The best hill stations near Mumbai are Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran, Karjat, Igatpuri, Bhandardara, Malshej Ghat, Jawhar, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. The closest ones, like Karjat, Matheran and Lonavala, are 60 to 100 km away and work as day trips. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani need a weekend. Most look their best from July to February.
All ten sit in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, so the monsoon changes everything: waterfalls, fog and green valleys, but also slippery roads and the odd landslide. We have checked each entry for 2026 and dropped two places from our older list that no longer fit. Distances below are approximate road distances from central Mumbai.
Hill stations near Mumbai: quick facts
| Place | Approx. distance | Best time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karjat | 60 to 65 km | June to September | Treks, farm stays |
| Matheran | 90 to 100 km | October to May | Vehicle-free walks |
| Lonavala | about 85 km | June to February | Day trips, caves, forts |
| Khandala | about 80 km | June to February | Viewpoints |
| Igatpuri | about 120 km | July to February | Treks, meditation |
| Malshej Ghat | about 130 km | July to September | Waterfalls, birds |
| Jawhar | about 145 km | June to September | Palace, Warli art |
| Bhandardara | about 185 km | July to February | Lakeside camping |
| Panchgani | about 245 km | October to May | Table Land, cool air |
| Mahabaleshwar | about 260 km | October to June | Strawberries, viewpoints |
1. Karjat
Karjat in Raigad district is the closest getaway on this list and is easy to reach by Central Railway local trains. It is a base for treks to Kondana caves, Peth fort and Rajmachi, and has a steady supply of farm stays and resorts.
Go during the monsoon for waterfalls and river activities on the Ulhas. In summer it gets hot, so plan early morning treks.
2. Matheran
Matheran sits at about 800 metres and is one of the smallest hill stations in India. Private cars stop at Dasturi parking. Inside town you walk, ride a horse, take a hand-pulled rickshaw or use the e-rickshaws that were allowed from December 2022.
The town was declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone in 2003. It has dozens of viewpoints, such as Louisa Point and Panorama Point, and Charlotte Lake, which supplies its water. The Neral to Matheran toy train, built in 1907, has had a patchy run because of landslides, so check the current schedule before you go.
3. Lonavala
Lonavala, in Pune district on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is the default weekend plan for most Mumbaikars. Within a short drive you have the Karla and Bhaja Buddhist caves, Lohagad and Visapur forts, Tiger Point and Bhushi Dam.
Monsoon weekends are crowded and traffic can be slow, so start early. Pick up chikki and fudge on the way back, which is almost a ritual.
4. Khandala
Khandala is a few kilometres before Lonavala and is quieter. The Duke’s Nose cliff, Rajmachi viewpoint and Amrutanjan Point give some of the best views of the ghat section.
It pairs well with Lonavala on the same trip. Hindi film fans still connect the place with the song “Aati Kya Khandala” from Ghulam (1998).
5. Igatpuri
Igatpuri in Nashik district is on the Mumbai-Nashik route and is reached easily by train. It is home to the Vipassana International Academy, Dhamma Giri, which runs ten-day silent meditation courses.
Trekkers use it as a base for Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra at 1,646 metres, and for nearby forts. The Bhavli dam area and Camel Valley are popular in the rains.
6. Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass on the Kalyan-Ahmednagar road, on the edge of Pune district. In the monsoon the cliffs fill with waterfalls, and the area is known for birdwatching.
Stay options are limited, so many visitors do it as a long day trip. Harishchandragad, one of the best-known treks in the state, is close by.
7. Jawhar
Jawhar in Palghar district is often called the Mahabaleshwar of the north Konkan, though it is far less crowded. It is one of the few remaining tribal regions of Maharashtra and is known for Warli painting.
Visit Jai Vilas Palace, the old residence of the Mukne royal family, and the Dadar Kopra and Kal Mandavi waterfalls. Dadar Kopra often dries up in summer, so go between June and September.
8. Bhandardara
Bhandardara, in Akole taluka of Ahilyanagar district, is built around Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam. Ratangad and Harishchandragad forts rise above it, and Kalsubai is nearby.
It is good for lakeside camping and quiet weekends. The drive is longer than Lonavala, but the crowds are much smaller.
9. Panchgani
Panchgani, in Satara district, sits between five hills and is known for its boarding schools and cool breeze. Table Land, a large flat laterite plateau, is the main spot for views and sunset.
It is about 20 km from Mahabaleshwar, so most people combine the two over a long weekend.
10. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is the largest hill station in Maharashtra and the source of the Krishna river, marked by the Panchganga temple. Strawberry season runs roughly from December to March, and farms around Mahabaleshwar and Wai sell fresh fruit and cream.
Arthur’s Seat, Elphinstone Point and Venna Lake are the usual stops. Heavy rain shuts many spots in July and August, so the drier months work better.
What changed in this 2026 update
We removed Lavasa. The planned town’s insolvency case was reopened by the NCLT in September 2024 after an earlier sale was scrapped, and it is not a reliable holiday option right now. We also removed Chikhaldara: it is a lovely hill station in Amravati district, but it is in Vidarbha, far too far for a short trip from Mumbai. Bhandardara and Malshej Ghat replace them.
For more weekend ideas, see our listicles. Film buffs can also read our Bollywood stories, since many of these ghats have appeared in Hindi films.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the nearest hill station to Mumbai?
Karjat is the nearest at about 60 to 65 km, followed by Khandala, Lonavala and Matheran, all within roughly 100 km.
Which hill station near Mumbai is best for a one-day trip?
Lonavala, Khandala, Karjat and Matheran all work as day trips. Leave early to avoid weekend traffic on the expressway and the ghat.
Are cars allowed in Matheran?
No. Private vehicles stop at Dasturi parking. Inside town you walk, ride a horse, or use hand-pulled rickshaws and e-rickshaws.
When is the best time to visit hill stations near Mumbai?
July to September for waterfalls and greenery, and October to February for clear views and pleasant weather. Check road and trek advisories during heavy rain.
Sources: Matheran, Wikipedia, Lavasa, Wikipedia, Jawhar, Wikipedia, Bhandardara, Wikipedia.
