There comes a point every year when you just want to get away from your hectic work schedule and explore places away from Mumbai. Ideally, you would want to go for a week, but it’s not always that you get a whole week’s leave from work.
So what do you do? Well, the option is to go somewhere nearby that’s so delightful that even a day is sufficient. We bring you our guide to the top 15 places for a one day trip near Mumbai. So go ahead and feel refreshed, thrilled, and happy.
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Best Places to Visit for a One Day Trip near Mumbai
1. Elephanta Islands
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of places to visit for a one day trip near Mumbai is Elephanta Island. You need to take a ferry from the Gateway (which is a great way to start the trip).
At the island, you’ll spend half the day touring the many caves. At the caves, you’ll get to see interesting carvings, visually appealing rock formations and beautiful statues of Indian Gods and Lord Buddha. One of the most noteworthy sites to visit here is the statue of Mehsamurthi with three heads that are made entirely of rock.
After you get back to the Gateway, spend a few minutes exploring Apollo Bunder and its admirable streets.
- Distance from South Mumbai: 25 kilometers
2. Manori
Looking for a quick one-day beach getaway from the hustle of the city life? Manori is where you should go. One of the more secluded beaches, Manori’s dark hard sand makes the beach ideal for enjoying sports such as football and cricket. During the summer there are a few beach tents that are rented out and you’ll find a few stalls selling gola, vada pav, and other local snacks.
Since Manori is a rocky beach, it is advised that you refrain from going too deep into the water. Once you’ve had all the fun at the beach, it is a good idea to walk and explore the cozy Manori village that will really make you feel you’re in Goa.
- Distance from South Mumbai: 40 kilometers
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3. Karnala
The best part about visiting Karnala is that it’s not too far away from Mumbai and it offers you two awesome outdoor experiences. Here, you can go bird watching at the beautiful sanctuary or choose to go trekking at the Karnala Fort.
At the bird sanctuary, you’ll get to hear delightful melodies of birds singing and even spot a few migratory birds that are often rarely seen in Mumbai. From Karnala Fort, you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of Karnala, so keep your camera ready for that memorable picture.
- Distance from South Mumbai: 45 kilometers
Read: 29 Hidden Places In Mumbai To Explore
4. Karjat
If you are looking to just get away from the city to enjoy nature at its best, we would suggest that your next trip is to Karjat. Besides adventure sports and many trekking trails, there are plenty of open spaces that are ideal for a one day trip near Mumbai. Movie buffs can tour the famous N D Studios in Karjat and click photographs at film sets made famous in hit Bollywood movies like Jodhaa Akbar and Kick.
In Karjat, you’ll also find plenty of farmhouses that are available for rent. These are equipped with comfortable amenities and some of them even have swimming pools and big gardens.
- Distance from South Mumbai: 61 kilometers
5. Vasai
Vasai is conveniently connected to Mumbai by the Western Railway. A lazy village that is slowly developing into a city, Vasai, especially the west, offers tourists with some great experiences.
There are plenty of unexplored beaches such as Kalam, Rajodi and the Suruchi Beach, a few open parks, a few big churches and temples to see, and there’s the historic Vasai Fort that has been a set for many Bollywood films.
In Vasai, there are also a few resorts that have plenty of outdoor activities for kids to enjoy. Those looking to relax and soak in the clean air that nature has to offer can visit the many open parks in Vasai.
- Distance from South Mumbai: 61 kilometers
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Best Places to Visit for a One Day Trip near Mumbai (Within 100 kilometers)
Lonavala is well known for being a romantic hill station but if you look closely, you’ll find that it is also a great place for a one day trip near Mumbai. To make the most of your trip, it is suggested you depart from Mumbai early in the morning; we recommend you leave by 5 am. It takes about four hours to get there so you should reach Lonavala by 9 am.
In Lonavala, we suggest that you visit the famous Bhushi Dam and then proceed to enjoy a few adventure sports. If you still have time on your hands, make sure you visit the wax museum here.
- Distance from Mumbai: 83 kilometers
2. Durshet
Durshet is ideal for trekking and walking along nature trails. Blessed with scenic beauty all around, Durshet is home to some excellent trekking trails that pass through waterfalls and streams. What makes trekking here fun is that the trails here aren’t too difficult, so it’s suited for even amateurs. In the summer, there are few outdoor adventure sports activities that are conducted in Durshet.
Nature lovers can enjoy scenic walks as they explore the flora and fauna near the Amba River. A wonderful and often forgotten one day trip near Mumbai.
