10 Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra

 10 Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra

Hills and mountains have always had a special place in our hearts since our childhood. Remember, as kids, how we all used to commonly draw a picture of a house by a river and with mountains in its backdrop. From many of our pilgrim sites perched on top of the hills to the Bollywood romance blooming in the lap of mountains through its many melodious and scenic songs… Hills indeed take our spirits as high as themselves! And of course, then there’s the pleasantness of weather which we always associate with our many hill stations which provide that perfect respite from the pollution and the daily grind of urban life. No wonder, the British discovered, developed and popularised most of the famous hill stations in India, to escape the scorching Indian summer.

Maharashtra a famous state in the western region of India, Maharashtra is renowned for some exotic beaches as well as for hill stations. Away from the fast-paced urban life, the hill stations of Maharashtra nestled in the Sahyadri ranges gives you a chance to refresh your mind and soul! Maharashtra is the only state where you can observe the foothills approaching the seashore. The hill stations of Maharashtra is easily accessible at a weekend from nearby cities Mumbai, Pune. Check out some most famous hill stations to plan with family Or friends.

Matheran

Located near Mumbai, Matheran is a small hill station in Maharashtra’s Raigad district that is an ideal place to get away when you want a break from the hustle-bustle of the big city. It is especially beautiful in monsoon when the waterfalls nearby are at their roaring best and the deep forests are green and lush. With so much to offer, there are many fun and exciting things to do in Matheran, especially if you are a nature and adventure lover. 

One of the smallest but beautiful hill stations in Maharashtra. Matheran is a popular weekend gateway among the urban residents of Maharashtra. Located at an elevation of around eight hundred meters in the Western Ghats, it is the smallest hill station of Maharashtra. The whole excursion of Matheran is filled with a visit to various tourist spots or points like lakes, parks, worship places and a huge racecourse.

Matheran has places like Alexander Pt, Rambagh Pt, Echo Pt, Celia Pt (a waterfall mouth), Panorama Pt, Porcupine Pt, Charlotte Lake and many more to offer to its tourists. Apart from the attractions in the lap of nature, it is the proximity of the region, which makes Matheran the best hill station around Mumbai.

Famous for its 38 viewpoints, the hill station offers many attractions that open up umpteen a number of opportunities to experience the best of activities. Be it the Western Ghats, Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point or the Panthers’ Caves, take a look at the top things to do in Matheran that you can enjoy during your stay at the beautiful hill station.

Dodhani Waterfalls, Chanderi Caves, Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, Kalavantin Pinnacle, Irshalgad Fort, Little Chowk Point, Ambarnath Shiv Temple, Rock Climbing, Porcupine Point, Neral-Matheran Toy Train, Rambagh Point.

The distance from Mumbai to Matheran is just 83 km and from Pune is 121 km. Matheran is well connected by road with Neral and is also connected by rail. You can enjoy the toy train journey from Neral to Matheran.

MalshejGhat

Magnificent waterfalls, lush greenery, rolling hills, and secluded beaches — places to visit in MalshejGhat come in various forms. MalshejGhat, a spectacular mountain pass in the Western Ghats, is blessed with numerous go to places for city dwellers in Maharashtra. Whether you are seeking a getaway with your best buddies or you are planning a peaceful picnic with your family, these places promise to make your outing a memory worth cherishing.

MalshejGhat – A famous hill station to see white & orange flamingos in a lake. Nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, MalshejGhat is a mountain pass favourite among trekkers and adventure lovers. Serene mountains, placid lakes and waterfalls add to some of the best views one can have while exploring the region. The place provides a home to an exquisite variety of flora and fauna which includes quails, rails, cuckoos, crakes and the very famous orange & white flamingoes.

Apart from the wildlife, MalshejGhat is famous for its historic forts also. The birthplace of the legendary king Shivaji, Shivneri Fort is in close vicinity of the region. Buddhist caves, Harishchandraghadh, Ganesh temple and Shiva temple add to the attractions of this place. Thereby, making MalshejGhat, one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra.

Places to visit near MalshejGhat.

Malshej Falls-PimpalgaonJoga Dam-Harishchandragad Fort-Ajoba Hill Fort-KonkanKada-Igatpuri-

Distance from Mumbai to MalshejGhat is 127 Km and from Pune is 120 km. MalshejGhat is well connected by road and is very near to a big city of Maharashtra that is Kalyan.

