Top Places Near Mumbai For A Perfect Monsoon Season Getaway!
There is an indestructible relationship between monsoon and Mumbai. Monsoon is that cousin of Mumbai who visits Mumbai on vacation and makes a lot of nuisance while leaving. Although while coming, as a token of appreciation, the monsoon brings many gifts including Ganesh Chaturthi, Raksha Bandhan, the perfect vibe to eat vada pav with chai (tea), the enchanting Arabian Sea, pulpy weather, monsoon treks near Mumbai and the list goes on.
Although for many, monsoons might be another nightmare, for pluviophiles it is the sweetest dream they can ever have. There are some of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon. Apart from Lonavla in monsoon, there are several Monsoon Weekend Getaways from Mumbai. So, let’s list down one by one some of the best places to visit in the monsoon near Mumbai, and start with Lonavala in monsoon.
Lonavala In Monsoon
Mumbaikars are so fond of monsoon that if you see anyone dancing in the rain then it must be a peacock, Raveena Tandon, or a Mumbaikar, and Lonavla is one of the monsoon getaway destinations near Mumbai. Lonavala in monsoon is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon, making it the god’s paradise on land.
For most of the Mumbaikers be it young or adult Lonavala is one of the delightful places in monsoon in Maharashtra. The cool temperature, greenery around, and magnificent landscapes make Lonavala one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Mumbai. Lonavala turns into a beautiful canvas during monsoon making it one of the best monsoon weekend getaways from Mumbai.
Following are some of the winsome places you can visit in Lonavala in Monsoon.
- Tiger Point
- Lion Point
- Pawana Lake
- Bhushi Dam
- Karla Caves
- Kune Waterfall
Monsoon Treks Near Mumbai
Well first of all let’s start with what is the difference between trekking and hiking. Trekking means a longer route with a certain difficulty level and is not easily accessible to the general public, trekking is usually on a higher altitude, or steeper slope, and the weather conditions might not be favourable. On the other hand, hiking tends to be shorter trips or trails that have been purposefully cleared for hikers. Hiking is usually easier than trekking. If you are touring Maharashtra then hiking and trekking is one of the best things to do in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is a hilly region with the mountain range running parallelly to its 750 km coastline, the Sahyadri Range being the backbone of Maharashtra, due to this, there are many monsoon getaway destinations near Mumbai. These are the same Sahyadri Range that helped Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to get Swaraj after struggling with the invaders for several years.
Many of the forts conquered and built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj lie in the Sahyadri mountain range, having many terrains, trails, summits, peaks, and waterfalls, making it one of the major monsoon getaway destinations near Mumbai. Also if you visit any of these mountains bearing forts and temples, for monsoon weekend getaways from Mumbai, a few of them might be in ruins but they still have some historical significance. Please avoid littering the space or consuming alcohol here.
Many of the corporates have introduced team outings at places near Mumbai. So do not be surprised if you see corporate employees helping each other with a team-building activity
Let’s explore some of the Best Places To visit near Mumbai during Monsoon treks.
Kalsubai Peak
Known as the Mount Everest of Maharashtra it is the highest summit of the state at a height of 5,400 feet. Being one of the favorite monsoon treks near Mumbai for many trekkers the base village ‘Bari’ of Kalsubai Peak is easily accessible. Kalsubai Peak is 152 km from Mumbai.
Every year thousands of trekkers come for the trek during monsoon. However, if you want to experience the presence of the fireflies you should visit Kalsubai Peak in April, May, and early June. The list of many waterfalls near Mumbai during monsoon includes waterfalls in the Kalsubai region making Kalsubai Peak one of the perfect monsoon getaway destinations near Mumbai.
The enchanting mountain range of Kalsubai in the morning from the top is covered with milk-white clouds and the first golden ray of the sun makes it the god’s paradise and one of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon. It is advisable to do a night trek at Kalsubai to witness the magnificent sunrise while you feel stepping on clouds making it one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Mumbai.
Suggest Read: Places To Visit In Maharashtra
How To Reach Kalsubai
The base village of Kalsubai i.e. Bari Village is accessible from Mumbai and Pune. If you want to go on a budget trip to Kalsubai then it is advisable to go with a proper group of people, it will help you to split the expenses and save you from breaking the bank as it is the best place to visit in monsoon near Mumbai.
Via Mumbai
If you are on a budget trip then get a local train or Mahanagari Express to Kasara Railway Station (Central Line). After reaching Kasara you can either take a bus or a private Jeep. Although the bus is the cheapest option, it is not regular and if you are going on a night trek you might not get a bus.
However, jeeps are privately owned by the locals, they will take you to the base village, and as the distance to reach the base village of Kalsubai is 55 km they are going to charge you a hefty amount. Make sure that you are going with a group of 8-9 people which will help you split the amount.
