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Hill Stations in Maharashtra

If you are a recurrent holidaymaker within Maharashtra, then you might have come across the famous Lonavala Chikki which is one-of-a-kind; that, and the terrain that Lonavala offers makes it a much-liked hill station in Maharashtra.

The place is eminent amongst newlyweds, friends, and family trips. Bushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Rajmachi Fort, Ryewood Park, Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary and a number of historical forts are the local attractions that engage tourists in a fun-filled hill station trip.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering, sightseeing, della adventure park, lonavala wax museum.

How to reach: 

From Mumbai: 82.8 km to Lonavala; you can take a direct train or bus to Lonavala or you can travel by road by hiring a taxi or driving yourself.

From Pune: 64 km by train and 68kms by road;  you can take a direct train or bus to Lonavala or you can drive down or hire a cab and travel via Khandala.

Best time to visit: October to May.

Matheran is a dream-come-true hill station that offers blissful landscapes of the green pastures and the white mist that cuddles it. It is the adventure trove amongst the many Maharashtra hill stations where adventure lovers flock often.

Tourists often plan a visit to Matheran when the Charlotte Lake overflows giving birth to a panoramic waterfall which is visible from the sprawling King George Point. Other local attractions include Echo Point, Shivaji’s Ladder, Charlotte Lake, and Panorama Point.

Activities: Sightseeing, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, ride the toy train, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 100 km to Matheran; can reach via road or rail.

From Pune: 120 km to Matheran; can reach via road or rail.

Best time to visit: October to June.

There would be hardly a few, who wouldn’t have heard about this hill station in Maharashtra. This strawberry land is the largest hilly treats in the state and is much-loved by local travelers for weekend retreats. Mahabaleshwar is the paragon of exotic produce of strawberries in the winter; if you make it in the right time, you can even visit these farms and get some first-hand taste of fresh strawberry shake or jam.

You shouldn’t miss horse riding if you are in this hill station which is heavily populated with sightseeing areas. The highest peak, Wilson Point awaits you with its confounding backgrounds for your next round of selfies!

Activities: Horse riding, boating, go-karting, excursions, sightseeing, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 221 km to Mahabaleshwar; You can take a train till Pune or Satara, and then hire a cab from thereon. State Transport buses and Volvo buses run frequently on this route.

From Pune: 115 km to Mahabaleshwar; You can take a cab directly or can opt for a State Transport Bus.

Best time to visit: June to September.

Known for its dense fog, Igatpuri is catching up for being a perfect balance for nature and adventure seekers. The highlight of this hill station is the Vipassana International Academy of Meditation which lures a number of people from around the world. While here, you can visit Kalsubai Peak, Arthur Lake, Amruteshwar Temple, and Ghantadevi Temple.

You will find heaven meet Earth at Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre which practices and teaches Buddhist meditation. If you love the rains, and water is your thing, then you must drop down here to plunge in the numerous refreshing waterfalls.

Activities: Excursion, meditation, tringalwadi fort trek, sightseeing, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai- 130 km to Igatpuri; can reach via road or rail.

From Pune- 240 km to Igatpuri; can reach via road or rail.

Best time to visit: July to September.

Made extremely famous by the once-upon-a-time Bollywood chartbuster song, Khandala is the picture-perfect holiday spot if you are on the lookout for a beautiful locale for a short trip. Squatting on the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountains, Khandala fascinates people with its fog dominated waterfalls, catchy settings, and pacific lakes.

The youth action takes place at the famous Duke’s Point where one can indulge in adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing etc. Walk through the Karla Caves that features the Buddhist paintings. If you plan to drive down to the place, make sure you carry your camera, because the road that leads you to Khandala is heart-stirring!

Activities: Sightseeing, rock climbing, trekking, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 283 km to Khandala; can drive down, take a bus, taxi or train.

From Pune: 254 km to Khandala; can drive down, take a bus, hire a taxi or go via train.

Best time to visit: Throughout the year.

Malshej Ghats houses a plethora of waterfalls, mountain views, and lakes that makes one want to visit the place time and again. This dwelling of landscape’s gorgeousness is frequently checked in by hikers and trekkers who want to temporarily do away with the clumsy city life.

