Mumbai, the city of dreams, is a fast-paced metropolis that rarely takes a break. But even the busiest Mumbaikar deserves an occasional escape. As someone who has journeyed to all corners of Maharashtra and beyond, I, Varsha Mahore, bring you a curated list of 25 incredible weekend getaways from Mumbai. Whether you crave the mountains, beaches, heritage, or adventure — there’s a perfect getaway just a few hours away.
Let’s begin your travel wishlist!
1. Lonavala & Khandala
These twin hill stations are everyone’s go-to monsoon paradise, surrounded by waterfalls, mist, and historic forts.
- Distance: ~83 km
- Travel Options: Drive via Mumbai-Pune Expressway, train to Lonavala
- Sightseeing: Bhushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, Karla Caves
- Speciality: Chikki, trekking, scenic drives
2. Alibaug
Coastal charm just a ferry ride away — perfect for beach lovers.
- Distance: ~95 km
- Travel Options: Ferry to Mandwa + drive; direct drive via NH66
- Sightseeing: Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort, Kihim Beach
- Speciality: Beach shacks, water sports
3. Igatpuri
Quiet, green, and meditative — ideal for a digital detox.
- Distance: ~121 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH160, train to Igatpuri
- Sightseeing: Vipassana Center, Bhatsa River Valley
- Speciality: Spiritual retreats, lush monsoon beauty
4. Mahabaleshwar
Strawberry farms, misty valleys, and panoramic views await.
- Distance: ~263 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH66 or take a bus
- Sightseeing: Venna Lake, Arthur’s Seat, Mapro Garden
- Speciality: Strawberries, colonial charm
5. Panchgani
A scenic twin of Mahabaleshwar with a quieter vibe.
- Distance: ~244 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH66 or bus
- Sightseeing: Table Land, Parsi Point
- Speciality: Heritage stays, boarding school town
6. Matheran
Asia’s only automobile-free hill station — step back in time!
- Distance: ~83 km
- Travel Options: Train to Neral + toy train or hike
- Sightseeing: Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake
- Speciality: Horse rides, red mud trails
7. Nashik
Wine, temples, and ancient caves – a soulful blend.
- Distance: ~167 km
- Travel Options: Drive or train to Nashik
- Sightseeing: Sula Vineyards, Trimbakeshwar, Pandav Leni
- Speciality: Wine tasting, religious sites
8. Lavasa
A planned city amidst the hills, perfect for a relaxed weekend.
- Distance: ~186 km
- Travel Options: Drive via Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Sightseeing: Lakeside promenade, adventure sports
- Speciality: Scenic architecture, photography spots
9. Daman
A touch of Portuguese charm with peaceful beaches.
- Distance: ~171 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH48
- Sightseeing: Devka Beach, Moti Daman Fort
- Speciality: Cheap liquor, colonial ruins
10. Karjat
Green trails, riverside resorts, and film studios.
- Distance: ~62 km
- Travel Options: Local train or drive
- Sightseeing: ND Studio, Kondana Caves
- Speciality: Farm stays, monsoon treks
11. Bhandardara
Hidden gem with waterfalls and tranquil lakes.
- Distance: ~165 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH160
- Sightseeing: Randha Falls, Arthur Lake
- Speciality: Stargazing, camping
12. Ratnagiri
For a Konkan coastline filled with mangoes and marine forts.
- Distance: ~340 km
- Travel Options: Drive or Konkan Railway
- Sightseeing: Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnadurg Fort
- Speciality: Alphonso mangoes, coastal food
13. Ganpatipule
Beachside pilgrimage town with serene vibes.
- Distance: ~345 km
- Travel Options: Drive or train
- Sightseeing: Ganpatipule Temple, Prachin Konkan Museum
- Speciality: Pristine beach, spiritual aura
14. Murud-Janjira
A unique sea fort that never fell to enemy hands.
- Distance: ~155 km
- Travel Options: Drive via Alibaug
- Sightseeing: Janjira Fort, Murud Beach
- Speciality: Historic sea fort, ferry rides
15. Kamshet
Paraglider’s paradise surrounded by ancient caves.
- Distance: ~110 km
- Travel Options: Drive or train to Kamshet
- Sightseeing: Bedsa Caves, paragliding sessions
- Speciality: Adventure sports, nature retreats
16. Silvassa
A blend of tribal culture and lush forests.
- Distance: ~167 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH48
- Sightseeing: Lion Safari Park, Tribal Museum
- Speciality: Portuguese churches, greenery
17. Tarkarli
White sands, scuba diving, and dolphins.
- Distance: ~532 km
- Travel Options: Overnight train or bus
- Sightseeing: Tarkarli Beach, Sindhudurg Fort
- Speciality: Scuba diving, Malvani food
18. Aurangabad
A heritage lover’s dream with UNESCO sites.
- Distance: ~340 km
- Travel Options: Train or flight
- Sightseeing: Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Speciality: Historical architecture, Paithani sarees
19. Chikhaldara
Only hill station in Vidarbha — untouched and breezy.
- Distance: ~672 km
- Travel Options: Drive or train + cab
- Sightseeing: Bhimkund, Gavilgad Fort
- Speciality: Coffee plantations, wildlife
20. Kolad
The white-water rafting capital of Maharashtra.
- Distance: ~122 km
- Travel Options: Drive or train to Kolad
- Sightseeing: Kundalika River, Tamhini Ghat
- Speciality: River rafting, monsoon beauty
21. Dapoli
Hidden beach town with dolphins and forts.
- Distance: ~215 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH66
- Sightseeing: Karde Beach, Suvarnadurg Fort
- Speciality: Dolphin spotting, sea food
22. Panhala
A historic fort town near Kolhapur.
- Distance: ~375 km
- Travel Options: Drive or train to Kolhapur + cab
- Sightseeing: Panhala Fort, Sajja Kothi
- Speciality: Shivaji-era history
23. Amboli
Misty waterfalls and green landscapes await in this hill town.
- Distance: ~490 km
- Travel Options: Overnight bus or drive
- Sightseeing: Amboli Falls, Mahadevgad
- Speciality: Rainy retreats, biodiversity
24. Kalsubai
Trek to the highest peak in Maharashtra!
- Distance: ~152 km
- Travel Options: Drive to Bari village
- Sightseeing: Kalsubai Trek
- Speciality: Trekking, sunrise views
25. Harihareshwar
Peaceful beach town often called ‘Dakshin Kashi’.
- Distance: ~200 km
- Travel Options: Drive via NH66
- Sightseeing: Harihareshwar Temple, beach
- Speciality: Pilgrimage & beach combo
From misty hills to sun-kissed beaches, these 25 getaways from Mumbai promise rejuvenation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Pack your bags and hit the road — your perfect weekend escape is waiting!
Whether you’re craving solitude in the hills or a vibrant cultural experience, there’s a weekend escape for every mood. As a travel enthusiast, I’ve personally explored each of these places and can vouch for their charm. Don’t just dream about a break — take one!
References & Helpful Links:
- MSRTC Official Site: For bus bookings
- IRCTC: For train bookings
- Maharashtra Tourism: To explore more destinations
- Ferry Booking for Alibaug
- Google Maps: Plan your road trips
