Mumbai’s gotten a little chilly. Sure, it’s not muffler season, but hey, we’ll do the best we can with whatever we’ve got! This winter season, plan a lovely getaway with family or friends to shake off all the stress that this city has to offer.
We’ve put together a list of places you’d like to escape to. Go on, soak it all up and plan your trip ASAP!
One of the oldest hill stations in the world, Panchgani sure makes it to top of this list.
A short distance from Mahabaleshwar, this hill station is known for a lot of favourite points and the Kaas Plateau (with an altitude of 1,200 meters is a biodiversity hot spot with many varieties of flowers and butterflies), along with the Rajpuri caves. The Mapro garden in Panchgani is another famous tourist attraction, with a restaurant, chocolate and cheese factory, children’s play area and a retail outlet that sells its products.
Best Time To Visit: September - May
Famous For: Apart from strawberries, Sydney Point, Table Land, Harrisons Folly, Kaas Plateau, Rajpuri caves, Mapro garden, Pratapgad Fort
Distance From Mumbai: 250-300 km
One of the lesser-known, scenic destinations near Mumbai, Bhandardara is surrounded by lush greenery and hills all around, and is home to a number of indigenous flora and fauna in the region. With a number of natural and man-made dams, waterfalls and lakes, you are sure to enjoy its scenic beauty in the winter.
Best Time To Visit: January- February, August – December
Famous For: Bhandardara Lake, Mt. Kalsubai, Randha and Umbrella Falls, Wilson Dam
Distance From Mumbai: 165 kms approx.
A hill station that’s close to home and pretty clean, Matheran is sure to spread some holiday cheer around, with its fresh air and scenic beauty. Best enjoyed in the winter, you have a plethora of options to choose from, from thickly wooded paths to the countless lookout points, spending some time at the lake or even horseback riding.
Best Time To Visit: December – February
Famous For: Alexander Point, Charlotte Lake, One Tree Hill, Malet Spring, Mount Berry, Toy Train
Distance From Mumbai: 110 kms approx.
Situated at a height of 3,177 feet, Panhala commands a breathtaking view of the valley and is full of Maratha history. It is also the place where Shivaji spent a lot of his time and it also was the Maratha State capital for many years. The Panhala fort is said to guard the principal route to the Western Ghats long ago.
If you’re a history buff, don’t skip this!
Best Time To Visit: November – January
Famous For: Sajja Kothi, Sambhaji Temple, Panhala Tank, Nayakini Sajja, Panhala Fort
Distance From Mumbai: 380 kms approx.
Located in Nashik district with some of the highest peaks in the Sahyadri Range, Igatpuri is also a big railway station that connects cities across the state. Nestled in the greenery of the Western Ghats, this hill station attracts a lot of hikers and trekkers. It is also home to the Vipassana Academy, said to be one of the world’s largest meditation centers. If you’re into rock climbing, rappelling, trekking and camping, this is the place for you.
Best Time To Visit: November – March
Famous For: Tringalwadi Fort, Ghantadevi Temple, Myanmar Gate, Thal Ghat, Dhamma Giri Vipassana Academy
Distance From Mumbai: 130-150 kms approx.
A popular temple town located in Bhorgiri village, Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotilingam shrines of Lord Shiva in the country. For that reason, it is considered one of the holiest places to visit. Many people from across the state also come here to hike and trek.
It also houses the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary; spread over 120 square kilometers over the Western Ghats. One of the primary species it is home to is the Indian Giant Squirrel and a number of sacred groves. Trekking in the forest route will definitely bring you closer to nature and help you forget all your city troubles.
Best Time To Visit: November – March
Famous For: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimashankar Temple, Hanuman Lake.
Distance From Mumbai: 223 kms approx.
A beautiful getaway near the Konkan coast, Ganapatiphule is kind off underestimated when it comes to getaways in Mumbai. A great alternative to Alibaug, this beach town is known for its serene beauty and clean sands. A lot of travellers come here to visit the Ganesha temple that is 400-years old and to enjoy the unique Konkani cuisine that’s on offer. The MTDC resort is right on the beach, if you’re looking to enjoy spending some time in the sun and sand.
Best Time To Visit: While this town is pleasant almost all year round, it's at it's best after monsoons. So anytime between say October to February.
Famous For: Jaigad Fort, Arevare Beach, Gaywadi Beach, Swayambhu Ganesh Temple.
Distance From Mumbai: 345 kms approx.
Known to have strong roots to Portuguese history, architecture and rule, Silvassa is an ideal hill station and getaway for history and nature buffs. And if you're looking for an adventurous trip, this little town's got a lot. From lakes and wildlife sanctuaries to great architectural buildings and breathtaking nature views - Silvassa won't disappoint you.
Best Time To Visit: Winters, from October to March.
Famous For: Lion Safari Wildlife Park, Island Garden, Vanganga Lake.
Distance: 172 kms approx.
Almost always mentioned in every travel website as a place to visit near Mumbai, we thought it should definitely have an honourable mention. Most of us know Mahabaleshwar for its strawberries and cream. Well, apart from that, it’s the perfect hill station for a quick getaway, even if it’s only about lazing around in an Airbnb home or even hiking around to check out the various points.
