The 15 Best Hill Stations Near Mumbai You Can Explore

It is not always that you get the chance to head out of the city for a short staycation. But, if you do get the chance, grab the opportunity and go. If your starting point is Mumbai, you’re in a for a treat as you have plenty of beautiful hill stations that are just waiting to be explored.

You can enjoy the sleepy hills of Panchgani, eat some delicious Parsi food in Mahabaleshwar, or even tour Matheran on a horse. Here is a round-up of the 15 best hill stations near Mumbai that are worth checking out.

List of Hill Stations near Mumbai – within 100 km

1. Lonavala

Lonavla is around a 3-hour drive from Mumbai. It is surrounded by the beautiful Western Ghats and is a popular tourist spot for Mumbaikars. This hill station offers plenty of things to do. From trekking to exploring local markets, and soaking in picturesque settings, travellers can enjoy it all.

The Bhushi Dam and Tiger Point are two famous spots in Lonavala. While travelling to this hill station, don’t forget to try the local groundnut chikki and walnut fudge that’s available at sweet markets.

• Distance from Mumbai: Approximately 83 kilometres by road.

2. Khandala

Picturesque views, natural attractions, and pleasant weather make Khandala a great choice for a weekend getaways from Mumbai. For those who love adventure sports, there are great trekking routes or you can even try rock climbing at Karla Hills.

Other spots worth visiting are the Kune Waterfalls, Lohagad Fort and Pawna Lake. The hill station is also famous for its chikki and jams, so do make sure to look out for them at the local markets.

• Distance from Mumbai: Approximately 83 kilometres by road.

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3. Karjat

If you don’t want to waste a lot of time travelling, then consider Karjat as it is located barely two hours from the city. You can drive down via the Sion-Panvel Highway or travel by the Karjat local that can be boarded at Dadar Station in Mumbai.

If you’re an adventure junkie or nature lover, then Karjat has a lot to offer including great river rafting and hiking experiences. There are also a few temples and dams that are worth a visit such as the Morbe Dam and Sondai Fort.

• Distance from Mumbai: 64 kilometres by road.

4. Matheran

Matheran is blessed with many lookout points, such as Louisa Point that offers a bird’s-eye view of the nearby Prabal Fort. Some other notable spots to visit include One Tree Point, Monkey Point, and Porcupine Point.

Those who seek adventure can participate in activities such as rock climbing, trekking, and parasailing. Matheran is also great for shopping — you can purchase cane items, leather slippers and bags, as well as a variety of sweets. The locally made chikki is a must try.

• Distance from Mumbai: 90 kilometres by road.

Hill Stations near Mumbai – within 100-200 km

1. Igatpuri

Located close to Nashik, Igatpuri is filled with natural beauty. Located in the Western Ghats, getting to Igatpuri is easy, as there are daily trains that depart from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Mumbai. Igatpuri is home to Dhamma Giri, one of the largest Vipassana meditation centres in India. At this hill station, you will also find a few small trekking spots which are ideal for beginners.

• Distance from Mumbai: 120 kilometres by road.

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2. Jawhar

One of the lesser known hill stations in the region, Jawhar has plenty of touristy things to do. It’s pristine air and tranquil surroundings are ideal for treks; the Hanuman and Sunset points offer amazing views of the hillside.

The Jai Vilas Palace and Bhopatgad Fort are a tribute to Jawhar’s historic past and are worth a visit. Shopping enthusiasts can enjoy the variety of tribal artwork, handmade bags and artefacts, as well as Warli paintings that can be found at local stores here.

• Distance from Mumbai: 120 kilometres by road.

3. Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is a beautiful hill station nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats. Located about a 140-odd kilometres away from Mumbai, it is a must-visit if you love the outdoors and nature. You will find plenty of trekking trails and gushing waterfalls to explore as well as flora and fauna to soak in. If you have time, visit the historic Shivneri Fort that’s around 40 kilometres away.

• Distance from Mumbai: 140 kilometres by road.