Via Pune
If you are coming via Pune then the nearest railway station to reach Kalsubai Peak is Igatpuri which is at a distance of 36 km. After reaching Igatpuri Railway Station you can either get a bus or a private jeep to reach the base village.
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Time To Reach The Top
4-5 hours to ascend and 2 -3 hours to descend.
Pro Tips
- If going in the Monsoon and doing a night trek to see the sunrise then carry a windcheater as it is cold in Monsoon during the Sunrise.
- I nice pair of shoes, and make sure that it is not slippery.
- The stairs will make you scared, but they are not that scary, so do not freak out.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Hyderabad During Monsoon
Irshalgad Fort
Irshalgad Fort is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon. The height of Irshalgad Fort is 3700 feet above sea level making it one of the ideal monsoon treks near Mumbai. The fort is located between Panvel and Matheran and is the sister fort to Prabhalgad.
It is an easy trek in the beginning, the only important thing during trekking is to make sure you are continuously hydrated because it may look like an easier small trek but it takes a considerable amount to reach the top. It is an easy trek until the plateau on the mountain. There is a shop on that plateau where you can munch on Maggie and Vada Pav and click some Instagramable photos. It is one of the best places to visit in the monsoon near Mumbai with your family and friends.
Being one of the best monsoon picnic spots near Mumbai you can come with your family and have leisure time. However, there is a small trail on the left side of the plateau which will take you to the top of the mountain. If you want some adventure and want to make your trek a little more difficult you can follow this trail.
You have to climb the mountain with the help of unstable but firm stairs & ropes that will take you to heaven, no not the real one, if you are careful enough. If you are phobic of heights then you should avoid this part of the trek and can sit and enjoy your meal on the plateau with your family and friends.
Irshalgad is for both regular mountaineers and a person who just want to enjoy the monsoon getaway destinations near Mumbai.
How To Reach Irshalgad Fort
Via Mumbai
Get a local train from Mumbai. The nearest railway station to reach Irshalgad Fort from Mumbai is Karjat Railway Station (Central Line). You can hire a private vehicle to the base village, Naniali near Chowk. One can also get down at Panvel and take a shared or private rickshaw to Nanivali near Morbe Dam. State Transport buses are also available from Panvel.
Difficulty Level
Easy until the plateau, the difficulty starts if you are going to the top of the mountain.
Time To Reach The Top
2-3 hours to ascend and 1-2 hours to descend.
Pro Tips
- You have to walk a lot so make sure that you have enough water.
- If you have made up your mind to climb on the top and take the rough trail after reaching the plateau then make sure that your shoes are not slippery.
- Here, Maggie tastes a little better than Vadapav.
Suggest Read: Offbeat Monsoon Destinations In India
Peb Fort
One of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon is Peb Fort. It is a difficult terrain with longer walks, however, you can complete this trek in a day. Although there is no fort but a temple on the summit, there are many steeper steps to climb Peb Fort and these steps become slippery during monsoon and it becomes difficult if you are descending from the same way where you have ascended.
So, there are two ways to go to the top of the Peb Fort. if you are not a fan of trekking then you can take a shared auto-rickshaw to the Matheran Ghat from there you can walk on a rail track which will take you to the top of the mountain. Here you do not have to do a major trek and you can reach the top easily making it one of the major monsoon picnic spots near Mumbai.
Another way to reach the summit is from the Fanaswadi base village. The initial trek from here is easy, which becomes difficult with steeper slopes, narrow pathways, and slippery terrain.
You can start your trek from Fanaswadi base village and once you reach the top you can descend from Matharan Ghat via rail track. You will find many Tumtum (Autorikshwas) at the end of the rail track making it one of the best monsoon weekend getaways from Mumbai
How To Reach Peb Fort
Via Mumbai
Peb Fort is around 81 km from Mumbai. The nearest railway station to reach Peb Fort is the Neral Railway Station (Central Line). From Neral Station you can get a jeep or a tumtum (Autorickshaw) to reach either the base village or Matheran Ghat.
Difficult Level
The trek is difficult from the Fanaswadi base village
Time To Reach The Top
4 hours to ascend.
Pro Tips
- Although the trek is easy initially you will be drained soon, so it is advisable to carry an extra bottle of water.
- Be careful when you are climbing the stairs of Peb Fort it might be slippery
Other Monsoon Treks Near Mumbai
There are a lot of other options for a monsoon trek near Mumbai, as the details of many other monsoon treks near Mumbai cannot be covered, therefore briefing some of the curated best places to visit in monsoon near Mumbai for trekkers and hikers.
- Rajmachi Fort
- Harishchandragad
- Lohagad Fort
- Karnala Fort
- Peth Fort
- Visapur Fort
Waterfalls Near Mumbai During Monsoon
Some of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon include the enchanting waterfalls near Mumbai. Many of the waterfalls near Mumbai are active only during the monsoon season.
