For those living in or travelling in the cities, Maharashtra offers plenty of options for weekend getaways from Mumbai. It only takes a short drive to enter the rolling green Sahyadris, a hotspot for nature-lovers, bird-watchers, and trekkers. This region is abundant with forts, hills, rock-climbing spots, waterfalls, and natural pools, so if you’re looking for places to visit near Lonavala, you have plenty of options.
Weekend getaways from Mumbai: Paragliding in Kamshet
Kamshet is one of the easiest places to visit near Lonavala and offers spectacular paragliding opportunities. Located at a distance of 110 km from Mumbai or 35 km from Lonavala, you can easily make this a quick weekend getaway from Mumbai. There's plenty to look at beneath you: the rolling landscape with the gorgeous Sahyadri hills, dotted with lakes and natural water bodies, and with the railway tracks running across.
Weekend getaways from Mumbai: Rafting in Kolad
Kolad is located in the midst of the Western Ghats, surrounded by paddy fields, lush forests, and rolling hills, and lies along the banks of the Kundalika river. You’re going to be facing rapids of up to 13 or 14 km here. This is one of the greenest places to visit near Lonavala and is about 90 km away. Weekend getaways from Mumbai combine rafting on the river, as well as activities like kayaking, ziplining, and other fun outdoor activities. You can choose to book Kolad camping packages for overnight stays, or you can do just a day trip.
Weekend getaways from Mumbai: Trekking in the Sahyadris
For those looking for adventurous places to visit near Lonavala, the spectacular Sahyadris provide many trekking options. There is plenty of rough terrains to challenge experienced trekkers and enough gentle slopes for beginners to try their hand at trekking. Some of the most popular trekking destinations for weekend getaways from Mumbai include the Sandhan Valley, Harishchandragadh, Lohagad Fort, and Rajmachi.
Weekend getaways from Mumbai: Camping in the wild
The best weekend getaways from Mumbai are the ones that take you away from civilization! Head off to the hills, lakes, waterfalls, or rivers all around the city for a wonderful experience. Some of the best places for camping near Mumbai include Lonavala, Pavna lake or Bhandardara. You’ll check-in at tea-time, and enjoy an easy evening with a bonfire and barbecue session before dinner. After that, you’ll retire for the night to your tents. In the morning, you’ll awake to wonderful misty views and fresh clean air. After a hot cup of tea and breakfast, your trip ends.
Places to visit near Mumbai: Pawna lake camping
The spot for Pawna lake camping is located right on the banks with the perennial lake on three sides, giving you beautiful views at any time of the day. While the campsite turns lush green during the monsoon, it is also gorgeous during the winter months, when the mist descends on the lake in the early morning and there's a nip in the air at night.
When to head out for weekend getaways from Mumbai
Winter is usually the best time for new places to visit near Lonavala. The weather is cool during the day, and the nights get wonderfully chilly. It’s a good idea to carry extra warm clothes and blankets during this season. Weekend getaways from Mumbai that involve camping or trekking in the monsoon are popular now, with people heading out to enjoy the rainy weather and the cloudy skies.