A weekend in Mumbai could be anything but boring because you will be spoiled with options. There are many popular destinations that are not so far away from the city where you can get the break you deserve. To narrow down your best options, we’ve come up with a list of some of the best long weekend getaways from Mumbai!
If you’re tired of seeing Lonavala, Matheran, and Khandala on the top of the list of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai, then Karnala is an off-beat destination for you. Karnala is a hidden gem near Mumbai and serves as a perfect place for spending a weekend. This location is primarily known for its ancient fort and the bird sanctuary that is home to thousands of bird species.
Karnala bird sanctuary is along the slope of a hill. So if you are interested in something adventurous, then you can consider trekking along Karnala’s trails and spot exotic birds in the dense forest cover. Once you reach on the top you can throw a picnic and munch on some sandwiches while enjoying the view of the foggy hills.
Mumbai To Karnala Distance: 51 km, 1.5 hours by road.
Best Time To Visit: September to April.
Things To Do In Karnala: Exploring the botanical garden, the rose garden, and bird watching are some of the thing to do in Karnala.
Also read: 11 Hill Stations Near Delhi For An Awesome Holiday
Next on the list is Revdanda which is a quaint little town in Alibaug. The small beach town is less popular so if you’re looking for own slice of peace, this is it. If you wish to be at a spot that comes alive, you can also head to Alibaug which is a short 30 minute drive from Revdanda.
At Alibaug, you can engage in water sport activities like parasailing, jet skiing, or going on a banana boat ride. For a more laid back vibe and recharging your batteries, head back to Revdanda. The place is also home to a massive old fort perfect to catch the sunset or sunrise. Other than exploring the marvels of this coastal town, you can also treat yourself to some scrumptious Konkan seafood delicacies!
Mumbai To Alibaug Distance: 94.9 km, 2.5 hours by drive.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Do In Revdanda, Alibaug: Go beach hopping because there’s a whole row of beaches at your disposal. Alibaug, Varsoli, and Kihim are some of the main beaches to stop by. You can also pay a visit to some old grand fort such as Kulaba fort, Murud-Janjira, and Hirakot fort.
One of the most gorgeous hill stations in the Western Ghats is Malshej Ghat. This hill station is a treasure trove of natural wonders with a scenic beauty that is sure to attract the shutterbug in you. Embraced by the Sahyadri hills and a rich patch of vegetation, Malshej is studded with several sights worth visiting.
From cascading waterfalls to ancient tall standing forts, this places has it all. It is also home the popular Shivneri fort, which was the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. When you’re here you can take up the challenge of trekking to Harishchandragad Hill Fort if you like.
Mumbai To Malshej Ghat Distance: 126.2 km, 3.5 hours by drive.
Best Time To Visit: August
Things To Do In Malshej Ghat: Trekking the Harishchandragad hill fort and camping by Pimpalgaon Joga Dam are two of the most popular activities at Malshej. If you have the time you can also check out Ajoba hill fort and Shivneri fort.
Weekend getaways are supposed to be relaxing and Manori got the memo about that. It is a small village that gives you the best of both calm and chaos. With the endless beaches and it being home to many fishing communities, Manori is known to give you a Goa vibe.
Its beach shores are dotted with tall coconut trees that have hammocks tied to it, where you can just lay and listen to the tunes of the waves. And for the party animal in you, Manori also has a charming nightlife with lively beach parties and barbeque grills.
Mumbai To Manori Distance: 49 km, 2 hours by drive.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Do In Manori: Some of the best places to visit in Manori are Global Vipassanna Pagoda, Samudreshwar temple, Sufi Dargah, Old Portugese church, and Nath Sampradaya Ashrams.
Also read: 20 Best Hill Stations In Maharashtra For A Break
Aamby Valley is a gorgeous township developed in the Pune district by Sahara India Parivar. Nestled in the hilly terrains, this township enjoys a serene landscape along with a contemporary infrastructure. With plenty of facilities in place, it can be the perfect luxurious getaway for you.
Other than the natural forest cover, Aamby Valley also has three tranquil artificial lakes. It also has a vast golf course and many other promising adventurous activities like zip lining, skydiving, jungle safari, and water sports. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then you are sure to enjoy your long weekend here at Aambey Valley.
Mumbai To Aamby Valley Distance: 105 km, 3 hours by drive.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Do In Aamby Valley: Some of the most interesting things to do here are taking a gypsy for a jungle safari, trying a hand at golf, and indulging in different adventure sports.
