My 12 Favourite Weekend Getaways From Mumbai

Our weekdays are always busy with our work and commitments. Taking a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city is absolutely essential. Thankfully, we have a lot of cool destinations to explore, in and around Mumbai itself, to rid ourselves of this monotony and have a good time.

 

Here is a list of my favourite place near Mumbai, that can help you take a well-deserved break.

1. Lonavala

Lonavala is one of the most popular hill stations among Mumbaikars. The must-visit places in Lonavala include Bhushi Dam, Tiger Point, Bhaja caves, Karla caves, Rajmachi fort, etc. It is also well known for its chikki.
Distance from Mumbai: 96 km
Ideal Time to Visit: According to me, Lonavala can be visited anytime during the year. But I love going there in the monsoon (from June to September) because it is lush green and beautiful then.
Activities to do: Picnic, Shopping, Trekking.
lonavala

2. Imagica

Imagica is a 30-acre amusement park located in Khopoli. The Nitro is my favourite ride at Imagica. It is India’s biggest and wildest 360-degree roller coaster standing at a height of 132 feet. I enter a totally different world of fun, madness, and magic at Imagica. 😀
Distance from Mumbai: 68 km
Ideal Time to Visit: All year round
Activities to do: Amusement, Adventure.
imagica

3. Karnala

One can spot more than 150 resident bird species and 37 types of avian migrants at the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. Karnala Fort is situated within the sanctuary and is ideal for a refreshing and easy trek. It took us around 2 hours to trek all the way up to the fort, and another 90 minutes to descend.
Distance from Mumbai: 65 km
Ideal Time to Visit: October to April. Trekking can be difficult in monsoon as the rocks become slippery. Plus, you don’t get to see many birds in the monsoon too.
Activities to do: Bird Watching, Photography, Trekking.
For more information, watch my vlog about Karnala
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4. Dahanu

For me, the main attraction at Dahanu is the Mahalaxmi Temple located on National Highway Eight (NH-8) at Charoti Naka. Other attractions include Dahanu Beach and Dahanu Fort. In winter, the Chikoo Festival is held ever year in Dahanu.
Distance from Mumbai: 140 km
Ideal Time to Visit: June to February
Activities to do: Picnic, Rural Tourism.

For more information, watch my vlog about Dahanu

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5. Silvassa

The capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Silvassa is an industrial hub, that is fast developing into a tourist destination. What fascinated me most about Silvassa was the Vasona Lion Safari. Who knew we could see lions in Silvassa! Other attractions include Swaminarayan Temple, Dudhni Lake, Tribal Museum, Satmaliya Deer Park, and so on.
Distance from Mumbai: 170 km
Ideal Time to Visit: October to February
Activities to do: Picnic, Photography, Shopping, Boating, Safari.

For more information, watch my video about Silvassa

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6. Alibaug

One can reach Alibaug both by road as well as by ferry from the Gateway of India. Alibaug is synonymous with its beaches viz. Kashid Beach, Nagaon Beach, Alibaug Beach, Versova Beach, and many more. You can also indulge in cool water sports like paragliding, jet skiing, banana boat ride, kayaking, and so on, at most of its beaches. Around 30 km ahead of Alibaug lies the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the best places to see wildlife.
Distance from Mumbai: 95 km
Ideal Time to Visit: November to July
Activities to do: Picnic, Photography, Shopping, Water Sports, Bird Watching.

alibaug

7. Jawhar

I visited Jawhar in the monsoon and it was full of greenery and waterfalls. Jawhar’s highlights include the Dabhosa Waterfall, Jaivilas Palace, Hanuman Point, Bhupatghad Fort, and so on.
Distance from Mumbai: 155 km
Ideal Time to Visit: November to September
Activities to do: Picnic, Trekking.
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8. Durshet

Durshet is famous for its adventure sports like zip-lining, rappelling, trekking, kayaking, and so on. Located a little ahead of Khopoli, Durshet is a little town found on the banks of the Amba River.
Distance from Mumbai: 75 km
Ideal Time to Visit: September to March
Activities to do: Picnic, Trekking, Adventure Sports.
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9. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is all about hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, forests, and strawberries! There are numerous vantage points in Mahabaleshwar that offer amazing views of the entire range of the Sahyadri mountains. Some of these points are Peking Point, Arthur’s Seat, Elephant Head Point, Kate’s Point, Wilson Point, Sunset Point, and so on!
Distance from Mumbai: 263 km
Ideal Time to Visit: One can visit Mahabaleshwar at any time of the year. It is always beautiful!
Activities to do: Picnic, Shopping, Rock Climbing, Photography, Horse Riding, Strawberries! 😀

For more information, watch my video about Mahabaleshwar

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10. Panchgani

Experience nature at its best in Panchgani. I went to Panchgani on my way to Mahabaleshwar. The Mapro Garden in Panchgani is a must-visit for its fresh strawberries and candies.
Distance from Mumbai: 245 km
Ideal Time to Visit: Just like Mahabaleshwar, you can visit Panchgani at any time of the year.
Activities to do: Picnic, Shopping, Photography, Horse Riding, Strawberries! 😀
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11. Amboli

With an annual rainfall of about 7m, Amboli lies in the wettest region of Maharashtra. The biodiversity in Amboli has been well-preserved and hence, it is a hub for wildlife and macro photography.
Distance from Mumbai: 491 km
Ideal Time to Visit: You can visit Amboli throughout the year. Since it rains very heavily here, avoid visiting in the monsoon if you don’t like getting wet.
Activities to do: Picnic, Photography, Trekking.
Watch my vlogs about Amboli
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12. Goa

If you have a long weekend with you, Goa is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, churches, temples, forts, wildlife, and many such attractions. Goa has something to offer to all types of travellers.
Distance from Mumbai: 590 km
Ideal Time to Visit: All year round
Activities to do: Picnic, Photography, Shopping, Sightseeing, Water Sports, Adventure Sports.

For more information, watch my video about Goa

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I still have to explore a lot of new places near Mumbai. On my bucket list are Matheran, Nashik, Bhandardhara, Lavasa, Daman, Igatpuri, Shirdi, well it goes on and on! Hopefully, I will be able to cover them all in the coming years…

23 thoughts on “My 12 Favourite Weekend Getaways From Mumbai”

  5. Tiny Trips & Tips says:
    Reply

    It’s great that you put the ideal times to visit and activities to do in each of these getaways; helps understand when to go and what to do in each destination 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Ruth says:
    Reply

    There are so many options! I like when there are tons to do relatively close to a big city. I like that you included the distances from the city. They look perfect for a long weekend. I will like to visit Goa and Imagica.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Kay Rodriguez says:
    Reply

    Mahabaleshwar sounds so lovely! I love getting out of a city to see more pastoral and green areas. Would love to visit Mumbai one day, and when I do, I’ll definitely use these tips!

    Liked by 1 person

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