Hill Stations Near Mumbai Within 100 Kms — My Favorite Escapes for a Quick Cool Getaway!
Published: 12 Oct 2025
Whenever Mumbai’s heat starts to melt your weekend plans, just smell the rain-soaked hills and listen the sound of rustling trees. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far for that. There are so many beautiful hill stations near Mumbai within 100 kms, each offering its own little slice of peace, adventure or romance. Lets explore them all one by one.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Hill Stations Near Mumbai For 2, 3 or 5 Days Trip From Mumbai
Sometimes the best hill trips is just a drive away and we are unaware of the fact. I have explored multiple hill escapes and here is the list of top 7 hill stations near Mumbai. You can visit these on your own pace even 1 day.
1: ⇒ Matheran — A Little Eco Paradise at 85 Km
Matheran is a must visit from Mumbai for short trips. You will be walking through its red mud trails while the fog slowly rolled in. It’s India’s only vehicle-free hill station which means you will only hear the clip-clop of horses and the chirping of birds. The air feels so clean and refreshing, it’s like stepping into another world.
What to See
- Charlotte Lake – peaceful and surrounded by green hills.
- Louisa Point – the best spot for sunset views.
- Panorama Point – gives a full 360° view of the valleys below.
My Tip:
Take the toy train from Neral — it’s slow, yes, but the ride through the forested slopes is pure nostalgia. And if you visit right after the monsoon, everything turns lush and magical!
2: ⇒ Lonavala — A Classic Monsoon Favorite at 88 Km
Whenever I think of a quick hill trip from Mumbai, Lonavala straight away comes to the mind. It’s just two hours away, yet it feels like a completely different world with misty roads, countless waterfalls and the scent of wet soil everywhere.
Must-See Spots
- Bushi Dam – perfect for monsoon splashes.
- Tiger’s Leap – breathtaking valley views.
- Rajmachi Fort – ideal for short treks.
Food & Fun
Don’t leave without trying Lonavala’s famous chikki or hot maggi by the roadside stalls. I love to stop by a tiny tea stall near Tiger’s Leap — the combination of chai, fog and view is unbeatable.
My Tip:
Visit on a weekday if you can. Weekends can get crowded, especially during monsoon.
3: ⇒ Khandala — Calm, Cozy and Less Crowded at 86 Km
Just next to Lonavala lies Khandala, a quieter cousin with postcard-perfect views. It’s great for those who prefer peaceful walks over noisy tourist spots.
What to See
- Duke’s Nose – a popular trek with an incredible view of the valley.
- Amrutanjan Point – an easy-to-reach viewpoint.
My Experience
I love to stay at a homestay overlooking the valley — waking up to birdsong and mist swirling below is one of those moments that stay with you forever.
4: ⇒ Karjat — Where Hills Meet History 68 Km
If you love adventure, Karjat is your spot! Located around 68 km from Mumbai, this little town offers a mix of trekking trails, old caves and riverside picnic spots.
Top Attractions
- Kondana Caves – ancient Buddhist caves surrounded by dense forest.
- Bhivpuri Waterfall – fun for rappelling or just cooling off.
My Tip:
Monsoon is the best time to visit. I once trekked to Kondana during light rain — waterfalls gushed down from cliffs and the whole forest smelled like fresh earth. Unforgettable!
5: ⇒ Durshet — The Hidden Forest Escape at 82 Km
If you crave greenery and quiet, Durshet is a true hidden gem. It’s perfect for nature lovers, families or solo travelers who enjoy peaceful forest stays.
What to Do
- Try ziplining and kayaking at Durshet Forest Lodge.
- Go on nature trails — early mornings are full of bird sounds.
- Camp under the stars if the sky is clear.
My Tip:
Pack mosquito repellent and light jackets — evenings can get surprisingly chilly. I love sitting by a campfire here, watching fireflies flicker in the dark.
6: ⇒ Karnala — Perfect for a One-Day Trek at 53 Km
Just 53 km from Mumbai, Karnala is where I love to go when I need a quick nature fix. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is small but teeming with life. You will spot colorful birds, butterflies and maybe even a squirrel or two chasing each other through the trees.
Highlights
- Karnala Fort Trek – moderate climb, about 2 hours.
- Birdwatching Trails – best early in the morning.
My Tip
Carry binoculars and plenty of water. The trek is short but steep in parts. And trust me, the fort view at the top is totally worth it!
7: ⇒ Tungareshwar Hills — The Offbeat Monsoon Trek 61 Km
For a short yet refreshing escape, Tungareshwar Hills are just 55 km away but offer that wild, green magic we all crave. The forest here hides a waterfall, a small temple and many shady walking trails.
What to Expect
- Gentle trek through thick forest.
- Natural pools to dip your feet in.
- Calm surroundings, especially early mornings.
My Tip
Carry light snacks, water and spare clothes because you will probably get drenched and that’s half the fun!
How to Plan Your Hill Station Getaway
Planning a trip is the most interesting part of adventure and sometimes we only plan. If there are 7 friends planning for a trip, I am sure there will be only 5 ready and 2-3 will last till the departure. 😁 But we care about you, no matter if you go or not but let’s make it clear.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
- Monsoon (June–Sept): Everything turns green and misty. Best for waterfall lovers.
- Winter (Oct–Feb): Crisp air, great for hiking or camping.
- Summer (Mar–May): Cooler than Mumbai, perfect for a short break.
I personally love July–August — the hills are at their most beautiful and every drive feels like a movie scene.
🚗 Getting There
- By Car: Most of these places are easily reachable via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway or NH48.
- By Train: Lonavala, Karjat and Matheran have convenient rail connections.
- By Cab: Apps like Ola Outstation or local cab operators are great for quick trips.
