like to plan to visit this rainy season? Do share with us your favorite places and things to do in the comments.
This blog is a part of the #BirthdayBlogTrain hosted by Gunjan and Neha. I would like to thank Sonal for introducing me in the train. You can read her blog here. And, next I would welcome Mahak in the blog train, checkout her blog.
70 thoughts on “Monsoon Getaways from Mumbai!”
Geethica
(6th October 2020 - 23:50)This post sounds perfect to start over our travel journeys once again when this pandemic finally ends. I heard Karnala for the first time and it sounds interesting.
PRB
(5th October 2020 - 19:39)I just haven’t been to Karnala but the rest are my favourite, especially Mahabaleshwar! Thanks for writing this.
#ReadByPRB
Amrita
(6th October 2020 - 09:54)I loved your monsoon getaways list.On my way after COVID is over.
pythoroshan
(5th October 2020 - 12:30)Though I studied for 3 years in Pune, I never had a chance to explore Mumbai and this never got to see so many of the other beautiful getaways around it
bloggingmadeeasierneha
(2nd October 2019 - 00:15)Loved your post and I have been to Pune and Mahabaleshwar and loved the place 🙂
Dishki
(21st October 2019 - 00:51)Thanks for dropping by!
Bushra
(30th September 2019 - 23:43)seems like perfect travel plan.
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 00:47)Thanks for dropping by!
Nahid Akhter
(28th September 2019 - 20:13)Perfectly composed articles. Thank you for the share.
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 01:41)Thanks for dropping by!
Richa MIna
(28th September 2019 - 18:59)i haven’t had the pleasure of exploring Mumbai in rainy season yet but i’ll keep your list in mind when i do it.
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 01:05)You should definitely explore Mumbai in rains. Its a unique experience. 🙂
matheikal
(28th September 2019 - 12:39)It’s always nice to have some niches to escape to if you’re in a metro like Mumbai.
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 01:41)Thanks for dropping by!
kalaravi16
(28th September 2019 - 11:13)I have to visit Malshej Ghat. All the other places I’ve been to. All these places do look so beautiful in the rains!
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 01:43)Thanks for dropping by!
Abhijit Ray
(28th September 2019 - 09:00)A nice post detailing getaways during monsoon. Enjoyed reading them. I would love to watch rain fall on Western Ghats.
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 01:47)Western Ghats in rain is treat for eyes. Do plan to visit it sometime. 🙂
Vartika Mehrotra Gakhar
(24th September 2019 - 17:02)Thats a lovely list Disha, I always wish to visit Lonavala, Panchghani, and many more and your post really made me fly sooner.
FabZania
(13th September 2019 - 01:46)Great list of monsoon destinations near Mumbai. HAve visited many, yet to visit some of them.
Dishki
(16th September 2019 - 01:49)Glad you liked it!
DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter
(7th September 2019 - 13:13)Keep writing such interesting posts. #MyFriendAlexa #DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter
Sushmita Malakar (@sushmitamalakar)
(7th September 2019 - 12:15)I have heard a lot about Karnala but I could never go there. Thanks for sharing.
Menaka Bharathi
(7th September 2019 - 06:18)Thats quite a list,a few I have not visited yet, Next time I am in Mumbai will keep these places in my list too.
Judy
(7th September 2019 - 00:26)I didnt know about Karnala as a destination near Mumbai worth visiting in Moonsoon. Rest I have visited mostly and they are amazing during rains.
Pooja Mahimkar
(6th September 2019 - 22:28)This is one of the best things about Mumbai, too many getaway options.
Been to most of these places and it is totally a great way of relaxing after a hectic week.
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 02:13)Indeed, the weekend plans are always sorted out. 🙂
arv!
(6th September 2019 - 18:47)Indeed these are great monsoon getaways from Mumbai. Classic, I would say!
Dishki
(1st October 2019 - 02:13)Thank you.
arv!