Well, there are many waterfalls near the city following are some of the curated must-visit waterfalls near Mumbai during monsoon.
Devkund Waterfall
One of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon is Devkund Waterfall. It is located near Bhira, Raigad District, and is one of the best Monsoon picnic spots near Mumbai. The distance of Devkund Waterfall from Mumbai is 125 km and is accessible via Pune as well and is one of the places to visit near Pune in monsoon.
To reach Devkund Waterfall you have to trek for an hour and you can listen to the enchanting waterfall from a distance. It is one of the best monsoon destinations near Mumbai. Devkund Waterfall is one of the perfect monsoon getaway destinations near Mumbai.
How To Reach Devkund Waterfall
Via Road
Road trips during monsoon in India are in the trend and not miss that opportunity to get your vehicle for a road trip to reach the base village of Devkund Waterfall is advisable, You can drive to Bhira village from Mumbai or Pune, which serves as the Devkund Waterfall trek starting point. The route will take you through some of the magnificent and majestic landscapes and is one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Mumbai.
Via Rail
The nearest railway station to reach Devkund is Khopoli Railway Station (Central Line). Once you reach Khopoli Railway Station you can walk towards Khopoli Bus Stand which is 15 minutes from the railway station. From there you can take the bus to Pali Bus Stand and from Pali Bus Stand you can get a bus to Bhira Village which is the base village of Devkund Waterfall.
If you want to skip the bus part you can directly get a private jeep to the base village of Devkund Waterfall.
Difficulty Level
Easy & Moderate
Pro Tips
- Take an extra pair of clothes
- Do not go on weekends as there is an uncontrollable crowd on weekends.
Vasundara Waterfall, Bhandardhar
Vasundhara Waterfall is around 175 km from Mumbai making it one of the celestial waterfalls and one of the best places to visit near Mumbai during Monsoon. Although, Bhandardhara is famous for its fireflies and is one of the major monsoon picnic spots near Mumbai a lesser-known fact is that there are many waterfalls near Bhandhardhara Dam. One of the most famous waterfalls is Vasundhara Waterfall because colossal and enchanting height.
The flow of Vasundhara Waterfall is so fast that it is not advisable to go under the waterfall. However, you can enjoy the enchanting beauty and swim in the shallow part of the waterfall. The whole landscape of Vasundhara Waterfall is so magnificent that you will be awestruck by this enchanting beauty making it one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Mumbai.
How To Reach Vasundhara Waterfall
It is advisable to take your vehicle to reach the Vasundhara Waterfall as it will be more convenient. Vasundhara waterfall near Mumbai during monsoon is a major tourist attraction, although the roads are not easily accessible. It is far better to either go by tour and travel agency or travel by your vehicle.
Difficulty level
Easy
Pro Tips
- Many tours and travel agencies will take you to Vasundra Waterfall, you can search for them on Instagram.
- Carry an extra pair of clothes.
- Carry your windcheater in the monsoon.
Other Waterfalls Near Mumbai During Monsoon
Well, the details of all the waterfalls near Mumbai during monsoon cannot be covered in one single blog, therefore naming some of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon.
- Bhivpuri Waterfall, Karjat
- Chinchoti Waterfall, Vasai
- Bhagirath Waterfall, Vangani
- Pandavkada, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai
- Kalmandavi Waterfall
What activities can I do in Matheran during the monsoon season?
You can do trekking and hiking on various forts and points making it one of the major monsoon destinations near Mumbai including Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, Alexander Point, Echo Point, and the list goes on. You can also do Street shopping, various groups also organise bonfires, night walks, silent discos, etc making it one of the major Monsoon Weekend Getaways from Mumbai.
How can I reach Igatpuri from Mumbai, and what can I do there in the monsoon?
You can either take a local train to Kasara Railway Station (Central Line) and get a tumtum (Autorickshaw) that will take you to Igatpuri or you can directly take an Express from Dadar Railway Station (Central Line) to Igatpuri. It is one of the best Monsoon Weekend Getaways from Mumbai and has various activities for trekkers and non-trekkers. Kalsubai Peak is one of the famous tourist spots among trekkers. There are many villas you can rent out for a weekend to enjoy one of the monsoon destinations near Mumbai.
How far is Lonavala from Mumbai, and why is it a good monsoon destination?
Lonavala is around 81.9 km from Mumbai as it is one of the closest hill stations and monsoon destinations near Mumbai because of its beautiful valleys like Tiger Point and Lion Point.
Are there any lesser-known monsoon getaways near Mumbai worth exploring?
Lesser known Monsoon Weekend Getaways from Mumbai include Lavasa, Silvassa, Kolad, Tapola, Alibag, and the list goes on.