Going through the everyday routine of work-home-repeat can get a little monotonous. And it’s only human to want a change in scenery every now and then. One of the best ways to feel rejuvenated is to visit a hill station! And when an opportunity to venture into the colder temperatures comes knocking with the summer, you grab it. Especially in a state like Maharashtra that blazes in summer with the temperature reaching 40°C, an escapade to the hills is warranted.
With the schools being shut for summer, your little ones are only going to keep screaming for vacation and it’s your duty to give them one. Fortunately, there are plenty of isolated and calm hill stations in Maharashtra. Of these, here are the 19 best hill stations you can visit to get rid of the humidity in the cities.
Best Hill Stations In Maharashtra For A Summer Vacation
- Lonavala
- Khandala
- Mahabaleshwar
- Matheran
- Panchgani
- Igatpuri
- Satara
- Karjat
- Jawhar
- Rajmachi
- Malshej Ghat
- Bhimashankar
- Amboli
- Koroli
- Bhandardara
- Sawantwadi
- Toranmal
- Chikhaldara
- Durshet
1. Lonavala
Nestled in the Sahyadri hill range, is the popular hill station of Lonavala. Known as the Jewel of Sahyadri, Lonavala, one of the must-visit hill stations in Maharashtra, is home to lakes, caves, forts, valleys, and more. It’s the perfect place to tickle the adventurous spirit in you by going trekking, swimming, or bird watching. However, you’d want to stay indoors during the day because the town does get pretty hot. But don’t let that hinder your trip here because Lonavala after sunset is a much cooler destination.
Not only can you engage in nature-related activities here, but the little ones can also have fun at adventure parks like Della Adventure Park. Getting some Lonavala special chikki – a candy made of nuts and jaggery, on your way back home is a mandatory ritual when visiting Lonavala.
How To Reach Lonavala: Since it’s located between Pune and Mumbai, the city dwellers find it to be the most convenient getaway, which is just a 1-5 to 2 hours drive away. You can also take a bus to Lonavala from Mumbai or Pune, or take a train and arrive at Lonavala train station.
Things To Check Out In Lonavala:
- Bhushi Dam
- Tikona Fort
- Pawna Lake
- Aamby Valley
- Karla Caves
- Kune Waterfalls
- Narayani Dham Temple
- Ryewood Lake
- Tiger’s Leap
2. Khandala
It’s no surprise if you just hummed the song “Aati Kya Khandala” while reading the name of this hill station. Just beside Lonavala, Khandala is known to be its twin. And just like its twin, Khandala too is dotted with several gorgeous waterfalls, green valleys, mighty hills, and serene lakes.
The waterfalls may not be your go-to tourist spot in summer but you can still go there for some splendid views. Be it trekking, hiking, exploring caves, or simply enjoying the sunset, you can do it all here. But, unlike Lonavala, Khandala has less chaotic and cleaner surroundings. Khandala too is known for its delicious chikki and fudge, so don’t forget to give it a try.
How To Reach Khandala: This hill station is easily accessible from both Pune and Mumbai. To enjoy the scenery, you can take a train to Khandala railway station or a bus ride.
Things To Check Out In Khandala:
- Duke’s Nose
- Karla Hills
- Visapur Fort
- Bedsa Cave
- Shooting Point
3. Mahabaleshwar
If you know a little something about this hill station, then you definitely must have associated it with strawberries. That’s right, due to its abundance of fruit, Mahabaleshwar is known as the Land of Strawberries. You now know just the right thing to pack for home, and oh, don’t forget some Nutella to dunk the strawberries in. With many beautiful lakes, hills, and valleys, Mahabaleshwar is known to be one of the most scenic hill stations in all of Maharashtra.
It’s also a sacred place of pilgrimage among Hindus, who visit here to seek blessings from Lord Mahabaleshwar. Apart from exploring the various wonders and partake in adventures like trekking across the hills, you can also hog on the variety of juicy berries and snacks.
How To Reach Mahabaleshwar: The nearest railway station is Wathar railway station. Some buses operate from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Satara, Kolhapur, and Panchgani.