🏠 Where to Stay
- Luxury: Della Resorts (Lonavala), Radisson Blu (Karjat), Machan (Lonavala).
- Budget: MTDC resorts, Zostel Matheran, small homestays.
- My Tip: Book early during long weekends — prices can spike fast!
Which Season Brings Out the Best of Each Hill
| Season | Best Hill Stations | Why Visit |
| Monsoon | Lonavala, Karjat, Malshej | Waterfalls, lush greenery |
| Winter | Matheran, Igatpuri, Lavasa | Clear skies & cozy weather |
| Summer | Karnala, Durshet | Less crowded & pleasant mornings |
Suggested Itineraries — How I Plan My Weekend Hill Escapes from Mumbai
Sometimes I just need to escape the city buzz and breathe in some mountain air! Whether it’s a short break or an extended weekend, I always keep a few go-to plans ready. Here’s how I will plan my quick hill getaways from Mumbai. 💛
2-Day Trips From Mumbai
Day 1: Mumbai → Lonavala → Khandala → Stay Overnight
I will like to start early in the morning to skip the city traffic and catch the mist rising over the Western Ghats. The expressway drive feels like therapy — smooth roads, endless views and those tempting roadside stalls selling hot vada pav and chai.
Once you reach Lonavala, you will love to spend the first half exploring the viewpoints in which Tiger’s Leap and Bhushi Dam are my forever favorites! Later, head to Khandala, just a short drive away, where the hills look greener and quieter. I like to check into a cozy stay here for the night — usually a small homestay with a view and local food.
Day 2: Matheran → Return to Mumbai
Next morning, I will head to Matheran, the famous car-free hill station. The toy train ride is pure nostalgia and the viewpoints here — like Panorama Point and Charlotte Lake — are perfect for morning hikes. I love how peaceful it feels without honking or engines, just the sound of nature and horse hooves. By evening, you will back in Mumbai with a camera full of pictures and a heart full of calm.
Travel Tip: Carry light, especially for Matheran. You will walk a lot and trust me, luggage slows you down on those lovely red mud trails.
What I Did: I love spending my evening sipping chai at Panorama Point, watching clouds drift below me. It is one of those moments where you just stand still and breathe in everything — peace, silence and the smell of wet earth.
Places to visit Near Mumbai for 3 Days
Day 1: Mumbai → Karjat → Stay at Local Homestay
For a longer weekend, I will begin with Karjat. It’s close enough to drive easily but far enough to feel like a true break. I love its green valleys, small waterfalls and the friendly locals. I love to stay in a rustic homestay surrounded by farms — simple food, fresh air and stars at night.
Day 2: Igatpuri + Malshej Ghat Adventure
The next day, you can head toward Igatpuri and then Malshej Ghat — two of the most scenic hill stretches within 100 km of Mumbai. The drive is mesmerizing during monsoon; waterfalls pour down every cliff! travelers often stop, take photos and just listen to the sound of rain hitting leaves. If you love long drives, this route is magic.
Day 3: Durshet → Back to Mumbai
On my last day, I will take a relaxed route back through Durshet — a calm forest area known for its camps and treks. Take a short morning walk before heading home. It’s the perfect way to end the trip — slow, green and full of nature’s whispers.
Route Story: The stretch from Igatpuri to Malshej Ghat is one of my favorite drives in Maharashtra. It’s not just about distance — it’s about mood! Every curve shows a new waterfall, every cloud hides a new hill.
Where I Stopped for Chai: There’s a little tea stall on the way to Durshet — no name, just a blue shed beside the road. I love to stop there to cut chai and pakoras.
Conclusion
Mumbai never runs out of energy but sometimes, you just need to trade the city buzz for birdsong and mountain air. These hill stations near Mumbai within 100 kms are my favorite mini-escapes. Each one has given me laughter, stillness and memories that linger long after the trip ends.
So, next time you are craving a cool breeze and a change of view, just pick a direction and drive. Who knows your perfect weekend escape is waiting beyond the city lights.
FAQs About Hills Near Mumbai
Here is the frequently asked questions:
The nearest hill stations to Mumbai are Lonavala and Khandala, both around under 100 km. They are perfect for quick weekend trips — easy to reach by road or train, surrounded by waterfalls and packed with charming viewpoints. I love to drive there early in the morning to catch the mist before the crowds arrive.
My top picks are Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran, Karjat and Igatpuri. Each one offers something different from toy train rides in Matheran to monsoon treks in Karjat. Most of them are just a 2–3 hour drive which makes them ideal for quick escapes from city life.
Absolutely! The monsoon is actually the best time to visit many hill stations near Mumbai. Lonavala, Malshej Ghat and Igatpuri come alive with waterfalls and misty valleys. Just drive carefully because the roads can get slippery. The views are worth every drop of rain.
For families, Lonavala, Khandala and Matheran are top choices with safe stays, easy walks and plenty of fun activities. Couples often love Igatpuri and Karjat for their quiet resorts and peaceful views. I’ve stayed in a few hillside cottages — perfect for morning chai with a view!
Yes! You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy the hills. Matheran and Karjat are great for budget travelers where you will find affordable homestays, local food stalls and scenic spots without heavy entry fees. I will love to spend more on snacks than on staying here!
You can travel by car, train or local taxi depending on your plan. Take the Mumbai–Pune Expressway for Lonavala and Khandala or the Mumbai–Karjat route for the others. Most trains from CST or Dadar also stop near these hill towns, making travel super easy even without your own vehicle.
The best time to visit is between June and February. Monsoons (June–September) bring lush greenery and waterfalls while winter (October–February) offers cool, pleasant weather for sightseeing. I personally love the post-monsoon season with clear skies, fresh air and no crowds!
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