Bhandardhara

Located on the banks of River Pravara, Bhandardara is a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range in MaharashtraFlourishing from the waters of the Pravarariver, Bhandardhara is an exotic holiday resort in the Western Ghats of India. A perfect blend of tranquillity, invigorating climate and scenic natural beauty, the Bhandardhara is one of the best hill stations to explore around Mumbai.

Apart from its pristine ambience and surroundings, this hill station is quite famous for its forts, lakes, dams and temples as well. Bhandardara is a lovely hill station for someone who needs a quiet getaway. While it is a known trekking destination, there are quite a few sightseeing options too in Bhandardara.One can climb up to the magnificent Ratangad and Harish chandragad forts. Besides, climbers can make their way towards Mount Kalusbai also, which is the highest peak in the whole of Maharashtra. The Wilson Dam on the river Pravara and the scenic Umbrella falls during the time of the monsoon, draws a lot of attention.

According to a legend, sage Agastya meditated here for a year. Pleased with his penance, gods blessed him with a stream of River Ganga, now known as River Pravara. Bhandardara is crisscrossed by trekking trails and dotted with forts. The famous Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, is a favourite among trekkers. The trek to the 200-year-old Ratangad Fort is also popular as is the trek to sixth-century Harishchandragad Fort. Blessed with lush greenery, Bhandardara is also a popular stopover for tourists travelling to Nashik and Shirdi.

Places to visit near Bhandardara

The Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls and RandhaFalls, Mount Kalsubai, Kalsubai Temple, Amruteshwar Temple, Ratangad Fort are major attractions in Bhandardara.

Distance from Mumbai to Bhandardharais  165 Km and from Pune is 162 km. Bhandardara is well connected with both the cities by road and the nearest city is Nashik Road.

Jawahar hill station

The Jawhar is a lovely hill station that comes under Maharashtra. Find near sightseeing and places to visit, best time, review and how to reach. India is a country with many hidden gems in its beauty bag. Nature is at its best here. There are so many states and so many gorgeous tourist spots in India. Jawhar hill station is one of the precocious gems of India. This place is popularly known as Mahabaleshwar, a beautiful hill station of Thane Maharashtra. Now it is in the Palghar district. A small place surrounded by green hills and somewhere the waterfalls coming with more grace is enough to give relaxing holidays to the travellers.

Gifted with exotic valleys and dense forests, the hill station of Jawahar is surely one of the most visited hill stations of Maharashtra. Situated in the Thane district of Maharashtra, the hill station is famous for its vibrant Warli paintings. The place serves best as a famous hill station to visit with family in Maharashtra. As Jawahar hill station is one of the very few tribal regions of Maharashtra, it offers the tourists an excellent opportunity to get close to the tribal culture and way of life.

Besides these, there are other tourist attractions as well, which include Dhabosa waterfall, Kalmandvi waterfall, Jai Vilas Palace, Hanuman point and the sunset point.

Places to visit in Jawahar Hill Station.

Dabdaba Falls, Sunset Point, Hanuman Point, are the main attractions over here.

Distance from Mumbai to Jawahar Hill is180 Km.

Lavasa

Lavasa is a privately planned hill city located near Pune in Maharashtra. This modern-day hill station is an enjoyable retreat for all its visitors and has a lot to offer to its tourists from picturesque sceneries to an extremely well-developed infrastructure including hotels.

A planned hill station in the western ghats, Lavasa is a popular landmark for the tourists of Mumbai and Pune. One of the best hill stations to plan from Mumbai city, Lavasa is a sprawling hill station of around 100 sq. km. The region has been put into place by the private developing groups.

Known as India's newest hill station, the Lavasa Corporation is constructing this private city. The city is a beautiful project, stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino. Spreading across 7 hills, covering an area of 25000 acres, Lavasa is a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure. Lavasa is turning out to be a new hangout for people looking for a small trip away from the hustle and bustle of hectic city life. It is absolutely a leisure holiday destination located in the middle of lush green hills. Lavasa city is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and manages to charm one with its mesmerising views.

Owing to this, Lavasa has turned out into a luxurious getaway for the urban residents of Maharashtra. The hill station of Lavasa is also popular among bike cruisers as one can easily get the sight of motorbike riders riding hard through the valley.

