Trips under 200 kms

Karnala bird sanctuary

Distance from Mumbai - 48kms
Location - 12 kms from Panvel. Near Matheran and Karjat
Best time to visit - October - April

What to see & do - Karnala Bird Sanctuary & Karnala Fort. Around 160 resident species and over 40 migratory birds can be spotted here. Open from Sunrise to Sunset.
Good place for bird lovers


Karjat

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Distance from Mumbai - 63kms
Location - Raigad, Maharashtra
Best time to visit - July and September

What to see & do -

Picnics, river rafting, trekking, hiking, and mountain climbing activities

White water rafting during the monsoon, on the upper sections of the Ulhas River.

Visit the Buddhist style Kondana caves

Ulhas valley with views of beautiful streams flowing from the green thickets.

Elephanta caves

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Distance from Mumbai - 10 kms from Appollo Bunder near Gateway of India
Location - Gharapuri island, Mumbai harbour
Best time to visit - Round the year

What to see & do - The caves of the Elephanta island are basically rock cut temples dating back to 5th century . They date back to 600AD, the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the entrance to the caves is the famous Trimurti, the Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Unfortunately many sculptures have been damaged, still it is worth spending a day here.


Matheran

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Distance from Mumbai - 81kms
Location - Raigad, Maharashtra
Best time to visit - October to May

What to see & do -

Panorama Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area, also don't miss sunset and sunrise.

One Tree Hill Point, Heart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Rambagh Point are other view points

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir and Matheran Shiv Mandir can also be visited

Neral-Matheran toy train ride

Lonavala & Khandala

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Distance from Mumbai - 93 kms
Location - Pune, Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Throughout the year, but July to October is the best time to see hundreds of waterfalls.

What to see & do -

Lonavala and the adjacent Khandala are twin hill stations.

Visit the Karla and Bhaja caves for Buddhist cave architecture. 20 minute climb to the top. The Karla caves has the 200 year old original woodwork still intact. Bhaja caves are 3 kms away from the Expressway.

Between Karjat and Khandala is the Bhor Ghat retreat, a mountain passage with lakes, showering waterfalls and the woods. Lying in the old NH4, it was once a trade route which moved goods from the merchant ships of Syria and Egypt to their capital in Paithan by the Satvahanas. Its a beautiful plce, just trek to the top and enjoy the sheer beauty.

Paragliding at Kamshet which is just 25kms away from Lonavala.

Trek from Bhaja caves to the ruins of the twin forts of Lohagarh and Visapur for beautiful views.

Tungarli Lake and Dam, Bhushi dam, Lonaval lake and Valvan dam, Rajmachi Point and Fort, Dukes nose are other sightseeing points.

The temple of Narayani dham, Della adventure theme park can also be visited.

Try The various varities of chikkis.....

Alibaug

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Distance from Mumbai - 96kms
Location - Raigad, Maharashtra
Best time to visit - October-July

What to see & do -

Alibaug beaches are clean, less crowded with bhel puri and bhajia stalls, pony rides for children and more.

The Kulabha fort is approachable only at low tide, in the middle of the sea. This naval base fort is in ruins and is still impregnable.

The temples of Ganeshji and Rani Padmavati are in good condition.

Alibag beach and fort, Varsoli beach, Akshi beach, Nagaon Beach, Kashid Beach are the beaches to see

Siddheshwar Shiv Mandir, Kanakeshwar Shiv Mandir Khanderi and Underi Islands can also be seen

Kamshet

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Distance from Mumbai - 102kms
Location - Pune, Maharashtra
Best time to visit - October-May

What to see & do -

Kamshet near Lonavala is the No. 1 destination in Maharashtra for paragliding.

In this peaceful, unpolluted environment, you can take to the skies and enjoy the picturesque scenery and adrenaline rush of paragliding. The flying season in Kamshet is from November to June - eight months of great weather. In winter, Tower Hill is the favourite site as the east wind blows constantly, while Shelar is the best take-off place in summer, when the wind direction changes.

Lots of trek options

Raikar Farm for plants, trees and a dairy farm

Kondeshwar Temple

Karla, Bedsa and Bhaja Caves

Raigad

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Distance from Mumbai - 103kms
Location -
Best time to visit - Sept - Nov

What to see & do -

Raigad Fort is a magnificient hill fort, The fort was the capital of Shivaji. The Queens quarters, Public darbar, Watch tower and the various gateways are in ruins now. The Public durbar has a replica of the original throne.

