No place in India gets the best televisuals of the monsoon than Maharashtra, in particular its capital Mumbai. Waterlogging and flooding are second nature to the city during this time, and scenes of residents making their way across knee-deep water blare across television screens all over the country. It is undeniable, however, that the smell of petrichor in the air and the thunderous rush of water falling onto roads, houses and people makes for a soothing spectacle. The Western Ghats are particularly magical this time of year for visitors hoping to savour the experience outside of concrete buildings.
From coastal hideaways to hill stations, here are the 10 best places to experience the monsoon in Maharashtra.
Kolad is a village in the Raigad district and is the place to go for white water river rafting. The scenic valleys with their mist-laden hills and dense evergreen forests are a charming sight for eyes used to seeing skyscrapers and crowded streets. The peaceful ambience of the place and the friendliness of homestay owners will make you feel like staying longer. Visitors can also go on treks, harness themselves into a zipline, and canoe while here. Some of the most prominent attractions near Kolad are the Kuda Buddhist Caves, Tamhini Ghat, the Devkund Waterfalls and Ghosalgad Fort.
Getting There
Kolad is 114km from Mumbai. Hop into a bus, taxi or rental to get there.
This hill station in the Nashik district comes alive during the rainy season. Igatpuri is known for its pristine lakes, majestic mountains and waterfalls. Trek to the Camel Valley, the Bhatsa River Valley and Kalsubai Peak. Meditate at Amruteshwar Temple and the Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy, or simply take in the spectacular views of the landscape as the rain falls by camping on the hills.
Getting There
There are train connections between Mumbai and Igatpuri. You can also drive the 121km route.
Close to Igatpuri is Bhandardara in Ahmednagar district. This hill station offers an idyllic weekend getaway for city dwellers due to its lush greenery, waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. The Wilson Dam, Randha Falls and Arthur Lake are some of the town’s attractions. Camping, boating and strolls along the hills and lakes are especially pleasurable during the monsoon.
Getting There
Take the train to Igatpuri Railway Station and take a bus or taxi to cover the 44km to Bhandardara.
No list of the most scenic monsoonal landscapes in Maharashtra is complete without mentioning Mahabaleshwar. Located in the Satara district of the Western Ghats, the place draws religious tourists hoping to pay their respects at the Mahadeo Temple, the source of the Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri rivers. There are many viewpoints scattered across the hill station such as Bombay Point, Arthur's Seat, Kate's Point and Elphinston Point. The place is renowned for its strawberry farms so make sure to pack as many strawberry preserves and food items as you can before you leave.
Getting There
Pune is 120km from Mahabaleshwar. You can drive there or take the train to Wathar Railway Station and hire a taxi.
This gem of a place is located on the Konkan coast in Sindhudurg district. Its pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and colourful marine life make Tarkali a beach paradise. During the monsoon, the region is covered with lush greenery. Water activities like snorkelling and scuba diving, as well as trips to Sindhudurg Fort, allow visitors the opportunity to explore the rich history of the place while indulging in some fabulous panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Getting There
Kudal Railway Station is 31km away from Tarkali. You can also drive there from Mumbai (479km) and Pune (389km).
This cosy village in the district of the same name sits just off the highway near the village of Khopoli. It has historical significance as the place where Shivaji Maharaj fought Kartalab Khan in the 1600s. Its hot springs, trails, night safaris and proximity to monuments like Pali Fort and the two Ganesh temples of Pali and Mahad make it an enviable attraction for city folk embarking on a weekend getaway. The monsoon season makes the forts look more beautiful than before.
Getting There
Durshet is 76km from Mumbai and 97km from Pune. Hire a taxi or drive. Khandala Railway Station is 28km away from Durshet.
The hill station of Amboli in Sindhudhurg district is a paradise for nature lovers. The Sahyadri Hills of the Western Ghats have blessed this place with dense forests, misty valleys and vibrant flora. The Amboli Waterfall, Amboli Forest and Shri Hiranyakeshi Temple are some of its top attractions. The Sunset Point in particular provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, especially during the monsoon when the hills are covered with fog.
Getting There
Sawantwadi Railway Station is 37km from Amboli. You can drive the 81km route from Panaji in Goa to get there.
Surrounded by three hills named Harihareshwar, Harshinachal and Pushpadri, and the place where the River Savitri enters the Arabian Sea, this town on the Konkan coast is beautiful, peaceful and utterly captivating. Known as the “House of God” due to a temple said to have been blessed by Lord Shiva, Harihareshwar is popular with tourists and spiritual worshippers looking for a calm and scenic ambience. With woods and beaches jutting up against one another, a stay here offers the best of both worlds without travellers having to pick a side.
Getting There
Harihareshwar is 192km from Mumbai. Mangaon Railway Station is 61km away from the hill station. Hire a taxi or bus to get there.
This one is for coffee lovers. Located in the Amravati district, this hill station is believed to be the place where Bhima killed Kichaka and threw him into the valley. Whether this tale is true or not, what is undisputed is that Chikhaldara is the only coffee-growing place in the region which also has beautiful lakes, panoramic viewpoints and splendid wildlife. The Melghat Tiger Reserve, Jawarkund Waterfall, Gawilgad Fort and Dharkhora Waterfall are easily reached from here.
Getting There
The closest railway station is in Amravati, 85km away. Nagpur (225km) has the nearest airport to Chikhaldara. Take a bus or taxi from either place.
Saving the best for last, Malshej Ghat has lakes, waterfalls and verdant valleys like most of the spots on this list. What sets it apart however is its population of pink flamingoes who stay here from July to September. Surrounded by the rugged hills of the Western Ghats, this mountain pass is ideal for nature lovers hoping to unwind in tranquility. Trek the Naneghat trail and the Harishchandragadh Fort route, wander through orchards of mulberries, visit the Shivneri Fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji was born, and gaze at the beauty of the flamingoes as the heavens open up and spill their contents.
Getting There
Malshej Ghat is 126km from Mumbai and 122km from Pune. Kalyan Junction is the closest train stop, 85km away. Take a taxi or bus from there.