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Places to Visit in Winter in Maharashtra

Amidst a complex of caves dating back to the 1st century BCE of the Satavahana era, a plethora of forts lining back to the historic glory of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a blend of many unique mountainous formations, Lonavala fits comfortably fine in the bucket list of every tourist who has an eye for paradise and a heart for some adventure.

The misty winters and the mountainous terrain of Lonavala go well hand-in-hand.

Attractions: Bedse Caves, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi, Tiger's Leap, Visapur Fort, Lion Point, Korigad Fort, Scorpion's Sting.

Activities: Parasailing, Paragliding, Trekking, Hot Air Balloon Safari.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 84 km; 66 km

Average Temperature: Varies from a minimum of 12 degrees to a maximum of 30-degree Celsius.

Nuzzled in the fringes of the scenic Sahyadri Ranges, Igatpuri stands out to be one of the best places to visit in winter in Maharashtra.

With great trekking options, serene corners by some pristine lakes, towering waterfalls, candid train journeys through the dark tunnels and a meditation center, it is the ideal place to connect to the deepest of our realms be it in the form of physical adventures or spiritual well-being.

Attractions: Kalsubai Peak, Dhammagiri, Talegaon Lake, Madangad Mountain, Karoli Ghat, Camel Valley, Bhatsa River Valley, Tringalwadi Fort.

Activities: Trekking, Picnicking, Meditation, Hiking.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 121 km; 241 km

Average Temperature: Usually sticks to around 23 degrees Celsius.

Skirted with the Sahyadri ranges that have a combination of medallion-colored plateaus, deep running valleys thickened with evergreen forests, rugged mountain forts, scenic bends down the ghats, high-rise waterfalls, berry gardens and sharp cliffs cut out of the mountain tops, Mahabaleshwar sticks out to be one of the most visited hill stations in the list of places to visit in winter in Maharashtra.

Attractions: Lodwick Point, Arthur's Seat, Kate's Point, Bombay Point (Sunset Point), Elephant's Head Point, 3 Monkey Point, Pratapgad, a plethora of strawberry gardens.

Activities: Boating, Horse Riding and Trekking.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 265 km; 121 km.

Average Temperature: Varies from a minimum of 10 degrees to a maximum of 24-degree Celsius.

Sitting comfortably in the verdant lap of nature, Khandala speaks the language of mist-kissed mountain tops, sedgy hills and secretly gushing waterfalls.

Apart from the bespeak of mother nature, Khandala had pulled off its first stint into popularity after the famous Bollywood song, 'Aati Kya Khandala' back in the year 1998.

Since then, it has amassed large groups of tourists from the nearby cities of Mumbai and Pune specifically outstanding quite a lot of other tourist places in Maharashtra in winter.

Attractions: Amrutanjan Point, Bhushi Lake, Kune Waterfalls, Nagphani (Duke's Nose), Shooting Point.

Activities: Picnicking, Trekking, Lake Camping.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 82 km; 71 km.

Average Temperature: Usually sticks to around 20 degrees Celsius.

Perched a little away from Mahabaleshwar, sits the not-so-big hill station of Panchgani amidst the five hills of the Sahyadri mountains. Having a unique blend of mythological caves coming from the era of the epic Mahabharata to serving as a hotspot for modern-day activities like paragliding and go-karting in the backdrop of picturesque panoramas


Panchgani offers a good tryst in the taste of an old-schooler to a modern-day tourist.

Attractions: Table Land, Devil's Kitchen, The strawberry gardens of Mala, and Mapro, Devrai Art Village, Rajpuri Caves, Wai, Lingmala Waterfalls, Pandavgad Fort

Activities: Horse Riding, Trekking, Go Karting, Paragliding, Feasting on the best quality berries.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 245 km; 102 km.

Average Temperature: Varies from a minimum of 12 degrees to a maximum of 20-degree Celsius.

Wrapped in the foliage of the Western Ghats, the quaint hill station of Matheran treats us to a variety of historic forts and unique nooks over the mountain tops that pose picturesque panoramas from each of its corners in the most surreal ways, thus, making it one of the most recommended places to visit in the winters in Maharashtra which is also coupled with a handful of adventurous activities.

