9 Hill Stations in Maharashtra for Monsoon Holidays

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Hill stations in Maharashtra can provide you with the perfect break you need from your hectic routine. Nestled in the Western Ghats, these hill stations have remained popular for many decades and continue to provide a tranquil experience. Most of these famous hill stations in Maharashtra can be visited throughout the year. However, they gain more attention during the monsoon and winter months when the weather turns pleasant.

If you are keen on planning a weekend getaway in Maharashtra you can look out for these places that can provide you with excellent accommodations, food and shopping options. Most of these popular hill stations in Maharashtra have excellent connectivity which means you can reach them quickly. They are ideal for short weekend getaways, but you can stay here for multiple days and enjoy the slow-paced lifestyle they have to offer.

Let’s take a look at the 9 hill stations in Maharashtra that offer spectacular monsoon holiday experiences.

Matheran

Elevation: 800 m (2625 feet)

If you are someone who loves to hike you should choose Matheran for your upcoming monsoon holidays in Maharashtra. Located in the Sahyadri Hill range, Matheran remains one of the closest hill stations to Mumbai. Hence, if you live in Mumbai you can choose this tranquil hill station in Maharashtra for your monsoon holidays. The unique thing about Matheran is that it is the ONLY automobile-free hill station in Maharashtra. Also, it is one of the smallest hill stations in India and therefore perfect for those short holidays with your family and friends.

If you are coming from Mumbai or Pune via train you will need to get down at Neral railway station. From the foothill town of Neral, you can then take the Matheran Hill Railway. This is a narrow gauge rail route on which the toy train operates. It takes approximately three hours for the toy train to reach Matheran from Neral.  Similarly, you can also opt for taxi and bus services from Neral to drop you off at a designated spot beyond which automobiles are not permitted.

Once you are in Matheran you can opt for horses or hand-pulled rickshaws to help you move around. However, the best way to explore Matheran is on foot. You can explore various viewpoints including Alexander Point, Echo Point, Rambaug Point and at least 15 other points.

During the monsoon season, you can also visit Lake Charlotte which is one of the major attractions. If you are seeking adventure you can head for some hiking routes that take you through the forests and muddy pathways and reward you with some stunning panoramic views.

Khandala

Elevation: 624 m (2047 feet)

Khandala was already one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra before the Aati Kya Khandala song became a chartbuster song. However, what it did was put Khandala on a national map and bring more recognition to this small hill town. Khandala along with its twin town Lonavala is a go-to destination for most people living in Mumbai and Pune. With easy accessibility, Khandala offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats which only become better in the monsoon.

With plenty of budget and luxurious hotels, resorts, villas and relevant Airbnb properties you can find the right kind of stay here. If you are looking for a laidback experience, Khandala is one of the best tranquil hill stations in Maharashtra. You can sit back and enjoy the chilly monsoon weather and enjoy panoramic views from your resort. Being in proximity to Lonavala you can also visit the twin town of Lonavala which has more social amenities.

Lonavala

Elevation: 622 m (2041 feet)

Probably one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra this place needs no introduction. Lonavala remains a go-to destination for most people living in Mumbai and Pune. Hence, on weekends you can expect plenty of tourists all over this once-a-sleepy-hill-town. For me, Lonavala is like a second home because I have relatives here. Hence, I have been visiting Lonavala for decades now.

Blessed with spectacular natural beauty, Lonavala is a treat to our mind, soul and body during the monsoon season. With the hills and mountains wrapped up in a verdant green blanket, you can have a great time here. Over the years, Lonavala has transformed into a tourist-oriented hill station offering tons of accommodations, restaurants, cafes, food stalls, eateries and shops for shopping. Unlike other hill stations in Maharashtra, Lonavala offers a unique combination of enjoying urban facilities in a rural setting.

In terms of local attractions, you can plan your visit to Bhushi Dam Lonavala during the monsoon season. Apart from this, you can explore Lonavala Lake, Tiger Point, Tungarli Lake, Pawna Lake, Mapro Garden Lonavala and Della Adventure Park. While you are in Lonavala you can also hike to Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort. Hiking Bhaja Caves and Lohagad Fort during the monsoon season is worth the time and effort.

Lonavala is also known for its chikki and fudges so make sure you buy some of these treats on your way home. You can also sip some coffee at the newly opened Starbucks or go fine dining at some of the finest restaurants this town has to offer.

Panchgani

Elevation: 1293 m (4242 feet)

With lush green forests and breathtaking views of the valley, Panchgani is one of the best hill stations for couples in Maharashtra. If you are looking for a nice romantic getaway close to Pune and Mumbai you can choose this one. Known as Table Land, Panchgani can provide you with a laidback monsoon holiday experience to help you break your hectic routine.

Nestled between the five hills, Panchgani derives its name from its location where Panch means Five and Gani means Hill. It is also closer to Mahabaleshwar and therefore it is likely that most tourists also tour Mahabaleshwar at the same time. When you are exploring this serene hill station in Maharashtra you can visit Sydney Point and Parsi Point which are two main local attractions. Both these local attractions offer panoramic views of the Dhom Dam Lake and hence ideal for nature lovers.

During the monsoon season, Panchgani transforms into a misty wonderland where you can enjoy the cool breeze and delicious hot meals. Also, being at a lower elevation ensures that the intensity of rain here is less compared to that in Mahabaleshwar.

