Mumbai is a snazzy city on the west coast of India, popularized by Bollywood or the Hindi film industry. Renowned as the commercial and financial capital of India, this city is one of the most densely populated metropolitan areas in the world. While you’re here, admire the beautiful architecture of Gateway Of India Mumbai, which was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. History buffs can explore the artefacts at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and CSMT Heritage Museum. Also, don’t forget to catch the action at 140-year-old Dhobi Ghat where more than a hundred people wash thousands of clothes daily. If you want to escape the frenetic activity and drama, there are some cool destinations nearby for a day trip. Scroll down to learn more about the best day trips from Mumbai, India.
1. Alibag beach
The sunny coastal town of Alibag lies a two hour ferry ride from the Gateway of India in Mumbai city. The town is famous for some great coastal cuisine like shrimps and the beach here is sunny and relaxed compared to other Mumbai beaches. The beaches are known for white sands and after some sunbathing, one can head off to cool restaurants for a great brunch. There is also the historic Colaba fort and the Revdanda fort that reminds one of colonial heritage.
Alibag beach
Address: Raigad district, Maharashtra
Website: Alibag
2. Harishchandragad
Mumbai does not have many hills and if you want to hike in a hilly landscape close to the city, head off to Harishchandragad, a three hour drive from Mumbai city. This is a nature destination compared to the concrete in Mumbai and there are also spicy tea drinks available in stalls here to charge oneself up for the hike along the hills. There is also a temple of Lord Shiva located within few caves that gives a spiritual aspect to the hiking endeavor. There are hiking guides available and the town can be reached on the way to the popular Malshej Ghat nature area.
Harishchandragad
Address: Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra
Website: Harishchandragad
3. Sula Vineyards
If you want to experience European style vineyard in India, where else to go but the Sula Vineyards a three hour drive from Mumbai city. The vineyards offer lot of open space and there are some great package tours of the vineyards besides the wine tasting and stomping on grapes. There is also the Gangapur dam in the area that lies in the backwaters and offers a scenic spot for peaceful meditation. The Sula Vineyards group also hosts a three day annual music festival and the Sula Fest, an annual wine festival. There is also Kashyapi Dam nearby and the place ranks as a picnic day trip destination from Mumbai.
Sula Vineyards
Address: Gat 36/2, Govardhan Village, Off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, Nashik, Maharashtra 422222
Website: Sula Wines
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Matheran
This is like a Bollywood dream hill station near Mumbai where there are no motorized vehicles, just nature and frolicking and there is even a toy train to take one through the forest. The town is reached by a two hour train ride from Mumbai and offers fresh air, greenery and absolutely no pollution. There is a Charlotte Lake and Honeymoon Point and popular pastimes in the area include bird watching, trekking around the forest and observing wildlife. The area offers some great adventure near Mumbai in a day trip with hills, forests and valleys, all unadulterated.
Matheran
Address: Raigad district, Maharashtra
Website: Matheran
Mumbai Tour Guide
Sukanya Roy Choudhury
I am a licensed guide but Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. I am also a visiting faculty teaching travel and tourism in the University of Mumbai and Patkar Varde College. Have alot of fun facts and stories about the city which I would be happy to share.
Tours by Sukanya
5. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
A peaceful picnic spot close to Mumbai about one hour drive from the city and is home to lot of bird species and is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. There is also a Nature Interpretation Center and a trek to the Karnala fort that lies amidst the sanctuary. Lot of wildlife is seen in the sanctuary along with birds and this is definitely a naturalist paradise providing rock cut steps to the fort and naturalist inspiration. One can trek in the forest, watch birds, read the inscriptions in the fort or just eat in a corrugated roof shelter like a local.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Address: Panvel Taluka, Raigad district, Maharashtra
Website: Karnala Bird Sanctuary
6. Elephanta Caves
This is a cave temple complex near Mumbai on an island reached by ferry within an hour from the city. There are temples for Lord Shiva as the destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe and one can even spot Hindu monks that show style like Bollywood stars. The Ajanta and Ellora caves are similar cave temple destinations near Mumbai, but Elephanta is especially popular for its closeness to Mumbai. The rock cut temples and shrines give a spiritual twist to Mumbai city aside from the regular Bollywood fare. The island derives its name from a rock-cut elephant statue that was said to have been found in the island.