Attractions: Porcupine Point, Charlotte Lake, One Tree Hill Point, Prabal Fort, Irshalgad Fort, Dhodhani Waterfall, Chanderi Caves, Kalavantin Pinnacle.

Activities: Toytrain Ride, Waterfall Rappelling, Trekking, Rock Climbing.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 80 km; 120 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 20 degrees to a maximum of 24-degree Celsius

Closely knit to the marshy lands of Mumbai, Alibag is a tiny coastal town that is home to vast stretches of beaches dressed in black sand. With an ample number of water sports offered along the coastal strip of Alibag, it holds a special preference in the heart of the city-dwellers over the other tourist places to visit in winter in Maharashtra.

Attractions: Nagaon Beach, Varsoli Beach, Kolaba Fort, Awas Beach, Mandwa Beach, Alibag Beach, Akshi Beach, Kihim Beach

Activities: Beach camping, Parasailing, Bumpy Ride, Jet Ski Riding, Banana Boat Ride, Sea Kayaking.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 96 km; 143 km.

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 14 degrees to a maximum of 26-degree Celsius

Coming into existence during the heydays of many Mughal emperors, Aurangabad definitely takes you off the grid and drops you in the middle of historical monuments and Islamic shrines that will take you back in time.

Fusing the replica of one of the seven wonders of the world; The Taj Mahal, and various other historical structures based out of Northern India, it does not fail to stick to its very own old world charm. Hence, of all the various other places to visit in Maharashtra in winter, Aurangabad ranks increasingly high with its plateaued terrain and historic backdrop.

Attractions: Ajanta Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple, Chini Mahal, Goga Baba Hill.

Activities: Trekking.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 335 km, 235 km.

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 10 degrees to a maximum of 32-degree Celsius.

Carved out of great religious importance of the Hindu as well as the Muslim Spiritual Master Sai Baba, Shirdi is one among those shrines in India that sees troops of pilgrims from across the country all around the year making it precisely visit worthy than the other tourist places in Maharashtra in winter.

Attractions: Sri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai Masjid, Shri Sai Baba Sanstha Temple, Baba's Chavadi, Dixit Wada Museum, Lendi Baug, Sai Heritage Village, Shani Shingapur.

Activities: Imbibing with the spiritual connection of the place.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 240 km; 186 km.

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 13 degrees to a maximum of 30-degree Celsius.

Being one among the many ancient holy cities of Maharashtra, that unravels narratives of our epical history relating to The Ramayana, to being one of the major centers of hosting the Kumbha Mela, Nashik sits comfortably in the choices of every pilgrim who is in the scout of unique places to visit in winter in Maharashtra.

Apart from being every pilgrim's favorite, the crest of pitching tourism has certainly risen over the years due to the popularity of the many wineries in the Nashik countryside.

Attractions: Saptashrungi, Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, Pandavleni Caves, Sula Vineyards, Sita Gumpha, Ramkund, Ganga Ghat, Alang Madan Kulang.

Activities: Wine Tasting, White Water Rafting, Trekking.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 163 km; 212 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 8 degrees to a maximum of 32-degree Celsius

Considering the size of the city, that's known to be the smallest of all the cities in Maharashtra, it has tremendous records of history with the most popular being, Shivaji Maharaj's longest stay of about more than 500 days in the Panhala Fort.

However beyond all the historical information, out of all the other tourist places in Maharashtra in winter, Panhala calls out to be the most strange location with a fair-share of its haunting anecdotes.

Attractions: Ambarkhana, Sajja Kothi, Ambabai Temple, Sambhaji Temple, Someshwar Tank, Panhala Fort, Parashar Caves.

Activities: Trekking.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 383 km; 240 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 14 degrees to a maximum of 23-degree Celsius

Tucked in the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, lounges the small but serene town of Ganpatipule, that encompasses clear stretches of sand, pristine shores and the scent of the sea breeze.

Tourists have always held a close corner for Ganpatipule, despite the options of many other places to visit in winter in Maharashtra.