Things To Check Out In Mahabaleshwar:
- Venna Lake
- Mapro Garden
- Tiger’s Spring
- Lord Mahabaleshwar temple
- Elephant’s Head Point
- Connaught Peak
- Wilson Point
4. Matheran
Matheran is one of the hill stations in Maharashtra that is certified to be the only eco-friendly hill station in the state. Not just that, it also holds the title of being the smallest hill station in all of India. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay here for longer. Located close to Mumbai, it’s one of the popular go-to places among Mumbaikars. If you want to enjoy a few days in serenity with your family, away from the polluted air of cities, then this is the place.
The best way to completely explore Matheran is to go around the hill station on foot. Apart from sightseeing the many tourist attractions, you can also trek, hike, or go camping by the beautiful Charlotte Lake. For some fun, especially for the children, take the toy train that’ll run you through the green spots of Matheran.
How To Reach Matheran: The most feasible way to reach Matheran is to take a train that goes up to Neral railway station. From there you can easily avail of a sharing taxi to Matheran.
Things To Check Out In Matheran:
- Chanderi Caves
- Shivaji’s Ladder
- Porcupine Point
- Pisharnath Mahadev temple
- One Tree Hill Point
- Prabal Fort
5. Panchgani
Meaning 5 hills, Panchgani gets its name from the five hills surrounding it. Just like Mahabaleshwar, this one too is known for its picturesque views and fresh strawberries. Getting around Panchgani, you’d like to explore the breathtaking views and delve into several adventurous activities. If you’re not the adventurous type and just want to relax, it’s best you stay indoors and avoid the heat that can go up to 33°C.
From camping to paragliding, there are a lot of activities you can try at this gem of a place. Panchgani also has several viewpoints that you can visit to catch some amazing sunrises/sunsets and city-wide views.
How To Reach Panchgani: Panchgani is close to two railway stations which are namely Wathar railway station and Satara railway station. If you’re traveling to Panchgani from Mumbai, you can take the Mumbai-Pune highway and NH48.
Things To Check Out In Panchgani:
- Mapro Garden
- Dhom Dam
- Kate’s Point
- Kamalgad Fort
- Table Land Viewpoint
- Devrai Art Village
- Arthur Seat
- Sydney Point
- Rajpuri Caves
6. Igatpuri
One of the calmest hill stations in Maharashtra, this hill station is studded with many spectacular tourist spots. Apart from the alluring green valleys and ancient caves, it also has many trekking trails. Other than trekking, you can also try white water rafting, camping, or exploring historic forts. The temperature here can go up to 39 °C so ensure you’re carrying enough SPF, wearing airy clothes, or best relax indoors during the day and explore Igatpuri in the evening when the temperature drops to 21°C.
And to get a complete refresher, you can meditate at the famous meditation center of Vipassana International Academy. One of the main attractions here is the Kalsubai Peak because it’s the highest peak in all of Maharashtra!
How To Reach Igatpuri: Igatpuri has its railway station, so you can easily reach your destination by taking a cab or bus from the station.
Things To Check Out In Igatpuri:
- Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Tringalwadi Fort
- Vipassana International Academy
- Aundha Fort
- Myanmar Gate
- Bhatsa River Valley
7. Satara
Known as the “Queen of Hills”, Satara is a splendid hill station in Maharashtra. You can explore various lakes and caves here. Other than being known for its natural beauty, it also holds some historical and cultural marvels. If venturing out in the day during the scorching heat makes you feel like you might have made a mistake, wait till the pleasant, cooling night dawns upon you.
Ajinkyatara Fort is one of the examples of the exquisite fort you should visit, not just for the structure but for the tales associated with it. Appreciating the beauty of its forts and temples, trekking, boating, horse riding, and much more make up the trip to Satara.
How To Reach Satara: Satara has its railway station, so you can take a train and arrive directly at the Satara railway station.
