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Places to Visit Near Mumbai in Summer

Although Matheran is  the smallest hill station in India, it is amongst the most charming ones. Its hilly landscape has numerous vantage points from which one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the emerald green meadows, valleys, and lush green forests.

There are charming British-era buildings here which accentuate the beauty of the place. What makes Matheran unique is that it is the country’s only automobile-free hill station, making it one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in April.

Things to do: Try waterfall rappelling at Dudhani falls. Enjoy the sunset at Louisa and Panorama viewpoints. See the unique Shivaji ladder. Enjoy horse riding at Olympia. Night camp at Charlotte Lake.

Enjoy the sunshine and a walk amongst flowers at Paymaster Park. Trek to the summit of the majestic Kalavantin Fort. Visit the 10th-century Ambarnath Temple. Ride amidst the lush forests in the Neral-Matheran Toy Train.

Distance from Mumbai: 42 kilometres.

A visit to Khandala tops the charts for people who love the outdoors and want to spend some time away from the fast pace of city life. The hill station is famous for its old-world charm of British & Maratha-era buildings and cobbled streets. Khandala’s natural beauty of lofty hills covered in dense forests is just unmatched. 

Things to do: Trek to see the beautiful Rajmachi and Visapur forts. See the vast lush valleys and sunset from Duke’s Nose viewpoint. Explore the ancient Bedsa caves. Spend some time in solitude at Shingroba Temple. Camp on the lakeside of Tungarli.

Distance from Mumbai: 78 kilometres.

One of the most popular places to visit near Mumbai in summer, Lonavala is bestowed with stunning natural beauty. The place was once an important seat in the Peshwa regime and is dotted with forts that still bear the mark of its royal past. Besides the forts, Lonavala is famous for its ancient hidden cave systems, lakes, waterfalls, and dams.

Things to do: See the magnificent expanses of the Western Ghats from Tiger’s Leap viewpoint. Camp near the banks of Pawna and Shirota Lakes. Trek to the Kataldhar Waterfalls. Explore the 2nd-century Buddhist Karla Caves.

Trek to see the majestic Lohagad Fort, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Enjoy thrilling rides at Adlabs Imagica and Della Adventure Park.

Distance from Mumbai: 83 kilometres.

This charming hill station is one of the most famous paragliding destinations in India. Not only this, it is also famous for its lush greenery and vast fields. There are quaint villages here, which let you experience the slow pace of life away from the hustle-bustle of the city. No wonder, it is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in summer for unforgettable memories.

Things to do: Paraglide at ShindeWadi Hills. Night camp with your friends at Uksan Lake. See the intriguing Bedse caves and the 1st-century wall carvings. Trek to Tikona Hill. See the majestic Bhaje Waterfalls.

Visit Magic Mountain amusement park to enjoy thrilling rides. See the ancient Kondeshwar Temple. Explore Bhairi Caves.

Distance from Mumbai: 101 kilometres.

Known as the country’s largest urban sea-hill, Palghar, it is a famous destination for camping and trekking. Not only is the place bestowed with scenic natural beauty, but it is also culturally very rich.

Home to tribes like Koli, Vadval, and Malhar, their villages add a rustic charm to the place. Don’t miss to see their houses decorated with traditional Warli paintings.

Things to do: Trek up to the majestic Kohoj Fort and see the breathtaking views of the scenery. Birdwatch at Takmak Fort and see its majesty. Pick up beautiful pottery at Manor village. Spend time on the pristine Kelva Beach. Enjoy delicious Konkani and Malvani food at the local shacks in the villages.

Distance from Mumbai: 114 kilometres.

Home to some of the highest peaks in the Sahyadri ranges, Igatpuri has picturesque scenery and stunning natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff or love the outdoors, the place has endless options to keep you engaged for hours. One of the best places to visit near Mumbai in May, it is famous for its forts, waterfalls, valleys, and lush nature trails.

Things to do: See the beautiful rock formations at Bhatsa River Valley. See the waterfalls at Camel Valley. See the beautiful Ghantadevi Temple and Tringalwadi Fort. Try meditation at Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre. Try Kulanggad and Bitangad treks.

Distance from Mumbai: 121 kilometres.

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass and one of the most beautiful places to visit near Mumbai. The place is famous for its astounding natural beauty and lush forests that are home to exotic birds. The hilly landscape here is perfect for those who love to trek.

There are ancient forts, rivers, dams, and temples here, which promise to keep you enthralled with their beauty and make it one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in summer.

Things to do: Visit Pimpalgaon Joga Dam to see exotic birds like Alpine Swift, Purple Moorhen, Pink Flamingo, and Pied Crested Cuckoo. Trek up to the ancient 6th-century Harishchandragad Fort and see the Buddhist caves here. See the birthplace of the legendary Chhatrapati Shivaji. See the beautiful Malshej Falls.

Distance from Mumbai: 127 kilometres.

One of the most unique places in the region, Jawhar is famous for its rich culture and tribal heritage. It was once the princely state occupied by the Kolis and has beautiful edifices reminding one of its glorious past.

Considered to be amongst the best places to visit near Mumbai in May, Jawhar is also bestowed with striking natural beauty and is dotted with waterfalls, huge dams, forests, and nature trails.

