Our official Blog series

We welcome you again to the Part-3 of our blog series on ‘ 52 Getaways in Maharashtra’. If you are bored of the lock down fatigue and are looking forward to discover some new destinations after the pandemic, then you are on the right page here as we introduce you to some of the mesmerizing lush green destinations of Maharashtra which is perfect for a relaxed and soothing experience.

#21 SAPUTARA

Saputara is a hill station situated on the border of Gujarat and Maharashtra in the Western Ghats. Saputara literally translates to habitat of snakes as the tribal people here worship snakes. Situated at an altitude of 875 meters above the sea level, this hill station is a perfect weekend getaway as it consists of drizzling waterfall, lush green mountains and romantic spots for couples.

 How to reach: –

1. By road- Saputara is well connected through highways with major cities ,particularly cities in Maharashtra and Gujarat. State government bus services are also available from these cities to Saputara.
2. By train- The nearest railway station is Bilmora in Gujarat which is 50 and Nashik Road which is 75 km in Maharashtra.
3. By air- The nearest airport is Surat which is 120 km in Gujarat and Nashik which is 75 km in Maharashtra .

Best time to visit: – The best time to visit is during the winter months of October- February as the weather is comfortable for sightseeing. Although, Saputara is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year but avoid monsoon visits.

Famous attractions: – Artist village, Hatgadh fort, Vansda National Park, Saputara lake, Gira falls

Activities: – Sightseeing, adventure tourism activities and Boating

Foods to try- Bajri no rotlo, Bhakri, Dhokla, fafda, khandvi and many more.

#22 MATHERAN

Matheran is extremely popular hill station for the tourists who are looking for a short trip, spectacular vistas and serenity and it is one of the smallest hill stations in India. It is famous for its scenic viewpoints.

How to reach: –

1. By road- The Mumbai-Pune Highway connects Matheran to the major cities in Maharashtra. Regular state transport buses from Mumbai, Pune and Panvel are available to reach Neral near Matheran. Thereafter one can reach Matheran by taxi/cars.

2. By train- Matheran has a railway station which is connected to Neral Junction via a toy train and Karjat junction via a local train.

Local transport: – Foot, Pulled rickshaw, Horse ride are the only means of transport within the city.

Famous attractions: – Louisa point, Panorama point, Charlotte lake, Monkey point, Echo point

Best time to visit: – The best time to visit Matheran is Summer from March – June. 

Foods to try: – Chikki, Vada pav, Kokum Sharbat

#23 MAHABALESHWAR

A hill town in Western Ghats, apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. The city consist of ancient temples, boarding schools, lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys. The hill station with charming views, serene lakes is definitely among the most sought after weekend getaways from Mumbai.

How to reach: –

1.  By air- The closest airport to Mahabaleshwar is Pune at the distance of about 120 kilometres. This airport is very well linked to many other major domestic and international airports.
2. By road- The most preferred way of going from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is by road.
3.  By train- The closest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is situated in Wathar (60kms). This railway station then links to the other railway stations. However, it is more convenient to travel via Pune.

Local transport- Govt tourist buses and cars/private cabs are available. For the adventurous, there is also the option of horse rides to see the places.

Best time to visit: – Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is in summer months from March to June (average temp 33-35 degree Celsius) and from December to February (temp dips down to 20-25 degree Celsius).

Famous attractions: – Elephant’s Head point, Chinaman’s falls, Dhobi waterfall, Arthur’s seat.

Foods to try: – Corn pattice, zunka bhakari, corn frankies, strawberries, strawberry ice-cream, mulberries, fudge.

#24 KHANDALA

On the foothills of Sahyadri, it provides a perfect weekend with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes and misty waterfalls. This is one of the most popular weekend getaways for the people from nearby cities of Mumbai and Pune. It is a must visit destination for everyone looking for beautiful nature, pleasant weather particularly during and post monsoon.

How to reach: –

1. By flight- Pune (72 km) or Mumbai (82 km) are the nearest airports to visit Khandala.
2. By road- The distance between Mumbai and Khandala is  81.9 km. Hence, the most preferred way of going to Khandala from Mumbai is by a car or cab.
3. By train- Khandala is a Railway Station on Central Railway and number of major trains connecting Mumbai and Pune pass through this station

Local transport- Govt. tourist buses and cabs are available.

Best time to visit: – The best time to visit Khandala is from July- September as one can experience the lush greenery of Khandala during monsoon season.

Famous attractions: – Rajmachi Fort, Visapur Fort, Bedsa caves, Kondeshwar temple

Foods to try: – Vada Pav, chikki and Maharashtrian cuisine.

#25 KASHID

A town on a beach which is popular for its white sand and blue seas and it’s situated in Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway from Mumbai. One can relax in the lap of nature.

