2022 has many long weekends that you can look forward to, and if you’ve still not been able to make use of these days, don’t worry. Check out these 15 places within 150 kilometres of Mumbai, and plan a trip soon! By Anushka Goel
Mumbai is but a melting pot of cultures. The city is a picturesque one, with stunning architectural sites and a variety of streets, which speak of the many Indias that co-exist together.
Mumbai is also a tourist’s delight – from its street art to forts and the many places nearby that one can visit or go trekking, it has a lot to offer in various ways and forms. But if you’ve already travelled enough in Mumbai and need something that takes you far enough yet close to the city, these 15 places within 150 kilometres should be on your list!
15 places within 150 kilometres of Mumbai you must visit
Kanheri Caves
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Kanheri Caves, located amid the serene surroundings of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, are a group of caves and rock-cut monuments that have been cut into a massive basalt outcrop. The caves boast of some beautifully carved structures, Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions, dating back to the 1st century CE.
The name is derived from the word ‘Krishnagiri’ or ‘Kanhagiri’, meaning black mountain, and the Kanheri Caves make for a great day tour just a few kilometres from Mumbai for those who want to revel in India’s past and experience nature.
Distance from Mumbai: 30 kilometres
Pelhar Dam
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Another great place that’s within 150 kilometres from Mumbai is the Pelhar Dam. The place is great for a day trip from Mumbai and makes for a scenic picnic spot to visit with friends and family. The dam is a serene, calm spot, surrounded by the Tungareshwar Mountain, which is home to the Tungareshwar sanctuary. Once here, be sure to visit the many connecting lakes as well as the sanctuary, where you’ll find flora and fauna in plenty!
Distance from Mumbai: 60 kilometres
Karjat
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Karjat is a beautiful city close to Mumbai, which is also accessible by the Mumbai Local trains from the Central Line. The small hill station provides a relaxing retreat from the bustling city and calms the senses with its raw natural beauty. The destination is also popular among bikers and trekkers and has various hikes and treks that one can undertake.
Visit the Kondana Caves, hike up to the Sondai or Peth forts, or visit the many temples and structures that surround Karjat, and unwind in the lap of nature a few hours away from Mumbai.
Distance from Mumbai: 63 kilometres
Khandala
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One of the two most popular hill stations near Mumbai, Khandala is famous for its exquisite rock formations, scenic views and beautiful cloudy peaks. The place has several forts in its vicinity for those who want to explore India’s architectural delights, such as the Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort and more. What’s more, places such as the Kune Waterfalls make for a great way to rejuvenate oneself with picturesque views.
However, if you don’t want to tour much and are looking for places that are within 150 kilometres from Mumbai to unwind, Khandala offers several resorts which are great to spend some time with your loved ones, relax by the pools and plan reunion trips with friends and family.
Distance from Mumbai: 79 kilometres
Matheran
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Maharashtra is home to the Sahyadri mountains, and it’s no wonder that the state has several small hill stations that are apt destinations for treks and more. Matheran is one such destination that makes for a great place to visit over the weekend, given its proximity to Mumbai. Spend some time amid nature here with your friends and visit the Chanderi Caves, go rappelling on the Dodhani waterfall, or opt for several short and long treks from here.
If not, simply enjoy the scenic views from the hill station as you sip on cups of chai and coffee, and pamper yourself with some much-needed me-time. Or simply go on a toy train ride!
Distance from Mumbai: 83 kilometres
Lonavala
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When talking about places that are a must-visit within 150 kilometres from Mumbai, one can’t miss Lonavala. The popular hill station has served as the weekend getaway for many, whether it’s families looking for a place to unwind or collegegoers planning their weekend trips full of song and dance.
Lonavala has several resorts and stays in all budgets that make it special, and once there, you can indulge in various activities, ranging from hot air balloon rides to trips to the water parks or treks to the various forts and lakes nearby. Oh, and don’t forget to sample the famous chocolate walnut fudge that you get there.