Places to visit In Lavasa

Sightseeing in Lavasa, Bamboosa, Temghar Dam, Lakeshore water sports are major attractions of Lavasa

Distance from Mumbai to Lavasais 186 Km andfrom Pune to Lavasais 58 Km.

Panchgani

Bordered by five hills of Sahyadri, Panchgani is a calm hill town in the Satara district. Its balmy weather and soothing silence make it an ideal place to lose yourself in the wonderful wilderness. Probably the best thing you’ll love about this serene place is the view of the Krishna river flowing through little farms and hamlets. From the refreshing Mapro Garden and scenic Sydney Point to mysterious Rajpuri Caves and Devrai Art Village that celebrates creativity, there are plenty of awesome 

Founded by Lord Chesson in the year 1860, Panchgani is a surrounded settlement of five hills in the Western Ghats region of Maharashtra. One of the famous hill stations to visit with family in Maharashtra, the region of Panchgani has an invigorating climate for almost all the months of the year. Tourist Attractions in Panchgani like Sydney Point, Table Land, Parsi Point, Mapro Garden and Devil’s Kitchen make Panchagani the best hill station for leisure activities in Maharashtra. It’s not only the breathtaking attractions that make the headlines, Panchgani hill station is famous for its strawberry festival as well. Tourists can also catch The Strawberry festival of Panchgani is held in the summers.

Places to visit in Panchgani.

Table Land Viewpoint: For Scenic Views, Sydney Point: Overlooking Lush Green Valleys, Dhom Dam: Not To Miss Destination, Parsi Point: For A Panoramic Sight, Devrai Art Village: For Culture Lovers, Kate’s Point: The Most Scenic Place, Kamalgad Fort: Explore History, Mapro Gardens: Get Some Organic Products, Harrison’s Folly: Surrounded By Hills, Rajpuri Caves: For An Exciting Journey, Lingmala Falls: A Refreshing Treat, Bhilar Falls: Get Mesmerized, Wai: A Perfect Getaway, Wilson Point: Get A Bird’s Eye View, Sherbaug: Perfect Place To Relax, Panchgani Bazaar: Shop Til You Drop, Pratapgad Fort: Perched At The Top, Mahabaleshwar: Amidst The Serenity, Kaas Plateau: The Valley Of Flowers, Chinaman’s Waterfall: Enjoy The Sound Of Gushing Water, Vienna Lake: Go For Boating, Babington Point: The Famous Picnic Spot, PanchgangaMandir: The Ancient Temple

Distance from Mumbai to Panchgani is 244 Km. and Distance from Pune to Panchgani is 101 Km.

Mahabaleshwar

The city of Mahabaleshwar is a pinnacle of greenery, boasting one of the only evergreen forests in the world. The landscape abounds with lush hills, valleys and lookout points such as Lodwick Point, Arthur's Seat and Babington Point, all of which offer spectacular views. Trot along on horseback for a delightful four-legged tour of the gorgeous Veena Lake area, and savour juicy native strawberries, mulberries and corn.

Termed as the summer capital of the Bombay province during the British Raj, Mahabaleshwar is among the best hill stations of Maharashtra which has a breed of evergreen forests. Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. It is among the most sought after weekend getaways from Pune & Mumbai.

Surrounded by trees on both sides and drawing a lot of tourist population is the Venna Lake. Accommodation facilities are also quite convenient here as budget hotels offering panoramic views of the mountains are available in abundance.

Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar

Arthur’s seat, Kate’s point, Needle hole point or Elephant point, Wilson point, the three monkey the point, Venna Lake, Dhobi Waterfall, Chinaman’s Falls, Tapola, Lingmala Falls, Connaught Peak, Helen’s Point, Lodwick Point, Koyna Valley Trek, Mapro Garden etc are the famous and well-known places to visit here.

Distance from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is 260 Km and the Distance from Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 117 Km.

Amboli

Adorned with the jaded forest, rolling hills and crisp air, Amboli is an ideal place to plan a holiday in Maharashtra. Amboli is filled with serenity and natural beauty; this popular hill station possesses some attractive sights. In fact, Amboli is justified to be called the 'Queen of Maharashtra.' This destination located in the southern tip of Maharashtra is one of the most beautiful and favourite hill stations amongst nature lovers. Nonetheless, Amboli is positioned at the extreme point before hitting the plains of Goa. Amboli sits at the edge of Western Ghats in the Sahayadri Hills. It is rich in flora and fauna and thus is famous for ecological reasons.

