Everyone in Mumbai, the city of dreams, is so busy running the rat race that they often forget to slow down and enjoy life. If you want to take a break from the daily chaos of city life, head over to the hill stations near Mumbai and witness the beauty of the Western Ghats. Relax your mind and body as you escape to a cooler climate, fewer crowds, and into the tranquility of nature.
Here are five hill stations near Mumbai you must check out.
1. Lonavala
One of the best tourist places in Mumbai, Lonavala, is the closest hill station to the city and is surprisingly peaceful. Sitting atop the Sahyadri range, Lonavala is a great place to hangout in Mumbai while avoiding the city crowd. Known for its staggering landscape, pleasant climate, and ancient ruins, Lonavala is one of the best hill stations near Mumbai.
Best time to visit: September to June
How to reach: Located just 95 km from Mumbai, you can drive down, hire a cab, or take the train to Lonavala railway station.
Attractions: Serene natural beauty, forts and caves, nature walking trails, and Kune Waterfalls
Things to do: Sightseeing and bird watching, trekking and camping, wildlife photography
2. Matheran
An eco-friendly place to go in Mumbai, Matheran—one of the smallest hill stations in India—is also Asia’s only automobile-free destination. Translating to ‘forest on the forehead’, Matheran is an eco-sensitive region offering pollution-free serenity amidst nature.
Best time to visit: It is ideal to visit all-year long.
How to reach: It is a 110-km scenic drive from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Neral at 21 km from Matheran.
Attractions: 33 view points, watch the sunrise and sunset, horse riding, and nature walks.
Things to do: Unwind with nature, enjoy trekking and camping in the wilderness.
3. Panchgani
This Mumbai hill station is one of the oldest hill stations in the world. Nestled between five hills and pristine lakes, Panchgani is one of the best places to visit in Navi Mumbai. Blessed with dense trails that maintain a cool temperature all-year round, Panchgani is the perfect getaway spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Best time to visit: Panchgani experiences pleasant weather throughout the year. The months between May to September are ideal if you want to escape the city’s humid climate.
How to reach: The drive from Mumbai to Panchgani is just 250 km via the expressway.
Attractions: Table Top Hill, British architecture, and cool climate
Things to do in Panchgani: Stargazing and sightseeing, trekking and camping, nature photography.
4. Mahabaleshwar
There are plenty of places to hangout in Mumbai, but for a change step out to Maharashtra's biggest and most picturesque hill station—Mahabaleshwar. The origin point of the Krishna River, India’s third longest river, begins from the Mahadev temple in Old Mahabaleshwar town. Home to exotic flora and fauna, verdant green hills, and cascading waterfalls—a weekend at Mahabaleshwar will rejuvenate your senses and calm the mind.
Best time to visit: The weather in Mahabaleshwar is best from June to October.
How to reach: A 270 km drive from the city of Mumbai via the expressway will take you approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. Pune, which is 120kms away, is convenient when travelling by train.
Attractions: Stop to appreciate the sky at sunrise and sunset points, enjoy a shikara ride on Venna Lake, have a quiet picnic at Connaught Peak, and go horse riding.
Things to do in Mahabaleshwar: Visit Pratapgarh Fort, take a dip in Lingmala Falls, birdwatching at Babington Point, and enjoy trekking and rock climbing.
5. Chikhaldara
An off-beat hill station near Mumbai, Chikhaldara in the Vidarbha region is a beautiful summer retreat in Maharashtra. Steeped with mythological significance, the town of Chikhaldara is where the Pandav Bheema defeated and killed Keechaka in combat. A trip to this hill station takes you on a mystical path of self-discovery amidst the misty valleys of nature.
Best time to visit: Months from June to November tend to have pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to visit the area.
How to reach: The drive from Mumbai to Chikhaldara covers a distance of 672 km. The nearest railway station is Badnera,110 kms away from the hill station.
Attractions: Visit the Chikhaldara and Wan Wildlife Sanctuary, spot endangered tigers at the Melghat Tiger Reserve, see the Kalapani Dam, and visit Sunset and Panchbol point.
Things to do: Sightseeing and photography, camping, and bird spotting.
When planning a trip to the hill stations near Mumbai, leave behind your daily worries and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.