While Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar remain the “classic” choices, their charm is often overshadowed by massive crowds, heavy traffic, and skyrocketing resort prices. For travelers planning a getaway in 2026, the trend is shifting toward sustainable tourism in the Sahyadris and discovering the best offbeat places to visit in Maharashtra.
If you are looking to avoid crowds in Lonavala for New Year or simply want peaceful weekend getaways within 200km of Mumbai, these five hidden gems offer the perfect blend of culture, adventure, and tranquility.
5 Best Places To Visit In Maharashtra In 2026
1. Jawhar: The “Mini Mahabaleshwar” Of Palghar
Often called the mini Mahabaleshwar of Palghar, Jawhar is one of the most promising unexplored hill stations near Mumbai and Pune. It sits at an elevation of 518 meters and offers a misty, cool climate without the commercial chaos of its namesake.
- Historical Splendor: A centerpiece of Jai Vilas Palace Jawhar history is its unique pink syenite stone architecture. Built by the Mukne kings, the palace is surrounded by thick cashew groves and offers a deep dive into tribal royalty.
- Cultural Immersion: Jawhar is the heart of the Warli tribe. You can participate in authentic Warli art workshops in Jawhar, learning the traditional geometric painting style directly from local artisans.
- Nature’s Best: Visit the Dabhosa Waterfall, one of the highest in the state, or catch a sunset at Hanuman Point, which offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri range.
How To Reach
By Road:
- From Mumbai (130 km): Take the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH48) towards Manor, then turn right toward Jawhar via the Vikramgad road. The drive takes about 3.5 hours.
- From Pune (250 km): Drive via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and bypass Mumbai via the Kalyan-Bhiwandi-Manor route. Expect a 5.5 to 6-hour journey.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Igatpuri (approx. 60 km away) on the Central Line or Dahanu Road (approx. 65 km away) on the Western Line. From either station, you can hire a private taxi or take an MSRTC bus to reach Jawhar.
By Air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai.
2. Tarkarli: Beyond The Standard Beach Holiday
For those seeking Maharashtra travel guide 2026: Beyond Lonavala, the coastal village of Tarkarli is a top contender. It is the ultimate destination for “slow travel” and marine adventure.
- Underwater Thrills: Scuba diving in Tarkarli 2026 prices are expected to range between INR 800 and INR 1,500 per person, making it a budget-friendly offbeat Maharashtra tour compared to international dive spots.
- Historical Boat Rides: To reach the iconic Sindhudurg Fort, boat ride timings usually run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (subject to weather). This massive sea fort built by Shivaji Maharaj is a marvel of 17th-century engineering.
- Foodie Paradise: Don’t leave without indulging in Malvani cuisine; best restaurants in Tarkarli like Atithi Bamboo serve authentic Kombdi-Wade and Solkadhi that define the Konkan flavor.
How To Reach
By Road:
- From Mumbai (535 km): The most scenic route is via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Kolhapur, then descending through the Gaganbawda Ghat or Radhanagari to Malvan. It takes about 10–12 hours.
- From Pune (390 km): Take the NH48 (Bangalore Highway) to Kolhapur and then head toward Malvan via the Phonda Ghat. The drive takes roughly 8–9 hours.
By Train: The nearest major railway stations are Kudal (30 km) and Sindhudurg (25 km) on the Konkan Railway route. Daily trains like the Tejas Express or Konkan Kanya are excellent options.
By Air:
- Chipi Airport (Sindhudurg): Located just 15 km from Tarkarli, this is the most convenient option with flights from Mumbai.
- Mopa Airport (North Goa): Approximately 80 km from Tarkarli, offering better connectivity for travelers from other Indian cities.
3. Bhandardara: The Stargazer’s Sanctuary
If you are looking for quiet alternatives to Mahabaleshwar for couples, Bhandardara is a dream. Nestled by the Pravara River, it is far more pristine and offers a rugged beauty that is hard to find elsewhere.
