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Places to Visit Near Mumbai in March

Lonavala is a hill station near Pune district of Maharashtra. At the height of 2,047 feet from sea level and sprawling over 38 kilometer square of land, Lonavala is an escapist city from the fast-paced and extreme conditions that inhabit both Mumbai and Pune. It offers the perfect retreat to the city dwellers through its serenity and peaceful atmosphere.

Several places of interest around Lonavala and Khandala attract tourists throughout the year. They include vivid and picturesque lakes, cliff-tops, eluding caves, and magnificent forts. Dams and waterfalls are a pioneer attraction during and immediately after the monsoon. Some of these places are Rajmachi Point,  Lonavala Lake, and Shivaji Udyan, Valvan Dam, Ryewood Park, Della Adventure Park, Duke’s Nose, Tiger’s Leap and Lohagad and Visapur forts.

If you dive into the history of Lonavala, you will find that it was a part of the Yadava dynasty. Khandala is another hill adjacent to Lonavala, both of which were discovered by the then Governor of Bombay Presidency, Lord Elphinstone. The Maratha and Peshwa empires played a prominent historical role with its Malva warriors. But its history is not the only reason to visit Lonavala.

Lonavala is 96 km away from the city of Mumbai and only 64 km from the modern city of Pune. It falls in between the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, thus making commute all the easier. And if you can’t find a rental car, then you have buses and trains to rely on.

Train journeys are comfortable and filled with lush green passages, especially during the monsoon. If this has aroused you enough to visit the hill-station once, then here is a detailed guide on how and when to go about.

Made popular around the world all thanks to Bollywood, the city of Khandala is tucked amidst the Western Ghats. Located near Mumbai, Pune as well as Lonavala, this hilly city serves as a perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the busy city limits. Situated at the top end of Bhor Ghat, Khandala is also amongst the famous hill stations in the country.

Khandala is also home to several picturesque peaks, age-old caves as well as pristine and crystal-clear lakes. It has many different viewpoints, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, in addition to a few peaks which resemble a pointed nose and a leaping tiger. The Buddhist Caves at Karla and Bhaja in Khandala are also very famous. They are the preludes and interludes to the Ajanta and Ellora caves and tend to attract a lot of tourists. Khandala is also home to the Bedse Caves, which date back to 60 B.C. and are amongst the oldest caves in the country.

Along with this, Khandala boasts of many other beautiful attractions, such as the Kune Waterfalls, which is the 14th highest waterfall in India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with an overall height of 200 metres. Other such places include the Lion’s Point, a cliff between Aamby Valley and the Bhushi Dam which gives scintillating views of the Tungarli Lake.

One of the best things about this city is that it caters to all kinds of tourists, from adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers or even those who simply wish to have a relaxing holiday. One of the most common activities one can enjoy in Khandala is hiking and tourists from all over India come here to partake in this activity. One can also arrange for picnics at the several vantage points or swim in the many waterfalls here.

Kamshet is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of India. The place is famous for paragliding, a beloved adventure sport of India and the numerous flying schools located in the vicinity. The small but picturesque hill station is surrounded by the breathtaking Western Ghats which form a major part of the tourist places in Kamshet and regularly finds itself in many top 10 lists that name destination for the ultimate thrill-seekers. 

Kamshet is a paradise not just for the eyes but also for the adventures junkie in you. But don’t think this place is just for those who seek thrill and excitement. There are numerous other activities to do in Kamshet as well as tourist hotspots that make this an ideal place for a family getaway or even a romantic getaway. Kamshet is ideally located just 45km from the main town of Pune city. The locals refer to it as a paragliding paradise. There is no better place in the region to indulge in this thrilling adventure activity.

But if you are not much of a thrill-seeker then you can spend your time enjoying the natural scenery, fresh air a luxury these days and stroll through the small villages laced around this quaint hill station. If you want to experience the quintessential Indian village lifestyle then a visit to one of the villages is a must. There you can interact with locals, have a feel of what it’s like to live in muddy huts and even have a small shopping spree at the local village markets.