The 16th century Harishchandragad Fort is their favorite spot to hike and trek. Other tourists can visit the Pimpalgaon Dam, Ajoba Hill Fort, and of course the Malshej Falls. It goes without saying that rains add glamour to the existing beauty of this hill station in Maharashtra.

Activities: Bird watching, sightseeing, hiking, trekking, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: You can reach via state transport buses, drive down or hire a taxi.

Best time to visit: July to March.

Panchgani is the twin Maharashtra Hill Stations of Mahabaleshwar which is just 20kms from there; it goes without saying that if you visit one, visiting the other is a must! The town has an archaic look and feels owing to the heritage buildings and bungalows around it.

The name comes from the word “Panch” because of the five hills that clasp this hill station. If you are out there to exhilarate with adventure things to do then you should visit the Tapola Lake where you can latch on to the same. Make it an edifying trip, and ascend to Table Top Land, the mystified plateau where nothing ever grows!

Activities: Nature walks, trekking, paragliding, kayaking, wind surfing, canoeing, on wheelz amusement park, sherbaug amusement park, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 242 km to Panchgani; can reach via bus, taxi, self-drive or train.

From Pune: 98.4 km to Panchgani; can reach via bus, taxi, self-drive or train.

Best time to visit: September to May.

Bhandardara is amongst the only hill stations in Maharashtra that lies on a dam making its view, and sightseeing prospects beyond mind's eye. A lot of trekking routes begin from Bhandardara, while people on route to Shirdi, usually halt here and soak in the haziness the place offers. The most visited holds include Umbrella Falls, Wilson Dam, Kalsubai Park, Arthur Lake, and Radha Falls.

Activities: Boating, trekking.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 180 km to Bhandardara; you can drive down, hire a cab or reach the nearest Igatpuri Station from where you can find local taxis and buses.

From Pune: 175 km to Bhandardara; you can drive down, hire a cab or reach the nearest Igatpuri Station from where you can find local taxis and buses.

Best time to visit: June to March.

Jawhar is the tiny yet kingly hill station of flora and fauna that covers some land in Thane district. It is alleged that this land of several artificial, as well as a natural blessing, presents one with the best sunset views amongst the many other hill stations in Maharashtra.

Even though Jawahar has managed to match the levels of serving worldwide tourists, it has maintained its culture by preserving the natural gifts of nature, relics and keeping alive the tribal practices. People who know the area well put it on their check-list to visit here in the monsoons to witness the hypnagogic waterfalls nearby.

Activities: Sightseeing, plunge in waterfalls, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: Taxi or self-drive; you can take a train to Igatouri and hire a car from thereon.

Best time to visit: September to April.

Karjat is that tiny yet beautiful hill stations in Maharashtra that leads you further to the famous Matheran via the Konkan Coast, which is an enchanting road to drive on! This miniature hill station lays on the banks of River Ulhas which contributes to bringing the place alive with several water activities.

A lot of city people move to Karjat during the weekends to unwind with the Ayurvedic massages and to spend time in one of the many health resorts. That said, it is also a shelter of several significant local attractions like caves and temples.

Activities: Trekking, river rafting, hiking, mountain climbing, sightseeing, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: Less than 60 km distance; can take a cab, self-drive or reach via train.

From Pune: 99 km to Karjat; can take a cab, self-drive or reach via a train.

Best time to visit: July to October.

Treasured with secrecy in Nashik, Koroli has gained sudden popularity drawn by its views and cleanliness. Dig into the fresh air of this area, and bid adieu to routine stress and worries. It is that hill stations in Maharashtra , where you can get up close and personal with nature, and its dream-like gifts. 

It is the residence of pinnacle level of peace, and therefore, many people have bought retirement homes in this land to block their time in serene last years!

Activities: Sports activities, horse riding, boating, trekking, spa, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: Drive down, hire a taxi or take a train till Igatpuri where you can find cabs for hire.

Best time to visit: February to June & September to October.

Sawantwadi is situated close to the Maharashtra-Goa border, and therefore you can enjoy the scenery of the former state and go dipping in the example beaches of the latter state. Tourists herd to the Amboli Waterfall which is a memorable sight, especially in the wet season if you don’t mind the damp mess!

The Ganesh Temple Redi and Navadurga Temple Redi are often visited by the religious populace. This hill station stays in the limelight for its Lacquer Craft, a souvenir of which you can take back on your way out. 