4. Bhandardara

Bhandardara has always been used as a stopover spot for pilgrims who visit the holy city of Shirdi. However, it’s much more than just a stopover point. Blessed with scenic hills, Bhandardara has some lovely spots for exploring, the Randha and Umbrella Falls being two of them.

Visit the Ratangad Fort which is about 23 kilometres away from Bhandardara to soak in the region’s rich historical past. You can either get here by boat or make the climb up Ratangad hill.

• Distance from Mumbai: 164 kilometres by road.

5. Lavasa

Lavasa is a planned hill city, not far from Pune. Great for a family vacation, you can enjoy plenty of water and adventure sports, tour the city on an open bus, or in a mini train, and even try out international and local cuisine at restaurants overlooking the scenic hills.

Other things to do here include a visit to the game arcade and spa. For those who love greenery, there is a small nursery and a few gardens to explore.

• Distance from Mumbai: 188 kilometres by road.

Hill Stations near Mumbai – 200+ km

1. Panchgani

One can never get bored in Panchgani as it has a lot to offer tourists. You can enjoy parasailing, rappelling, and even rock climbing. Parsi Point and Table Land are two places every tourist must see.

Those who love nature, and more specifically flowers, can drive down to the Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO heritage site located nearby that boasts massive flower beds that come to life between August and October.

• Distance from Mumbai: 244 kilometres by road.

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2. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is popular for much more than its strawberry fields. This hill station near Mumbai is also famous for its majestic peaks and rivers. Some important points to see in Mahabaleshwar are Elephant’s Point, Arthur’s seat, and the Chinaman’s falls.

There are also serene and beautiful temples such as the Panchganga Mandir and the Mahabaleshwar Mandir that are worth a visit. A stopover at the Mapro farms is a must for anyone who is visiting the hill station for the first time. 

• Distance from Mumbai: 261 kilometres by road.

Try hotels in Mahabaleshwar for a comfortable stay.

3. Panhala

This hill station is blessed with a rich past. It was the place where Shivaji Maharaj spent most of his childhood days and it has also been the capital of the Maratha people. Panhala is home to forts and caves; the Panhala fort, particularly Teen Darwaza, is a site that you should add to your itinerary. Besides the fort, attractions like the Sambhaji temple, the Sajja Kothi and the Tank of Panhala are also worth visiting.

• Distance from Mumbai: 380 kilometres by road

4. Saputara

Located in the neighbouring state of Gujarat, Saputara is ideal for a family getaway. The drive to this cosy hill station is peaceful and lovely. Saputara offers tourists plenty of outdoor experiences, such as trekking, river rafting, and hiking. For those who love culture, visit Saputara during the festival of Holi when the locals celebrate the Dang Darbar with dance, music and a lot of gusto.

• Distance from Mumbai: 250 kilometres from Mumbai.

5. Toranmal

Toranmal is a long drive away from Mumbai but is worth it if you are truly looking to get away from it all. Tucked away in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1461 metres, Toranmal is perfect for a lazy holiday.

Here you can soak in the gorgeous views that nature has to offer or visit many peaceful temples, including the popular Gorakhnath Temple. There are a few coffee gardens here as well as some lovely and beautiful lakes to check out.

• Distance from Mumbai: Toranmal is around 450 kilometres from Mumbai.

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6. Amboli

Not to be confused with the suburb of Mumbai, Amboli is a hill station near Mumbai situated in the south of Maharashtra. It is known for receiving the highest amount of rainfall in Maharashtra and has a pleasant climate throughout the year.

During the monsoon, the lush greenery and fog add to the charm of the place. Good spots to visit include Shirgaonkar point and Madhavgarh Fort.

• Distance from Mumbai: Toranmal is around 489 kilometres from Mumbai.

A short trip to one of these hill stations near Mumbai will refresh your mind and spirit. So, the next time you’re looking to get away from Mumbai or planning a trip to Mumbai then these places should be on your travel itinerary. Once you visit, do tell us about your experience in the comments below. We would love to hear about them.