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As you may know, Mumbai has a reputation for being the city that never sleeps. There’s usually a buzz of busy bees in the city. It can also get loud and the jammed roads won’t fail to irritate you no matter the upbeat energy. That’s when you know you need an escape from the madness of city life. If you’re craving that, here’s a list of the best road trips to take from Mumbai.
Nothing can be better than a peaceful road trip from Mumbai to Lonavala. You must leave in the wee hours of the morning for this trip and the most preferred time to head to the hill station is in the monsoons.
You might not need to plan ahead for this because the route roughly covers a distance of just 83 km. This makes it a fairly short road trip to take. You can keep things breezy, pack your essentials, take a camera if you have one, and get to experience the stunning nature on your way to Lonavala. As you are close to reaching Lonavala you also get to witness quite a few monkeys sitting on the corners of the road.
Lonavala distance from Mumbai: 83 km
Duration: It takes 1 hour and 47 minutes from Mumbai to reach Lonavala.
Best Time To Visit: June to September is the best time to visit Lonavala.
Also read: Mumbai Travel Guide
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Igatpuri is another great option for a drive from Mumbai or even Pune. It lies comfortably in the dense greenery of the Western Ghats. Many people choose to visit Igatpuri to try Vipassana (a form of meditation). The place is home to one of the largest meditation centers which is the Vipassana International Academy. You will easily find a variety of peaceful spots in the lap of nature to do nothing but sit in solitude.
The hill station is also a preferred destination to trek or indulge in a short hike. But if you’re in no mood to move, you can drive to Kasara Ghat. Ratangad fort, Tringalwadi fort, Amruteshwar temple, and Ghatandevi temple are other interesting places to check out when you’re here. On your way to Igatpuri, you will find a good number of tea stalls, so make sure you take a short break to relish hot piping tea.
Igatpuri Distance From Mumbai: 121 km.
Duration: It takes 3 hours and 10 minutes to reach Igatpuri from Mumbai via car.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit is the winter season from November to February.
Also read: 11 Hill Stations Near Nashik
Taking a road trip to Malshej Ghat is truly an adventure. It is a mountain pass that is not the easiest but heading there for the views is still worth it. The best time to visit the ghat is during the monsoon season so you can come across a good number of waterfalls.
When you’re enjoying the road trip for the fresh air and scenic views, make sure you keep stopping to pause and soak in the beauty. Some of the points of interest you can check out include Pimpalgaon Joga lake, Harishchandragad fort, Shivneri fort, and MTDC point.
Malshej Ghat Distance From Mumbai: 126 km.
Duration: It takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach and the fastest route is through NH 61.
Best Time To Visit: Monsoons are the best time to drive to Malshej Ghat. So plan your time anytime from June to September.
Kolad is a small town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra and is another amazing hub to visit by road on the weekend. It is popularly known as the ‘Rishikesh of Maharashtra’ because the village brags about its breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and evergreen forests.
The eye-catcher is the ambiance and the clear streams which attract many people to come here when it showers. If you notice a long weekend coming up, you should also consider planning your time here. This is because Kolad is the perfect place to detach yourself from city life and immerse yourself in the adventures it has to offer.
You can go river rafting at Kundalika river, try ziplining, go bungee jumping, or camping. To enjoy bird watching while camping, Sutarwadi lakes is a scenic place to stop at. Your options to enjoy staying outdoors doesn’t stop here. You also have an option to hike to Devkund waterfalls or Ghosala falls.
Kolad Distance From Mumbai: 114 km.
Duration: The time taken from Mumbai to reach Kolad is 2 hours and 46 minutes.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Kolad is during the monsoon season between June to September.
Silvassa is a tiny laid back town dotted with several peaceful resorts. It is the perfect change in atmosphere you need if you are tired of the urban sprawl. The town also sits on the banks of the Daman Ganga river, where you can spend countless hours just taking in the fresh air of Silvassa.
Besides kicking your feet up and relaxing in Silvassa, you can also do a ton of sightseeing. If you like to be up and about you can check Silvassa Vasano Lion Safari and the Satmaliya Deer Park.
For some beautiful riverside views, you must visit Vanganga lake and Himaivan dam. Taking a short boat ride in Silvassa is highly recommended as well and you can experience this at Dudhani boating point. When you’re tired from all the sightseeing, make sure you make a stop to indulge in some Ubadiyu. It's a famous dish filled with vegetables and prepared in an earthen vessel.
