Mumbai, the only city in India where everyone's dreams get fulfilled, is forever beaming with life. From jam-packed railway stations to bustling markets, from dazzling Bollywood industry to multi-millionaires, from happening beaches to natural picnic spots, from marine drives to museums, and from the famous Dabbawalas to must-have vada pav, sev puri, and bhel puri, it has everything that delights avid travelers.
If you’re planning a Mumbai tour to create some unforgettable memories with your loved ones, make sure you visit the right places that give you a chance to live a life beyond your routine work and anxieties. While you can explore the popular tourist attractions within Mumbai at any time, there are several nearby places that you should definitely visit at least once in a lifetime to experience the ultimate serenity and tranquility in the true sense.
To help you with that, we have here listed a few of the destinations nestled within 500 km from Mumbai where you can witness the untouched beauty of the hill stations; overlook the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset at beaches; seek blessings at holy and divine sites and try adventure at adventurous locations. Below-mentioned are the places that will leave you spellbound for sure and would encourage you to come back time and time again.
Places Within 50 km from Mumbai
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
It’s not possible to find a place in every city that is not only blessed with abundant natural greenery and pristine scenic beauty but also boasts a variety of flora and fauna. Karnala Bird Sanctuary, which is settled at a distance of approximately 50 km from Mumbai, presents its tourists with a perfect option to spend some time amidst the best of nature. It is a heaven for bird watchers and indeed a must-visit spot for all who wish to do something unique and different on their Mumbai tour.
Ideal for individuals as well as families with children, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary provides a home to a large assortment of more than 200 species of native and migratory birds. These include Malabar Lark, Slaty Legged Crake, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Fronted Green Pigeon, White-cheeked Barbet, Malabar Parakeet, and the Vigor’s Sunbird.
Other rare species that can be spotted in the national park are Rufous Bellied Eagle, Malabar Trogan, Slaty Leggws Crake, Three-toed Kingfisher, Ashy Minivet, and more. Don’t miss the colorful butterflies as you enjoy a stroll around the area. Also, this national park offers shelter to wildlife animals like langur, wild boar, four-horned antelope, and muntjac as well. If lucky, you can also find the leopard in the sanctuary.
Coming to the attractions in Karnala Bird Sanctuary, the park presents numerous trekking trails to the hikers that not only look interesting but are also exciting and challenging too. A Nature Interpretation Centre is there where you can get to know everything about the sanctuary in detail in advance before you embark on your journey towards it. Another highlight is the 12th-century Karnala Fort, which is not to be missed by anyone visiting the sanctuary on their way to Panvel.
The entry fee to visit Karnala Bird Sanctuary is INR 35 per person. And if you’re carrying a camera along with you, you’ll need to pay INR 100 for it. It opens its door for its tourists from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days and the best time to explore its surroundings would be from July to August and then from October to February.
Panvel
All those who are planning for a perfect honeymoon getaway within 50 km from Mumbai can make their way towards Panvel. It’s a kind of place that is never out of the list for newlyweds due to its pleasant weather conditions all the time. It’s a kind of place that allows you to connect with nature like never before. It’s a kind of place that lets you loosen yourself free in a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a kind of place that enables you to unwind in the lap of nature. It’s a kind of place that offers tremendous beauty to soothe your mind and soul. What else? A 2-days trip to Panvel will fulfill all your heart's desires, all thanks to the lush green mountains and serene surroundings bordering it.
While in Panvel, you can find several things to do and see all around the place. There are a few attractions that you just cannot miss at any cost. These include Adai Waterfalls, Karnala Fort, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, trek to Manikgad Fort, Chanderi Fort, Ballaleshwar Mandir, Khandeshwar Shiva Temple, Kalavantin Durg, Gadeshwar Dam, and Smart Eco Park. For people traveling with children, Panvel also boasts a famous Shivganga Waterpark with a variety of rides, slides, and other entertainment options for the complete family.
Places Within 100 km from Mumbai
Lonavala
Treat yourself to a perfect weekend getaway retreat at Lonavala. One of the frequently visited hill stations located within 100 km from Mumbai, Lonavala, widely famous for its serenity, spectacular landscapes, outstanding scenery, natural beauty, and captivating green hills, invites people to relax in tranquillity and offers a laid-back atmosphere to spend some time away with your loved ones far away from the maddening crowd of the metro city.
