Top 11 Weekend Trips From Mumbai, India - Updated 2024

weekend getaways from mumbai
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 7 min read
Nishi Jain
Endorsed by a Mumbai Local Expert
|
Nishi Jain

Well-known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai is a world-famous metropolis that sits on the west coast of India. Natural waterfront setting and distinguished arch of the Gateway of India adorn the city. As Mumbai is an industrial hub and financial capital of the country, it experiences a lot of influx of people from various parts of India and corners of the world. The bustling city is also home to the Bollywood film industry. Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, Colaba Causeway, Bandra Worli Sea Link, and many more landmarks dot Mumbai. Besides these, some localities near the city are home to beautiful attractions that are sure to charm you. So, if you are traveling to the City of Dreams and have a weekend to spare, head out for a refreshing weekend trip. Fill your lazy weekends with these top weekend trips from Mumbai, India.

1. Matheran

Matheran Hill View
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Omkar A Kamale used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A weekend at a pleasant hill station is sure to refresh you, so visit Matheran when in Mumbai. Matheran is a famous hill station blessed with a mild climate and sweeping views of the mountain ranges of Western Ghats. It’s 42.5 kilometers (26.4 miles) from Mumbai. Board the Deccan Express from Mumbai and reach Neral, which is the nearest railhead to hilly Matheran. After you get down from the train at Neral, a 30-minute drive will help you reach the hill station. Spend your weekend here touring through the pleasant nature and admiring well-preserved, impressive colonial architecture. Get a glimpse of jaw-dropping waterfalls from Louisa Point. If you are a history buff, do not miss visiting the ancient Prabal Fort.

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2. Lonavala

Lohgad fort lonavala
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harsh243919 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Lonavala is one of the best and most-visited weekend getaways from Mumbai. It’s a mesmerizing hill station with green valleys adorning it from various sides. Being 83.1 kilometers (51.63 miles) away from Mumbai, you can reach Lonavala in about 1 hour and 55 minutes by car. Watch spectacular views of the valley from Tiger’s Point and a splendid sunset from Lion’s Point. If you are a history buff, do not miss trekking up to Lohagad. Also, explore ancient Bhaja Caves and Karla Caves when in Lonavala.

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Nishi

Nishi
Mumbai

Khandala Ghat

Lonavala is one of the most sought-after hill stations, just 2 hours away from Mumbai. The travel time has been reduced considerably thanks to the newly-opened Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Trans Hbr Link. This place has several scenic points, seasonal waterfalls, attractions, and food options. The route towards Lion's and Tiger's Point passes through Lonavala Lake and several waterfalls available during monsoon seasons. You'll have to climb the ghat with several sharp turns to reach the points where you can relish the views and savor hot corn, fritters, and tea. A little further, there's another beautiful spot called Shivlinga Point, a must-visit during the rains. Food lovers can visit Buvanchi Misal to sample its delicious misal pav, a dish made of sprouts and beans in spicy gravy. After that, visit Mapro Garden to taste its signature fresh Strawberry cream with ice cream. It also has a beautiful garden with a pond and a store where you can sample and buy snacks and drinks.

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3. Karnala

Karnala Fort 04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dupinder singh used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Are you a birder looking for a weekend retreat where you can spot lovely birds? If yes, choose to spend your weekend at Karnala, a hill fort in Maharashtra’s Raigad. A drive of about 1 hour and 32 minutes will cover 49.7 kilometers (30.88 miles) and takes you to Karnala. Spending time at Karnala Bird Sanctuary will gift you an outstanding opportunity to spot charming, colorful birds. Also, plan to visit a 1000-year-old Ambarnath Shiva Temple, which is about 50 kilometers (31.06 miles) from Karnala.

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4. Silvassa

Vanganga Garden, Silvassa (32345632184)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ashish Gupta used under CC BY 2.0

Head out to spend your weekend at Silvassa from Mumbai. The pleasant town in western India sits on the Daman Ganga River. A drive of 3 hours and 20 minutes from Mumbai takes you through 167 kilometers (103.76 miles) to fascinating Silvassa. The town is famous for diverse tribal heritage. So, plan to visit the outstanding Tribal Cultural Museum which showcases plenty of tribal items such as masks and various musical instruments. Take your kids to Bal Udyan Park to play. Spend a refreshing time at Vanganga Lake Garden and enjoy the fun of boating in the surrounding water body.