Activities: Sightseeing, backwater ride, indulge in beach fun, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 518 km to Sawantwadi; you can hire a taxi, drive down, travel by bus or reach via train.

From Pune: 374 km to Sawantwadi, you can hire a taxi, drive down, travel by bus or reach via train.

Best time to visit: September to March.

This scantily explored hill station is the last one that is sealed off by the borders of Maharashtra further which begins the land of Goa. The best part about Amboli is that it maintains pleasant weather throughout the year since it receives maximum rainfall in the entire state.

Therefore, it is oblivious that the waterfalls spouting on the rocks charm tourists to sit by and take a dip in. You can spend ample time at the Amboli Waterfalls, Nangarta Falls, Sunset Point, Hiranya Keshi Temple, Madhavgard Fort, and Shirgaonkar Fort.

Activities: Hiking, mountain walks, trekking etc.

How to Reach:

From Mumbai & Goa: You can take a train till Sawantwadi and hire a cab from there as that is the easiest and cost-effective route.  

Best time to visit: June to September.

Chikaldhara is a tickle pink choice for the people of Amravati for a one-day-picnic for its picturesque sights and outlandish wildlife. It is the only land in the region that produces coffee, and that smell will tingle your nose and senses right from the time you lay your first foot in the area.

This hill stations in Maharashtra flaunts its enthralling views and vast areas of the lake. Uniquely, while most hill stations are preferred a visit in the monsoon or winters, this place is pleasing even throughout the summer!

Activities: Sightseeing, visit the wildlife sanctuary, ancient forts, Melghat Tiger Reserve, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: You can either take a luxury bus or you can take a train till Amravati Railway Station and hire a private cab from there.

Best time to visit: July to February.

Coming alive in the monsoon much like any other hill station, Panhala has extensively visited for lodging the very famous Panhala Fort and the gently flowing waterfalls. This fort has been celebrated as the largest fort in the Deccan region and it speaks volumes about the history of the time when King Shivaji ruled the area.

It still encloses the temples he had installed within the premises where he bowed down before all his royal missions and this is one of the best Hill Stations in Maharashtra.

Activities: Trekking, visit the Panhala Fort.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: Can take a train or bus to Kolhapur, and hire a private vehicle from thereon.

Best time to visit: June to March.

Perched in the midst of Maharashtra’s natural beauty is Toranmal which sits tall amongst the Satpura Hills. The region is conquered with an avalanche of waterfalls, paradisiacal water bodies, hushed weather, and lush greeneries. This Maharashtra Hill Station remains on the list of several religious people for it hosts the shrines of several Gods in its plentiful temples.

Most people avoid the monsoon season since this region is haunted by landslides which in turn makes trekking impossible. Toranmal is indeed a seamless concoction of man-made and natural attractions where you can exit to from your mundane life!

Activities: Sightseeing, sports activities, adventure activities, trekking, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: You can both take a train to Nandurbar or Dondecha and hire a private taxi from there or you can hire a taxi from Mumbai or Pune with an experienced driver.

Best time to visit: October to February.

Rajmachi is very close to the Lonavala and Khandala Hill stations and is prevalently known for guarding the famed Rajmachi Fort within its boundaries. Apparently, a trip to the state of Maharashtra may seem incomplete to many without visiting this historical land of anecdotes.

You will find the area pursued by trekkers and hikers who get to trek for a route that takes about 3-4 hours to cover. The view of the grassy mountains around seems to merge well with the white fog that alights upon them; it’s worth many pictures!

Activities: Visit Rachmachi Fort, trekking.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: You can take a train to Karjat or Khandala, and then hire a private taxi from them or you can drive down.

Best time to visit: June to September.

Durshet is an archaeologically praised hill stations in Maharashtra as it once served as a battlefield for Shivaji Maharaj in the 1600s, which entices a lot of tourists. Besides that, its placement between two Ganesh temples draws several people in the state to take a tiny detour to Durshet for a lovely picnic lunch. The Uddhar hot spring may be another interesting site to visit.

Activities: Sightseeing, trekking, water sports, night safari, etc.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: You can take a train till Khopoli railway station from where you can either hire a taxi or travel by state transport bus.

Best time to visit: September to February.

Lavasa has recently gained admiration with a number of couples clustering the area for their pre-wedding shoots owing to its phenomenal backdrops. Covering a large land area adjacent to the lake, this newly developed hill stations in Maharashtra is raising its tourism by offering visitors with the silence of a hill station and entertainment from the city life.

