Mumbai rains are both a blessing and a jinx. In monsoons, Mumbai City is like a coin with two different sides: the rain-soaked Marine Drive for a lazy stroll on one side, and on the other side is snail-paced traffic in water-logged streets with clogged drains. Mumbai may not be an ideal monsoon destination for you. Do neither be disappointed nor cancel your monsoon travel plan. You can get the best of monsoon rains at hill stations in the Western Ghats, most of which are at a short drive from Mumbai Airport. Besides, flights to Mumbai are cheaper in monsoon than in any other season of the year.
If you have got the cheapest fare deals for Mumbai, do pack your bags and leave for an unforgettable experience of monsoon in the solitude of nature at lush green hill stations with majestic waterfalls. The following are the best monsoon getaways from Mumbai.
Malshej Ghat
Any plans for the weekend? Try escaping with your group to the green hills and those beautiful waterfalls in Malshej Ghat, a lesser known attraction near Mumbai at its best in monsoon. While you drive to the place, you will realize how beautiful is the journey itself – calm surrounding with serene lakes and stunning valleys. It is believed that flamingos from Europe fly all the way to Malshej during monsoons. What a lovely sight it would be! Along with its rich flora and fauna, the place also has plenty of adventures to offer the visitors. You can enjoy trekking; bird watching and hiking with your crazy group and relax at the peaceful resorts for the night.
Special Attractions: Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of great Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shivaji, migratory flamingos from Europe, Ajoba Hill Fort, Malshej Falls
Malshej Ghat is a 4-hour drive from Mumbai Airport.
Kolad
If you are looking for a peaceful and budget monsoon getaway near Mumbai, head towards Kolad, a place with immense natural beauty of the placid lakes and hills, close to the Mumbai-Goa highway. Never experienced white water rafting? Well, this is one of the best white water rafting places especially for beginners. Not just rafting, you can get your adrenaline pumping by trekking through the hillocks close to the waterfalls. Kolad is rich with natural beauty and rains just add some more to it. It is a must visit destination for monsoon travel in India.
Special Attractions: Tala Fort, Ghosala Fort, Kuda Caves, Tamhini and Kansai Waterfalls, Bhira Dam, Dholwal Dams, Hot springs at Uddhar
Kolad is a 3-hour drive from Mumbai Airport
Mahabaleshwar
Monsoon is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar, one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra and one of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai. Located in the Sahyadri range, it offers a fantastic view of bordering valleys and hills. During monsoons, the area is covered with thick vegetation and hypnotic waterfalls creating a majestic sight altogether. Do visit the most popular Lingamala waterfalls to get vibes so positive and calming that makes an onlooker forget about the worldly affairs. Go trekking with your troop to the Wilson Point, this tourist attraction is best known for spectacular sunrise.
Special Attractions: Pratapgarh, Venna Lake, Mapro Garden, Elephant’s Point, Wilson Point, Kate’s Point, Connaught peak and waterfalls.
Mahabaleshwar is almost 5 hours 30 minutes drive from Mumbai Airport.
Lonavala-Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are together named as the twin hill stations of Maharashtra being preferred as the best places to visit near Mumbai in monsoon. The breathtaking landscapes across the Sahyadri range will bring you closer to nature. The hills and mountains seem enveloped in clouds as you drive along the carved roads heading towards Lonavala. Rains in Mumbai add to the beauty of the place bringing the waterfalls back to life. The serene landscape seems heavenly in monsoons.
Special Attractions: Pavna Lake, Lonavala Lake, Tungarli Lake, Bushy Dam, Duke’s Nose, Koragad Fort, Lohagad, Tiger’s Leap, Bedsa Caves, Karla and Bhaja Caves
Lonavala-Khandala is a 2-hour drive from Mumbai Airport.
Kalsubai Peak
Seeking some weekend adventure with your group? Tend to your adventurous needs at Kalsubai peak! Yes, you heard it right. This is the highest point in Maharashtra, otherwise referred as “Everest of Maharashtra” for its great height of 1,646 meters above sea level. For the trek lovers who end up with the thought of what to do in Mumbai rains each day, pack your bags and leave for the enchanting weekend getaways in Mumbai monsoon.
Special Attractions: Kalsubai Temple, Bhandardara, Umbrella Falls, Arthur Lake, Anudha Kanvai Fort, Harihargad Fort, Anjaneri Fort and Kulang Fort.
Kalsubai Peak is a 4-hour drive from Mumbai Airport
Hope you have decided your monsoon weekend getaway from Mumbai by now. If you haven’t, just pick your favorite from the above-mentioned destinations and celebrate the rains like never before. No more waiting! Book your cheap flights to Mumbai today and explore these beautiful hill stations near the city, a heavenly feeling indeed.