Mahabaleshwar

Elevation: 1353 m (4439 feet)

Known as the Strawberry Capital of India, Mahabaleshwar is among the most famous hill stations in Maharashtra. Dotted with rolling hills, historic temples, pristine lakes, lush green forests and spectacular waterfalls, Mahabaleshwar has a lot to offer. Combined with Panchgani which is only 20 km (13 miles) downhill, Mahabaleshwar is among the best hill station for couples in Maharashtra. With plenty of accommodations, you can enjoy a romantic weekend holiday here.

Apart from its variety of accommodations, Mahabaleshwar is also known for its lakes, waterfalls and various viewpoints. Often tourists are confused between choosing Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar, but the fact is that they both offer very different experiences. During the monsoon season, Mahabaleshwar receives more heavy rainfall which means that you will need a vehicle to help you move around the town.

Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in Maharashtra. Hence, it receives a good amount of rainfall. If you are someone who doesn’t like too much rain you should avoid Mahabaleshwar. However, if you are visiting Mahabaleshwar in the winter months from November to February you can enjoy the chilly weather.

Jawhar

Elevation: 447 m (1467 feet)

Located northeast of Mumbai, Jawhar is one of the lesser-known hill stations in Maharashtra. If you are looking for places that do not attract too much attention you can choose Jawhar. Blessed with rolling hills, stunning waterfalls and fantastic viewpoints, Jawhar is a treat for your eyes during the rainy season.

With the thick fog that surrounds the hills, Jawhar can provide you with the perfect monsoon break you expect. In terms of accommodations, you will find several resorts and hotels that would provide you with decent stay options. However, do keep in mind that Jawhar is not as immensely popular as Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar. Hence, the accommodations are limited.

One of the main reasons why you should choose Jawhar is because you want to relax and enjoy the monsoon season. With its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, placid lakes, spectacular waterfalls and unspoiled nature Jawhar is a paradise for those who prefer a laidback holiday experience.

Igatpuri

Elevation: 600 m (2000 feet)

Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, Igatpuri is just 70 km (44 miles) southeast of Jawhar. From Mumbai, Igatpuri is 120 km (75 miles) and from Pune it is 243 km (151 miles) which means this is one of the hill stations in Maharashtra for weekend getaway. Blessed with green valleys and spectacular waterfalls, Igatpuri offers a great holiday experience for those who want to enjoy the rainy weather.

While Igatpuri is ideal for those who want to spend an idyllic weekend, it is also perfect for adventure seekers. With the kind of natural terrain it offers hikers can have a great time hiking the surrounding hills and valleys. You can choose from various hiking trails depending on how challenging you prefer. Camping, zip-lining and rock-climbing activities are also quite popular in Igatpuri.

Apart from adventure, Igatpuri is also known for its ancient temples like Ghatandevi Temple and Buddhist meditation centres. Being one of the known hill stations in Maharashtra, Igatpuri offers better accessibility and convenience which is essential when you are planning a rainy trip in Maharashtra.

Bhandardara

Elevation: 740 m (2430 feet)

Just an hour away from Igatpuri, Bhandardara is one of the top monsoon destinations in Maharashtra that you should not miss. With its untouched natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, stunning waterfalls and wildflower-filled meadows, Bhandardara is nothing short of paradise. Named among the top 10 hill stations in Maharashtra, Bhandardara is where you can have a great time with your loved ones and family. Ideal for those who want to spend a lazy weekend holiday, Bhandardara is perfect for those who want to unwind. Bhandardara is 165 km (103 miles) from Mumbai. It is at the same distance from Pune but the route is different.

However, on the other end of the spectrum, Bhandardara is a paradise for adventure seekers. If you are ready to take on the terrain and the weather you can head out for hiking and other outdoor activities. Bhandardara is close to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra. You can also explore the Wilson Dam, Sandhan Valley, Umbrella Falls and Arthur Lake.

With plenty of accommodations, you can have a great time with your family and friends on a weekend. On the other hand, you can always stay longer and explore each local attraction at your own pace.

Chikhaldara

Elevation: 1188 m (3898 feet)

If you are not looking for a weekend getaway destination from Mumbai or Pune, you can add Chikhaldara to your list. This is the only hill station in the Vidharba region. However, it certainly is one of the most breathtaking hill stations in Maharashtra. Nestled in the Saputara Hill range, Chikhaldara is known for its lush valleys, rolling hills and amazing coffee. It is the only coffee-growing area in the state. Hence, a hot cup of coffee during the monsoon season sounds like a perfect blend you can enjoy.

Like any other hill station in Maharashtra, Chikhaldara has various viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the hills and lakes. Hence, you can visit them as and when the weather permits. Some of the popular points are Devi Point, Mozari Point, Prospect Point, Panchbol Point, Sunset Point and Hurricane Point. You can also explore the Gawilgarh Fort which is one of the major attractions here.

In terms of distance, Chikhaldara is 691 km (430 miles) from Mumbai and 612 km (380 miles) from Pune. The closest major city to Chikhaldara is Nagpur which is 221 km (137 miles) away.

With plenty of hotels and resorts in the area, Chikhaldara can offer a good stay experience. However, make sure that you book your stay and travel tickets to ensure there are no last-moment discrepancies.

Conclusion

Maharashtra is blessed with a diverse landscape which provides a variety of destinations to choose from. If you are planning to unwind and take a break from your routine these famous hill stations in Maharashtra can offer a great experience. Many of them offer easy accessibility and are closer to cities like Mumbai and Pune. Hence, they often turn out as weekend getaway destinations in Maharashtra.

These hill stations offer excellent accommodation, decent local food and a variety of shopping avenues which adds to the experience. During the monsoon season, they offer spectacular scenic views and an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With the right planning and information, you can spend your weekends or choose more days to stay at any of these hill stations in Maharashtra.