Distance from Mumbai: 85 kilometres
Alibaug
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The popular beach destination is a great weekend getaway from Mumbai, for those who simply want to unwind with their friends and family. Many Mumbaikars have weekend homes there, even several celebrities, and amid the pandemic, the place has become a popular spot for a destination wedding since it’s the right distance from Mumbai to be able to make the wedding a close, intimate affair. In fact, celebrities and influencers such as Varun Dhawan-Natasha Dalal and Juhi Godambe-Siddharth Jain opted for the beachy destination as their wedding venue!
You can spend hours by the water, or if you wish, go exploring the many forts and sites in and around the place – no matter what you do, be assured that you’ll have guaranteed days of fun and laughter!
Distance from Mumbai: 94 kilometres
Kamshet
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If you love some adventure, then this one is definitely for you! The hill station has some great options for paragliding and treks, making it the ideal weekend away from city life if you want to feel like you’re closer to nature. Once you’re done with the adventures, simply unwind as you surround yourself with the beauty of the Western Ghats, and indulge in the scenic views that are but a visual treat.
Distance from Mumbai: 101 kilometres
Pawna Lake
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If you’re looking to spend time by the water and are done with visiting beaches in Mumbai, Pawna Lake is a great spot that provides much-needed relief from the city. Pawna (or Pavana) Lake is a great spot to go camping and see the night sky and stars, and if you wish, you can also visit nearby tourist destinations such as the Lohagad Fort and more. The place is also close to Lonavala, so it makes for a great day picnic from there!
Distance from Mumbai: 116 kilometres
Kolad
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Maharashtra has some stunning waterfalls and hill stations thanks to the Western Ghats, and Kolad is one of the places within 150 kilometres from Mumbai where you can enjoy nature and scenic beauty at its best. Go river rafting, head to the Tamhini Fort, or simply unwind by the Bhira Dam for some peace and calm.
Distance from Mumbai: 121 kilometres
Igatpuri
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Among the many attractions of the quaint town of Igatpuri is the Vipassana International Academy, which attracts people not only from Mumbai but all across India and the globe. However, if Vipassana isn’t your calling, there are various other activities to do in and around Igatpuri – trek to the Kalsubai Peak, the highest in Maharashtra, or see the Tringalwadi Fort. If not, visit the various temples and waterfalls in and around the town and make a weekend trip out of this journey.
Distance from Mumbai: 124 kilometres
Malshej Ghat
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Another great place from Mumbai which is within 150 kilometres is Malshej Ghat. The place has several waterfalls, forts and more in close vicinity, and makes for a great weekend getaway from the city. Opt for a trek to the hills or unwind in the middle of nature here.
Distance from Mumbai: 126 kilometres
Jawhar Hills
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Jawhar is one of the smaller destinations that make for a great spot to visit, if you want to be in the interiors of the state and away from the city. There’s not much to do, but some of the places you can explore are Hanuman Point, Dabdaba Falls, Jai Vilas Palace and more, and spend a fun weekend away from Mumbai here.
Distance from Mumbai: 134 kilometres
Dahanu
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The coastal town is great for a beachy vacation if you don’t want to spend time in Mumbai. The Mumbai Local’s Western Line takes one to Dahanu Road, making it quite accessible both by rail and road. Enjoy a weekend splashing about in the water, or visit the various caves and waterfalls that surround the town.
Distance from Mumbai: 134 kilometres
Pune
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If you’re bored of the city life in Mumbai and want an escape, without compromising on the comfort of the city life (that sounds like a mouthful!), Pune is a great option to spend the weekend. One of the places within 150 kilometres from Mumbai, Pune has a lot to offer in terms of cultural and gastronomical experiences.
Spend time visiting places such as the Shaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace, spend some time in its beautiful cafes or experience the flavours of Maharashtrian treats such as Misal Pav and more, and be assured of having a fun weekend away from Mumbai!
Distance from Mumbai: 148 kilometres
Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Mohnish Landge/Unsplash
Related: 10 Trips About 150 Kilometres From Delhi That You Must Take