Often referred to as the “City of Caves”, Lonavala boasts spectacular settings with numerous lakes, gardens, valleys, and exotic wildlife to keep you occupied throughout the day. Perched 624 meters high above sea level, this hill station is also blessed with a plethora of stunning waterfalls that are worth visiting, whether you are in Lonavala for a day or a week. These include Kune Falls, Jummapatti Falls, Bhagirath Falls, and Bhivpuri Falls.
Other points of tourist interest are Tiger Point, Karla Caves, Lohagarh Fort, Nagphani, Pawna Lake, Bushi Dam, Rajmachi Fort, Ryewood Lake, etc.
All-in-all, it won’t be wrong to say that it is an ideal escapade for nature admires and can also be visited by those who are looking for some adrenaline fun on their Mumbai tour as it provides several opportunities for camping, trekking, hiking, rappelling, and many other adventurous sports. One can visit this place during the monsoon season to have a great time as the hill station looks more beautiful and enchanting when it rains.
Matheran
Imagine getting to a place that is free of automobiles. Imagine getting to a place where you cannot find any other modes of transportation than hand-pulled rickshaws and horseback rides. Imagine getting to a place that is not only pollution-free but also remains pristine all the time. You must be thinking that such a place doesn’t exist, especially in today’s era, right? Well, you’re wrong. There is a place nearby Mumbai that is only 83 km away and it is known as Mathern.
Often called as the Cutest Little Hill Station of India, Mathern offers a picture-perfect setting along with a much-needed escape you need to get away from the rusting city life. It is the best travel destination for Mumbaikars to get lost in the undisturbed and untouched beauty of nature. And the plus point about this place is – the weather remains cool and pleasant enough to enjoy throughout the time. However, its beauty gets added up when it is raining. That simply means that you don’t need to wait for a specific time to get to this location and can visit it at any time.
Unlike other sightseeing places, Mathern is widely popular for its stunning viewpoints that not only allow you to enjoy the mind-blowing sceneries but also provide the best views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. In total, it has 36 viewpoints out of which most of them leave you spellbound with the sweeping views of the hills, beautiful sunrise, sunset, and everything else in between.
A favorite destination among the trekkers, the real charm of Mathern gets unrivaled when it is explored on foot. By doing so, you can actually witness the real beauty of the serene town at your own comfort. Other outdoor activities such as camping and rappelling are also available at this place for your entertainment.
Alibaug
Surrender yourself to the lush tropical beauty at Alibaug, a renowned beach destination located within 100 km from Mumbai. Also known as the Goa of Maharashtra, Alibaug or Alibag, surrounded by sea from three sides, is an exceptional weekend getaway for all those who are in search of a mix of sun, sea, and sand under one roof. It’s a small coastal town with a plethora of sandy beaches, historical forts, and ancient temples that can be found by tourists all around the place.
The famous beaches of Alibaug, scattered with glittering golden black sand and outstripped by clear blue waves, are a sight to behold and just a short stroll away from each other. A few of the most common ones are Alibaug Beach, Mandwa Beach, and Murud Beach which offers a perfect fun-filled day out for the family. Other beaches including Kihim Beach, Nagaon Beach, Akshi Beach, Varsoli Beach, and Kashid Beach serve no less than a heaven for the shutterbugs.
While most of the beach provides sunbathing and swimming facilities to all age groups, some are also well-equipped with a variety of water sports. So, if you’re interested and have enough time, you can definitely go for activities like Banana Boating, Jet Skiing, Parasailing, etc to add a fun factor to your trip.
After you’re done with the beaches in Alibaug, make sure to take some time off for Magnetic Observatory, Kolaba Fort, Birla Temple, Khanderi Fort, Brahma Kund, Vrindavan Farm, Korlai Fort, Hanuman Temple, and Murud-Janjira Fort tourist attractions as well.