Encapsulating a whole new variety of flora and fauna in itself, the Amboli is one of the most visited hill stations in Maharashtra. Situated amidst the Sahyadri hills, it is the last hill station before the coastal lands of Goa. The place is a flourishing Eco Hotspot and it gets at its best during the monsoon period. If you are looking for a paradise-like destination to wander around a lush environment then a trip to Amboli is a must. This place is naturally blessed with calmness and soothing surroundings.

There are major cities near Amboli such as Pune, Goa and Belgaum. And you will find a lot of people from these places that come for rejuvenating themselves. Amboli is also known for its handmade wooden toys, spices and honey, this helps to boost Amboli tourism. Here, you can escape from your mundane lifestyle in the city and feel lost in the misty greenery and breathtaking beauty of the hills cape. Our holiday guide to Amboli can help you understand this hill station better and let you visit all its popular tourist places and help you have a relaxing and memorable vacation in the hills.

With numerous waterfalls, temples, dense forests and steep mountains, Amboli serve as the best hill station around Mumbai.

Places to visit in Amboli.

Shirgaonkar point, Madhav Gad Fort, Nangarta Falls, Amboli Falls, Hiranyakeshi Temple and Sunset point, Hiranyakeshi temple, Nagarata falls, Mahadevgad, Narayangad and Kawalesad to draw the tourists.

Distance from Mumbai to Amboli is 491 Km and distance from Pune to Amboliis348 Km.

Chikaldhara

Chikhaldara has been a beautiful Hill station in the state of Maharashtra, India. This place has got a unique speciality for having the cultivation of coffee because of it is the noteworthy altitude of 1118 m. This hill station has enormous wild animals like panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar and also very infrequent wild dogs.

It is proximate to well-known Melghat tiger project that contains 82 tigers. SakkarTaalab deliveries water to entire Chikhaldara. This is greatly tied up with the cities like Paratwada, Amravati, Akola, Betul, Khandwa, and Nagpur. Sightseeing at Chikhaldara makes anyone engrave their travel experiences in their heart forever.

Best visited post-monsoon, Chikaldhara is a prominent hill station in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. It is situated at an altitude of 1118 m and the place has some of the best sightseeing for nature enthusiasts. The prime attractions like Sunset Point, Mozart Point, Shakkar Lake, PanchaDhara Waterfall and Gawligad fort makes Chikaldhara one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra to go from Mumbai.

Apart from the scenic beauty, Chikaldhara hill station is also famous for its wildlife treat. The Melghat Tiger Reserve in the close vicinity of Chikaldhara resort suits best for this purpose.

Places to visit.

Sightseeing at Chikhaldara comprises Tourist places of Gugamal National Park, Chikhaldara wildlife sanctuary, Chikhaldara waterfalls, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Devi Point, Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, Narnala Fort, Wan Sanctuary, Panchbol Point, Harken Point, Semadoh Lake and Gawaligad Fort.

Distance from Mumbai to Chikaldhara is 700 Km and the Distance from Pune to Chikaldharais 593 Km.

Igatpuri

A small town, Igatpuri is a beautiful hill station and one of the most popular weekend getaways from Mumbai as well as Pune. Located in the district of Nashik in Maharashtra, Igatpuri is nestled between the lush greenery of the Western Ghats.

A popular hill station in the Western Ghats located in the Nashik district, Igatpuri boasts some of the highest peaks in the Sahyadri range. A big draw for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, Igatpuri is home to the Vipassana International Academy, the headquarters of the world’s largest Vipassana meditation institute. Historic forts, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and some magnificent vistas together make Igatpuri is a hot favourite of trekkers, photographers, nature lovers, and all kinds of holidaymakers and also a popular weekend getaway from both Mumbai and Pune, especially in monsoons.

The pleasant climate, quaint old fort, waterfalls and majestic mountains make Igatpuri an ideal place for a relaxing vacation. The beauty of this place increases many folds during monsoon when its dense forest becomes greener and the waterfalls get revived. Igatpuri attracts nature lovers and trekkers. With many forts in the surrounding region, it is a paradise for hikers and trekkers.

Places to visit in Igatpuri.

Vipassana Meditation centres, Vaitarna Dam, Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Tringalwadi Fort, Amruteshwar temple, Ghatandevi Temple are the major places to visit in Igatpuri.

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