Things To Check Out In Satara:
- Sajjangad Fort
- Dholya Ganpati
- Nataraj Mandir
- Lodwick Point
- Baramotichi Vihar
8. Karjat
If you’ve lived in Pune or Mumbai, you know this place already. Karjat is the station connecting Pune and Lonavala to Mumbai. It’s known for its fabulous valleys, waterfalls, streams, temples, and forts. Lucky for you if you’re a trekking enthusiast because Karjat has some of the best trekking trails like the Sondai Fort Trek and Kalsubai Trek awaiting you. Other than this you can also camp at Ulhas Valley or have a simple picnic at Pali Bhutivali Dam. Also, don’t forget to try the famous Karjat Vada pav while you’re here.
How To Reach: Karjat Railway Station is well connected to major cities in Maharashtra. Buses, too, run directly from neighboring cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Things To Check Out:
- Kondana Caves
- Ulhas Valley
- Kondeshwar Temple
- Bhor Ghat
- Kothaligad Fort
- Morbe Dam
9. Jawhar
Yet another hill station to be situated in the Sahyadri range is Jawhar. This off-beat hill station in Maharashtra falls in Thane district. At this hill station, you’ll find yourself in love with the hills and the adventurous trekking trails. Apart from these natural wonders, Jawhar also has a rich history and culture.
Jawhar’s elegant palaces, ancient Hindu temples, and the tribal Warli paintings are testament to that. You can shop for the Warli paintings at the local markets, and take them home as a souvenir. The temperature here ranges between 39-22 °C so you might want to carry a mix of breathable, comfortable clothes and perhaps a warm shawl for the night.
How To Reach: If you’re traveling by train, then you can get down at Igatpuri railway station or Palghar Railway Station and hire a cab to Jawhar. The nearest cities connecting to Jawhar are Silvassa, Palghar, Amli, and Chinchani.
Things To Check Out:
- Jawhar Palace
- Sunset Point
- Khadkhad Dam
- Jai Vilas Palace
- Hanuman Point
- Shirpamal
10. Rajmachi
Rajmachi gives you the perfect blend of nature, history, and adventure. The ancient and popular Rajmachi Fort has several ancient tales to narrate for you. While this place is an impeccable retreat during monsoons, the summers offer you a whole different perspective of the town’s wonders.
A trek to Rajmachi would always be a memorable one, along with the picturesque views of the hills from the top. It’s best suggested you venture outdoors in the evening once the climate is pleasant because daytime blazes with temperatures going up to 40 °C.
How To Reach: If you’re traveling by train then you can either arrive at Lonavala railway station. From here you can hire a cab to Rajmachi.
Things To Check Out:
- Rajmachi Fort
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Khodashi Dam
- Sadashivgad Karad
- Pritisangam
11. Malshej Ghat
A haven of the Western Ghats is the hill station of Malshej. With diverse flora and fauna, the views this hill station offers are truly exhilarating. If you’re here with family for a summer vacation, let the kids in your family witness several exotic bird species. It’s also a trekkers abode, so let the trekker in you explore the beauty of Harishchandragad Peak. Rock climbing and bird watching are the two main activities to try at Malshej Ghat.
How To Reach: In case you’re traveling by train then you can arrive at Igatpuri station and then take a cab or bus to Malshej. NH60 and NH61 are the highways you can take to get to Malshej Ghat by road.
Things To Check Out:
- Malshej Falls
- Shivneri Fort
- Harishchandragad
- Lenyadri Buddhist Caves
- Ajoba Hill Fort
- Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
12. Bhimashankar
For a spiritual and fun experience, Bhimashankar is the ideal hill station. It’s a temple town with the most popular being the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. If you’re planning to teach your kids about the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva, the Jyotirling here might be a good start.
Apart from seeking blessings from the Lord, you can also take part in some adventurous activities like trekking or camping. To learn the rich history of the region, take a small backpack and explore the caves here.
How To Reach: Bhimashankar is easily accessible from Pune railway station and is a 4-hour 15-minute breezy drive away.