The hills station is surrounded by gorgeous sunflowers fields and you can enjoy some amazing views while paragliding over them. Other tourist places in Kamshet include Bhairi Caves, Bedse Caves,  Pavana Lake, Kondeshwar Temple, and Shinde Wadi Hills. If you have more time at hand you can perhaps extend your trip to other hill stations such as Khandala and Lonavala, which are located at short distances from Kamshet.

The tourist places in Alibag makes for the perfect weekend getaway with friends or family. It shares its boundaries with the majestic Arabian Sea and is popular for its magnificent sea forts, its virgin beaches and local seafood cuisine. It’s an ideal weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of busy Mumbai. It is located only 9 Km from Mumbai and can be easily accessed via NH 66. The driving distance to this paradise is just under 2 hours.

 Alibag literally means the ‘Garden of Ali”, it is in Raigad and is ideal for those who are looking for some peace, serenity and sun soaked beaches. Alibag is commonly referred to by the locals as the Goa of Maharashtra and rightly so as it's surrounded by the beautiful Arabian Sea on all sides. A lot of people don’t know this, but, Alibag shares its borders with a famous Israeli-Jewish region, which is home to numerous Jewish families. So, if you are a cultural buff then you might want to head that way and try and scoop up some of that rich Jewish culture and heritage. Alibag is also home to a popular Jewish Synagogue referred to as Israeli Ali.

 Alibag provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of fun and relaxation as it's surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Arabian Sea on all sides and is lined with virgin sun kissed beaches. Although the drive to Alibag is a must do as it's laced with picturesque views, it can also be accessed by ferry from Mumbai. It is the perfect tourist spot enjoyed both by the young and old. There is no dearth of things to do and explore tourist places in Alibag as there are huge no. of forts, beaches, and even some celebrity bungalows.You may even sight a few celebrities while you are there.

Igatpuri is one of the most frequented tourist destination in the state of Maharashtra in Western India. Located in the naturally bountiful and grand Sahyadri mountain ranges. This place offers something for each type of traveler. From adventurous trek routes to water sports like rafting and kayaking, from holy temples to serene natural trail routes, Igatpuri allows enjoyment and satisfaction for each and every type of tourist. You can visit this place with your kids, partners and friends and the best season to visit is either in monsoon or winter, to get the best of this naturally charming and serene place.

The best part of this serene and calm place is the beautiful cascading waterfalls, which make their way through the dense green forests of the Sahyadri Mountains. As soon as you see these waterfalls, you will be stunned by its beauty and the rivers which flow through the valley will make you feel hypnotized completely. So if you are looking for a weekend getaway with your loved ones or even as a solo traveler, Igatpuri is a place which will fit your budget and also offer you some of the best natural beauty, serenity and solitude to experience and unwind yourself.

Named after the five majestic hills enclosing it, Panchgani makes for a renowned hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Perched at an elevation of around 1,334 meters above sea level, this hill town is packed with towering mountains, serene valleys, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests.

Overlooked by the Sahyadri mountains, this town served as a beautiful summer retreat for the British officials in the bygone times. At the present day, Panchgani is visited by a plethora of tourists seeking peace, romance, nature, and adventure. Enthralling local destinations such as Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam form the major attractions of Panchgani and add to the beauty and charm of the place. Panchgani is not limited just to a few picturesque sights, but also goes beyond to offer its visitors a plethora of mind-boggling activities.

From shopping at Shivaji Circle to admiring nature at Wai and from exploring history at Kamalgad Fort to boating at Venna Lake, this place has everything to let you experience an action-packed holiday. If you are a daredevil and seeking adventure activities, Panchgani can offer you a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled sports including paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, speed boating, and horse riding.

One of the top aspects that adds to the pleasurable vacation at Panchgani is the availability of top-class accommodation facilities in this town. Panchgani is bestowed with a plethora of budget-friendly as well as luxury resorts and hotels that are suitable for families, couples, and friends. These hotels are well-equipped with modern amenities and offer amazing facilities including thrilling outdoor activities. Furthermore, packed with many nature-friendly camping destinations, this place also allows the travelers to enjoy surreal night camping opportunities.

So, no matter the kind of traveler you are, pack your bags to Panchgani and discover an exquisite holiday brimming with history, adventure, nature, and a lot more.

