LONAVALA
Located between Mumbai and Pune, this beautiful hill station offers a quick getaway from the rushed city life. Famous for mouth-watering chikki (Indian candy made of nuts set in jaggery or sugar syrup), Lonavala offers a scenic drive from both cities. The beautiful winding roads and long tunnels on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway is a reason enough to keep going back to Lonavala. While Lonavala itself is a very small hill station, it is surrounded by some of the best tourist places in Maharashtra such as Pawna Lake, Lohagarh Fort, Visapur Fort, Tiger’s Point, Bhaja Caves, Kune Falls and Shree Narayani Dham Temple. You can also enjoy camping and trekking in Lonavala.
Best Places to Visit: Rajmachi Point, Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves, Lohagad Fort
Best Time to Visit: June to February
Things to do: Trekking, Boating, Sightseeing, Photography, Visit Wax Museum
How to Reach:
By Air: Pune International Airport
By Train: Lonavala Railway Station
By Bus: Lonavala Bus Stand
KASARA
This industrial city in the Thane district of Maharashtra is a popular weekend getaway from both Mumbai and Pune. It serves as a perfect destination for those looking to spend time in a quiet and peaceful place amidst nature. Kasara Waterfal, one of the best entertainment destinations in the country, is situated in Kasara. While here, you can seek blessings at Vihigaon Shiv Temple and Vihigaon Bridge, and admire the natural beauty of Ahilyabai Holkar Well and Kundan Lake.
Best Places to Visit: Kasara Hill Station, Kundan Lake,Dhenganmal Waterfall, Vihigaon Bridge, Kasara Ghat
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Enjoy thrilling rides , Explore the caves, Nature walks
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
By Train: Kasara Railway Station
By Bus: Kasara Bus Stand
MATHERAN
If you prefer a non-touristy hill station away from the hustle and bustle of weekend travellers, then Matheran is the right choice. What makes Matheran an extraordinary experience is the absence of cars and buses on the road. Yes, you read it right. Cars are not allowed in Matheran, leaving the pathways free for leisurely walks. The town offers many trekking trails to various viewpoints from where you can enjoy alluring views of the sunrise, sunset and mountains. The peaceful and picturesque Charlotte Lake is an ideal spot for picnics and camping. Matheran is considered to be among top 10 tourist places in Maharashtra and It is a vehicle-free zone, so private vehicles are not allowed inside the town.
Best Places to Visit: Panorama Point, Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, Porcupine Point
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Things to do: Trekking, Horseback riding, Enjoying scenic viewpoints, Exploring nature trails, Picnicking by the lakeside
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
By Train: Neral Railway Station
By Bus: Dasturi Naka Bus Stand
KARJAT
This industrial city in the Thane district of Maharashtra is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai. It serves as a perfect destination for those looking to spend time in a quiet and peaceful place amidst nature. Kothaligad (Peth) Fort, one of the best entertainment destinations in the country, is situated in Karjat. While here, you can seek blessings at Kondeshwar Temple and Bhor Ghat, and admire the natural beauty of Bahiri Cave and Jain Temple.
Best Places to Visit: Kothaligad (Peth) Fort, Kondana Caves, Ulhas Valley, Kondeshwar Temple, Bhor Ghat and Bahiri Cave.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Enjoy thrilling rides , Explore the caves, Nature walks
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
By Train: Karjat Railway Station
By Bus: Karjat Bus Stand
KHOPOLI
This industrial city in the Raigarh district of Maharashtra is a popular weekend getaway from both Mumbai and Pune. It serves as a perfect destination for those looking to spend time in a quiet and peaceful place amidst nature. Imagica Amusement Theme Park, one of the best entertainment destinations in the country, is situated in Khapoli. While here, you can seek blessings at Shri Vireshwar Mahadev Temple and Shri Varadvinayak Temple, and admire the natural beauty of Kune Waterfall, Zenith Waterfall and Tungarli Lake.
Best Places to Visit: Imagica Theme Park, Zenith Falls, Kondana Caves, Durshet Forest Lodge
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Enjoy thrilling rides , Explore the caves, Nature walks
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
By Train: Khopoli Railway Station
By Bus: Khopoli Bus Stand
IGATPURI
This small hill station in the Nashik district is a popular weekend getaway for Mumbaikars as well as Punekars. Surrounded by high mountain ranges, Igatpuri is quite popular among trekkers and rock climbers. While Vihigaon Waterfall attracts nature lovers, Tringalwadi Fort and historic temples are frequented by history buffs and devotees. The world’s largest meditation centre, Vipassana Meditation Academy, is also situated in Igatpuri.