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Mumbai Tour Guide

Sukanya Roy Choudhury

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. Panchgani

View from Panchgani, Maharashtra
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user https://www.flick... used under CC BY 2.0

Famous for its exotic Table Land, which is a gigantic volcanic plateau, Panchgani is a pleasant hill station near Mumbai. It’s about 244 kilometers (151.61 miles) from Mumbai. A pleasant five-hour drive will take you this scenic destination from the City of Dreams. Watch sweeping views of Dhom Dam Lak from viewpoints such as Parsi Point. Visit Rajpuri Caves, which have sacred ponds surrounding them, and worship Lord Kartikeya at a temple here.

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6. Pune

Khandoba temple Pune
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user PKharote used under CC BY-SA 4.0

If you are a history buff visiting Mumbai, do not miss visiting Pune during the weekend. A drive of about 2 hours 57 minutes covering 148 kilometers (91.96 miles) from Mumbai takes you to mesmerizing Pune, which was the base of royal Peshwas of the prestigious Maratha Empire centuries ago. Tour through the scenic Aga Khan Palace, which dates back to 1892. Offer your prayers at Pataleshwar Cave Temples, which date back to the 8th-century, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

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7. Goa

Candolim Beach Goa
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user FaizanAhmad21 used under CC0

Are you longing for a beach break when in Mumbai? Head out to Goa, a scenic western state that boasts a shoreline that spans along the spellbinding Arabian Sea. A flight journey of 1 hour and 5 minutes from Mumbai takes you to Goa. Explore various picturesque beaches such as Palolem beach and Baga beach. Tour through beautiful plantations of tropical spices. Offer your prayers at the 17th-century churches.

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Nishi

Nishi
Mumbai

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church

You can visit south Goa if you're looking for a laidback travel exploring the old charm or visit north Goa to experience its fun nightlife and action. Here's a picture I clicked for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji in south Goa. If you wish to play casino, the famous Deltin Royale is around 8-10 minutes from here. While you're here, be sure to buy cashews as a souvenir for your loved ones. Also, several vegetarian eateries are available in the lane opposite the church.

Traveler's tips

The Vistadome Coach Enjoying the sun at the observation chamber Non-vegetarian breakfast served in the Vistadome Coach

If you want your travel from Mumbai to Goa to be comfortable, scenic, and a bit upscale, book the Vistadome Coach of the Tejas Express. This train starts from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus early in the morning and reaches Madgaon Junction railway station in about nine hours. The Vistadome Coach has spotless interiors with plush seating and revolvable chairs that can be turned towards the window to enjoy the scenery. The bathrooms are clean and come with electronic indicators that show whether they are occupied or vacant, which you can see from the seats themselves; this helps avoid unnecessary queues. The coach also serves a nice breakfast, tea/coffee, and a filling lunch. Moreover, there's an observation chamber at the back of the coach where you can savor the views.

Traveler's tips

The gorgeous waterfall Adorable monkeys looking for a treat A childhood picture at Amboli waterfall

If you are planning to go to Mumbai by car, you should not miss out on visiting Amboli Waterfalls. The waterfall is at a great height, and the road leading to it provides a view of the forest and beautiful wildlife. Early mornings and evenings, the clouds merge with the sky, giving you a magical feel. You can even climb up the falls, as there are stairs with railings provided for your safety. There are also several Monkeys around, so keep your food safe from these adorable thieves. However, if you want, you can feed them, too.  

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8. Daman

Daman
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dr. Unknown used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Go on a road trip to Daman, which is just 177 kilometers (109.98 miles) away, during your weekend in Mumbai. A long drive of about 3 hours and 53 minutes takes you to Daman from the City of Dreams. The pleasant city is home to St. Jerome Fort, which features the colonial past of the Portuguese. Explore the ruins of an old Dominican monastery at Moti Daman Fort. Visit the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary, and admire the artistic, intricate carvings adorning the church.