Known as the” cutest little hill station of India”, the Matheran hill station is the best place to enjoy the sunset and sunrise view along with some mind blowing sceneries to keep you fresh and up front. This extraordinary hill station offers the best tourist places in Matheran which are untouched and undisturbed by the rustling city life that surrounds the town. The place is actually located on the Western Ghats that ranges in an elevation of around 800 meter above the sea level. The place always has a pleasant weather to enjoy during any time of the year, but its beauty gets added up during the season of rain and thunderstorm.

 Another thing about the beautiful hill station is that it is eco friendly and has no rush of cars and buses honking on the street. The major was taken by the government of Maharashtra in order to protect Matheran. The best thing about this place is that it is like a quiet and relaxing place with no buzzing of horns and pollution and along with that it contains some mesmerizing places and views of the extraordinary nature that will leave you bewitched of its beauty and make you feel relax and stress free.

 Just not only trekker, Matheran is a treat for the photographers also to explore and capture the best of the beauty of the beautiful hill station. The beauty of Western Ghats, Matheran is the smallest hill station of India. Travellers and tourists who visit the place love exploring the place by walking on foot. By which it becomes more exciting to get lost in the scenic beauty of the town while finding your way. Plan your trip to Matheran and indulge yourself in various activities that Matheran provides like camping, trekking, rappelling etc.

Matheran town is the best option for a person who loves getting lost in the nature and also for those who wants to take a break from their busy city life. The tourist places in Matheran are absolutely breathtaking.

A pocket-sized paradise located on the west coast of India, Goa is a kaleidoscopic blend of Portuguese-Indian heritage, delicious delicacies, and of course the serene beaches. With its Susegad philosophy of living, this sunshine state has gained a lot of fame all over the world. With such easy -going vibes, this little state makes you carefree and lets you take your time to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle. 

Boasting a 100-kilometer long coastline, Goa is home to a string of uninterrupted golden sand beaches that propel many tourists all year round. These beaches cater to every tropical whim- choose from the backpackers’ favourite Arambol or the bolder Baga beach; laidback Mandrem or the palm-fringed Palolem or maybe enjoy the blissful hippie market of Anjuna beach. There are also the private beaches groomed by the five-star properties to appreciate or the hidden coves for you to discover. 

Needless to say, Goa is recognized across the globe for its tempting seafood and bustling nightlife. With a rich collection of beach shacks, trendy bars, lively clubs, splendid casinos, and elegant cafes, the state boasts the most amazing nightlife one can experience in India. 

Known to be a Portuguese colony in the times bygone, Goa also flaunts the baroque architecture back from the colonial times. It is quite evident in the old-style bungalows, ancient forts, and the white-washed churches.

The colourful catholic ceremonies and the stunning cathedrals also give you an insight into the Goan culture. With all of these and a lot more to experience, Goa truly has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday recipe.

Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats, tourist places in Mahabaleshwar will captivate your imagination with their natural splendor. Mahabaleshwar is well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades, and majestic peaks. The city comprises of ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys that will take your breath away on your visit. The city is definitely among the most sought-after weekend getaways from metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune. Once, a summer capital of Bombay during the British Raj, the city has British influence of in its architecture. It is a very popular hill station that offers a plethora of tourist activities and attractions to avid travelers and nature lovers.

Amid your visit to Mahabaleshwar witness the alluring dawns and dusks from the slope, in the midst of the rich green vista. Located about 120 kilometers southwest of Pune and 285 kilometers from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau measuring 150 kilometers, bound by valleys on all sides. The hill station in the Western Ghats is the source of the Krishna River that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Known for its captivating beauty and the stunning strawberry farms, Mahabaleshwar boasts of zigzagging roads, a calm breeze at all times, vantage points offering stunning views of hills and valleys, plenty of strawberries to gorge on and the main street full of shops offering all kinds of curios and snacks.

There are numerous enchanting tourist places in Mahabaleshwar exuding charm and elegance. Bordered by a few murmuring waterways, evergreen timberlands, captivating slopes and mountains there are some mesmerizing tourist places in Mahabaleshwar. Arranged in the Satara region in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar will get you near the captivating excellence of nature. The wonderful hill retreat brags of being one of the most splendid evergreen slope stations in India.