Durshet
If you’ve been looking for a place where you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing break amidst the serenity of nature, then you should look nowhere else than Durshet in Maharashtra. Maintaining close proximity to Pune and Mumbai, with only 77 km away from the city of dreams, Durshet promises to offer the best travel experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
It’s a small village that is now transformed into a hill station owing to the hillocks and plateaus encompassing it and serves as a fantastic location for wanderlusts and experience seekers to immerse themselves in the oasis of nature.
There are several things to do and see around the place. For example, you can visit the river Amba to have a glimpse of an abundant variety of flora and fauna. Head to the Pali Ganapati Temple and Mahad Ganapati Temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Or pave your way towards Hot Spring to take a dip in the water so that you can get rid of all the skin ailments. Other attractions such as Durshet Forest Lodge and Pali Fort are also available for those interested in history.
During summers i.e., from March to May, the humidity level is a bit high in and around the area with an average temperature sometimes touching 40-degree Celsius, thus making the overall climate unfavorable for tourists to go on a sightseeing tour. Although the monsoon season that starts in June and continues until August gives some relief from the high temperature, due to heavy rainfall, people generally avoid visiting this place.
However, winters are considered best to explore the popular tourist places in Durshet. At this time, the weather remains pleasantly cool and calm to admire the waterfalls, rivers, and other must-visit attractions. Also, this is the time when you can also try some adventurous activities like rock climbing to make the visit more exciting and memorable for you and your loved ones.
Places Within 150 km from Mumbai
Kolad
Head to Kolad to experience a day full of fun, adventure, and excitement. Situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Kolad is a sleepy hamlet that has gained the attention of people from all walks of life for a diverse range of water sports and rafting is the prime activity amongst them.
Situated at a distance of 114 km from Mumbai, Kolad bestows numerous majestic valleys which offer jaw-dropping views of the evergreen forests and mist-laden hills. The green meadows, cascading waterfalls, awe-inspiring backdrop of Sahyadris, and a peaceful ambiance enhance the beauty of this location, thus giving a treat to nature lovers and shutterbugs.
The Kundalika River, also considered as a hub of white-water rafting, is a big attraction here. You can pay a visit to the Bhira Dam to enjoy a memorable picnic with your family. Or you can also soak in the views of the surrounding hills at the Tamhini Ghat. Several other places such as the Kuda Caves, Ghosala Fort, Tala Fort, and Sutarwadi Lake can also be explored by tourists in the region.
In addition to them, one can also try their hand at Kayaking, Canoeing, and river Zip Line Crossing to bring out the best of adventure in them. Hiking, Bungee Jumping, Camping, Boating, Trekking, Rappelling, Mountain Biking, and Rock Climbing are a few of the other adrenaline-fuelled activities that only passionate adventure enthusiasts can opt for. You can also enjoy Paragliding when the sky is clear to add an overall value to your trip.
Kamshet
The next adventurous destination lying within 150 km of the largest city of India is Kamshet. Encompassed by the unmissable beauty of the Sahyadri ranges, Kamshet is a fairyland that has beautiful temples, monasteries, waterfalls, and hills, all acting as a symbol of serenity for this location.
Considered as a heaven for paragliders, Kamshet has retained its position in the list of top destinations in India for a delightful expedition owing to its perfect weather conditions all the time. This is the major reason why it is dotted with many paragliding spots including Kondeshwar Cliff, Tower Hill, and Shinde Wadi Hills. Here you can choose from the 3 forms of paragliding such as acro tandem, instruction tandem, or joy tandem to feel the freedom of flying high in the air just like a happy bird.
Begin your heritage tour with Tikona Fort and move forward with Lohagad Fort and Visapur Fort to dig deep into the cultural heritage and past of this city. Visit Bedse Caves and Bhairi Caves to explore the caves. Uksan Lake and Pawna Lakes are the ones that let you tuck your soul free in a laid-back atmosphere.
You can also enjoy camping to experience the magic of sparkling stars at the night at the lake of your choice. What else? The town is also blessed with several fine-dining restaurants and dhabas where you can discover the flavors of mouthwatering food to satisfy your appetite.
Places Within 200 km from Mumbai
Nashik
Situated on the banks of river Godavari, Nashik or Nasik is a religious holy site that has gained religious importance among the Hindus for its wide significance. It is one of the 4 locations that organizes Kumbh Mela once every 12 years and is also considered an idyllic destination for all those who love tasting wines.
