Places to Visit Near Mumbai

Mumbai, the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, is a spectacular paradox of chaos and hope, glamour and squalor, modernity and tradition. Famously known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai – formerly known as Bombay - Mumbai is a beautifully blended melting pot of cultures and lifestyles. One of the main centres in the country of art, culture, music, dance and theatre, Mumbai is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city that has been running for years solely on the indomitable spirit of the Mumbaikars.

 

Places to Visit Near Mumbai

Lonavala (89 kms from Mumbai)

Lonavala city is one of the most beautiful retreats, that takes you away from the maddening rush of the metropolises. It is located in the western part of India in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This hill station lies 96 kilometres east of the metropolitan city of Mumbai and 64 kilometres west of modern-day Pune city. Therefore, a profound location on the Mumbai-Pune expressway makes Lonavala cater to both cities with the smoothest connectivity through roads.

Lonavala City is popularly called the “city of caves ' and the “Jewel of Sahyadri”. That is because the hill station boasts of some of the most spectacular settings that include luxuriant green valleys, remarkable caves, serene lakes and stunning waterfalls. The spectacular rock-cut Bhaja and Karla caves in Lonavala have been amazing to tourists with their old beams, motifs and inscriptions.

 

Mahabaleshwar (263 km from Mumbai)

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. It is among the most sought after weekend getaways from Pune & Mumbai, located about 120km southwest of Pune and 285km from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is also a sacred pilgrimage place for Hindus as the Krishna river originates from here. Once a summer capital of the British, the hill station of Mahabaleshwar comprises ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, and valleys. It is often used as a base to visit the magnificent Pratapgad Fort, located an hour away.

 

Pune (147 km from Mumbai)

Pune is a bustling metropolis of Maharashtra, ranked number one in India in ease of living. Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, it is a hub of diverse people and activities and is rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country. Pune is a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition sprinkled with colonial-era charm, and it deserves the title of being the cultural capital of Maharashtra.

 

Shirdi (240 km from Mumbai)

Located at a distance of 122 Km from Nasik in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi is the home of Sai Baba. It is believed that Sai Baba arrived at Shirdi in 1858 and spent 60 years of his life here until he attained salvation in 1918. Sai Baba is popularly known as the 'child of God', as he always spread the message of universal brotherhood. Apart from his shrine, there are many small temples in the complex, such as Chavadi, Samadhi Mandir, and Dwarkamai. Shani Shignapur is located at a distance of 72km from Shirdi.

 

Kolad(112 km from Mumbai)

Famous for white water rafting, Kolad is a thriving tiny village in the Raigad district in Maharashtra. Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is gaining traction as an adventure sports destination with provisions for rafting, rappelling, and kayaking.

Kolad boasts of natural beauty which blooms during the monsoons. Known as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, the majestic valleys and picturesque backdrops make Kolad a treat for nature lovers as well as shutterbugs. The river Kundalika is a big attraction here, especially for people who are interested in white water rafting. The Kundalika River is one of the fastest flowing rivers in the South which makes it ideal for water rafting and other adventure activities. Along with that, there are a couple of forts, dams and waterfalls which make Kolad a good holiday destination with something to offer to everyone.

 

Saputara (245 kms from Mumbai)

Snuggled in the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, Saputara is a quaint little hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first favourite among tourists. It is located at a height of 875 meters above sea level and is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love adventure sports.

 

Elephanta Caves (37 km from Mumbai) 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline. You can reach the Elephanta Caves via a ferry ride from the Gateway of India. This collection of cave temples dates back to the 5th to 7th centuries and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

 

Bhaja Caves (95 km from Mumbai)

The Karla and Bhaja caves are among the oldest caves in India and date back all the way to 160 B.C. and are situated near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves which are believed to have existed from the times of the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. Karla Cave is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India. Travel back in time on this trip to ancient Indian rock-cut caves with the best rock-cut architecture of all times. The ancient caves are protected as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

 

Trimbakeshwar (169 km from Mumbai)

Counted as the holiest temple of India, the Trimbakeshwar Temple houses one of the most important twelve Jyotirlingas, a form of Lord Shiva. Perched on the foot of Brahmagiri Hills, the temple is situated in the pious city of Trimbak (Dist Nashik in Maharashtra) which finds its mention in the powerful Mrityunjaya Mantra that bestows immortality and longevity. Built-in the 18th century by Maratha ruler, Peshwa Nana Saheb, the temple is a perfect epitome of classic architecture. The sacred river Godavari originates near Trimbak. There is a kunda in temple premises that is considered to be the source of the river Godavari.

 

Kaas Plateau (288 kms from Mumbai)

Declared as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of India in 2012, Kaas Plateau in Panchgani is a magical place with landscapes with lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. Kaas Plateau is a biodiversity hotspot situated at a mighty altitude of 1200 meters and is a major biodiversity hotspot owing to the many varieties of endemic flowers and butterflies that are found here. Housing about 850 species of beautiful wildflowers, the 1000 hectare area of the plateau is now a reserved forest that is famous for its natural beauty and flora, Kaas Lake and how it turns into a valley of flowers during monsoon. Recently, the place has started gathering a bit of tourist rush and popularity for all the natural treasures that it holds. However, to preserve the virgin charms of this location, the number of visitors has been restricted to 3,000 per day. State Transport buses ply from the parking area to Kaas Plateau and cost INR 10 per person on each side.