Maharashtra may be a hot and dry state, but its west coast sees plenty of lush greenery. The Western Ghats and its Sahyadri Ranges have bestowed numerous distinctive and attractive hill stations on Maharashtra. Because of their existence, India’s western coast has stunning flora, peaceful villages, a cool misty mood, and a great environment that is ideal for weekend vacations and trekking expeditions. So, whether you are searching for a weekend family escape, a much-needed encounter with blissful nature, or that long-overdue romantic long drive…. the mountains are calling!
Below are the top hill stations in Maharashtra that everyone should visit in their lifetime.
Top 12 Hill Stations in Maharashtra that are a Sight for Sore Eyes
1. Mahabaleshwar
Among the top 5 hill stations in Maharashtra is Mahabaleshwar, the land of strawberries, famous for its cascading waterfalls and undulating hilly terrain offering numerous viewpoints with unparalleled views and picturesque landscape. This hill station is situated in the Western Ghats and is very popular for a weekend trip for tourists staying in nearby cities. A must-visit town, Mahabaleshwar has maintained its place among the greats, with lovely tourist attractions and shopping hotspots.
Places to visit: Elephant’s Head Point, Dhobi Watefalls, Mapro Garden, Strawberry Fields, Wilson Point, Mahabaleshwar Market, Venna Lake
Things to do: Strawberry picking, enjoy Strawberry Cream, thrill rides, trekking
Best time to visit: October to June
Related: 3 Days Tour of Mahabaleshwar – the Land of Strawberries
2. Lonavala
Lonavala is a place everyone should visit at least once in their life. It is one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra near Pune and is known for its stunning views and adventure activities. The place features lush greenery, ancient Buddhist caves, glittering lakes and waterfalls, and an overall ambiance that lures honeymooners and families alike all year round. Lonavala is also frequented by adventure enthusiasts like hikers and trekkers, even in the monsoon season.
Places to visit: Rajmachi Fort, Tiger’s Leap, Imagicaa, Lion’s Point, Della Adventure Camp, Bhaja Caves, Bhushi Dam
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, trying local chiki and fudge, various activities like rock climbing, archery, rappelling, ATV buggy ride, ziplining, and indoor games at Della Adventure
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
3. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is endowed with scenic beauty and has some of the Sahyadri range’s tallest peaks. It is also a significant railway station in Maharashtra, linking key cities in the region. The Vipassana International Academy, the world’s biggest Vipassana meditation institute, is headquartered here. Historic forts, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and some spectacular panoramas combine to make Igatpuri a hot favorite of hikers, photographers, nature lovers, and all types of tourists, as well as a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, particularly during the monsoon season.
Places to visit: Tringalwadi Fort, Vihigaon Waterfall, Kalsubai Peak, Ghatandevi Temple, Bhatsa River Valley, Myanmar Gate
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, meditation, enjoying the views
Best time to visit: July to September
4. Chikhaldara
As you reach the hill station city of Chikhaldara in the state of Maharashtra, the fragrance of coffee enchants you. Chikhaldara is the sole coffee-growing zone in the region, and it also has lovely lakes, amazing panoramic views, and unique fauna. This is a roaring hill station, literally, because it has tigers in the area! It transports you to a tranquil zone filled with flora and wildlife, ideal for unwinding and reconnecting with yourself. Chikhaldara is one of the best hill stations near Nagpur for a pleasant holiday.
Places to visit: Bhimkund, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Narnala Fort, Gwaligarh Fort, Bir Lake, Panchbol Point
Things to do: Temple tour, wildlife photography, tiger spotting, heritage tourism
Best time to visit: July to February
5. Bhandardara
If you’re searching for a picture-perfect location for your weekend getaway, come to Bhandardara, which is located to the north of Ahmednagar district. Its environment, complete with a thundering waterfall, flowing waters from a dam, towering hills in the backdrop, and lush vegetation all around, appears to be the product of a poet’s vision. Bhandardara really immerses you in nature’s splendor. Popular with families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is also a popular destination for the religious-minded, who visit the old Amruteshwar Shiva temple, which is known for its unusual architecture. With a little effort, this could be one of the top 10 hill stations in India.
Places to visit: Umbrella Falls, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Amruteshwar Shiva Temple, Kalsubai Peak
Best time to visit: June to March
6. Khandala
One of the best hill stations near Mumbai is Khandala, known for its pleasant and rejuvenating weather and beautiful green cover during the monsoon. The place boasts some breathtaking sights of the valley and hills with tiny picturesque villages tucked in the folds. With its picturesque valleys, green hills, tranquil lakes, and misty waterfalls, Khandala, perched on the slopes of the Sahyadri, provides a great weekend getaway for the Mumbai populace.
