6 Monsoon Places You Can Drive Near Mumbai

Mumbai is surrounded by many places that look mesmerising during the rains. Be it a waterfall in Lonavala or a hill station like Mahabaleshwar, these places have an unforgettable charm. The best part? These are not so far away. 

Sitting at Marine Drive, taking a walk at Juhu beach or simply enjoying a hot Vada Pav are just some things to do in Mumbai during the monsoon season. But thanks to Mumbaikar's busy life, sometimes this is not enough. And that's where short vacations come in. So just pack your bags and drive down to the place of your choice. 

Here are our top 6 picks for monsoon places you can drive near Mumbai.

• Lonavala - The Twin Hill Station Near Mumbai

During monsoons, the most often made trips from Mumbai are to Lonavala. One of the twin hill stations (the other is Khandala which is discussed below), Lonavala, is only 83 km away from the city, and thanks to the Mumbai-Pune expressway, the 2-hour drive is smooth and very scenic. When in Lonavala, some of the places you can visit are Lion Point, Bhushi Dam and Lohagad Fort. 

• Khandala - The Other Twin

This other twin hill station is about 80 km from Mumbai and is one of the best places to visit near Mumbai. The serene valleys and gushing waterfalls make Khandala look all the more beautiful during the monsoon. Spending your day in Khandala, you can visit some of the famous tourist spots like Duke’s Nose, Kune Waterfalls and Shooting Point.

• Alibaug - The Mini ‘Goa’

Feel like going to Goa but don't want to drive that far? Well, fret not, for Alibaug comes to your rescue. About 95 KM from Mumbai, this small coastal town is famous for its pristine and clean sand beaches like Alibaug Beach, Kihim Beach, Nagaon Beach, Mandwa Beach, Varsoli Beach, etc. And if you're looking at options to stay, Tropicana Resort & Spa, a Club Mahindra affiliate resort in Alibaug, can be just the place you’re looking for. Just off the Kihim Beach coast, the resort offers various activities for its guests. Some activities that can easily keep you busy are horseback riding, bullock cart ride, cycling, and candlelight dinner at the beach. 

• Igatpuri  - Take a Spiritual Journey

Situated between Mumbai and Nasik, this picturesque hill station is 120 km from Mumbai. It takes 3 hours by road to reach Igatpuri. Sitting in the lap of the Sahyadri mountains, it is famous for the Vipassana International Academy, where the age-old meditation technique is taught. You can spend the day hiking to Kalsubai Peak or sipping tea by the side of the Vihigaon waterfall.

• Mahabaleshwar - The Perfect Escape from the Busy City Life of Mumbai

About 270 km away from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is considered one of the top Weekend getaways from Mumbai. The drive to this quaint town takes about 5 hours. You can book an overnight stay at resorts in Mahabaleshwar by Club Mahindra Sherwood, for the perfect weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Elephant’s Head Point, Pratapgarh Fort, Venna Lake, etc., are some spots you can visit in Mahabaleshwar. Do not miss going to the famous Mapro Gardens to enjoy some fresh strawberries and mulberries as well.

• Bhandardara - The Queen of the Western Ghats

A beautiful village located around the river Pravara, Bhandardara is often called the Queen of the Sahyadri ranges in the Western Ghats. This valley of treasures is an apt destination for a monsoon getaway. It is located approximately 170 km from Mumbai and takes about 3 hours to reach. The breathtaking views of the lush green landscapes around Mount Kalsubai, Arthur Lake, and Wilson Dam will leave you mesmerised.  

The monsoons are here, and it is finally time for the long drives you were waiting for. So rev your car up, pick your choice of destination and head out to some of these gorgeous spots near Mumbai to make the most of this season.