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9. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar beauty
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Viraj2000 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Take a winding route to Mahabaleshwar, a serene hill station, during a weekend in Mumbai. A drive of about 5 hours 38 minutes covers about 263 kilometers (163.42 miles) and leads you to the picturesque hill station. Visit incredible Pratapgad Fort, which sits on a breathtaking mountain spur. Gaze at captivating Lingmala Waterfall, and sail on the pleasant waters of Venna Lake. Do not miss eating soul-satisfying, fresh strawberries, the seasonal fruit of the region.

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10. Nashik

Trimbakeshwar Temple-Nashik-Maharashtra-1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Abhideo21 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Visit Nashik, a sacred, ancient city, during your spare weekend in Mumbai. Go on a road trip of about 3 hours and 34 minutes by covering 167 kilometers (103.76 miles) from Mumbai to Nashik. Offer your prayers at Panchavati, a sacred temple and pilgrimage site on the River Godavari. Visit Ram Kund, a sacred water tank where the Hindu Lord Rama is known to have bathed. Also, plan to visit the ancient shrine of Rama, which is famous as Shri Kalaram Sansthan Mandir.

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11. Redi

Located 11 hours from Mumbai via car, this sleepy village of Redi is perfect for those on a cultural journey. While here, check out the Redi Ganesh Temple. The locals believe that the person who established this village had a dream that there was a statue of Lord Ganesha nearby. After having the same dream for several nights, he took the help of local people to dig around, and they could find the giant statue.

Around the temple, several vendors sell local jewelry, sweets, and other items. They are really friendly and are the best source for the attractions located around here. Furthermore, since this is a low-lying coastal area, you can even catch a glimpse of the sea ahead of you.

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Explore this beautiful region

Mumbai is a fantastic city and it has many beautiful and tranquil places nearby to explore during your spare weekend. Embark on these top weekend trips from Mumbai, India, and make the best of your weekend in this beautiful region.

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Karjat

Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain

Karjat...
Source: Photo by Flickr user Ramnath Bhat used under CC BY 2.0

If you don’t wish to go too far from the city and yet experience a relaxing time amidst nature, I highly recommend visiting Karjat. It’s 62.6 km (38.90 mi) from Mumbai and has several resorts and high-end hotels. My top picks would be The Forest Club Resort, which offers pool access from select villas, and Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre, Karjat, which features spacious rooms and a large outdoor pool.

You can hire a cab, take a train, or drive your car to Karjat as it’s well connected by rail and road. Also, if you don’t wish to dine in your accommodation, the city has several cafés and restaurants that you can explore. I visited Hotel Royal Garden, which offers delicious Indian and Chinese vegetarian food.

Saputara

Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain

Saputara table point view
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mikulkp used under CC0

Saputara is a quaint hill station, around 255 km (158.45 mi) from Mumbai, in the Indian state of Gujarat. I visited this place for a short weekend trip with my family. We tried boating on Saputara Lake by booking an entire boat for 500 INR (6.01 USD). This place is also famous for paragliding, which I could not try because the winds weren’t favorable that day.

Instead, I took the Pushpak ropeway to visit Sunrise Point and Saputara Table Point. I relished some fresh corn loaded with tomatoes, coriander, and spices after the ride. There are a lot of fun games and activities for children in the area, so they won’t be bored here.

Note that the ropeway is closed on Monday.

Bhandardara

Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain

Bhandardara Dam premonsoon beauty
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Rohit Parte used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Bhandardara is a quaint village in Maharashtra, and the best time to visit it is during the monsoon season. During monsoon, the entire place is covered with a thick layer of fog, and the lush greenery makes it even more beautiful. It’s located around 165 km (102.53 mi) from Mumbai and can be easily reached by road.

In the rainy season, you can spot several waterfalls in the area and click pictures with them. Popular places to visit here are Umbrella Fall, Arthur Hill Lake, and Necklace waterfall.

Panhala

Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Nishi Jain

Panhala Fort
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sandeep used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Although Panhala is over 370 km (229.91 mi) away from Mumbai, I recommend visiting this city, especially during the summer, as the temperature here is always pleasant. It has several ancient attractions that you can explore and learn more about the region’s history.

I visited Sajja Kothi, which was frequented by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Panhala Fort, which houses three granaries used during his reign. I suggest that you hire a tour guide who can explain the history and share interesting facts about these ancient monuments, as we found it quite useful.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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This article has been endorsed by Mumbai local expert Nishi Jain

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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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