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Bhandardara is a quaint little hill station on the outskirts of Mumbai. It is one of the most sought-after places among city dwellers. If you’re a nature lover and an adventure seeker, then this could be the perfect place for your vacation.
With cascading waterfalls, mighty mountains, and serene lakes, it is the ideal getaway from the everyday hubbub. Exploring the marvels of Bhandardara comes with the thrill of engaging in activities like cycling and trekking. One of the best ways to make the best of your weekend is to camp by the lake and spend the night star-gazing.
Mumbai To Bhandardara Distance: 165 km, 3.5 hours by drive.
Best Time To Visit: March to June and October to February.
Things To Do In Bhandardara: One of the most tranquil things to at Bhandardara is camping or boating at Arthur lake. It’s hands down the best experience. Randha waterfalls and Umbrella falls are the other two best spots you can make it to when you’re here.
If you’re craving to go white-water rafting, then a trip to Rishikesh would be an ideal choice. But, a trip to Rishikesh over the weekend might not be possible for a Mumbaikar. No worries, you can still do river rafting at Kolad, which is just a few kilometers away from Mumbai. The fast-flowing river of Kundalika sets the perfect pace for river rafting.
Not just rafting, Kolad is known for many other adventurous activities like parasailing, kayaking, rappelling, paragliding, and much more. And all of this can be experienced against the enchanting backdrop of green meadows and majestic valleys. Apart from this, you can also go around Kolad to explore ancient forts, tranquil lakes, and waterfalls.
Mumbai To Kolad Distance: 122 km, around 3 hours by drive.
Best Time To Visit: June to October.
Things To Do In Kolad: Some of the prominent places to cover when in Kolad include Devkund waterfalls, Tamhini Ghat, and Sutarwadi lake.
Daman is one of the most beautiful places near Mumbai and is an amazing weekend getaway from the city. Today it does capture the charm of a city, but previously, Daman used to be a Portuguese colony. Home to several historical monuments and forts, it has a rich history and cultural heritage.
This is a city that offers the calm and quiet Mumbai fails to offer. Another reason to visit Daman is its alluring beaches and scenic views. An evening in Daman could be spent sitting by the beach, sipping on a cold drink, and soaking in the dazzling sunset.
Mumbai To Daman Distance: 171 km, 2.5 hours by drive.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Things To Do In Daman: At Daman, you go explore the Devka beach, Jampore beach, St. Jerome fort, Mirasol Lake garden, and seek blessings at the Cathedral of Bom Jesus and Somnath Mahadev temple.
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Summing Up
If you have exhausted the places to explore in Mumbai, then it's time to think out of the box. And now that you know of all the best places to go outside Mumbai, it shouldn’t be that hard to plan a long weekend getaway. So, look up your calendar and start planning right away!
Is Lavasa Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. It is one of the newest hill stations near Mumbai. And what makes it stand out from the crowd is the architecture that makes you feel like you’re in an Italian city.
Which Is Better Lonavala Or Lavasa?
Lonavala is one of the most popular and common hill stations among Mumbaikars. On the other hand, Lavasa is a new hill station that is comparatively less explored. So, if you’re looking to explore someplace that is not so crowded, then Lavasa is a good option.
Is There An Entry Fee For Lavasa?
No, there are no fees to enter the city of Lavasa. But, you will have to pay the parking fees and other fees included during sightseeing.
What Is The Cost Of A Ferry Ride From Mumbai To Alibaug?
A small ferry ride can cost you INR 200-300 approx. If you plan on taking the newly introduced M2M ferry, then it can cost you around INR 400-500. And if you’re traveling with your vehicles, then it will cost you extra.
Which Is The Best Month To Visit Mahabaleshwar?
Both winters and summers are great times to visit Mahabaleshwar, but winters are more chilly and pretty. Monsoons are also a good time to visit here, but moving around would be a bit inconvenient. So, the best months to visit Mahabaleshwar are December to February.
How Many Days Are Enough For Alibaug?
Alibaug is famous for its gorgeous beaches, forts, temples, and restaurants. And to cover all these places of interest, a 2-day trip would be enough in this coastal town.
Where Can I Buy Tickets For Alibaug Ferry?
Tickets to local ferries can be bought directly at the ticket counters at the Gateway of India and Bhaucha Dhaka. However, if you want to get tickets to renowned ferries like M2M, then you need to make an advanced booking through their official website.
Which Is The Cleanest Beach In Alibaug?
Alibaug is home to many popular beaches like Nagaon, Mandwa, Revdanda, and Alibaug beach. But the cleanest of them all is the Varsoli beach which is nestled in the suburbs and attracts fewer tourists as compared to the other beaches.