Attractions: Ganpatipule Temple, Ganpatipule Beach, Malgund Beach, Prachin Konkan Museum, Magic Garden, Advika Beach, Shree Mahalakshmi's House of Wax.

Activities: Snorkeling, Parasailing, Motorboat, Water scooter, scuba diving, paragliding, swimming, rowboats, aeroboats, kayaking, jet skiing, bumper ride, banana ride.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 344 km; 325 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 12 degrees to a maximum of 25-degree Celsius

Located in the Dapoli taluk of Ratnagiri, Murud Beach consists of extremely soft sand and is perfect for a swim in the sea. The coast is full of white flocks of seagulls flying in the sky behind the giant waves.

The beach is slowly gaining popularity because you can see dolphins from here. Boats take tourists out into the sea early in the morning to catch a glimpse of the dolphins. There’s also an ancient Durga Devi Temple situated close to the beach that is worth a visit.

Activities/Water Sports at the Beach: Camel Ride, Quad Bike Ride, Parasailing, Dune Buggy Ride, Horse Cart Ride, Water Scooter Ride, Dolphin Watching

Best Time to Visit: October - March

Distance from Ratnagiri Bus Stand: Around 256 km

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Bhandardara is neatly nestled by the Pravara River, The Arthur Lake and a handful of other waterfalls that help the tourists appreciate every attribute of natural beauty that rests here, thus making it worthy of one of those special tourist places in Maharashtra in winter.

Bhandardara comfortably fits in it different kinds of tourists varying from highly scaled trekkers, nature admirers, occasional hikers to light adventure bearers.

Attractions: Umbrella Falls, Randha Falls, Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Ratanwadi Village, Sandhan Valley, Agatsya Rishi Ashram, Ratangad Fort.

Activities: Trekking, Lakeside Camping, Caving, Rappelling, Hiking

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 166 km; 173 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 15 degrees to a maximum of 29-degree Celsius

Down the distinct ghats of the Sahyadri Hills, in the backdrop of textured mountains, calmly rests the shrine of Bhimashankar that is wrapped with beautiful formations of nature in all its ends.

Skirted with beliefs, hymns and occasional calls from the wild, it is one of those unusually exciting tourist places in Maharashtra in winter you'd intend of crossing paths with.

Attractions: Bhimashankar Temple, Hanuman Lake, Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga WildlifeSanctuary, Solanpada Dam, Ahupe Waterfall.

Activities: Trekking.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 200 km; 110 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 13 degrees to a maximum of 30-degree Celsius

Dated back in 1995, the 24-year-old site of Tadoba, that is nestled in the Chandrapur district, close to the metropolis of Nagpur, is the largest and the oldest national park in Maharashtra. Other than being home to tigers, a variety of deer species, sloth bears, striped hyenas, Indian leopards, small Indian civets, water birds, and crocodiles, it is also home to one of the major indigenous tribal groups of India - the Gonds.

Attractions: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Khosla, Moharli, Tadoba Lake, Erai Dam

Activities: Wildlife safari, Wildlife Photography

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 834 km; 735 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 9 degrees to a maximum of 30-degree Celsius

Down the fringes of the Malvan Coast, at the confluence of the Karli river and the Arabian Sea lies the quaint picturesque town of Tarkarli that is home to many coconut groves, and houseboats.

It also nuzzles a pristine coral beach coupled with an array of water sports to get your adrenaline rushing.

Attractions: Tarkarli Beach, Devbagh Beach, Tsunami Island, Karli Backwaters, Nivati Beach, Sindhudurg Fort, Malvan Marine Sanctuary, Kolamb Beach.

Activities: Jetskiing, Banana Boat Ride, Bumper Ride, Kayaking, Water Scooter ride, Parasailing, Scuba Diving.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 410 km; 390 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 17 degrees to a maximum of 32-degree Celsius

Situated on a remote island, perched somewhere in the hideouts of the Raigad district, this piece of natural beauty is coupled with historic forts and an age-old port. The island of Murud Janjira is skirted with the grey waters of the Arabian Sea on all its edges making it one of the most beautiful tourist places in Maharashtra in winter.

