Traveling in the monsoon season in Maharashtra is a magical experience – you get to witness the riveting beauty of nature in all its glory. Lush Sahyadri Ranges turn even greener, waterfalls gush down in full might, streams and rivers run enthusiastically, lakes are filled to the brim, and beautiful valleys look dreamy when covered in a layer of mist. If you are dreaming about experiencing this, then you must book your flight tickets to Mumbai from Atlanta as soon as possible because the monsoon is already here and is awaiting you! Pack your bags and leave for Maharashtra. Listed below are some of the best places to visit in Maharashtra during the monsoon.
Malshej Ghat, Thane
With a beautiful hilly backdrop and picturesque locales, Malshej Ghat in Pune attracts a lot of weekenders. This place is filled with a lot of trekking trails, waterfalls, sprawling orchids, and ancient forts, and thus is popular with nature, history, and adventure enthusiasts. Monsoon is a great time to visit this tranquil place as the weather is pleasant during these months and cool breezes blowing through the area make you feel refreshed during your sightseeing trip.
Approximate Distance from Mumbai: 130 kilometers
Places to visit in Malshej Ghat: Malshej Falls, Harishchandragad Fort, Ajoba Hill Fort, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Darkoba Peak, Jivdhan Chavand Fort, Shivneri Fort, Nane Ghat, etc.
Lonavala
Lonavala is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maharashtra in the monsoon season. This scenic hill station nestled in the lap of nature offers mesmerizing views of lush greenery wherever you go. There are several viewpoints in the place that offer amazing vistas of spectacular waterfalls, sparkling lakes, misty valleys, and cloud-touching mountains that simply blow you away. Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts flock to this green paradise in great numbers during the rainy season. As this place is located in close proximity to Pune and Mumbai, one can plan a monsoon drive to Lonavala from either of these cities. Do visit Khandala, another beautiful place located only 5 km from Lonavala.
Approximate Distance from Mumbai: 85 kilometers
Places to visit in Lonavala: Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Wadi, Lohgad Fort, Visapur, Tiger’s Leap, Lion Point, Pawna Lake, Bhushi Dam, Tungarli Lake, Korigad Fort, Duke’s Nose, Tikona Fort, Ryewood Park, etc.
Kalsubai, Nashik
At 1646 m, Kalsubai is the highest peak in the Sahyadri Ranges. Needless to say, Kalsubai peak is a great place to catch panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri Ranges. The summit also offers breathtaking views of the Bhandardara backwaters. Kalsubai is a popular trekking destination in Maharashtra and the trekking trail to the top of this peak passes through lush vegetation crisscrossed by many rushing streams and rivulets. The trekking trail starts at Bari village, situated at a distance of nearly 10 km from Bhandardara. Once you reach the summit, do visit Kalsubai Temple as well as the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Approximate Distance from Mumbai: 150 kilometers
Bhimashankar
Settled at an altitude of 990 m above sea level in Bhorgiri village, Bhimashankar is a quaint town known for its thick cover of rainforests, diverse flora and fauna, and many ancient temples. Rains accentuate the beauty of this tranquil hamlet, transforming it into an ethereal paradise. The Sahyadri Wildlife Sanctuary is among the top tourist attractions at Bhimashankar. You can spot a variety of flowering plants and rare animals at this sanctuary. Apart from its nature lovers, this place also attracts religious travelers. Bhimashankar is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and hence is visited by a lot of pilgrims from across the country every year.
Approximate Distance from Mumbai: 200 kilometers
Places to visit in Bhimashankar: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimashankar Temple, Hanuman Lake, Ahupe Waterfalls, etc.
Matheran
If you are planning a tranquil holiday at a quiet place this monsoon season, then Matheran is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra for you. With a no-vehicle rule in place, this eco-friendly destination tucked at an elevation of 2600 feet in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra lets you revel in the beauty and serenity of nature. Although it is among the smallest hill stations in the state, Matheran never disappoints you in terms of the views and activities it offers. Its spellbinding locales, pleasant weather, unpolluted atmosphere, and captivating sunset views can leave a lasting impression on you.
Approximate Distance from Mumbai: 200 kilometers
Places to visit in Matheran: Neral-Matheran Toy Train, Louisa point, Charlotte Lake, Chanderi Caves, Dodhani falls, Panorama Point, Monkey Point, One Tree Hill Point, Irshalgad fort, Porcupine Point, Echo Point, Prabal Fort, etc.
Other best places to visit in Maharashtra in the monsoon season include Karnala, Alibag, Kolad, Lohagad, Lavasa, Tapola, Amboli, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Durshet, Kondeshwar, Tamhini, Kamshet, etc. Which is your favorite monsoon destination in Maharashtra? Share your monsoon travel experience with us in the comments section below!
Meta Description: From Malshej Ghat to Matheran, here is a list of the five best places to visit in Maharashtra during the monsoon.
