Monsoon season is back! People in Mumbai rejoice in the happiness of the rainy season after a long, sweaty summer. It’s time to put your laptop away, pack your bags, and enjoy the rainy season with your group by planning a weekend getaway just outside of Mumbai. 

Here are some of the top places nearby Mumbai to visit during the monsoon season: 

1. Lonavala

One of the most beautiful retreats that take you away from the hectic rush of the cities is Lonavala. It is situated in Maharashtra’s Pune district in the nation’s western region. This hill station is located 96 kilometers east of the large metropolitan city of Mumbai. Because of its strategic location on the Mumbai–Pune expressway, Lonavala can serve both cities with the best possible road connectivity.

The Kune, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath, and Jummapatti waterfalls are just a few magnificent waterfalls found in Lonavala’s surroundings. 

You can’t help but be impressed by the tranquil atmosphere of the picture-perfect environment of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake, and Lonavala Lake. In addition, Lonavala is well-known for its historical landmarks, religious sites, and natural wonders. These include the Rajmachi, Lohagad, Duke’s Nose, and Tikona forts.

Tourists can enjoy various entertaining activities in Lonavala, such as rappelling, camping at Pawna Lake, hiking to Tikona Fort, trekking to Rajmachi Fort, and riding the Imagica Slides.

2. Kolad

Kolad is a small village in Maharashtra’s lovely Raigad region, located around 110 kilometers from Mumbai. Kolad is home to various tourist attractions and welcomes all types of visitors. The Kundalika River, the center of white water rafting in the area, is among the top tourist attractions in Kolad City. 

You can also go to the tranquil Tamhini Ghat and take in the lovely views of the hills nearby. Alternately, you can have a great picnic at the Bhira Dam while seeing the stunning Devkund Waterfalls. The historic Ghosala Fort and the Kuda Caves are a couple of the other well-known Kolad attractions.

3. Khandala

A well-known hill resort in Maharashtra, Khandala, is located at the base of the Sahyadri Mountains in the Western Ghats. With its beautiful valleys, green hills, calm lakes, and misty waterfalls, Khandala offers the people of Mumbai the ideal weekend getaway.

Khandala, one of the top monsoon vacation spots near Mumbai, has a variety of must-see sites, especially when it’s raining in the nation’s central region. These attractions include the tiger’s leap, the Duke’s nose, and Bhushi Lake, where you may enjoy the beauty of nature.

4. Panchgani

Panchgani, a well-known hill station near Mahabaleshwar, gets its name from the five hills surrounding it. It is famous for its numerous sunset and sunrise gazing locations and scenic valley views. Compared to Mahabaleshwar, it gets less rain, yet it still has beautiful valleys and rock formations.

Many people travel to Panchgani in search of peace, love, beautiful surroundings, and adventure. The prominent attractions of Panchgani include Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam, further enhancing the place’s beauty and charm. Panchgani offers its visitors various mind-boggling activities and a few scenic vistas.

5. Matheran 

The Matheran hill station is the ideal location to see the sunset and sunrise, as well as some breathtaking scenery to keep you active and engaged. The main tourist attractions in Matheran are found in this remarkable hill station, free from the hectic metropolitan life surrounding it. 

The location is actually on the Western Ghats, which are situated at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level. The area always has great weather to enjoy throughout the year, but the season of rain and thunderstorms enhances its beauty.

6. Karnala

The Indian state of Maharashtra’s Raigad district is where Karnala City is situated. The distance between the city and Panvel is 16 km or 65 km from Mumbai’s center. Additionally, the community has excellent connectivity to the surrounding metropolitan cities. 

You will never experience any difficulty getting to your favorite place. In terms of both flora and fauna, Karnala is bountiful in natural beauty. The best time to visit this location is during the monsoon season to see the appealing, lush flora surrounding it.

More than 150 species of birds and other wild animals, including rhesus monkeys and wild boars, can be found in the bird sanctuary in the city of Karnala. Karnala’s historical fort, built around 1400 BCE by the Devagiri Yadavas and Tughluqs, is well known among history and architecture art lovers.

Hope this helps you to plan a getaway and enjoy monsoon season!