Perched within 200 km away from Mumbai, this ancient place provides a home to plenty of exotic temples along with numerous natural sightseeing places that will simply blow your mind. There are stunning waterfalls, caves, forts, and vineyards to look for in Nashik. Some of the must-visit attractions that you should definitely explore are Coin Museum, Soma Vine Village, Dudhsagar Waterfall, Sula Vineyards, Ram Kund, and many more.
If interested, one can also take some time off for other popular places including Anjaneri Hills. Sita Gufa, Saptashrungi, Panchvati, and Pandavleni Caves. Apart from the exploration part, you also have a chance to engage in various recreational and adventure-rushing activities such as go-karting, cliff jumping, rafting, etc to tick off every wish on your bucket list.
Places Within 250 km from Mumbai
Shirdi
Visit the renowned pilgrimage destination Shirdi lying within 250 km from Mumbai to spend some time at a place surrounded by positivity. Nestled in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi or Sainagar is a quaint city where Sai Baba stayed for almost 60 years of his life and even took his last breath in the year 1918.
Home to the shrine of Sai Baba, the Sai Baba Samadhi Temple, sprawling over 200 square meters of an area, is one of the richest temples in India that features awe-inspiring architecture to leave you spellbound all the time. It receives a huge influx of devotees of all faiths every year, with approximately 100000 people visiting the mandir every day during the festive season. Such is the aura of Sai Baba among the locals as well as the tourists.
In addition to the Sai Baba Temple, this holiest place also boasts Sri Dwarkamai Temple, Hanuman Temple, Khandoba Mandir, Shani Shingnapur, and Maruti Temple for people seeking mental peace and wishing to go on a journey of deep cleansing. There is also a Sai Heritage Village that allows you to know everything about the life of Sai Baba in detail. Alongside that, tourists can pave a visit to the Wet N Joy Waterpark to have a refreshing time with their near and dear ones.
Panchgani
It’s time to disconnect yourself from the boring and monotonous life for some time at Panchgani. Named after five hills of the Sahyadri mountain ranges encircling it, Panchgani, perched at a height of 1334 meters above sea level, is a blissful treat for tourists of all ages and can be visited by couples seeking to rekindle the romance in tranquillity.
From indulging yourself in shopping the whole day at Shivaji Circle to overlooking the natural beauty at its best at Wai and from exploring the caves at Rajpuri Caves to experiencing the stunning waterfall at Lingmala Falls, this place has dozens of things to keep you occupied throughout the time.
If you’re an adventure enthusiast and looking for activities to set your heartbeat racing, you can choose from a wide range of leisure and recreational sports like trekking, paragliding, horse riding, rock climbing, and speed boating to make the most of your time.
One can also explore Table Land, Sydney Point, Kamalgadh Fort, Dhom Dam, Kaas Plateau, Harrison’s Folly, Kate’s Point, Bhilar Falls, Wilson Point, Sherbaug, Chinaman’s Waterfall, and Arthur’s Seat in Panchgani to satisfy their travel lust to perfection.
Another important aspect that makes it the preferred weekend destination among tourists is the availability of world-class accommodation in the town. For your convenience, there are several hotels and resorts that not only cater to your varied holiday needs but are also easy on everyone’s pockets.
Almost all the hotels and resorts are well-equipped with modern facilities and offer top-notch amenities to please you and your family members. So, no matter whether you’re a solo traveler, traveling as a couple, or with a group of friends, you’re sure to discover an exquisite holiday filled with nature, adventure, history, and a lot more at Panchgani.
Places Within 300 km from Mumbai
Mahabaleshwar
Another destination that attracts people from far and wide every year is Mahabaleshwar. Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats of India, Mahabaleshwar or The Land of Strawberries captivates your imagination with its unmissable charm and natural splendor that is hard to find anywhere else in and around the city of dreams.
This hill station near Mumbai is not only scenic but also fun and adventurous at the same time, thus making it a perfect base for Mumbaikars to experience solitude and solace amidst serene surroundings.