Situated in the south-Western part of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri is essentially a port city. The city is flanked by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Sahyadri Mountains on the other side. The locals communicate in Marathi, which is the native language of the place, but due to Ratnagiri being a popular tourist destination, one can easily find locals and guides who communicate in English, Hindi and other languages as well.

One can travel to Ratnagiri very conveniently, both via land and air. The National Highway 17 runs through the city connecting it directly to other important cities like Mumbai, Mangalore, Cochin, Karwar and Madgaon. The Konkan Railway station is also located at close proximity in case one wishes to travel by train. Regular flights are available from Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai that arrive at the Ratnagiri Airport.

Apart from being a place that boasts of rich culture and expansive history, Ratnagiri’s other significant attractions include the Ratnagiri Marine Museum. This Museum is home to an exciting collection of rare and beautiful sea animals and fish like sea lions, sea turtles, lionfish, sea snakes, tigerfish, and others. There is also a huge skeleton of a whale in the museum. Ratnagiri is also the perfect place for a retreat because of its beautiful natural hills and stunning beaches. Beaches like Bhatye Beach, Kunkeshwar Beach, Guhagar Beach, and Ganpatipule Beach is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a relaxing holiday.

The terrain here is suitable for trekking as well. One can trek and camp in places like Alibaug, Pawna Lake, Bhandar Dara, etc. Apart from trekking, you can also enjoy activities such as mountain climbing, river, rafting, paragliding and other exciting adventure sports. There are also ancient temples like the Jai Vinayak Temple in Jaigad and the Velneshwar Shiva Temple that are worth a visit.

Summer, monsoon, and winter are the three main seasons in Ratnagiri. Between November and February is the best time to visit this place. The city has several hotels to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

If you’ve ever dreamt about backpacking off to green pastures and cascading waterfalls among the lush mountains, you don’t have to travel all the way up north to experience setting like that anymore. Kolad – a humble village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra – is home to some of the most imposing valleys and natural beauty that were hidden away from the rest of the world until recent times. Nature enthusiasts and hikers already know of this gem in the Sahyadris that has been gaining impetus by day as a popular destination for adventure sports, but there’s more to this quaint settlement than just that. The primary tourist places in Kolad shout out loud white water rafting and trekking into the wild.

Fondly referred to as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, Kolad has been lately getting attention as one of the best white water rafting spots in Maharashtra. In fact, the stunning landscaping valleys of Kolad have a charm of their own during the monsoons in Maharashtra. The village is located alongside the banks of the magnificent River Kundalika, the fastest flowing river of the South. This provides varying degrees of difficulty levels for those fascinated by water sports. Apart from that, the rugged topography of this village makes it a great hiking destination among those eager to explore the thriving faunal side of Kolad.

Kolad’s scenic locale makes it a popular hotspot during the monsoons. Apart from the daunting sports, you can experience the true spectacle of nature. In fact, courtesy the varied climatic conditions in Kolad, every season gives you a chance to unwind in several ways. There are numerous hotels, resorts, farmhouses and peaceful home-stays tucked away into this tranquil village for those who wish for a peaceful time away from the city.

So, round up a group of friends, or simply hang out with your loved ones, Kolad is perfect for those looking forward to a delightful picnic in a land not so far away. Don’t forget to visit tourist places in Kolad which include Tahmini Ghat Waterfalls, Bhira Dam, Ghosala Fort and Tala Fort amongst others.

Karjat is a city and municipal Council in the scenic and mountainous district of Raigad in the state of Maharashtra. A part of Karjat is also a part of the metro city of Mumbai but is also a preferred destination for travelers. Be it family, kids or couples, anyone can enjoy this holiday destination. The best time to visit here is in monsoon, where the mountains are covered with a blanket of lush greenery, the atmosphere is cloudy and misty and there are numerous waterfalls making their way through the thick forests of the valley.

The local attractions are best to be visited during the daytime and if you have a big group, you and go for Fort climbing trips at night, especially on a full moon night where you will experience a different kind of tranquility during the trek.

All you need to do is grab a map write down your list of things to do, and get set to get one of the most authentic trekking and sight-seeing experiences in the state of Maharashtra. This trip is perfect for a weekend get away with your travel partners as well as solo, as you can enjoy it equally both ways.