Of Cloudy Days and Cold Nights: Hill Stations Near Mumbai to Die For!

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The monsoon is in its full glory in the Western Ghats. It’s misty again. The Sahyadris are painted in all shades of green, and the sky happens to be waking up for just enough time so as to go to sleep again.

The Western Ghats turn into a joy to behold during the monsoons, rendering these highlands into hill stations worthy of mention. While winters turn almost all semi-tropical regions in India to hill stations, the Western Ghats are best experienced during the ample monsoons that it experiences.

1. Khandala

My happy memories of Khandala are driving shotgun from Mumbai with my cousin, sipping way too many Cola drinks, and relaxing amidst the hills for days, with tea and fritters for company. The hill station of Khandala in the Western Ghats, with its lush green hills make it a popular destination for hiking with its famous peak, Duke’s Nose. Other points of interest in Khandala include Tiger’s Leap and Amrutanjan Point. 

Distance from Mumbai: 81.5 kilometers

2. Durshet

100 kilometers from both Mumbai and Pune, with beautiful vistas as far as the eyes can see, and a slew of adventure activities to choose from, Durshet is one place you would love to be at. You can try out various water sports like rafting, river crossing and rappeling on the Kundalika River. You can also trek to Sudhagad 

Distance from Mumbai: 76 kilometers

3. Bhandardara

Lying on your back and watching the stars all night on a cold, rainy night will convince you of the beauty of this serene paradise. Points of interest in Bhandardara are the Wilson Dam, the Arthur Lake and the Umbrella Falls. The monsoons recharge the waterfalls making the Pravara River is white and smooth this time around. You can also view the majestic Kalsubai peak from Bhandardara.

Distance from Mumbai: 165 kilometers

4. Matheran

Matheran has to its credit being the only automobile free hill station of Asia. It has been declared as an eco-sensitive zone, and the vistas will convince you of exactly that. You can trek around pretty Matheran and enjoy its various view points, sit by the huge Charlotte Lake, or hear the sound of your own voice resounding at Matheran’s fabled Echo Point.

Distance from Mumbai: 80 kilometers

5. Rajmachi

A cold trek that’ll re-energize you to the brim, Rajmachi is essentially a monsoon lovers’ paradise. Get your trekking gear in place, pack your raincoats, stop generously for Maggi umpteen times, chat up the locals and have some tea to warm your innards, and enjoy Rajmachi in all its perfect green, mossy beauty. You can start this trek at the village Udhevadi, and visit the two fortified twin peaks, Shrivardhan and Manoranjan. The view from the top of the Rajmachi fort is near unbelievable.

Distance from Mumbai: 95 kilometers

6. Mahabaleshwar

Do you like Strawberries? How would you like to pluck some of this fresh, red goodness with your own hands? Yes? Then head to Mahabaleshwar. ​Less than five hours by road, Mahabaleshwar is your perfect hill getaway from Bombay. It offers a mix of scenic view points and historical temples nestled in the forests of the Western Ghats. While here, feast on stunning views from Arthur’s Seat, Sunset Point and Tiger Falls or be adventurous and go trekking or horse riding. Or simply, visit Mapro farms and enjoy those aforementioned strawberries!

Distance from Mumbai: 231 kilometers

Weekend trips are easy to do, considering you can simply get on a train and fire away from city life, for a nice relaxing break! And the hills around Bombay are beautiful to visit all around the year. So, what are you waiting for? Book your hotels now!