Things to do: See the beautiful scenery along with Mahalaxmi Mountain at the Sunset Viewpoint. Spend time at the Dabosa Waterfalls. Explore the forest trails abundant with exotic trees and medicinal plants. See the grandeur of the Jaivilas Palace and Bhopatgad Fort. Pick up tribal jewellery and craftwork at village shops.

Distance from Mumbai: 129 kilometres.

Literally translating to ‘Valley of Treasures’, Bhandardara is a place of astounding natural beauty. It is a rustic resort village that gives a glimpse into the laid back rural life enveloped in the cool clean breeze and pleasant weather.

The place is secluded sans the deluge of tourists, offering a respite from the chaos of the cities. Definitely, one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in April.

Things to do: Trek up to the summit of Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra at 5,400 ft. See the beautiful Randha and Umbrella Falls. See Wilson dam, India’s largest earthen dam.

See the beauty of Arthur Lake as you camp on its lush banks. Visit the Agastya Ashram, where Lord Ram is said to have visited.

Distance from Mumbai: 164 kilometres.

This unique man-made concept space is considered to be India’s largest hill city. It is famous for its beautiful juxtaposition of glitzy architecture and tech parks alongside thick bamboo forests backdropped by as many as 7 lush rolling hills. It is inspired by the Italian town of Portofino and offers the perfect luxurious retreat away from the noise of the busy cities.

Things to do: Stroll in the lush green parks and gardens. Enjoy lake cruises, jet skiing, and kayaking at Lakeshore Watersports. See the city on the toy train. Trek and explore the nature trails near Ekaant. Have a picnic in the breezy environs of Temghar Dam. Pick up bamboo handicrafts from Bamboosa.

Distance from Mumbai: 187 kilometres.

Often referred to as ‘Switzerland of India’, Panchgani is all about the striking natural beauty dotted with lush hills and serpentine nature trails. One of the most unique hill stations in the country, it has beaches on one side and hills on the other.

There are many Victorian-era buildings here, which add to the charm of the location and make it one of the most beautiful places to visit near Mumbai in summer.

Things to do: Visit Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO world heritage site to see the beautiful lake, gardens, and waterfalls. See the lush valleys and the humongous Dhom Dam from Kate’s Viewpoint. Enjoy paragliding.

Visit Devrai Art Village to pick up tribal artefacts. Pick up fresh fruit jams and jellies at Shivaji Circle. Pluck strawberries at the farms. See the Pandava time Rajpuri Caves.

Distance from Mumbai: 244 kilometres.

Lying in the Western Ghats, Saputara is a hill station in Gujarat’s Dang district. A perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts, it is dotted with dense forests, waterfalls, canopied roads, and charming tribal villages. No wonder Saputara finds a place in the list of some of the best places to visit near Mumbai in April.

Things to do: Pick up local tribal crafts at Artist Village. Go for a relaxing boat ride in the striking blue waters of the Saputara Lake. Take a cool dip in the plunge pool of the beautiful Gira Waterfalls.

See a beautiful hillside sunrise from the Sunrise Viewpoint. See exotic and medicinal plants at Waghai Botanical Garden. Visit the Vansda National Park to see the tigers, giant squirrels, pythons, and Rusty cats.

Distance from Mumbai: 245 kilometres.

This largest hill station in the region is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’. The name ‘Mahabaleshwar’ means the ‘Great God of Power’ indicating to Lord Shiva. Interestingly, the place used to serve as a prison for Chinese war prisoners along with Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

It is famous not only for the lofty hills, green valleys, and forests housing exotic wildlife but also for its mulberry & strawberry farms.

Things to do: Enjoy a relaxed shikara ride at Venna Lake as you soak in the views of the surrounding hills. Trek up to the majestic Pratapgarh Fort and see the dark alleyways, chambers, and ponds. See Lingmala Waterfalls. Spend time at the 16th-century Shiva Temple. Pluck fresh strawberries and enjoy fresh fruit desserts at Mapro Gardens.

Distance from Mumbai: 263 kilometres.

Lying in the Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra and edging on the boundary of Goa, this untouched hill station is one of the most beautiful places to spend your summer break.

Amboli’s pristine emerald green meadows, waterfalls, and canyon-like rocks are backdropped by forest-covered hills making it one of the best places to visit near Mumbai in May.

Things to do: See the beautiful cascading Amboli Waterfalls. See the stunning Madhavgad Fort and views from its summit. Explore the caves near the HiranyaKeshi Temple. See the surrounding scenery from Shirgaonkar Viewpoint.

Distance from Mumbai: 489 kilometres.

This gorgeous coastal village is one of the few places in the region where you can spot dolphins and corals. This is the perfect place to enjoy the sun and cool breeze as you spend time near the clean Suru tree that surround the beaches and calm waters here. Not too many people visit Tarkarli, which adds on to its beauty and secluded charm.

Things to do: Enjoy Konkani and Malvani food at the local shacks. Try houseboat rides, jet skiing, and snorkelling at the beach. See the wonderful architecture of temples like Witthal, Kunkeshwar, and Mahapurush.

Visit Sangam Point, the confluence of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea. See wild deer, gawa and bison at Bison National Park. See the Sindhudurg Fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji.

Distance from Mumbai: 528 kilometres.