‘Mumbai ki baarish’ is a phenomenon you must not miss out on, after all, there’s nothing more relaxing than spending a weekend in the city – curled up in a blanket or gorging on vada pav. However, if you want to spend your weekend somewhere else rather than in the city of Mumbai, we’ve got the best recommendations for quick weekend getaways near Mumbai. Sit back and keep reading if the monsoon season brings out your inner explorer.
5 Best Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai
Lonavala
What’s the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a fun weekend getaway near Mumbai? Most of you will definitely say “Lonavala” and that’s correct! The hill station is known for waterfalls, dams, and scenic roads that will entice you to spend more than just a weekend here. Also, did we say that Lonavala has plenty of budget as well as luxurious accommodations. Be it hostels, hotels, or entire villas – Lonavala has accommodations for every kind of budget.
While you’re here, make sure to try Lonavala’s iconic Maganlal Chikki and their delicious chocolate fudge. There are plenty of restaurants that serve everything from a Maharashtrian fish thali to vegan, protein-rich salad bowls. Overall, Lonavala is a place we cannot recommend enough if you’re looking for weekend getaways near Mumbai.
One-way Distance: 83 kilometers (km) approximately (approx)
Best way to reach: Self-drive, rent a cab, take a train to Lonavala Railway Station. Daily trains run between Mumbai to Pune, so reaching Lonavala via train is not much of a hassle.
Alibag
Mumbai’s beaches are fine and cool in their own regard until you visit those in Alibag. Pristine white sand and the foaming sea stretches out in front of you – an experience that many crave for over the weekend. Alibag has become a go-to destination for Mumbaikars thanks to its stunning beaches, exciting watersports, and a laidback atmosphere – perfect for unwinding over the weekend.
While you’re in Alibag, make sure to visit beaches at Varsoli, Revdanda, Akshi, and Nagaon. Here you can swim in the sprawling sea as well as try your hand at exciting water activities. Also, a visit to Alibag would be incomplete without trying out authentic seafood – especially Maharashtrian thaalis! So, if you are looking for a weekend destination that’s by the sea, you must not sleep on Alibag!
One-way Distance: 109 km approx
Best way to reach: Self-drive, rent a cab, or take a ferry from Gateway of India. There are regular ferry services available in different budget options that’ll take you to Mandwa Jetty in Alibag.
Karjat
If Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala seem distant options for weekend getaways near Mumbai, you must consider going to Karjat. It has plenty of homestays, luxury resorts, as well as farmhouses where you can unwind over the weekend. Plus, it is easily accessible from Mumbai via road and rail, making traveling to Karjat convenient.
Besides plenty of accommodation options, Karjat is home to pretty exciting activities for adventure junkies. You can trek to nearby forts like Sondai and Kothaligod – and trust us, this experience will be like no other. Alternatively, you can visit famous dams and waterfalls like the Morbe Dam, Solanpada Dam, Bhivpuri waterfall, Palasdari waterfall, and others. Also, there are plenty of temples that you can visit in and around Karjat if you’re looking for a spiritual retreat!
One-way distance: 62.7 km approx
Best way to reach: Self-drive, rent a cab, or get down at the Karjat Railway Station located on the Central Railway Line. You can easily get a cab or autorickshaws to reach your destination from the railway station.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar has been on the list of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai for family travelers for decades. The hill station is known for its world-famous strawberries and a delectable assortment of wine. Paired with sprawling orchards and viewpoints overlooking the Sahyadri ranges, Mahabaleshwar is a dreamy hill station, especially in the monsoon and winters.
While in Mahabaleshwar, make sure to visit the famous Venna Lake, go cafe-hopping and try out the famous strawberry desserts. Also, do not skip Panchgani – it’s an obligatory ritual to visit Panchgani when visiting Mahabaleshwar. And when here, Sydney Point, Table Land, Elephant’s Head Point, Arthur’s Seat, and Wilson Point are not to be missed!
One-way Distance: 225 km approx
Best way to reach: Self-drive or renting a cab are the only best options to reach Mahabaleshwar.
Ganpatipule
Ganpatipule is the farthest among the other weekend getaways near Mumbai that we’ve mentioned here. Located in the Ratnagiri district, this temple town is known for its iconic Ganpatipule Temple that attracts millions of devotees each year. When in Ganpatipule, you must visit the revered red sandstone temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is located right next to the Ganpatipule beach where you can spend plenty of time soaking in the sea. Located nearby are the beaches of Marleshwar, Aare Ware, and Velneshwar – making it a perfect getaway if you’re a beach person.
Ganpatipule is also home to an open-air museum called Prachin Konkan that throws light on Konkan region’s cultural history. Besides that, it is also located quite close to the Ratnadurg and Jaigad forts. These were ssignificant forts in the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Maratha Empire. Overall, if you’re craving to experience the essence of Konkan without having to go on a full-on vacation, Ganpatipule is the ultimate weekend getaway in Konkan.
One-way Distance: 341 km approx
Best way to reach: Self-drive, rent a cab, or take a train to Ratnagiri Railway Station. You can get autorickshaws and buses from here to reach Ganpatipule.
Summing Up
If you’re looking for the top 5 best weekend getaways near Mumbai for family or even budget travelers, you must mark these on your bucket list. There are plenty of places to visit near Mumbai that deserve your attention, but the destinations mentioned above including Alibag, Ganpatipule, and Karjat deserve all the hype! So, if you’re about to plan a weekend getaway, do consider them!
FAQs
Where To Go From Mumbai For 2 Days?
Here are the best places to visit from Mumbai for 2 days:
- Matheran
- Lonavala
- Khandala
- Nashik
- Igatpuri
- Alibag
Are Short Vacations Better?
Yes, short vacations are definitely better if you don’t have enough time to commit to a full-fledged vacation. It is especially good if you have only a few off-days and are on a budget.
Which Weekend Getaways Are Nearest From Mumbai?
These weekend getaways are the nearest from Mumbai:
- Alibag
- Khandala
- Lonavala
- Karjat
- Matheran