(1st October 2019 - 05:39)😊
Manas Mukul
(23rd July 2019 - 20:20)Wonderful post and a good list. I love to take the train ride from Mumbai to pune during monsoons.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:42)Yes, that’s a wonderful experience too!
Shipra Trivedi
(22nd July 2019 - 11:25)All these are my fav places and I have been there except Malshej Ghat and Karnala. Next time, I visit Pune during monsoon, I make sure to visit these two as well.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:42)Glad you liked it!
kushal
(22nd July 2019 - 09:00)YEs all these are lovely places… a must-visit in the monsoon season
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:43)Thank you!
Snigdha
(22nd July 2019 - 00:42)All these places are monsoon oriented.. I had once to Mahabaleswar during monsoon and the feeling is beyond magic.. Loved it.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:43)True, it is indeed lovely.
swathi
(21st July 2019 - 21:13)I enjoyed reading post.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:43)Thanks!
Pragnya Mishra
(21st July 2019 - 18:12)Till now I thought I had covered all monsoon destinations around Pune/Mumbai, but I was grossly wrong. I never knew about Karnal. Added straightway to my travel wishlist.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:43)Glad that you find it helpful.
Sonia madaan
(21st July 2019 - 17:57)Wonderful list of wonderful places to visit. Thank for sharing here. 😊
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:44)Glad you liked it!
Aditi Kapur
(21st July 2019 - 16:53)Places to visit when you’re in Mumbai! Bookmarking this:)
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:44)Glad you liked it!
Deevya
(20th July 2019 - 23:48)Weekends getaways in these breathtaking views is something that we all Mumbaikars love. Personally I love Lonavla and Khandala. I haven’t been to Malshej yet but it is on my list. Loved the way you have perfectly compiled the list. Great post.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:44)Thanks for dropping by! 🙂
Surbhi Prapanna
(20th July 2019 - 23:36)Wow loved your post and it had recalled me those days when we had been to Pune. I had explored these options and visited most of this place during monsoon. Lonavala and Khandala is my personal favourite. #GWNxTNM
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:44)Glad you liked it!
Mann
(20th July 2019 - 19:50)I am so glad I have visited Khandala and Lonavala. Such wonderful places. 👍
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:44)Glad you liked it!
vijvihaar silja
(20th July 2019 - 16:49)Thanks for giving information about all this places. I just love to visit some place from list.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:45)Thanks for dropping by.
MeenalSonal
(20th July 2019 - 16:33)These places look perfect for weekend, shall share with my Mumbai friends.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:45)Glad you liked it!
Pr@Gun
(20th July 2019 - 15:34)That’s a lovely post with good monsoon weekend getaway, I will miss those as I am far from Mumbai, but on my list whenever I visit in monsoons, have heard a lot about Mahabaleshwar and Khandala and its beauty in rains.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:45)Glad you liked it!
Shubhra Rastogi
(20th July 2019 - 15:00)Have visited mahabaleshwar, lonavala, lavassa and khandala. Yet to discover the other places. Great post
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:45)Thanks for dropping by.
Sindhu Vinod Narayan
(20th July 2019 - 13:33)Wow love the recommendations. I will make note and definitely visit these places.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:45)Glad you liked it!
Noor Anand Chawla
(20th July 2019 - 12:06)You have invoked some lovely imagery of Maharashtra in the monsoon! I would love to visit some day!
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:45)Glad you liked it!
Arushi Seth
(20th July 2019 - 11:58)Lovely post!! Saving it for my next trip to mumbai!!
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:45)Thank you. 🙂
Anurag Singh
(20th July 2019 - 10:40)Indeed the best places to visit in monsoon
And pune – Mumbai highway become eye candy during monsoon
I love this belt very iconic
Nice post i liked it
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:46)Glad you liked it!
Alpana Deo
(20th July 2019 - 01:04)I am yet to explore many places around Mumbai. It feels so good when you have a few good spots to visit during short holidays. Its refreshing.
Dishki
(10th August 2019 - 16:46)Glad you liked it!