How to reach: –

1. By air- Nearest airport is Chattrapati Shivaji International airport in Mumbai (125 km).
2. By road- Kashid is connected by good roads to Alibag and consequently to the other major cities of Maharashtra
3. By train- Panvel (92 km) is the nearest Railway Station on Harbour/central Railway.

Local transport- Since the region is quite small, any important destination can be reached through walk. Bicycles and bikes can be rented out.

Best time to visit: – The best time to visit Kashid is from October- February during the winter when the weather remains pleasant

Famous attractions: – Kashid Beach, Phansad Bird Sanctuary, Murud Janjira Fort

Foods to try: – Kombadi-Wade, Sol-Kadhi, Jackfruit bhajji, Ambole, Kelphoola-chi bhajji

#26 AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES

Ajanta and Ellora caves, is a best example of ancient rock-cut caves which are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings. Ajanta and Ellora caves are a set of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments.

How to reach: –

1. By flight– Aurangabad is nearly 99 km from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora. The nearest airport is Aurangabad Airport.
2. By road- Ajanta Caves are well connected to a network of excellent roadways with Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore, Bijapur, and Aurangabad.
3. By train- Jalgaon and Aurangabad are the two main railway junctions. These junctions are very well-connected via major trains from all across India. The train ride is very convenient and cheap in price

Local transport- In Aurangabad, an easy way to travel is by auto-rickshaw, but cars on hire and local taxis are also available to travel within the city and to its surrounding areas.

Best time to visit: – June- March are the best months to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

#27 DAMAN

Daman is the head Quarter of Union Territory of  Daman and Diu which comprises two districts namely Daman and Diu. The cool beaches, lush  greenery, scenic natural beauty makes Daman a popular destination among youths and even as a getaway for those in Gujrat and Maharashtra. Daman is a beautiful little city on Western coast, surrounded by states of Gujarat, Maharashtra. Beaches are covered by white sand and has excellent shopping experience.

How to reach: –

1. By flight- There is no direct flight to Daman. The nearest commercial airport is in Surat.
2. By road- Daman is connected with major cities via Vapi (13 km).
3. By train- . The nearest railway station is Vapi (13 km). Three Wheelers (Auto Rickshaws) or Taxis are available to reach Daman.  

Local transport- (Three Wheelers) Auto rickshaws/cars are available.

Best time to visit: – The best time to visit Daman is between October – April, however, visit Daman from March to June to enjoy Watersports activities.

Famous attractions: – Devka Beach, Daman Light House, Jampore Beach, St Jerome Fort

#28 SURYAMAL

Suryamal is the highest peak of the region, located in Thane district of Maharashtra. It’s small but a beautiful hill and it is a popular place among people for the breathtaking views that it can be seen from the hilltop. The place has a dense lush greenery.

How to reach: –

1. By road- Suryamal is well connected by road to Mumbai, Pune, Nasik and Igatpuri which are the nearest cities.
2. By train- Nearest rail head is Igatpuri which is about 50 kilometres away from Suryamal.

Local transport- Buses, taxis and rickshaws are readily available here.

Best time to visit: – During summer months, Suryamal being a hill station, the climate here is cooler than the surrounding area.

Famous attractions: – Suryamal Peak

Foods to try: – Misal Pav, Vada Pav

#29 SILVASSA

Silvassa is the Capital of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Silvassa lies between Gujarat and Maharashtra. The hills of the western-ghats covered with the lush greenery which makes it a perfect getaway from nearby cities like Mumbai, Nashik in Maharashtra and also from nearby cities in Gujarat. One can perform various water-based activities and it is a best place for the handmade products.

How to reach: –

1. By air- Diu (7 km) is the nearest airport. Daily flights connect Mumbai and Porbandar.
2.  By road- The convenient way to reach Silvassa is through Western express highway (NH8), which is connected with major cities in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
3. By train- The nearest railway station is in Vapi, which is approx. 16.6 km away from Silvassa.

Local transport- Rickshaws are available locally.

Best time to visit: – October- March is perfect to explore the city.

Famous attractions: – Suryamal Peak

Foods to try: – Ubadiya, Khamman and Gamthi

#30 TAMHINI GHAT

It is located between the villages of Mulshi and Tamhini in the state of Maharashtra, Tamhini Ghat is a gorgeous mountain pass. The place has a natural beauty and the attraction of a waterfall.

How to reach: – Tamhini Ghat can ideally be explored in a private vehicle, it is 56 km from Pune and 144 km from Mumbai .

Local transport- Rickshaws are available locally.

Best time to visit: – The best time is between July- September

Famous Attractions: – Tamhini Waterfalls, Local wild life sanctuary

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog posts to know more destinations for a perfect getaway in Maharashtra!