Also dont miss the Raigad Museum

Palghar

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Distance from Mumbai - 115kms
Location - Konkan Maharashtra
Best time to visit - June to September and November to February

What to see & do -

One of the nearest getaways from Mumbai

The sea coast approximately 20 kms away

Kaldurg Fort - trek to the fort

Kelva and Shirgaon forts, though in ruins.

Kelva and Mahim beaches are ideal to watch the mesmerising view of sunset

Kelva Dam is a popular picnic spot

Visit the fishing villages near the beach.

Kolad

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Distance from Mumbai - 122kms
Location - Raigad Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Monsoons, June to March

What to see & do -

Location on the banks of the stunning Kundalika River, surrounded by the Sahyadri ranges

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Lots of theme farm and nature friendly resorts in Kolad

Its a haven for adventure lovers.

White water rafting in Kundalika river round the year. Maharashtra's highest rainfall area, Kundalika is an extremely beautiful river. The monsoon is the peak season for rafting as the water levels are high here.

Kolad railway station is the first station on the Konkan Railway line

Adventure sports: Rafting, Rappelling, Jungle camping, kayaking, Para sail, Aeromodelling etc

Apart from adventure sports one can Visit Kuda Caves (38 kms ) fifteen Buddhist caves are small, simple, and were excavated in first century B.C.

Tala fort (27 kms) Bhira Dam (30 kms) called Tata Power House Dam. river rafting, sailing, paragliding, river crossing etc are done here.

Igatpuri

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Distance from Mumbai - 122kms
Location - Nasik Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Monsoons

What to see & do -

Placed in the lap of the highest peaks of Western Ghats, Many forts which offer good treks.

See the Bhatsa river valley, Camel valley and the waterfalls.

The Tringalwadi fort can be reached by a path through a mountain here, At 3,000ft it has the impressive views of Kulang and Kalsubai mountain ranges.

Many movies have been shot here, owning to the beauty of the place.

The International Centre for Vipassana meditation called Dhammagiri is located here. Igatpuri lies in the Mumbai Shirdi route, so can be planned with your Shirdi trip. (Shirdi is 121kms from Igatpuri)

Igatpuri has lots of waterfalls with a heavenly feel in monsoon

Vaitarana lake and and trek to Vaitarana waterfalls

Camel valley is at its best in monsoons, as the sayhadris ranges are totally green . Ghatandevi temple near the camel valley.

Trek to Tringalwadi Fort or Harihar fort

Malshej ghat

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Distance from Mumbai - 132 Kms
Location - Pune, Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Monsoons & Winter

What to see & do -

Its a beautiful mountain pass in the Western ghats

A weekend break can be planned as its nearby.There are beautiful waterfalls in the monsoons.

Its a birders paradise. Known for the flamingoes. Large number of migratory birds from Siberia from July to September

The Shivaneri fort where Shivaji was born is just 40 kms from here.

Lots of trekking trails, like Trek Up to Harishchandragad Fort, Ajoba Hill Fort, Darkoba Peak etc

Harishchandragad is around 86 kms by road and around 10 kms trek. Saptatirtha Pushkarni is the lake to see here, Kedareshwar Cave - Is the shiv linga surrounded by water. Its height from the base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. It is quite difficult to reach the Shiva Linga because the water is ice-cold. There were four pillars built around the Shiva Linga. the pillars wear made surrounded by the Shiva linga as for support as cave, only one remains. it is also said that there is absolutely no water there during rainy seasons alone.

Jawhar

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Distance from Mumbai - 141kms
Location -
Best time to visit - Sept - April

What to see & do -

Jaivilas Palace

Kal Mandavi Waterfall

Khad-Khad Dam

Sunset point, Hanuman point

Murud Janjira

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Distance from Mumbai - 160kms
Location - Raigad Maharashtra
Best time to visit - October to March

What to see & do -

Murud is a small town, a Siddi domain.

On an oval shaped port town of Murud on an island is the 950 year old Janjira fort. The strong fort was built by an African trader Siddi Johar. marine fort is impressive and unconqured with beautiful views around. The fort has 19 rounded bastions, still in good condition. Can easily spend a day here.

Murud Beach overlooks the fort. 4 kms from here is the Garambi waterfalls, 100ft high. Northwest of this fort, is Padmadurg built by Shivaji

300 years old Datta Mandir atop a hillock can be seen

Carambi Dharan dam is a picnic spot

Feast on delicious Konkani cusine

Kasa Fort and Ahmedganj Palace are the other places to visit.

