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!

How to Do Mumbai Darshan in 2-3 Days: Local Itinerary with Cost, Route & Tips

Mumbai — the Maximum City — is not just a place; it’s an experience. For travelers landing here or even Mumbaikars wanting to re-explore their own city, here’s a 2 to 3-day Mumbai Darshan itinerary written straight from personal travel experience — with all travel costs, routes, and insider tips!

📅 Day 1: Iconic South Mumbai – The Colonial Charm

📍 Route Map:

• Start at Gateway of India
• Walk to Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
• Head to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
• Drive via Marine Drive, end at Hanging Gardens

🗓️ Itinerary:

• 🕘 9:00 AM: Gateway of India – Free entry, morning breeze is magical!
• ☕ 10:00 AM: Breakfast at Café Mondegar or Leopold Café – ₹300 approx
• 🏛️ 11:30 AM: Explore the Museum – Entry ₹85
• 🍽️ 1:00 PM: Lunch at Café Ideal (Chowpatty area) – ₹400
• 🌊 3:00 PM: Marine Drive stroll
• 🌺 5:00 PM: Sunset at Hanging Gardens
• 🌃 7:00 PM: Chowpatty street food dinner – ₹200 (Pav Bhaji, Gola, etc.)

💸 Approximate Day Cost: ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per person

🛕 Day 2: Spiritual, Local Markets & Bollywood Corners

📍 Route Map:

• Begin at Siddhivinayak Temple
• Visit Dadar Flower Market
• Move towards Bandra Fort & Bandstand
• Wind up at Juhu Beach

🗓️ Itinerary:

• 🕘 7:00 AM: Siddhivinayak Darshan – Free
• 🌸 8:30 AM: Dadar Flower Market walk
• 🥘 10:30 AM: Brunch at Aaswad or Prakash – ₹250
• 🎥 1:00 PM: Bandra Bandstand + outside Mannat (Shah Rukh Khan’s bungalow)
• ☕ 4:00 PM: Coffee at Candies or The Bagel Shop – ₹200
• 🏖️ 6:00 PM: Juhu Beach sunset & snacks – ₹200

💸 Approximate Day Cost: ₹800 to ₹1,000 per person

🚢 Optional Day 3: Elephanta Caves or Cultural Trails

Option A: Elephanta Caves Adventure

• 🛳️ Ferry from Gateway – ₹260 return ticket
• 🏝️ Entry fee: ₹40 + Optional guide ₹300
• 🍛 Lunch in Colaba: ₹300

Option B: Cultural Exploration

• 🏠 Dharavi Guided Walk – ₹500 to ₹800
• 🏛️ Visit Mani Bhavan (Gandhi Museum) or Nehru Science Centre

💸 Approximate Cost: ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per person

✅ Quick Tips for Smooth Darshan:

• 🎒 Carry a light bag, cap, and water bottle
• 🧴 Use sunscreen—Mumbai sun is harsh!
• 📶 Keep the internet active for GPS and Ola/Uber
• 📷 Charge your phone for all the Insta-worthy spots!
• 🕊️ Respect temple etiquette and dress codes

❤️ Final Thoughts

Doing Mumbai Darshan in 2-3 days is not just about ticking landmarks off a list — it’s about soaking in the stories, tasting the local spice, and feeling the pulse of a city that blends the ancient with the ultra-modern.

As someone who has walked these very streets, waited in these temple queues, sipped cutting chai at these corners — trust me, Mumbai is best felt slowly.

Pack light, travel early, and let Mumbai surprise you!

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