Elephanta Caves
Address: Gharapuri Island, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400094
Website: Elephanta Caves
7. Naneghat Pass
Trekking destination close to Mumbai that is in ruins and offers a haunted trekking experience like a creepy B grade Bollywood film. The trekking route is cut through the mountains and one can even reach the town of Pune by the trek that lies down the mountains. Local tea or chai is definitely appreciated after some heavy duty trek and the tea is also served in a cave in the hills. One should be careful of the trek during monsoons as rain water can create slippery surface but if you are up for mountain climbing close to Mumbai city, you should definitely try this destination as a day trip.
Naneghat Pass
Address: Western Ghats, Junnar, Pune district, Maharashtra
Website: Naneghat Pass
8. Sinhagad Fort
Literally meaning the fort of lion, this place can be reached easily from Mumbai in a day trip and lies very close to Pune. The fort is associated with Maratha leader Shivaji and his exploits in the area. The surrounding landscape of the fort is also ideal for trekking and this is a great outdoor destination with scenic green hills, black rocks and yellow hay grasslands. Lying more than 4,000 feet above sea level, the fort is definitely in a nature paradise that gets waterfalls after the monsoons and thick foliage. The area lies in the Sahyadri mountains and there is also a tranquil lake with a dam.
Sinhagad Fort
Address: Sinhagad Ghat Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411025
Website: Sinhagad
9. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is famous for the Vipassana meditation center and is a fascinating day trip from Mumbai city. The landscape is dotted with dense forests, ancient temples, ruins and one can even trek away in the wilderness in the hills of the Sahyadri mountains. There are also pretty resorts in the area along with the ruins of forts and for relaxation, there are some soothing spas and holistic treatment centers
Igatpuri
Address: Nashik district, Maharashtra
Website: Igatpuri
10. Malshej Ghat
This is a popular hill station close to Mumbai and a perfect day trip for relaxing and rejuvenating in the scenery of green hills and many waterfalls. Perfect for the nature enthusiast, the place offers trekking, hiking and bird watching and there are also resorts there that cater to these.
Malshej Ghat
Address: Kalyan Ahmednagar Highway, Near Khubi Village, Kalyan, Maharashtra 421401
Website: Malshej Ghat
Experience Mumbai beyond Bollywood and the city lights
Head off to cool and exciting destinations nearby to experience waterfalls, hill treks, caves or just simple Vipassana meditation in a commune.
Bhandardara
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
Bhandardara is a small village in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. There are a few ways of traveling there from Mumbai. You can take a train to Igatpuri and a taxi or state-run bus to Bhandardara, or you can book a prepaid cab or drive your car here.
This place is known for its scenic waterfalls, which are full of life in the monsoon season. Other than that, you can do camping here or visit Pabargad Fort, a nine-minute drive from here.
Karjat
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
Looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Gather your friends and family and head to Karjat, around 62.7 km (38.96 mi) from Mumbai. You can choose to explore the city or visit the various attractions around it.
We visited Ambivali Caves, around 24 km (14.91 mi) from the city center, a rock-cut Buddhist cave with several chambers. After that, we headed to Solanpada Dam, around 28 km (17.40 mi) from the city center, where you can swim and spend time amidst greenery.
Silvassa
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
Plan your next day trip to Silvassa, around 173 km (107.50 mi) from Mumbai. Although the distance seems too much, the road condition is good so you won’t have much problem driving there. I visited here with my family, and we booked a room at Treat Resort Silvassa. This property is very huge and offers different accommodations to suit every need.
You can visit the nearby attractions, such as Our Lady of Piety Church, Tribal Cultural Museum, and Hirwa Van Garden, but we decided to stay indoors. We enjoyed our time swimming in the outdoor pool and relishing Indian cuisine at the on-site dining hall.
Daman
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
Daman is a coastal city, around 171 km (106.25 mi) from Mumbai. Here, you can visit the beaches and indulge in fun activities such as horse riding or witness the Portuguese influence in the various attractions, such as St. Jerome Fort.
You can travel from Mumbai to Daman via road or board a train to Vapi station. From here, you can rent a cab or bus and reach the city within an hour.
Lavasa
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain
Lavasa is a planned city developed between Mumbai and Pune. If you’re looking for a day trip with your friends or loved ones, this city has a plethora of activities and attractions to offer.
I recommend visiting Lakeshore Watersports co. Ltd. Lavasa where you can try jet skiing, pedal boats, and more. After that visit Lavasa Lake and relax on the lakeside promenade admiring the colorful buildings surrounding it.
You can travel to Lavasa from Mumbai in a private car or cab, which will take around four hours. If you’re coming by train, the nearest station is Lonavala and from here you can take the bus or rental taxi.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to