Bhandardara

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Distance from Mumbai - 165kms
Location - Ahmednagar Maharashtra
Best time to visit - For waterfalls monsoons are the best, but for trekking winters.

What to see & do -

Bhandardara Lake and the Randha Falls are the most visited places here

River Pravara has a belief being conferred for the meditation of Rishi Agasthya.

Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra and is a ideal trekking destination.

Other points are the Ghatghar for the mesmerising views of the Western ghats, Arthur lake is located in the beautiful ranges of Western ghats , Wilson dam on the Pravara river is one of the oldest dams. The umbrella waterfalls can be seen here in the monsoons.

Ratangad fort is 22 kms away by road, but it can be trekked with a boat ride.

Agasti Rishi Ashram 40 kms away can be visited.

Sandhan Valley can be trekked.

Nasik

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Distance from Mumbai - 167kms
Location - Nasik, Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Monsoons

What to see & do -

Highest producer of onions and grapes

Most Tourist Friendly City in India

Wine Capital of India so one have do wine tours. Nashik is home to several wine festivals, such as SulaFest in the harvest season

Panchavati is of particular religious importance for Hindus with a temple complex on the banks of Godavari river. Kumbh mela is held here once in 12 years.

Muktidham temple has entire Gita and the 12 Jyotirlings carved in marble

Dugarwadi waterfall 30 kms away, is a natural and beautiful one

Iscon temple

Coin museum has loats of coins from historical importance

There are many forts like Ramsej, Harihar and Tringalwadi fort.

Silvassa

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Distance from Mumbai - 174kms
Location - Capital Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Best time to visit - Round the year

What to see & do -

Roman Catholic Church with beautiful Portuguese architecture.

The Silvassa Museum

The Madhuban Dam built over the River Daman Ganga has boating

Swaminarayan temple

Nakshtra garden well maintained, closed on Tuesdays

Daman

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Distance from Mumbai - 177kms
Location - Daman & Diu
Best time to visit - Round the year

What to see & do -

The city is divided into two parts by the Daman Ganga River. The two halves of the city are called the Nanidaman and Motidaman

Beaches like Devka, Jampore, Gomatimala

Cathedral of Bom Jesus, St Jerome Fort

Mirasol Lake Garden and water park has garden, restaurant, lake, toy trains , some games for kids and a water park

Lavasa

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Distance from Mumbai - 187kms
Location - Near Pune
Best time to visit - Round the year

What to see & do -

Lavasa is a private planned city near Pune

Located in the Mulshi valley of the western ghats, work is still on to covert the city to a Italian hillside town

It is placed quite close to the Varasgaon Dam on the Mose river.

The weather and the dense vegetation are other attractions here

Apart from the city, there are parks and gardens for picnics, musical fountains and laser animated shows

There are some trail walks to be done.

Adventure sports like rock climbing, trekking, and water sport activities can be enjoyed here.

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Trips above 200 kms


Bhimashankar

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Distance from Mumbai - 213kms
Location - Near Pune
Best time to visit - Aug - Feb

What to see & do -

Bhimashankar is known for the Jyotirlinga temple - Shivthirtha

River Bhima originates here.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve, that covers a vast area, is the home of a variety of birds, animals

Bhimashankar has also one very prominent trek to Nagfani the highest point

Mahabaleshwar

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Distance from Mumbai - 231kms
Location - Satara Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Aug - Feb

What to see & do -

Mahabaleshwar is a hillstation, with evergreen forests.

The Krishna river originates here

Mahabaleshwar temple

Known for strawberries and mulberries

Venna lake and activities

natural sculpture of the stones which looks like three monkeys sitting beside each other is the 3 monkey point. Arthur seat point, kates point, Needle hole point, Wilson point etc are the other view points in the area.

Lingamala waterfalls falling from a height of 600ft

Pratapgard fort

Saputara

Distance from Mumbai - 248kms
Location - Border, Gujarat
Best time to visit - October - February

What to see & do -

The beauty of the hillstation and its climate

There are lots of entertainment, adventure activities here, like ropeway, biking, pools, boating, museum, parks etc

Visit vansda national park and The Purna Sanctuary

The artists village has paintings and art and craft

The Hathgad fort is a old fort in ruins climbed by a flight of steps with good views from top.

