The best road trips from Mumbai are Lonavala, Khandala, Alibaug, Kashid, Malshej Ghat, Kalsubai, Bhandardara, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Thoseghar with the Kaas Plateau, and Goa. Most are 2 to 6 hours away, which makes them ideal for a weekend drive, especially in the monsoon and the green weeks just after it.
Two big road changes since our first version make some of these trips easier in 2026. The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) opened in January 2024, and a new 13.3 km “Missing Link” on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Lonavala opened on 1 May 2026. Distances below are approximate road figures from Mumbai.
Quick facts: road trips from Mumbai at a glance
| Destination | Distance from Mumbai | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Lonavala | 83 km | 2 hrs |
| Khandala | 82 km | 2 hrs |
| Alibaug | 95 to 108 km | 3 hrs |
| Kashid | 126 km | 3 hrs |
| Malshej Ghat | 127 km | 3 to 4 hrs |
| Kalsubai Peak | 152 km | 4 to 5 hrs |
| Bhandardara | 164 km | 4 hrs |
| Panchgani | 244 km | 5 to 6 hrs |
| Mahabaleshwar | 263 km | 5 to 6 hrs |
| Thoseghar Falls and Kaas | 278 km | 6 hrs |
| Goa | 590 km | 12 to 15 hrs |
What changed for Mumbai road trips in 2026
- Mumbai Trans Harbour Link: opened on 12 January 2024, it runs from Sewri across Thane Creek to Chirle near Nhava Sheva, and links to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway via NH-348. The car toll is Rs 200 one way.
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link: the 13.3 km stretch opened on 1 May 2026, cutting the trip by about 6 km and 20 to 30 minutes. It includes a tunnel certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s widest. Only light vehicles can use it for now.
- Monsoon warning: on 6 July 2026, heavy rain of nearly 700 mm caused landslides that cut off access to the Missing Link for hours. Check traffic updates before driving through the ghats in heavy rain.
- Mumbai-Goa highway: the NH-66 four-laning was still incomplete as of October 2025, with completion expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
The 11 best road trips from Mumbai
1. Lonavala (about 83 km, 2 hours)
Lonavala is the classic first road trip for anyone in Mumbai. The Expressway and the new Missing Link make it a quick drive, and the ghats turn green and misty in the rains.
Also read10 Most Hidden Beaches Of Goa You Must Visit
Must see: Karla Caves, Kune Falls and Lonavala Lake.
2. Khandala (about 82 km, 2 hours)
Khandala sits right next to Lonavala, so most people cover both in a day. It is quieter and great for valley views and short treks.
Must see: Bhushi Dam, Visapur Fort and Lohagad Fort.
3. Alibaug (about 95 to 108 km, 3 hours)
Alibaug is Mumbai’s favourite beach escape. You can drive, or take a ferry or Ro-Ro from Mumbai to Mandwa jetty and drive the rest of the way.
Must see: Kolaba Fort, which was a naval base of the Marathas, Hirakot Fort built by Kanhoji Angre in 1720, the Kanhoji Angre Samadhi and Alibaug beach. Our earlier version wrongly listed Kalsubai’s sights here.
4. Kashid (about 126 km, 3 hours)
Kashid is known for its beach and makes an easy coastal drive from Mumbai, often paired with Alibaug.
Must see: Kashid beach, Korlai Fort, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary and Nandgaon beach.
5. Malshej Ghat (about 127 km, 3 to 4 hours)
Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass that is at its best in the monsoon, when the hills turn green and the waterfalls are full.
Must see: Malshej Falls, Ajoba Hill Fort and Konkan Kada.
6. Kalsubai Peak (about 152 km, 4 to 5 hours)
At 1,646 metres, Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra and is often called the “Everest of Maharashtra”. The usual trek starts from Bari village and is a 13.2 km round trip that takes most of a day.
Must see: the Kalsubai temple at the top, Bhandardara Dam and Arthur Lake about 6 km away, and the neighbouring Ratangad peak.
7. Bhandardara (about 164 km, 4 hours)
Bhandardara is a quiet lakeside village and a good base for Kalsubai and nearby treks. Many people pair the two in a single weekend.
Must see: Bhandardara Dam and Arthur Lake, Ratangad Fort, Umbrella Falls and Sandhan Valley.
8. Panchgani (about 244 km, 5 to 6 hours)
Panchgani is a calm hill town with wide views. It works well as a two-day trip combined with Mahabaleshwar.
Must see: Parsi Point, Harrison’s Folly and Devrai Art Village.
9. Mahabaleshwar (about 263 km, 5 to 6 hours)
Mahabaleshwar is one of Maharashtra’s best-known hill stations, with viewpoints and cool weather.
Must see: Pratapgad Fort, Arthur’s Seat and a short drive to Panchgani.
10. Thoseghar Falls and Kaas Plateau (about 278 km, 6 hours)
Thoseghar is a waterfall spot in Satara district that is best seen in the monsoon. Combine it with the Kaas Plateau, about 25 km west of Satara, which becomes a “valley of flowers” from August to early October.
Must see: Thoseghar Falls, Vajrai Waterfall, Tarali Dam and Kaas Plateau. Kaas visits are capped at 3,000 people a day, so check the Satara Forest Department’s site (kas.ind.in) for booking before you go.
11. Goa (about 590 km, 12 to 15 hours)
Goa is the big one, best done over three or more days. In the monsoon, the state turns green and quiet.
Must see: Dudhsagar Falls, Palolem beach and the Sinquerim beach forts. The four-laning of the Mumbai-Goa highway was not fully complete as of late 2025, so expect slow stretches.
For more travel and lifestyle reads, see our listicles section.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best road trip from Mumbai for a weekend?
Lonavala, Khandala, Alibaug and Kashid are the easiest weekend picks, all about 2 to 3 hours away. For two days, try Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani together.
Which is the highest peak near Mumbai?
Kalsubai, at 1,646 metres, is the highest peak in Maharashtra. It is about 152 km from Mumbai, and the trek starts from Bari village.
When is the best time to visit Kaas Plateau?
The flowers bloom from August to early October, with the peak in August and September. Entry is limited to 3,000 visitors a day.
Has the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link opened?
Yes. The 13.3 km Missing Link opened on 1 May 2026 for light vehicles, saving about 20 to 30 minutes on the Mumbai-Pune drive.
Sources: News On AIR, Wikipedia: Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Wikipedia: Kalsubai, Wikipedia: Kaas Plateau.