Places to visit: Visapur Fort, Bedsa Caves, Lohagad Fort, Kune Waterfalls
Things to do: Hiking, trekking, shopping, sightseeing, shopping
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
7. Panchgani
The name Panchgani is derived from the five hills surrounding it. ‘Panch’ means five and ‘gani’ means hills. Famous for its various sunrise and sunset points and scenic valley views, Panchgani is one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra. It’s closer to Mahabaleshwar and can be turned into a day trip from there. Table Land is one place that is popular among tourists and offers a few activities and food options on the premises.
Places to visit: Table Land, Panchgani Market, Mahabaleshwar, Kaas Plateau
Things to do: Horse riding, paragliding, sightseeing
Best time to visit: September to May
8. Matheran
Matheran, which translates as “forest on the head,” is the closest eco-friendly hill station to Mumbai. While many hill stations are falling prey to over-tourism, resulting in excessive pollution, Matheran has been spared due to a regulation that prohibits motorized cars from being driven on its roads. This is Asia’s tiny hill station which has breathtaking vistas and long hikes to offer its tourists. The famed toy train journey up the hill amid peaceful landscapes is the icing on the cake. Definitely one of the top 10 hill stations in Maharashtra, Matheran sits at a height of 2600 feet above sea level and is only 100 kilometers from Mumbai, making it the ideal weekend escape.
Places to visit: Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, Monkey Point, Shivaji’s Ladder, Ambarnath Temple, Little Chowk Point
Things to do: Toy train ride, rock climbing, trekking
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
9. Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat, one of the unexplored hill stations in Maharashtra, is famous among hikers, trekkers, and nature lovers. During the monsoon season, people flock to Malshej Ghat to feast their mind, body, and soul on the lush scenery and the flowing waters from the waterfalls. It is also an excellent location for witnessing how lovely rain can be. The torrential downpour, along with the early fog, chilly air, and lush vegetation all around, creates a scene that appears to have escaped a painting. The region is also home to a diverse range of lush flora and wildlife, as well as various types of birds, particularly flamingos, which migrate here from the Rann of Kutch.
Places to visit: Malshej Falls, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Harishchandragad, Naneghat, Ozhar, and Lenyadri Temples
Things to do: Stargazing, trekking, bird watching, enjoying the views
Best time to visit: July to March
10. Gaganbavda
Gaganbavda is one of the most picturesque hill stations in Konkan Maharashtra, so it’s no surprise that filmmakers from the Marathi and Hindi film industries are flocking to it. It is located near Kolhapur and gives a spectacular view of the Konkan coastline region. It is also becoming a popular hiking destination. During the monsoon season, chilly winds and a veil of fog descend on this picturesque hill village. Furthermore, a platter of hot ‘Bhajiyas’ and a warm cup of tea is sure to spice up your moments there.
Places to visit: Gagangad Fort, Palsambe Monolithic Temple Cluster
Things to do: Trekking, enjoying the views
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
11. Amboli
Amboli is one of the lesser-known offbeat hill stations in Maharashtra seeing as how it’s a sight for sore eyes and is yet relatively unexplored. Amboli’s moniker as the “Queen of Maharashtra” gives us a good sense of its natural beauty. A cold, quiet, and tranquil ecological hotspot… during the rainy season, this hill station takes on a magnificent appearance. Its terrain consists of lush forests and a great number of waterfalls that multiply in the rains, and it is located at a height of roughly 690 Mts above sea level. Amboli has a variety of vantage spots from which to see the surrounding hills and valleys, and its natural beauty is enhanced by its diverse flora and fauna, which includes several types of trees, plants, wild animals, birds, butterflies, and more.
Places to visit: Amboli Falls, Madhavgad Fort, Shirgaonkar Point, Sunset Point, Nangarta Falls
Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing, photography
Best time to visit: June to September
12. Jawhar
If you are staying in Igatpuri, you could also explore the surrounding area and visit Jawhar, one of the fairly offbeat hill stations in India located in Maharashtra. It may not be as well-known as Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar, but it is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls and valleys. The tribal art and Warli paintings that have made Jawhar famous will captivate you. During your trip, you may see numerous architectural marvels such as the Shirpamal and Jai Villas Palace.
Places to visit: Dabdaba Falls, Jai Vilas Palace, Sunset Point, Shirpamal, Hanuman Point, Bhopatgad Fort
Things to do: Trekking, shopping, sightseeing
Best time to visit: September to April
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, the top twelve hill stations in Maharashtra that you should visit at least once. However, this is not a complete list. Maharashtra offers numerous renowned as well as lesser-known hill stations nestled in its different areas that should be on your bucket list the next time you plan a vacation in the state. Call us to book a cab or rent a taxi for your next holiday. We provide comfortable and safe journeys to our passengers.
Related: The Best and Most Famous Hill Stations of Gujarat
FAQs
Which is the famous hill station in Maharashtra?
Lonavala, also known as the “Jewel of Sahyadri”, is among the famous hill stations in Maharastra.
Which is the smallest hill station in Maharashtra?
Matheran is the smallest hill station in Maharashtra.
Which is the highest point in Maharashtra?
Kalsubai is the highest point in Maharashtra.
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