Shirdi

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Distance from Mumbai - 242kms
Location - Nasik Maharashtra
Best time to visit - All round the year

What to see & do -

Saibaba Samadhi Mandir - Baba's Sacred Body has been laid to eternal rest (Samadhi) here. The edifice of this main Mandir (Temple) was constructed by an ardent devotee Shri Gopalrao Butti of Nagpur with Baba's blessings. It is therefore also known as "Butti Wada". Baba's beautiful life-size idol is installed near His Samadhi in this shrine.

Museum hall has the personal items used by Baba during his lifetime like his drinking vessel (Tumbler), Padukas (footwear), Satka (Baton), Grinder, Gramophones, a Bowl of Hukka, Horse Bridle etc

Dwarkamai Masjid, located on the right of Samadhi Mandir, is the place where Sai Baba spent majority of his time.

Shani Shingnapur Temple - Lord Shanidev is worshipped here.

Satara

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Distance from Mumbai - 256kms
Location - Satara Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Monsoons for Kaas plateau and waterfalls

What to see & do -

Kaas plateau in and just after monsoons has wild flowers in full bloom.A 1000 hectre volcanic plateau, is a biodiversity site by UNESCO. The views of Shivsagar lake, Sajjangadh fort etc can be seen.

Thoseghar Waterfall and Vajrai Waterfall

Ajinkyatara and Sajjangarh Forts

Dholya Ganapati in Wai

Chalkewadi Windmill Farms

Aurangabad

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Distance from Mumbai - 335kms
Location - Aurangabad Maharashtra
Best time to visit - October to March

What to see & do -

The Ajanta and Ellora caves

Bibi ka Maqbara built in a similar style to Taj Mahal

Daulatabad Fort was termed as one of the best forts in India by the British. It is 13 kms from Aurangabad. The fort rises to a 600ft, and the fort was Mohammad bin Tuglaqs capital in the 13th century. Inside the fort, are the Jami masjid, Chandminar, Elephants tank and Chinni mahal or Chinese palace.

Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary

Shivaji museum

Try the Mughalai and Hyderabadi cusines

Aurangabad caves, Daulatabad Fort and Shivaji Museum will be of interest for those on a trip here.

Shop for Paithani and Himroo and Bidri ware

Ganpatipule

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Distance from Mumbai - 343kms
Location - Ratnagiri Maharashtra
Best time to visit - October to March

What to see & do -

Ganapatipule beach, twin beaches of Aare - Ware and Gaywadi beach in Malgund

The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, on the Ganapatipule beach Malgund about 2 kms away is the birthplace of the famous marathi poet Keshavsut and houses the memorial of the great poet.

Jaigad a 17th century fort about 15kms from Ganapatipule and offers some great views of the village and the sea

Prachin Konkan is a life size museum in Ganapatipule depicting life in Konkan

Gaywadi beach near Malgund about 2.5 kms from Ganapatipule is slowly emerging as the water sports hub of Ganpatipule

Ratnagiri

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Distance from Mumbai - 347kms
Location - Port in Arabian sea
Best time to visit - November to January

What to see & do -

Famous for Alphonso mangoes

Ganapatipule Beach, Anjarle Beach and Guhagar Beach are nearby

Bhagwati Fort or Ratnadurga fort enveloped by the Arabian sea on three sides

Thibaw Palace built by a Burma king

Sri Lokmanya Tilak's Janmasthan museum

Tarkarli

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Distance from Mumbai - 534kms
Location - Sindhudurg in Maharashtra
Best time to visit - Round the year

What to see & do -

Tarkali beach is a coral beach, confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. It is a long and narrow stretch of beach crystal clarity water that one can actually see the seabed up to a depth of 20 ft, snorkelling scuba-diving, backwaters & boating with dolphins in your company. enjoy some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling experiences.

Explore the Sargassum forest, corals, the schools of colourful fish and the amazing underwater seascape. The best time to go underwater is between October and March, as the waters are very clear at this time MTDC Tarkarli Beach Resort and many other hotels are located just adjacent to the beach.

Boats can be hired for dolphin seeing, golden rocks, tsunami island (for water sports) and snorkelling

Enjoy good sea food

Mahapurush Temple just 5 kms away from the beach.

Sindhudurg fort (6kms) ferry also there. One has to take a ferry from malvan fort to the island fort, Sindhudurg covers an extensive area of 46acres. The footprint and palm impression of Shivaji is set on a slab here.

Shree Shivchhatrapati Temple is in the Sindhudurg fort and the temple is dedicated to Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj. His foot and finger imprints can be seen here.

Sangam, the point where the Karli river drains into the Arabian sea. Good place to see. The town itself is called Devbag and is the end of the land.