Our official Blog series

Welcome to the Part-5 or final part of our blog series on ‘ 52 Getaways in Maharashtra’. From the most popular pilgrimage site- Shirdi to some of the undiscovered places in this incredible state, we covered them all here because we want to end this with inculcating a craving in you to visit Maharashtra.

#42 JAWAHAR

Jawhar is a small hill station located in the Thane District and is abundant with exotic beauty of flora and dense covering the forest. It is home to the famous Warli tribes and the Warli paintings, traditional art and craft has gained fame for its unique designs and illustrations.

How to reach: –

1. By Air- The nearest Airport is Mumbai (100 kms)
2. By Road- Travelling by road is the easiest and comfortable option
3. By Rail- Nearest Railway station is Igatpuri (68 kms)

Best time to visit: – September- April

Famous attractions: – Kal Mandvi Waterfall, Jai Sagar Dam, Hiradpada Waterfall, Jai Vilas Palace, Shirpamal, Bhopatgad, Khadkhad Dharan, Hanuman Point, Sunset Point, Dabhosa waterfall

Activities: – Shopping, Explore the Warli art and craft, Sightseeing

#43 BHANDARDARA

Situated in the Ahmednagar District, it is a hill station in the Sahyadri range which is blessed with the natural beauty with lush greenery and the waterfalls

How to reach:

1. By Road: Bhandardara is connected to Mumbai via the NH3.
2. By Air:  The nearest Airport is Mumbai (177 kms)
3. By Rail: Igatpuri is the nearest railway station which lies on the Mumbai – Nashik line (45 kms)

Best time to visit: – Suitable for a visit any time of the year

Famous attractions: – Bhandardara Lake, Randha Falls, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Agasti Rishi Ashram, Amruteshwar Temple

Activities: – Sightseeing, Trekking, Walking, Cycling

#44 BHIMASHANKAR

A pristine natural environmentwith hills, waterfalls and forests, a wild life sanctuary and an ancient temple where you can find the “Shekru”, the giant flying squirrel which is also the state animal of Maharashtra. Also known as the sixth Jyotirlinga, Bhimashankar nestled in dense forests is the most popular places for the worship of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the original temple of Bhimashankar was built in 12^th century CE.

How to reach:

1. By Air: The nearest Airport is Pune (111 Kms)
2. By Road: Bhimashankar is 250 km from Mumbai and 127 kms from Pune
3. By Rail:  Pune is the nearest Railway Station( 127 Kms)

Best time to visit: – August- February

Famous attractions: – Jyotirlinga Temple, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

Activities: – Wildlife safari, Trekking, Sightseeing.

#45 DURSHET

It is a small town which is situated at bank of river Amba Due and due to its proximity to Mumbai and Pune it serves as a weekend getaway. Durshet is situated between the two Ganesh temples of Pali and Mahad ( 15 Kms each in opposite direction) of the famous “Ashta Vinayak” pilgrimage and is just off the highway near the village of Khopoli. It is historically significant place as it served as a battlefield when Shivaji Maharaj fought Kartalab Khan for Umarkhind in the late 1600s.

How to reach: –

1. By Air: The nearest Airport is Mumbai(100 Kms)
2. By Road: Durshet is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune ( 100 kms each)
3. By Rail: The nearest Railway station is Khopoli(18 kms)

Best time to visit: – During the month of September- February

Famous attractions: – Ganesh Temple, Amba River, Unhere Hot water springs, Rahim Farms and Durshet Jungle Lodge, an adventure-oriented getaway resort

Activities: – River rafting, trekking, hiking, kayaking

#46 PALGHAR

Palghar is a town in the Konkan division and is the administrative capital of the Palghar District. Palghar lies on the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway in the busy Mumbai-Ahmedabad rail corridor. The town is located about 87 kms north of Mumbai, about 35 kms north of Virar and about 24 kms west of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway at Manor

How to reach: –

1. By Air: The nearest Airport is Mumbai(145 Kms)
2. By Road: Palghar is easily accessible from Mumbai
3. By Rail: Palghar Railway Station lies on the Mumbai Ahmedabad Line.