Best Places to Visit: Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Vaitarna Dam, Tringalwadi Fort, Amruteshwar Temple
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Trekking, Boating, Visit temples, Sunset
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
By Train: Igatpuri Railway Station
By Bus: Igatpuri Bus Stand
NASHIK
Nashik is one of the most important holy places to visit in Maharashtra. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Rama stayed in Nashik during his 14 years of exile. For Rama devotees, a visit to Nashik is incomplete without visiting the famous Kalaram Temple where a black statue of Lord Rama is worshipped. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple also houses black statues of the god Lakshmana and the goddess Sita. Nashik is one of the four main sites for Kumbh Mela. Held once every 12 years, the event attracts millions of devotees from across the globe. In Nashik, besides religious visits, you can indulge in the natural beauty of the city and visit popular attractions such as Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Sula Vineyards, Coin Museum, and Pandav Leni Caves.
Best Places to Visit: Trimbakeshwar Temple, Pandavleni Caves, Sula Vineyards, Panchvati, Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Visit Temples and Religious Sites, Explore Ancient Caves and Rock-cut Monuments, Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours, Boating and Picnicking, Trekking
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
By Train: Nashik Railway Station
By Bus: Nashik Bus Stand
BHIMASHANKAR
Bhimashankar, located about 100 km from Pune and 223 km from Mumbai, is a popular temple town. It is among one of the twelve traditional ‘Jyotilingam’ shrines of Lord Shiva in India.
Bhimashankar is located in the village Bhorgiri in the ghat region of the Sahyadri range. Situated at an height of around 3,250 feet, Bhimashankar is surrounded by hills and is covered by thick green rainforests. Legend has it that the name Bhimashankar was originated from the river Bhima which evaporated due to the generated between the war of Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura. It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India because of the jyotirlinga. Bhimashankar is also a popular destination for trekkers. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is another important reason why people come here.
Best Places to Visit:
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashankar Trek, Ahupe Waterfalls, Hanuman Lake
Best Time to Visit: June to February
Things to do: Trekking, Boating, Sightseeing, Photography, Visit Wax Museum
How to Reach:
By Air: Pune International Airport
By Train: Lonavala Railway Station
By Bus: Lonavala Bus Stand
MAHABALESHWAR
Nestled amid the scenic Western Ghats, this popular hill station is known for its breathtaking landscapes, evergreen timberlands, waterfalls, and ancient temples. A trip to Mahabaleshwar means boating in Venna Lake, undertaking a sunset trek to the Pratapgarh Fort, visiting Rajpuri Caves, tantalising your taste buds with freshly-plucked berries, and clicking picture-perfect photos with astounding views of the hills and valleys in the background.
Best Places to Visit: Arthur’s Seat, Pratapgarh Fort, Venna Lake, Lingmala Waterfall, Elephant’s Head Point, Wilson Point
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Trekking, Boating, Enjoying strawberries, Exploring Mahabaleshwar Temple
How to Reach:
By Air: Pune International Airport
By Train: Satara Railway Station and Pune Railway Junction
By Bus: Mahabhaleshwar Bus Stand
TRAYAMBKESHWAR
Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple is located at a distance of about 28 km from Nashik City Trimbakeshwar is well connected by state transport buses. Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple is located at a distance of about 28 km from Nashik, Maharashtra near the mountain named Brahamagiri from which the river Godavari flows. It was constructed by third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760) on the site of an old temple. Trimbakeshwar Temple is a religious centre having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas . The city of Trimbakeshwar is located at the foot of Brahamagiri hill ,height of which is 3000 feet above sea level. Trimbakeshwar Temple is maintained by Trimbakeshwar Temple Trust
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Visit Temples and Religious Sites.
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
By Train: Nashik Railway Station
By Bus: Nashik Bus Stand
KHANDALA
Located quite close to Lonavala, Khandala is one of the famous places in Maharashtra, thanks to a popular Bollywood song. The hill station enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year and turns lush green during the monsoons. In addition to the pristine lakes and beautiful waterfalls, the quaint little hill station offers views of picturesque peaks and stunning valleys. Some popular attractions in Khandala include Karla and Bhanja Caves, Della Adventure Park, Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum and Aadishakti Mata Temple.
Best Places to Visit: Karla and Bhanja Caves, Della Adventure Park, Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum, and Aadishakti Mata Temple
Best Time to Visit: July to February
Things to do: Trekking and Hiking, Enjoying the Scenic Views, Exploring Caves and Waterfalls, Boating and Picnicking at Bhushi Dam
How to Reach:
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
By Train: Khandala Railway Station
By Bus: Khandala Bus Stand
AURANGABAD
The tourism capital of Maharashtra, Aurangabad is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Aurangabad was once a prominent Mughal city. Representatives of India’s glorious architectural past, the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves are situated here. Also, Aurangabad is dotted with many must-visit attractions such as Daulatabad Fort, Jama Mosque, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Siddharth Garden and Zoo and Soneri Mahal.
Best Places to Visit: Daulatabad Fort, Jama Mosque, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Siddharth Garden and Zoo, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, and Soneri Mahal
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to do: Visit the temple, Explore Forts, Ancient rock-cut caves
How to Reach:
By Air: Aurangabad Airport
By Train: Aurangabad Railway Station
By Bus: Aurangabad Bus Stand
