True happiness is knowing that there is a long weekend ahead and you can escape your mundane routine, even if it is for an extra day or two. Thankfully, we have a lot of holidays in India because of its rich culture. And when such a holiday falls on Friday or Monday we can’t help being excited, especially if you live in Mumbai that has a myriad of options to explore! For the daily, fast-paced lives that residents of the City of Dreams lead, we give you a comprehensive list of weekend getaways near Mumbai for a quick escape!
Also Read About Things To Do In Mumbai
11 Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai To Make The Most Of Your Holidays
Have a dekko at our list of best places to visit near Mumbai before planning for your weekend where will find more options to choose from. Consider your interests and preferences before finalising a particular place.
1. Alibag
Major attractions (Places to visit): Phansad Sanctuary, Varsoli Beach, Vikram Vinayak Temple, Alibag Fort, Hirakot Fort, Kolaba Fort, Korlai Fort, Kihim Beach, Kaneshwar Mandir, Akshi Beach, Murud Janjira, Nagaon Beach, Underi.
Distance from Mumbai: 95 kms
Things to do: A trip to Alibag is one of the weekend trips to escape Mumbai and its fast paced life. Head to Alibag to enjoy the beautiful beaches and archaic forts which are reminiscent of an ancient history. You can reach this peaceful place via a ferry from the Gateway of India. There is a lot to do in Alibag for spending a long weekend like water sports, bird watching, and sightseeing. It has many outdoor activities to have fun with the most amazing company of your loved ones. The best time to visit this place will be anytime except August and September.
2. Bhandardara
Major attractions (Places to visit and things to do): Chilling in peaceful environment, spending time in lush green nature all around including Bhandardara lake, Randha falls, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Agasti Rishi Ashram, Amriteshwar Temple, and Sandhan Valley
Distance from Mumbai: 163 kms
Things to do: This picnic spot in Mumbai never fails to win people’s hearts with its lush green nature and raw beauty. Choose this place for your next weekend outing and spend some time with the beautiful landscapes. You can either do trekking and sightseeing, or you can just cycle around and go out on hikes. We are sure you will come back with a lot of good pictures. Don’t miss visiting the Bhandardara lake and Randha Falls while you are there.
Trains are available from Mumbai to Igatpuri, which is 28 km from Bhandardara or take the state transport buses from Mumbai.
Also Read: Trekking Captions
3. Ganpatipule
Major attractions (Places to visit): Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Distance from Mumbai: 344 kms
Things to do: This place has a history behind it. According to legends, Lord Ganesha moved to Pule from his abode in Gule, after taking offence to a remark made by a native woman. The 400-year-old Ganpati idol at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil, hence giving name to the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple which is a must-visit for devotees from across the country.
This is one of the most peaceful holiday destinations near Mumbai. For beach-lovers, pilgrims, and peace-seekers alike, this place offers the perfect getaway amongst picturesque coconut palms, mangroves abound, and Konkani cuisine to die for! You can reach this place by taking a train from Mumbai to Ratnagiri, which is 30 km from Ganpatipule or take the buses available from Mumbai to Ganpatipule.
4. Kamshet
Major attractions: Paragliding
Distance from Mumbai: 102KM
Things to do: If you like the feeling of adrenaline pumping through your veins, look no further than the paragliding paradise of India. This is one of the top tourist places near Mumbai. Kamshet offers several points from where you can soar through the skies, completely supervised by paragliding experts that will ensure that your experience is just as safe as it is thrilling.
To reach here, you can take a train from Mumbai to Lonavala and then a suburban train to Kamshet or take the buses that ply regularly from Mumbai to Pune.
5. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Major attractions (Places to visit): the Rose Garden, the Botanical Garden, historical Karnala Fort
Distance from Mumbai: 60 km
Things To do: This charming spot ideal for trekking and picnicking is set in Raigad district and is situated off the Mumbai-Pune highway leading to Goa. The sanctuary is located around the historical Karnala Fort (another wonderful trekking spot) and is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. Government rest-houses, hotels, and resorts are conveniently located around the area, where you can reside after having your fill of being able to spot close to 222 species of birds! The best months to visit this sanctuary are October and April.
6. Tarkarli
Major attractions (Places to visit): Water sports at Malvan coast
Distance from Mumbai: 536 km
Things To do: The blue waters and the white sands of Tarkarli beach are sure to give you major #VacationGoals so incredibly close to home. Known for its spectacular coral beaches, this popular destination is around 548 kilometres from Mumbai, on the Malvan coast, where you can even sign up for a short certificate course in scuba diving and enjoy a plethora of watersports to satiate your adventurous spirit!
Trains are available from Mumbai to Kudal, which is at 56 km from Tarkarli Beach or take the state transport buses from Mumbai.
7. Kolad
Major attractions (Places to visit): Kundalika river rafting, waterfalls in Kolad
Distance from Mumbai: 122 kms
Things To do: The scenic landscape of lush green mountains and waterfalls in Kolad also hosts a variety of activities for the thrill seeking traveller such as river rafting on the gushing currents of the Kundalika River. Kolad also boasts of amazing beauty that comes alive in the arms of the monsoon, making it a visual treat for shutterbugs, and an idyllic vacation spot for everyone!
Trains are available from Mumbai to Kolad, or take the state transport buses from Mumbai.
8. Vengurla
Major attractions (Places to visit): The beaches-Vayangani, Shiroda, Sagareshwar, Mochemad, and Nivati
Distance from Mumbai: 122 km
Things To do: This is one of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai. Beach-bums unite, for the shores of Vengurla call out to you with promises of blissful days and dreamy nights. Located in the Sindhudurg district in the North of Goa, this town encompasses a rich cultural heritage, giving its visitors something to look forward to every day. Look no further than the five beaches: Vayangani, Shiroda, Sagareshwar, Mochemad, and Nivati to spend your long weekend lazing around and doing absolutely nothing to truly lose yourself in happiness!
You can take a flight from Mumbai to Goa; trains are available from Mumbai to Thivim which is 52 km from Vengurla.
9. Lonavala-Khandala
Major attractions (Places to visit): Karla & Bhaja Caves, Duke’s Nose, Korigad Fort, Bushy Dam, Bedsa Caves, Tiger’s Leap, Lohagad, Pavna Lake, Tungarli Lake and Lonavala Lake
Distance from Mumbai: 93 kms
Things To do: These are the most popular weekend getaways from mumbai. The best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is from October to May. However, this place is at its best in the month of December. This place has always been the favourite spot of Mumbaikars. Spend your weekend in the beautiful hills and cheer your mood. You can choose to trek and then camp in the most beautiful location as per your choice. It can also entertain shopaholics with its attractive markets.
10. Raigad
Major attractions (Places to visit): Raigad Fort, Raigad Museum
Distance from Mumbai: 103 kms
Things to do: The best time to visit this place is from September to November. This place was the capital of Maratha King, Shivaji and takes pride in its Raigad Fort. The beautiful fort lies at a high altitude of 2700 feet on Sahyadri mountains. You can reach there by taking a cable car or climbing the stairs. You can also go on hikes or trek at this place.
11. Igatpuri
Major attractions (Places to visit): Bhatsa River Valley, Kalsubai peak, Arthur Lake, Amruteshwar Temple, Camel Valley, Dhammagiri and Tringalwadi Fort.
Distance from Mumbai: 120 kms
Things to do: The best place to visit this place is either from June to September or from November to March. The stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats offer a perfect romantic setting for couples. You can do meditation, sightseeing, trekking and hiking here.
Hope you liked these weekend getaways from Mumbai. Tell us where you will be heading for the long weekend!
Images: Shutterstock
This story was updated in March 2019.