Monsoon in Mumbai: Weekend Getaways and Activities

Mumbai is one of the major metropolitan city of India, highest in population, business capital, film city, and also called as Sapno Ki Nagri. There are many tags and adjectives given to the city describing its busy and never resting life. People here are always in hurry, the local trains, BEST bus, everything seems too fast for a newcomer and catching a local in peak hours, I think it is something that should be described as extra skills in resume( I am Serious!). Situated beside western coast of India, the weather of Mumbai can be classified into hot and humid during most of the year. However, monsoon brings relief and much needed break from the hustle bustle of busy lives.

I came in Mumbai in year 2013 and was home sick in initial months, for those who are scratching their head , check my last blog and you will understand my plight.

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Alright, So where were we? Yes I was feeling homesick and low during my early days in city and then Monsoon happened!! Since then I have fallen in love with this city. The crowd, marine drive, local trains, British architectures, the night life, chaupatis and how can I dare to miss Vada Pav. Moreover, located at western ghats and surrounded by Arabian sea, this city offers so much geographically to travellers like beaches, lakes, hills, caves, plateaus etc. The landscapes come alive in monsoon, everything turns green and dreamy.

As Mumbai has already witnessed few rains, I am listing weekend getaways and activities you can experience near Mumbai this monsoon. So take a cue and mark your calenders for the lovely season ahead. 🙂

1. Lonavala and Khandala

I am dead sure that It was Monsoon season, when Aamir Khan asked Rani Mukherjee those famous three words “Aati kya Khandala?” Ok I promise I will not crack PJs anymore but Lonavala & Khandala tops the list of Monsoon Weekend Getaways hands down. Lush green landscapes, numerous waterfalls, a beautiful long drive on Mumbai-Pune expressway, makes this twin hill station a must go destination. However in Monsoon, it will be crowded on weekends, if possible take a day off and turn your car for an unforgettable experience. Main attractions are Bhushi Dam, Tiger’s point, Bhaje Caves, Lohgad fort, Carla caves, Rajmachi Fort, Celebrity Wax Museum etc.

2. Matheran

If you are tired of Mumbai traffic and want a break, what is better than a place where vehicles are not allowed?

Matheran is smallest hill station of India and Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. The nearest local station to this hill station is Neral, from there you can enjoy ride in toy train till the main market area of Matheran. There are total 38 lookout points in Matheran which can be covered by walking if you are into fitness , or one can also hire horses. The famous places are panorama point, sunset point, echo point, One tree hill point, Charlotte lake etc.

In monsoon you can see clouds everywhere on the hill and its an amazing feeling altogether. Alright enough said! just go there and witness serenity in its most natural form.

3. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani

Mahabaleshwar is another hill station located in Sahyadri Mountain range of Maharashtra. It is around 280 Km from Mumbai and can be reached easily by boarding bus run by various government and private transport services, other options such as train and cabs are also available. Monsoon turns this hill station into pure heaven with misty roads, lush green hills, a wide variety of flora & fauna, waterfalls and everything beautiful.

Location: Elephant’s Head Point, Mahabaleshwar

Panchgani is another hill station nearby Mahabaleshwar which has Asia’s Second largest plateau also known as Table land. If you are visiting Mahabaleshwar pair it up with Panchgani 🙂

4. Alibaug and Kashid

If you love sea more than hills, Alibaug is the right place for you. Its a three hour long drive from Mumbai, and boast beautiful beaches and forts. Colba fort is one of the sea forts in Mumbai situated in Alibaug and is a must go place.

Whereas Kashid is most beautiful beach near Mumbai as it have white sand, blue sea and green trees. If you want to explore wilderness visit Phansad Sanctuary nearby, you can stay in economical tents available there for camping out experience.

Drive a li’l more and do visit Murud Janjira fort which is situated amidst sea and hear stories about King and Queens from locals 🙂

5. Kolad

If you have planned for white water rafting in Rishikesh but every time it got cancelled, no worries . Experience it in Kolad beforehand in Kundalika river this monsoon.

Location: Nature’s Trail Camp River side, Kundalika

Its a beautiful place, and comparitvely less visiter come here making it a quiet weekend getaway. You can stay in Nature’s Trail Resort and experience many other adventure sports and activites offered by them.

6. Tapola

It is also known as Mini Kashmir of Maharashtra situated in village near Mahabaleshwar. It is a raw beauty with beautiful Shivsagar lake where you can enjoy many water sports.

Other attractions are Koyna dam, breathtakingly beautiful flower beds in Kas pathar and strawberry farms all around.

7. Kamshet

Kamshet is another hill station near to Pune which is better known for paragliding and flying schools. It is a paragliders heaven with beautiful landscape comprising villages, wind mills , hills and lake. if you are into adventure sports, take paragliding lessons in Karanjgaon, else head to Pawna lake for leisure boating or a family outing.

Due to its close proximity with Lonavala and Khandala, the trip can be clubbed for extra fun.

8. Bhivpuri and other waterfalls

If you do not have much time to invest in planning trip , impromptu trip to Bhivpuri waterfall will make your day. Its a beautiful waterfall near Karjat which can be reached by local train easily.

Another nearest waterfall is Pandavkada waterfalls in Kharghar which is just 45 kms away from Mumbai. The name originates from historical belief that Pandavas stayed there during their exile.

There are numerous other locations to be visited which I have not even touched for ex Bhandhar-dhara, Malshej ghat, Wai, Durshet, Mulshi dam etc. The sole reason for not including in list is that I have not been there yet. But they are surely on my list, and I will write about them once I visit there.

I visited Pawna lake and Lonavala last weekend and have planned to visit Mahabaleshwar in last weekend of June. Do check my instagram page thatgeminigal for my recent trip pics.

So guys, pack your bag and head to some lovely place this monsoon. Consider all your travel problem sorted as we have something very useful for you, have a look on Versatyl bomber jacket and thank us later