Things To Check Out:
- Ahupe Waterfalls
- Hanuman Lake
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
13. Amboli
Amboli is one of the less explored hill stations in Maharashtra. The town enjoys a soothing climate throughout the year but the summers might be your best time to visit because of the 2-month long vacation from school! The temperature during summer can range from 33 degrees during the day to 22 at night.
The quiet ambiance makes it a popular honeymoon destination among couples and even families. If you’re living the last few days of bachelorhood, you must be here with your group and partake in treks here and later stay in camps. And since it’s located close to Goa, you might as well extend your trip and take a short vacation in Goa!
How To Reach: By train, you need to arrive at the nearest railway station of Sawantwadi, which is just 39 km away. By road, you can take NH 548H to reach Amboli.
Things To Check Out:
- Hiranya Keshi Temple
- Madhavgarh Fort
- Shirgaonkar Fort
14. Koroli
Koroli is one of the unexplored hill stations in the Nashik region. If you’re looking for a trip to get some calm from the everyday chaos, then Koroli is an ideal place to go. This hamlet is filled with laid-back valleys that you explore and lush greenery that’s best seen in monsoon. The hamlet is usually a paradise among trekkers, hikers, photographers, and nature admirers. But don’t let that make you think there’s nothing for families here – horse riding or boating in the lakes is a nice way to spend an evening in Koroli.
Whether you’re a solo trekker or a family on a rejuvenating vacation, keep yourself hydrated well enough because it can get a little hot during the day with the temperature going till 39 °C. The evenings, however, get equally chilly and pleasant with the temperature dropping to 21°C. That’s when you awaken the explorer in you.
How To Reach: Koroli can be accessed from the nearest railway station of Igatpuri or Nashik. If you’re going by road you can take NH160 from Igatpuri or NH848 from Nashik.
Things To Check Out:
- Trimbakeshwar Shiva temple
- Ajaneri
- Upper Vaitarna Dam
15. Bhandardara
Sitting in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra is this charming hill station of Bhandardara. With dense forests outlining it, the hill station is filled with many natural spectacles. Some of these are the mesmerizing waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and dams. Since you’re visiting in summers, you won’t get to see the lustrous waterfalls but the views are a must-watch nonetheless. And, that’s not it, Bhandardara is also home to many historic forts and temples. Camping and boating are some of the activities you can do there.
How To Reach Bhandardara: If you’re traveling by train you can get down at Igatpuri railway station and then take a taxi or bus to Bhandardara. And, if you’re coming by road from Mumbai then you can take the NH160.
Things To Check Out In Bhandardara:
- Kalsubai Peak
- Arthur Hill Lake
- Amruteshwar Temple
- Umbrella Falls
- Randha Falls
16. Sawantwadi
This quaint hill station offers glimpses of both the Sahyadri hills and the coastal road. With the calm surroundings and scenic views, you’re bound to feel relaxed while your family enjoys the family vacation. Other than relaxing by the lakes, you can also explore Sawantwadi’s ancient palaces and temples.
Sawantwadi is also known for its mouth-watering Konkan delicacies and the Raghunath market. So when you’re all fueled up, go shopping for some souvenirs like Ganjifa cards or traditional wooden toys.
How To Reach Sawantwadi: If you’re traveling by train, you directly arrive at the Sawantwadi Road railway station. If you’re taking the highway, then NH48 and NH66 are the ones to take.
Things To Check Out In Sawantwadi:
- Sawantwadi Palace
- Ganesh Temple, Redi
- Amteshwar Tali
- Moti Lake
- Navadurga Temple, Redi
17. Toranmal
Hill stations are your abode during the summers. Another such hill station that’ll release your stress is Toranmal. The sheer silence in the lakes or the woods here will put you at ease. These forests are home to numerous bird and animal species. Not only is Toranmal rich with natural wonders but also the many temples that narrate their tales through their ornate architecture. Apart from seeking blessings from these shrines, you can also explore the caves and lakes of Toranmal.
How To Reach Toranmal: The highways taking you to Toranmal are NH48 and NH61. The nearest railway station to Toranmal is Nandurbar.