- Celestial Views: The best time for stargazing in Bhandardara is from November to February when the skies are at their clearest. Many private operators now host “Starry Nights” near Arthur Lake.
- MTDC Comforts: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) resorts 2026 bookings are highly recommended here, as they offer the best lakefront views at government-regulated prices.
- Adventure: Use Bhandardara as your base for trekking to Mount Kalsubai (the highest peak in Maharashtra) or exploring the ancient Ratangad Fort.
How To Reach
By Road:
- From Mumbai (165 km): Drive via the Mumbai-Nashik Highway (NH160). After crossing the Kasara Ghat, take the turn-off at Ghoti towards Bhandardara.
- From Pune (165 km): Take the Pune-Nashik Highway (NH60) via Sangamner and Akole. Both cities are roughly a 4.5-hour drive away.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Igatpuri (45 km). You can take a local “Kasara” train from Mumbai, then a shared jeep or bus to Igatpuri, and finally a taxi to Bhandardara.
By Air: Nashik Airport (Ozar) is the closest (90 km), while Mumbai (140 km) remains the most practical international gateway.
4. Malshej Ghat: The Monsoon & Winter Haven
While popular during the rains for its “thousand waterfalls,” Malshej Ghat becomes one of the top 5 quiet getaways in Maharashtra during the winter and early summer of 2026.
- Eco-Tourism: It is a prime example of sustainable tourism in the Sahyadris, with a focus on birdwatching (including the migratory flamingos at Pimpalgaon Joga Dam).
- Quietude: Unlike the loud music and commercial stalls of Lonavala, Malshej offers less crowded hill stations where the primary sound is the wind whistling through the mountain passes.
- Proximity: It is a perfect peaceful weekend getaway within 200km of Mumbai, reachable in under 4 hours via the Kalyan-Malshej road.
How To Reach
By Road:
- From Mumbai (130 km): Drive through Kalyan and Murbad. The road (NH61) leads directly into the heart of the Ghats. It’s a quick 3 to 3.5-hour trip.
- From Pune (120 km): Take the Pune-Nashik Highway and turn off at Alephata toward Malshej Ghat. This route takes about 3 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kalyan (85 km). From Kalyan station (West), frequent MSRTC buses depart for Ahmednagar; ask the driver to drop you at the Malshej Ghat MTDC point.
By Air: Pune International Airport (PNQ) is the closest, approximately 115 km away.
5. Nashik’s Agritourism Belt: A Family Retreat
Moving away from the typical “hill station” vibe, the areas around Nashik (like Mohadi and Palkhed) are leading the way in agritourism in Maharashtra for families.
- Farm-to-Table: Places like Sahyadri Farms allow families to experience farm life, pick fresh fruits, and understand the “Farm-to-Fork” process.
- Vineyard Luxury: While Sula is famous, smaller boutique vineyards offer a more quiet getaway for couples with wine-tasting sessions that focus on education and relaxation rather than party crowds.
- Stays: Look for Budget-friendly offbeat Maharashtra tours that include stays in rural homestays, providing a 2026 travel experience that supports the local rural economy.
How To Reach
By Road:
- From Mumbai (170 km): An easy drive via the 10-lane Mumbai-Nashik Expressway. Most agritourism centers like Sahyadri Farms are located just 20-30 minutes beyond the main city.
- From Pune (210 km): Use the NH60 (Pune-Nashik Highway). The road is well-maintained and takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
By Train: Nashik Road (NK) is a major stop for almost all trains heading toward North or Central India from Mumbai (CSMT/LTT). The journey by Panchavati Express or Godavari Express takes around 3 hours.
By Air: Nashik Airport (Ozar) has direct flights from cities like Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
Summing Up
As we look toward 2026, the best way to experience the Sahyadris is to venture off the beaten path. Whether it’s the tribal heritage of Jawhar, the crystal-clear waters of Tarkarli, or the celestial beauty of Bhandardara, these hidden gems in Maharashtra for weekend trips provide the soul-soothing experience that Lonavala often lacks.
