With its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, Mumbai is a city that never sleeps. While the energy and dynamism of the city are infectious, sometimes, you need a break from the chaos. Fortunately, there are several offbeat places to visit near Mumbai that offer the perfect escape from the daily grind. Here are some of these peaceful getaways near Mumbai that promise solitude, natural beauty, and a refreshing change of pace.
Kamshet, situated in the Western Ghats, is a small village located 110 km away from Mumbai and is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai. The village offers a thrilling experience of paragliding over the picturesque valleys, hills, and lakes of the area with the guidance of professional instructors. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of the village while experiencing the thrill of paragliding. You can also explore the ancient caves of Bedsa, Karla, and Bhaja, dating back to the 1st and 3rd centuries. These caves are an excellent example of rock-cut architecture and provide insight into the region's rich cultural heritage. Kamshet is easily accessible by rail or road from Mumbai, making it a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.
Kolad, situated in the Raigad district, is a small village located 117 km away from Mumbai. The village is famous for its white water rafting on the Kundalika River, which has rapids ranging from grade 2 to grade 4. You can experience the thrill of rafting while enjoying the scenic beauty of the river. You can also visit the Tamhini waterfalls, which are surrounded by hills and offer a refreshing dip. The village has its own railway station, and you can also drive down or take a bus from Mumbai to Kolad.
Jawhar, located in the Palghar district, is a picturesque hill station situated 180 km away from Mumbai. It is truly one of the best places to visit near Mumbai if you want to delve deeper into the quaint village life. The town was once a tribal kingdom and still retains its rustic charm with mud-thatched houses, and Warli art. Warli art is a traditional form of painting that depicts the life and beliefs of the tribal people using geometric shapes and patterns. You can witness this art form and learn about the local culture. You can also visit the spectacular Dhabosa waterfall, which cascades from a height of 300 feet, and the Shirpamal palace, which was built by Shivaji Maharaj. To reach Jawhar, you can drive down or take a bus from Mumbai to the hill station.
Sandhan Valley, located near Bhandardara, is a canyon that is considered one of the best trekking spots in Maharashtra. The valley is situated 183 km away from Mumbai and offers a thrilling experience of descending into the "Valley of Shadows," which is a narrow gorge between two high walls of rock. The valley is so deep that sunlight barely reaches it, creating a dark and eerie atmosphere that makes it an exciting destination for adventure seekers. You can also camp at night under the stars and enjoy the bonfire and barbecue. To reach Sandhan Valley, you can drive down or take a bus from Mumbai to Bhandardara and then trek to the valley.
Lonar, situated in the Buldhana district, is a town located at a distance of 500 km from Mumbai. The town is known for its unique crater lake that was formed by a meteor impact about 50,000 years ago and is one of its kind in India. The lake has a diameter of about 1.8 km and a depth of about 150 meters. The water of the lake is alkaline and saline and supports various microorganisms that make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. You can also explore the ancient temples and monuments around the lake that date back to the 6th to 12th centuries. To reach Lonar, you can take a train or bus from Mumbai to Jalna and then drive to the town.
Kaas Plateau, situated in the Satara district, is known as the "Valley of Flowers" of Maharashtra. The plateau is located at a distance of 280 km from Mumbai and offers a stunning view of colourful flowers during the monsoon season, from August to October. You can witness more than 850 species of flowers, some of which are endemic and endangered. The plateau is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot that makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers. You can visit the serene Kaas lake, which is surrounded by hills. To reach Kaas Plateau, you can take a bus or drive down from Mumbai to Satara and then drive to the plateau.
Velas, a coastal village situated in the Ratnagiri district, is a well-known place for its annual turtle festival that takes place between February and March every year. The festival is an incredible sight to witness as the endangered Olive Ridley turtles hatch on the beach and make their way to the sea. You can not only witness this amazing spectacle but also participate in the conservation efforts of the local villagers and NGOs. The village offers a serene and peaceful environment to enjoy the pristine beach, local village life, and authentic Konkani cuisine. You can reach Velas by driving down or taking a bus from Mumbai.