- Distance from Mumbai: 89 kilometers
3. Matheran
The best way to enjoy Matheran is on foot. In this automobile-free hill station, you’ll find plenty of lookout points and unique rock formations that are worth seeing.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of adventure sports such as rock climbing and rappelling. For a different kind of outdoor experience, we suggest you go for a horse ride through the muddy slopes of Matheran; it’s something you won’t regret.
If you are looking to take back something from Matheran, you can purchase the locally made embroidered bags, jams, and chikki from here.
- Distance from Mumbai: 90 kilometers
Read: 12 Easy Treks Near Mumbai To Try
4. Della Adventures
A visit to Della Adventures is best suited for anyone looking to enjoy a day of fun, adventure and thrill. The Della park has plenty of adventure activity for the whole family. Here, one can enjoy electrifying adventure sports like swoop swinging, motocross dirt biking, and even zorbing or rifle shooting.
For groups, there are activities like paintballing and bubble soccer. There’s also more relaxing things to do like pool, foosball and table tennis.
- Distance from Mumbai: 95 kilometers
5. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort is an ideal place for a one day trip near Mumbai for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. One can embark on a four-hour-long trek that is very easy to complete. Along the trek, there are plenty of beautiful sites to see; they’re also perfect for a quick selfie or group photography.
Once you reach the top, enjoy sightseeing the fort that has some old ruined doors and a few stone structures that still exists. In the fort, there are a few shady spots where you can relax a bit, before making the climb back down to base.
- Distance from Mumbai: 95 kilometers
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6. Alibaug
Situated close to Mumbai, Alibaug has often been a popular choice for a one day trip near Mumbaikars. The reasons for this are the beaches and the many fun activities available in the beach town.
Whether you’re looking to just relax at the beach, participate in adventure sports or even explore important forts (Murud-Janjira, for example), you can do it all in Alibaug. While you’re here, don’t forget to enjoy the lovely seafood prepared using local masalas. There are a few shops here too in case you’re looking for junk jewellery and antique clocks.
- Distance from Mumbai: 106 kilometers
7. Kamshet
If there’s one thing that Kamshet is famous for, it’s paragliding. The mountains here are a hotbed of paragliding activity with people from all over India coming to Kamshet to enjoy the adventure sport.
Normally, a paragliding ride will take around 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Once you’ve enjoyed paragliding, you can head out to explore the scenic Bhaja and Karla caves that are located in Kamshet. Those up for a hike, can trek up to the historic Visapur Fort.
- Distance from Mumbai: 113 kilometres
8. Malshej Ghat
Yet another place that’s ideal for exploring the outdoors, Malshej Ghat has some of the most scenic hills and waterfalls. Popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, Malshej Ghat is also a great spot for bird watching.
From the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, one can often spot exotic varieties of birds. If you still have time, it’ll be awesome to explore the Shivneri Fort that is located not too far away from Malshej Ghat.
- Distance from Mumbai: 140 kilometres
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9. Nashik
What makes Nashik a great place to visit is its many vineyards and the majestic Pandavleni Caves. Ideal for wine lovers, a visit to any of the vineyards in Nashik will surely improve your knowledge of wines. Vineyard tours, wine tasting and grape crushing are just some fun activities to do at Nashik’s many vineyards.
Those looking to visit religious places can see many churches and temples located in Nashik. However, since you’ll be going just for a day, we suggest that you visit the Kalaram Temple.
- Distance from Mumbai: 165 kilometres
10. Daman
Although it may seem that Daman is quite far by road, it’s excellent rail connectivity makes it possible to reach within a couple of hours from Mumbai. Popular for picnics and one-day outings, Daman has plenty of things to see and do.
There are a few beaches where you can enjoy camel and horse rides, a few resorts that have fun activities for families like boating and rides for kids and a few tourists attractions to see. In Daman, don’t forget to sample on fish thali, Daman is known for its seafood delicacies.
- Distance from Mumbai: 170 kilometers
11. Harihareshwar
The beach town of Harihareshwar has plenty of sightseeing opportunities. Here, you’ll find pristine beaches that are peaceful when compared to the more commercials ones in Mumbai as well as temples that are built in typical South Indian architectural style.
Another great place to see is the Ganesh Gully, a narrow passage that connects two hills together. If you have time on your hands, travel a little away from the main Harihareshwar and visit the serene Bagmandla village that is rooted in Indian history.
- Distance from Mumbai: 197 kilometers
The next time you’re looking for places to visit near Mumbai for one day, we suggest that you explore one of the places mentioned above. You can also stay in one of the hotels in Mumbai during your trip here.
Depending on your preference, you could choose Kamshet for its outdoor activities, Matheran for a romantic getaway, or may, if you aren’t willing to travel to far, you could just explore the beaches of Vasai. Let us know what you choose in the comments below.