Attractions: Murud Fort, Murud Beach, Phansad Bird Sanctuary, Garambi Falls, Ahmedganj Palace, Nandgaon Beach, Janjira Fort, Kashid Beach.

Activities: Camping, Swimming, Horse Riding, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Banana Boat Ride, Parasailing, Bird Watching.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 159 km; 183 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 13 degrees to a maximum of 29-degree Celsius

Holding stories of the popular epic of Mahabharata, Chikhaldara is the only hill station in the Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra. Standing transparently unique to its location, it is blessed with rich flora, and fauna such as tigers, sloth bears, and panthers.

Apart from the other natural bounties, it also enjoys an added attribute of being the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra thus, making it one of the best tourist places in Maharashtra in winter.

Attractions: Bhimkund, Melghat Tiger Project, Narnala Fort, Gwaligarh, Muktagiri, Bir Lake, Gugamal National Park, Wan Sanctuary.

Activities: Trekking, Wildlife Photography.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 673 km; 633 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 1o degrees to a maximum of 18-degree Celsius.

Dated back from the 2nd century BC to the 5th Century AD, the Karla Cave complex is known to be one of the oldest and the most beautifully conserved Buddhist caves of Maharashtra. Initially, the caves were associated with a sect of Buddhism and later has been identified with Hinduism as well.

Closely located to the Karla Caves, sits the Bhaja Cave complex which belonged to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The Bhaja Caves comprises of Stupas and Viharas with the inscription of centuries-old lifestyle and culture patterns.

Attractions: Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves.

Activities: Paragliding

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 95 km; 61 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 12 degrees to a maximum of 30-degree Celsius.

Pocketed by the shores of the Arabian Sea, Mandwa is a tiny coastal village that is closely located to Mumbai and stands out to be one of the favorite weekend getaways for tourists coming from the nearby cities of Mumbai and Pune.

Mandwa is usually chosen to be a hot-spot for tourists to get out of the bustle of the city's rush and connect back with time and nature by the seashores.

Attractions: Mandwa Beach, Mandwa Fort, Kashid Beach

Activities: Kayaking, Surfing, Sailing, Windsurfing, Banana Boat Ride, Sea Kayaking, Wake Boarding, Bumper Ride, Paddle Boarding.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 104 km; 152 km

Average Temperature: Usually sticks to around or below 10 degrees Celsius.

Loosely knit a little away from the touristy beach towns of Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan, Diveagar is a coastal settlement that is sparsely populated and is lined by coastal cliffs and a clean beach that turns out to be every tourists' favorite.

Offering one of the scenic views, the coastal drive starting from Diveagar to the base village of Harihareshwar, is something you can not afford to miss.

Attractions: Diveagar Beach, Harihareshwar Beach, Bagmandala, Kalibhairav Temple, Shrivardhan Beach, Bankot Fort, Ganesh Gully, Harihareshwar Temple.

Activities: Angling, Parasailing, Beachside Camping, Drive through Diveagar to Harihareshwar.

Distance from Mumbai and Pune: 191 km; 160 km

Average Temperature: It ranges from a minimum of 12 degrees to a maximum of 25-degree Celsius.

When one thinks about places to visit in Maharashtra in summer, one should think of Toranmal, a beautiful place with nature at her best.

Attractions: A diverse range of flora and fauna covers Toranmal, besides the seven ranges of Satpura Hills. The name is derived from the word Torana, a tribal goddess, worshipped by the tribal people.

For spending some quality time in the laps of nature, a visit to Toranmal is must which offers attractions like Lotus Lake, Yashavant Lake, Aawashabari Point, Khadki Point, Sita Khai, and Machhindranath Cave.

How to reach from Mumbai and Pune: If one starts from Mumbai he can travel by the NH3 or MSH1 to reach Toranmal. Dhule and Chalisgarh are the nearest railway stations. Pune also has direct bus services to Toranmal.

Average temperature: The average annual temperature in Toranmal is around 22.3 °C.