Silvassa Distance From Mumbai: 173 km.
Duration: The time required to reach Silvassa by road from Mumbai is 3 hours and 24 minutes.
Best Time To Visit: A good time to visit the town is during the months of December and January, the temperature tends to drop around 10℃.
Also read: 8 Places To Visit Near Mumbai During Monsoon
Mulshi is another great location to consider driving to if you wish just soak up some sun and set your eyes on a gorgeous lake. You can easily set up a picnic by the lake after the long drive. Trust us, it is going to be a long drive but once you reach you will be happy with the tranquility of the place. If you love driving through a mountain pass, do consider extending your road trip to Tamhini Ghat which is right past Mulshi.
Mulshi Distance From Mumbai: 153 km.
Duration: 3.5 hours approximately.
Best Time To Visit: June to December.
Kamshet is famous for its paragliding schools and is visited by many thrill seekers. But if you’re not looking for an adrenaline rush, you can simply drive to Kamshet for the spectacular views it offers.
When you reach and you’re not too content with the ground-level view of the place you always have the option of soaring to the skies for an eagle eye view. There are several wellness resorts in the area so when you feel like extending your plans, you will have more than one option!
Kamshet Distance From Mumbai: 100 km.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Best Time To Visit: June to October is when it's most pleasant.
Also read: 10 Beautiful Places To Go Camping Near Mumbai
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station well known for its pleasant and calming atmosphere. A road trip to Mahabaleshwar is a classic one for Mumbaikars during summers to beat the heat with a breezy break.
There are several things you can do in Mahabaleshwar too besides enjoying the cooler temperatures. Some of the scenic points to drive to include, Elphinstone point, Veena lake, Tapola road, and Kates point. One of the best spots to also check out is the colorful Mapro garden where you will be tempted to click a dozen pictures! Trying out the strawberry ice cream is a must here.
Mahableshwar Distance From Mumbai: 261 km.
Time duration: 5.5 hours approximately
Best Time To Visit: March to April is when it's pretty hot in Mumbai and that’s when it's best to head to Mahableshwar to enjoy cooler temperatures.
Matheran is a cozy and comfortable hill station that sits at a height of 2,625 feet above sea level. The drive to Matheran is truly pleasant but you should know that it is an eco-friendly hill station where cars are not permitted. Once you reach the top of the hill, you would need to park your car and walk the rest of the way. Walking under the shade of forest trees and nature trails in Matheran is super refreshing. It is probably the break you need from the daily grind!
Matheran Distance From Mumbai: 83 km.
Duration: 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Read also: 5 Best Bike Trips To Take Near Mumbai In The Monsoon
Summing Up
Road trips are a great way to feel the wind in your face and escape the mundane drama. We hope this list inspires you to hit the brakes on your routine and hit the road for a trip!
Which Route Is Best For Long Drive?
Some of the best road trips to take for a long drive in India are:
How Do You Prepare For A Long Road Trip?
The key to keeping you going on a long road trip is first getting your vehicle serviced and fueled up. You should also get enough sleep before driving, eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and plan stops in between for resting.
What Is Unique In Mahabaleshwar?
Mahabaleshwar is a great place for a leisure trip where you get to enjoy fascinating views of nature. The main tourist attractions are Pratapgad Fort, famous for its history, Mapro Garden for its strawberry farms, and viewpoints like Tiger Point and Sunset Point for their charming views.
Which Place Is Best For A One-Day Trip?
The best places to visit for a one-day trip outside Mumbai are Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Vasai Fort, Lavasa, Durshet, Elephanta Caves, and Manori.
Which Is The Better Route From Mumbai To Goa?
The NH48 route is a better route to travel from Mumbai to Goa, especially at night time. But if you want your drive to have interesting pit stops, then you should opt for the NH66 route.
How Many Lakes Are There In Lonavala?
Lonavala is known for having pleasant weather and it has many lakes to visit apart from other things to see. In total there are around 41 lakes and rivers in Lonavala.
Is Traveling In Mumbai Safe For Females?
Yes, Mumbai city is considered to be the safest city in India so far, a woman can travel late at night alone as the city is awake till the wee hours of the morning.
Is Driving Safe In Mumbai?
The city of Mumbai is not an ideal place for long drives at least during the daytime, long drives or traveling by road from Mumbai can be done either early in the morning or late at night where the risk of accidents is low, and the trip is much smoother.
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