Popular among the tourists for gurgling rivers, splendid waterfalls, majestic peaks, and magnificent cascades, Mahabaleshwar is the most sought-after place that will take your breath away with its captivating beauty, lush green dense forests, and verdant valleys. Once known as the summer capital of Britishers, this hill station, today, retains its old-world charm along with a picture-perfect setting you need to relax your bones here.
There are several sightseeing places to cover on a sightseeing tour in Mahabaleshwar out of which a few are the ones you just cannot miss at any cost. These include Elephant’s Head Point, Chinaman Waterfall, Dhobi Waterfall, Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake, Wilson Point, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Panchgani, Pratapgad Fort, Echo Point, Mapro Garden, and many more.
While exploring them, do not forget to cover the strawberry farms as the hill station is considered a prime source for producing berries in large quantities.
Please note that if you’re planning a visit to Mahabaleshwar, it would be advisable to head towards it from November to February to make the most out of your trip. During this period, the weather remains pleasant with an average temperature ranging from 10-degree Celsius to 24-degree Celsius, making it easy for tourists to roam around the hill station.
Places Within 500 km from Mumbai
Tarkarli
Reinvent yourself at a sprawling location situated within 500 km from Mumbai, Tarkarli. Synonym to the gorgeous beaches and endless sunshine, Tarkarli is renowned for its crystal-clear waters of the sea and the white sand that doubles the unparalleled charm and scenic beauty of this destination. The frequently visited beaches in this village are Tarkarli Beach, Kolam Beach, and Achara Beach.
Home to a range of water sports, this village receives a huge influx of people from all walks of life for its most-sought recreational activities. Out of all, the popular ones are the scuba diving and snorkeling sessions that allow you to observe life beneath the sea. There is also a Tarkarli River where you can enjoy boating to experience the serenity of the backwaters. If lucky, you can also spot the dolphins dancing around in the water.
The Dhamapur Lake, covering an area of 10 acres of land, is undoubtedly a perfect tourist spot for people to find solace in nature. You can sit by the lake, read a good book, play board games, enjoy a picnic, and relish the taste of mouth watering delicacies from eateries around to have a fun-filled day out. Do not forget to order the fresh seafood and local shark curry if you really want to know about the authentic taste of this small hamlet!
One can also shop at Tarkarli to bring some memories in the form of souvenirs back home. Its cashew nuts are quite popular among the tourists along with amba poli, which is famous aam papad there. This place is also lined up with an array of shops from where you can buy anything you want including clothes, footwear, or any other basic essentials. All things are available at pocket-friendly prices, so you don’t have to worry about anything.
Plan to extend your getaway to Mumbai to visit a few more places around the city of Mumbai. These include Lavasa, Khandala, Rajmachi, Pune, Bhandardara, Raigad, Daman and Diu, Igatpuri, Saputara, Jawhar, Chiplun, Vikramgad, Bhimashankar, Jaigad, and Aurangabad.
Other than these nearby places, the city also impresses its visitors with a plethora of tourist attractions like Gateway of India, Sanjay Gandhi International Park, Red Carpet Wax Museum, Haji Ali Dargah, Elephanta Caves, Siddhivinayak Temple, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, ISKCON Temple, Girgaon Chowpatty, Powai Lake, Nehru Centre, and many more. All these attractions can be enjoyed while you enjoy a staycation in Mumbai and hence, can be explored at any time.
Book an all-inclusive Mumbai tour package with us to enjoy your Mumbai tour to the fullest. We at Mumbai Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, carefully design a variety of travel packages that suit everyone’s holiday needs and other preferences. You can also ask us to customize the all-inclusive packages and our travel experts will be happy to do that for you.
For the team of Holidays DNA, customer happiness always comes first and we don’t mind going the extra mile to bring a smile to your face. From booking the flight tickets in advance to getting the prior reservation done in the hotel/resort of your choice to shortlisting the itinerary depending on your getaway duration, we take care of everything. And the plus point of planning a vacation with us is that you can leverage the benefits of various travel deals to enjoy your trip at pocket-friendly prices. What else? Our team has also prepared a list of top car rental companies in Mumbai from where you can hire a cab or taxi to travel to your desired location at your own convenience. To know more about our offerings, we request you to fill in the Contact Us form.
