Tired of the hectic day-to-day routine in Mumbai? Take a break and visit the nearby places for the ultimate gateway, away from work and your daily routine. Maharashtra offers a myriad of terrains, greenery, historic structures and amazing food. Let's check out some of the best gateways from Mumbai to explore this weekend!
Matheran
If you are a mountain lover, in that case, Matheran is the perfect gateway. This hill station sits on the Western Ghats, with a breathtaking backdrop of lush greenery, subtle warmth and awe-struck view of the Sayadri Hills. Matheran is one of the most popular trekking destinations, and adding to that, it is a vehicle-free zone, allowing you to enjoy horse riding and showcase photography skills.
Distance: 80 km from Mumbai (2 to 2.5 hrs by road/train)
Reasons to Visit Matheran:
- It is an automobile-free hill station, so you can enjoy peaceful walks and fresh air
- Its serene & mesmerizing view is Ideal for nature lovers, photography, and short treks
- Its verdant topography and multiple eco points, along with activities like rock climbing & camping.
Best Activities to Do in Matheran
- Panorama Point: Experience the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from various eco points.
- Charlotte Lake: Indulge in ultimate relaxation and take amazing pixel-perfect pictures.
- Louisa Point & Echo Point: Visit these popular viewpoints with mesmerizing cliffs & majestic hills.
- Horse Riding & Trekking: The Only way to explore the town, as no vehicles are allowed
- Matheran Toy Train: Heritage narrow-gauge train offering scenic ride
Best Time to Visit Matheran
- October to February: Pleasant weather, clear skies for sightseeing and exploring the landscape.
- Monsoon (From June to Sept): Scenic greenery and waterfalls, but some trails can be dangerous, needing caution.
Alibaug
A popular weekend gateway near Mumbai, Alibaug is another place you can consider exploring. If you don’t want to drive, you can simply take a 50-minute jetty ride from Mumbai and explore the beautiful beaches, indulge in Maharashtrian cuisine, rich history and luxury resorts.
>Distance from Mumbai: 95 km (2 to 3 hours via road & ferry combination)
Best Travel Route to Alibaug from Mumbai
- Fastest Route: Ferry from Gateway of India → Mandwa Jetty (~1 hr) → Bus/auto to Alibaug (20–30 min)
- By Road: Mumbai → Pen → Alibaug (3 hrs, NH66)
Reasons to Visit Alibaug
- It is a beautiful coastal town with pristine beaches & thick cover of coconut trees.
- It offers ample opportunities for quick relaxation, water sports, treks and majestic coastal forts.
- It can be easily accessed from Mumbai via ferry & road.
Best Activities to Do in Alibaug
- Alibaug Beach: Experience serene sunset views, horse cart rides, and beach shacks.
- Kolaba Fort: Accessible during low tide by foot or horse cart.
- Varsoli Beach: Enjoy a beautiful time with fewer crowds & click Instagrammable pictures.
- Nagaon Beach: Indulge in thrilling water sports like banana boat, jet ski and parasailing.
- Kihim Beach: Take a break from everyday chaos and enjoy birdwatching and camping.
Best Time to Visit Alibaug
- November - March: The months of November and March are the best time to visit Alibaug for its pleasant weather and clear skies.
- Avoid the monsoon from June to August unless you love heavy rains.
Stay Options
- Budget-friendly: Guesthouses & home stays (~₹800–₹1,500/night)
- Mid-range Options: Resorts near beaches (~₹2,000–₹4,000/night)
- Luxury Options: Beachfront villas & boutique resorts (~₹5,000+)
Kolad
Situated on the banks of the Kundalika River and against the Sahaydri Hills, Kolad is a small but beautiful village in Maharashtra. It is known as the adventure hub, with numerous tourists visiting each year to enjoy various activities, like bungee jumping, rock climbing, kayaking, waterfall rappelling, and other activities.
Distance: 120 km from Mumbai (3 hrs by road)
Best Travel Route to Kolad from Mumbai
- Fastest Route: Ferry from Gateway of India → Mandwa Jetty (~1 hr) → Bus/auto to Alibaug (20–30 min)
- By Road: Mumbai → Pen → Alibaug (3 hrs, NH66)
Reasons to Visit Kolad
- It is known for excellent conditions for white-water rafting on the Kundalika River.
- Its lush greenery, waterfalls, and picturesque backdrops
- It's ideal for thrill-seekers & nature lovers, including waterfalls, rocky mountains & activities.
Best Activities to Do in Kolad
- Kundalika River Rafting: : It is the only all-year rafting spot in Maharashtra.
- Tamhini Ghat: Take a breathtaking drive with a backdrop of waterfalls
- Sutarwadi Lake: It is a peaceful spot for kayaking & camping
- Bhira Dam: It's the perfect picnic location near the rafting start point.
Best Time to Visit Kolad
- June to Sept: Visit during monsoon season for lush landscapes & rafting.
- October to February: These months are Pleasant like camping & trekking
Bhandardara
Nestled in the Sajyadri Range in Maharashtra, Bhandardara is a picturesque hill station. From the lush greenery, high mountains, serene waterfalls, and adventure activities, Bhandardara is the perfect weekend gateway away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Distance: 165 km from Mumbai (4–4.5 hrs by road)
Reasons to Visit Bhandardara
- It is coupled with the serenity of nature and attractions like hill stations with lakes, waterfalls, and trekking trails.
- It is an ideal spot for camping, stargazing, and escaping city crowds.
Best Activities to Do in Bhandardara
- Arthur Lake: Surrounded by lush mountains of the Sahydari Scenic range, Arthur Lake is ideal for boating & camping activities.
- Randha Falls: Falling from a height of 175ft, experience the majestic monsoon waterfall.
- Umbrella Falls: This is an iconic seasonal waterfall near Wilson Dam.
- Mount Kalsubai Trek: Witness the Highest peak in Maharashtra (5,400 ft).
- Agastya Rishi Ashram: Experience spirituality at the riverside ashram.
Best Time to Visit Bhandardara
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep): This is the perfect time to enjoy cinematic greenery & waterfalls in their full glory.
- Winter (Oct–Feb): The winter season is the best climate, perfect for camping & stargazing.
Nasik
Known as the religious Hindu City, located on the banks of the River Godavari, Nasik offers a myriad of experiences. This city is home to historical structures, breathtaking waterfalls and vineyards, Nasik is the ultimate weekend gateway.
Distance: 165 km from Mumbai (3.5–4 hrs by road)
Reasons to Visit Nasik
- It offers various experiences, including vineyards, religious sites, and scenic surroundings
- One can enjoy wine tours, riverfront walks, short treks and experience history like no other.
Best Activities to Do in Nasik
- Sula Vineyards: The first winery in Nasik, Sula Vineyards offers wine tasting, vineyard tour, and events.
- Trimbakeshwar Temple: : This ancient temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India.
- Pandavleni Caves: Believed to be 2000 years old, perched on the Trivashmi Hills, these are ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves.
- Gangapur Dam & Riverfront: This is one of the most relaxing picnic spots in Nasik.
- Anjneri Hill: Enjoy trekking and scenic views from the Anjneri Hills.
Best Time to Visit Nasik
- October to March: This is perfect weather for sightseeing and vineyard tours.
- Monsoon (Jun to Sep): During these months, Lushest experiences serene greenery, waterfalls, and cooler temperatures.
Conclusion
Take a break this weekend and visit these best gateways from Mumbai. These are some of the best spots to take a pause, rewind and break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. So pack your bags and visit these top 5 spots near Mumbai!