Best time to visit: – Juneto February

Famous attractions: – Kelva Beach, Mahim Beach, Shirgaon Fort, Kelva Dam

Activities: – Explore the forts, visit a fishing village, hang out at the dam, watch the sunset at the beaches

#47 SAVARKUT

Though river rafting in Maharashtra is synonymous with white waters of River Kundalika in Kolad, Savarkut hamlet set on the banks of River Vaitarna between Mumbai and Nashik is a village made for adventure lovers as it hosts many adventure activities such as river rafting to trekking. It also provides a picturesque landscape of lush greenery.

How to reach: – Located about 120 kilometres away from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Nashik between Shirol Phata

Activities: – River rafting, trekking

#48 HARNAI

A wide range of beautiful and serene beaches of Harnai in Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri is blessed with natural attractions with white silky seashore adorned with a chain of sea forts such as Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg etc.

How to reach:

1. By Air- Nearest Airport is Mumbai(150kms)
2. By Road- Number of state transport buses ply regularly to Dapoli from Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur. Harnai-Murud is just 14 kms away from Dapoli and autorikshaws are easily available
3. By Rail– The nearest railway station is Khed on Konkan Railway which is around 35 KM from Harnai Beach.

Best time to visit: –  February-March and September- December

Famous attractions: – Harnai Beach, Suvarnadurg Fort, Dapoli Beach

#49 SHIRDI

If ever you have wanted to witness what deep faith is all about, visit Shirdi, the home of Sai Baba’s ‘samadhi’ that has his followers coming here in multitudes to seek his blessings and in hope of miracles that can change their lives. Just 83 kilometers from the city of Ahmednagar, Shirdi is also amazing for the fact that it draws people from all communities and castes, with each visitor firmly believing that his or her requests will be granted by the saint. Shirdi is where the holy soul of Shri Satchidanand Sadguru Sainath Maharaj – affectionately known as ‘Saibaba’ rests today. 

How to reach: –

1. By Air: The nearest Airport is Pune (126 Kms)
2. By Rail: A new railway station called Sainagar Shirdi is about 2 km from the town centre which is connected to major cities
3. By Road: Alternately, one can go to Kopargaon (15 km), Ahmednagar (83 km), Manmad (87 km) or Nashik (80 km) and reach Shirdi by road. State-run andprivate bus services areavailable from many citiesin Maharashtra and otherstates

Best time to visit: – July- March

Famous attractions: – Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple Complex, Shani Shingnapur, Gurusthan, Dixit Wada Museum 

#50 WAI

Wai (the Dakshin Kashi of India) is situated 33 kms away from Satara and is famous for its temples and ghats. “Maha Ganpati Temple” is an important Pilgrim centre. The office of Marathi Encyclopaedia (Vishwa Kosha) is situated in Wai. The Dhom  Dam across the Krishna River is  9 kms away from Wai

How to reach: –

1. By Road: – The nearest city is Satara (57 kms). Wai is also accessible by road from Mumbai (230 kms) and Pune (90 kms). One can hire a cab or taxi service.
2. By Rail: The nearest station is Satara

Best time to visit: – September- May

Famous attractions: – Maha Ganapati Temple, Nana Padnavis Wada, Kalubai Temple

#51 VELAS

Velas would have remained unknown had it not achieved international attention for the hatchings of the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles that come here to lay their eggs. The sight of turtle hatchlings just out of their nests and making their laborious way to the Arabian Sea can be an exhilarating. Located in the Mandangad taluka of Ratnagiri district, Velas is protected by mountains on its three sides and a beautiful shoreline

How to reach: – One can drive to Velas by taking NH 17 Mumbai-Goa Highway and on reaching Goregaon, take a right turn to go to Velas. State Transport service is also available.

Best time to visit: – March-April to witness Turtle hatchling

Famous attractions: – Velas Beach, Velas Village, Shiv Temple

Activities: – Attend Velas Turtle Festival

#52 MAVAL

The picturesque Maval Taluka in Pune District is a popular tourist destination, famous for its dams, caves, forts and its awe-inspiring mountains. A group of 25 farmers from the Taluka, which also houses the Pavana Dam, have joined hands to set up weekend       getaways for tourists and have formed the Maval Agri-Tourism Development Co-operative Society Limited which include activities like floriculture, harvesting, bee-keeping, sericulture and dairy.

How to reach: –

1. By Road: Situated equally from both Mumbai & Pune (90 kms) The nearest city is Lonavala (5 kms)
2. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Lonavala

Best time to visit: – October- May

Famous attractions: – Bhaja caves, Anjanvel Agro, Takve Lake