Things To Check Out In Toranmal:
- Torna Devi temple
- Sita Khai
- Khadki Point
- Yashavant Lake
- Machhindranath Caves
- Lotus Lake
18. Chikhaldara
If you’re a coffee lover, then you have to visit Chikhaldara. This hill station is the only coffee-producing hill station in the region. So as soon as you enter Chikhaldara you’ll be wide awake from the overpowering aroma of coffee and the magnificent views of the hills and wildlife. And since it houses the Melghat Tiger Reserve, you might get to spot the big cat! Other than boating at the serene lakes, you can also go visit the 52 Jain temples at Muktagiri.
How To Reach Chikhaldara: Chikhaldara is accessible from both Badnera Junction and Amravati railway station.
Things To Check Out In Chikhaldara:
- Bir Lake
- Melghat Tiger Reserve
- Bhimkund Point
- Narnala Fort
- Muktagiri
- Gawaligarh Fort
- Mozari Point
- Shakkar Lake
19. Durshet
Durshet, one of the hill stations in Maharashtra comes not just with a rich natural heritage but also a history that dates back to the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was known to be a battlefield during the time. And what embellishes the beauty of Durshet are the fluvial rivers, exotic flora and fauna, and charming waterfalls. It also is a bridge that connects two of the important Ashtavinayak temples. Other than its history and culture, Durshet also boasts many water sports activities and is also a great place to go for a night safari.
How To Reach Durshet: The nearest railway station is Khopoli railway station which is roughly 35 minutes away from Durshet. And the main cities near to Durshet are Mumbai (1.5 hours) and Pune (2 hours).
Things To Check Out In Durshet:
- Pali Fort
- Uddhar Hot Springs
- Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak Pali
- Imagica Water Park
Summing Up
At this point, it’s only natural if you are confused as to which hill station to pick among these. Maybe throw a dart or roll a dice and make a choice. Whichever hill stations in Maharashtra you end up visiting, you are sure to make the best of that break of yours!
FAQs
Which Is The Highest Hill Station In Maharashtra?
Among several hill stations in Maharashtra, the highest hill station is the Suryamal hill station in the Thane district. Though it is a small destination, it offers some mesmerizing views making you want to stay longer.
Which Is The Coolest Place In Maharashtra?
Maharashtra is dotted with many gorgeous hill stations. It is hard to pick the coolest hill station, but here are some of the best hill stations – Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Lonavala, Khandala, Durshet, Karjat, Malshej Ghat, Matheran, and Igatpuri.
Which Is The Most Beautiful Hill Station In South Konkan?
Amboli is one of the top hill stations on the Konkan coast. With a variety of flora and fauna, this hill station is located near the borders of Goa.
Which Is The Cheapest Hill Station In India?
India is blessed with a plethora of stunning hill stations. Of these, some of the budget-friendly hill stations are Coorg, Bhimtal, Spiti Valley, Sonmarg, Kasol, Munsyari, and Auli.
Which Is The Most Beautiful Village In Maharashtra?
The villages of Maharashtra are the true essence of the state. They have been carrying the rich cultural heritage of the state for years now. Some of the beautiful villages you must visit are Ganpatipule, Rajmachi, Murud, Purushwadi, Velas, Shani Shingnapur, Dehna, and Diveagar.
Which Season Is Best For A Konkan Trip?
Winters are the best time to take a trip to Konkan, as the climate is pleasant and favorable for sightseeing. During summers the temperatures are very high and in monsoons, travel can be difficult (although the greenery is worth witnessing!).
Which Is The Best Beach In Konkan?
Konkan is popular for its long coastline, making way for several beaches. Some of the popular and exotic beaches to check out are Devgad beach, Dapoli, Guhagar, Bhogwe, Nivati, Padale, and Savane.
What Is Konkan Famous For?
Konkan is known for its alluring beaches, lush greenery, and historic forts. Some of the must-visit places in Konkan include Mahad, Dapoli, Alibaug, Ratnagiri, and Harnai.
