The state of Maharashtra has many gems for travel enthusiasts. Owing to the beautiful Western Ghats, Maharashtra has a lot of mountain towns, hills and valleys that are worth visiting, despite the overzealous crowds.
There are a lot of hill stations in and around Maharashtra that are quite famous for their weather, sporting activities and food! Here are some options for your next adventure. Grab your weekend bag and get going!
1. Matheran
Nestled against the Sahyadri hills, Matheran is one of the most famous hill stations in Maharashtra. It is absolutely breathtaking with its beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere. Matheran is famous for its toy train and is also the only eco-friendly hill station in Maharashtra. Hill stations are often refreshing due to the lack of emissions and pollution, but Matheran is exceptionally devoid of these as it is completely automobile free.
In Matheran, one can enjoy viewpoints and lakes while basking in nature’s lap. Charlotte lake is one such spot which is perfect for camping and is quite famous for birdwatching. Echo point, Louisa point and panorama point are some famous viewpoints which will offer some mesmerising views of the area. The Prabal fort is an attraction for trekkers and history enthusiasts. Matheran is accessible by trains and buses up to a point after which one can travel up to the town on a toy train and sit back to enjoy the glorious glimpses of nature.
2. Rajmachi
A weekend getaway, Rajmachi village is a quiet, serene village in the Sahyadri hills. It has a few attractions such as the Rajmachi fort, Karla caves, Kataldhar waterfall and Sadashivgad fort. Rajmachi is an ideal location for a short, affordable and relaxing weekend. Since it is a tourist attraction, the food options are mind blogging and local dishes are a must-try for all visitors.
The Rajmachi Fort is a really famous trek, especially sought-after during monsoons. The trek is 3.5 km and many also opt for monsoons treks or night treks to enjoy the beauty and the views through different lenses. It is one of the major contributors to the crowds that are attracted to Rajmachi.
3. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is the most famous hill station in Maharashtra that attracts heavy crowds from all over the western region. It is famous for its strawberries and nature which leaves all the visitors enraptured. Mahabaleshwar has one of the most famous and trusted strawberry and fruit crush producers- Mapro. The Mapro gardens are famous for their restaurant and fruit, especially strawberry products. Of all the attractions in Mahabaleshwar, Venna lake, Mahabaleshwar temple, Tableland, Elephant’s head point and Arthur’s seat are some of the most prominent places to visit.
Mahabaleshwar is open to tourists all through the year and the weather is always pleasant, making it the best destination for impromptu plans and exceptional tourist spots. The weather in Mahabaleshwar is harsh during monsoons and the temperature drops quite a lot in winter. Even then, it is the perfect place to cosy up and enjoy hot beverages around campfires. It is also a famous honeymoon destination and has hotels in an affordable price range for everyone.
Reaching Mahabaleshwar is quite easy by road from Pune or Mumbai and is quite accessible even by bus.
4. Lonavala
One of the famous monsoon destination is Lonavala which is famous for trekkers, family or friends’ trips. Lonavala has many adventure spots, caves, hiking trails and adventure parks to engage the audience of all ages. It has amazing picnic spots that are must visit during cooler months and even a few camping sites for bonfire nights and adventurous memories.
Some famous places to visit in Lonavala are the Bhushi dam, Pawna dam, Tungarli lake, Duke’s nose trek, Kondane caves, Bhaja caves, Lohagad fort and Amrutanjan point. A monsoon lover’s delight, the forts and dams are quite renowned for their waterfalls.
Lonavala lies between Mumbai and Pune, accessible easily from both cities by road and train.
5. Lavasa
Lavasa is a very famous hill station near Mumbai and Pune where one can enjoy adventure sports, nature trails and forts in all of nature’s glory. There are many attractions in and around this town such as the Lakeshore water sports for adventure enthusiasts, Tikona fort for all the hikers, Devkund waterfall, the famous Tamhini ghat and Temghar dam. Although a quaint town tucked away in the hilly ranges, Lavasa is beautifully surrounded by floral beauty and is decorated specially to attract tourists, with resorts and food joints, it is a must visit for a fun and uplifting getaway.
6. Panchgani:
Panchgani is a charming hill station nestled in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra, India. Situated at an altitude of around 1,334 meters, it is known for its pleasant climate, picturesque landscapes, and lush greenery. The name “Panchgani” translates to “five hills,” and the town is surrounded by five hills that offer breathtaking views of the Krishna River Valley.
Panchgani is famous for its strawberry farms, where visitors can indulge in picking fresh strawberries and relishing delicious strawberry-based treats. The Table Land, a vast volcanic plateau, is a major attraction and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The lush forests and serene ambiance make it an ideal destination for nature walks, trekking, and camping.
Panchgani’s proximity to Mahabaleshwar, another popular hill station, adds to its allure. Together, they form a popular twin hill station destination in Maharashtra. With its refreshing climate, scenic vistas, and tranquility, Panchgani provides a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
7. Bhandardara:
Situated in the Sahyadri Range, Bhandardara is a serene hill station known for its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and the tranquil Bhandardara Lake. It is a perfect getaway for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
8. Amboli:
Amboli is a serene hill station located in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra, India. Situated at an altitude of approximately 690 meters, it is renowned for its lush green forests, misty hills, and cascading waterfalls. Amboli is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and picturesque retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The hill station is known for its abundant biodiversity and is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. The dense forests of Amboli are home to a variety of bird species, including colorful migratory birds. Trekking and nature walks in the surrounding trails provide an opportunity to explore the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Amboli is famous for its stunning waterfalls, such as the Amboli Waterfall, Hiranyakeshi Waterfall, and Nangartas Waterfall. These natural wonders come to life during the monsoon season, creating a breathtaking sight and providing a refreshing escape from the heat.
The mist-covered hills of Amboli offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the Konkan coastline. Sunset Point and Mahadev Gad Point are popular viewpoints that offer mesmerizing vistas. The tranquil atmosphere and cool climate make it an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The best time to visit Amboli is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the waterfalls are in full flow and the surrounding landscapes are adorned with lush greenery.
Amboli can be reached by road from major cities in Maharashtra. The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi Road, located approximately 30 kilometers away, and the closest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is about 80 kilometers away. There are many MSRTC buses running between Pune to Amboli, you can take it to reach Amboli.
In Conclusion
Maharashtra has plenty of famous and even some hidden gems that are the perfect spots for quick trips and adventures, especially during monsoons as the state has many hills and valleys which make for views that leave people wanting more. Monsoons are especially beautiful as the chilly wind in these hills and mountains is the perfect cure for the gloominess of the weather. Although, most of these hill stations are open for tourists year-round, waiting to send them off with happy memories and full hearts.