Lavasa which is situated near the Mose Valley has now been taken up as a project to advance it into a look-alike city of Italy thus making it a hill station with a difference.

Activities: Picnicking.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 200 km to Lavasa; self-drive or hire a taxi.

From Pune: 65 km to Lavasa; self-drive or hire a taxi.

Best time to visit: Year-round.

The rocky massive mountains and the huge water body around makes Satara a splendid getaway option for your next spontaneous weekend hideaway. The Ajinkyata Fort is a must visit the site when in Satara in honor of its ancient yarn.

This popular Hill Stations in Maharashtra is frequently visited by spiritual followers of some divine men who took their Samadhi in this magical area. A very important part of Mahabaleshwar, this area has rightly been called the Queen of Hills for posing with mesmerizing views of the smoky waterfalls.

Activities: Sightseeing, boating, horse riding, trekking.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 240 km to Satara; you can reach via train, taxi or bus.

From Pune: 120 km to Satara; you can reach via a taxi or bus.

Best time to visit: All year round.

The Buddhist caves that cover a large area of Wai is one of the stellar reasons why you should visit this hill station in Maharashtra. The vast farming land beyond which you can see mountains till as far as your sight can reach makes it an eye-catching place to be in.

You might find your schedule a bit tight with several places to visit here like dams, forts, caves, temples, and lakes.

Activities: Boating, sightseeing.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: You can take a train to several central stations like Satara or Jejuri from where you can hire private cabs or travel by state transport bus.

Best time to visit: September to May.

Bhimashankar can undoubtedly be called the holiest hill station not just in the state of Maharashtra but also in the entire country for its rich religious story and presence of temples. The existence of the Jyotirlinga adds weight to the same. Nonetheless, the Bhimashankar Wildlife sanctuary is a notable expanse that is worth a visit.

The other local attractions comprise Hanuman Lake, Bhimashankar Temple, and Ahupe Waterfalls. Take some extra time with you and grab some thrill on this trek route.

Activities: Sightseeing, trekking.

How to reach:

From Mumbai: 223 km to Bhimashankar; the best way to reach is by road via Rajguru Nagar and Manchar.

From Pune: 100 km to Bhimashankar; you can hire a taxi or drive and take the Talegaon route to Machar and then head to Bhimashankar.

Best time to visit: November to February.

Tamhini Ghat is amongst the highly busy hill station in Maharashtra because of its placement, its lakes, several waterfalls and the dense forests that protect them all. You can have ample time with nature and its makings while on this hill station where you can find spurting streams at every nook and corner backed by large spreads of greenery.

The Sinhagad Fort, Mulshi Dam Backwaters, Temples, Bhira Dam, and Ghosala Fort are all the places you can visit while on your trip here. It has been recorded that driving on this stretch of road during the monsoon can be a stimulating experience.

Activities: River rafting, nature walks.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: Self-drive or hire a taxi

Best time to visit: July to September (Monsoons are beautiful!)

Amongst all the hill stations in Maharashtra, you might find that Mhaismal in Aurangabad region is the least explored one with a lovely view. The place is hardly crowded, and the road that leads you the highest point takes you through a village of happy people where you can stop by for relishing local delicacies.

This place is a great pick for your next pot-luck picnic or for spending quality and undisturbed time with your romantic partner! Ellora caves and Aurangzeb’s Tomb is in close proximity to this hill station.

Activities: Picnicking, strolling around the greens, and a lot more.

How to reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: You can take a train or bus till Aurangabad from where you can hire a cab.

Best time to visit: September to February.

If you are looking for a perfect excuse to escape the hubbub of the urban atmosphere, Suryamal might just be the apt choice for you. Sights brimming with lush green hills, scenic winding roads, and thick cover of mist enveloping the majestic waterfalls – Suryamal has a lot on offer to qualify for an ideal nature getaway.

While this quaint hill station is a popular choice among families for a picnic spot, youngsters visit it to indulge in the adventure of trekking to Suryamal Peak that lets you enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and hills teeming with nature’s pristine foliage.

Activities: Picnic, Trekking, Nature Walk, Photography, Cycling.

How to Reach:

From Mumbai & Pune: Self-drive or hire a taxi