Detailed Description

After experiencing a hot and humid summer; this year Mumbaikar’s are welcoming the monsoon with open arms. Monsoons the best time to visit some of the most beautiful locations near Mumbai that is home to breathtaking waterfalls, green hills and lakes.

 

 

So here are eight lesser known places where you can enjoy the hot cup of tea and hot onion bhajis amidst lush greenery. Most importantly, they're all located within 500 km from Mumbai.

 

 

 

Thosegar Waterfalls

 

Distance from Mumbai: 280 km

 

Thosegar Waterfalls is a series of waterfalls located near the village of Thoseghar that ranges from 10 - 400 meters in height. The best time to visit these waterfalls is during the monsoon season, when there is heavier flow of water making the sight even grander than usual, amidst a plush green valley.

 

Though the place can get slightly crowded during weekends, but it does offer a much needed respite to Mumbaikars from the busy city life.

 

 

 

Kaas Plateau

 

Distance from Mumbai: 290 km

 

Located near Satara, the Kaas Plateau is a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). The monsoon season is the best time to visit this plateau as the entire area is covered with over 800 different species of wild flowers. Every year during monsoon season, several varieties of flowers blossom, underneath an overcast sky making it a romantic spot from couples visiting the plateau.

 

 

 

Kalsubai Peak

 

Distance from Mumbai: 150 km

 

Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadri mountain range at 5400 feet above sea level. The place offers peaceful panoramas of rolling hills lost in the dense clouds and a view that's worth a trek up this mountain. The place is dotted with many ancient temples and has many beautiful resorts and bungalows to stay in.

 

 

 

Panshet

 

Distance from Mumbai: 180 km

 

For those who like an activity - filled weekend,  Panshet is the ideal location during monsoon which has  range of  adventure activities like kayaking, waterskiing and water scooters. There are also several forts in the close vicinity that can be explored i.e. Raigad, Torna and Singhagad fort. Nature lovers can make a visit to Sinhagad National Park as well. There are very good facilities to camp out in the open at Panshet without any feeling of discomfort and can be enjoyed with the entire family.

 

 

 

Nashik

 

Distance from Mumbai: 170 km

 

Nashik makes for a heady destination during the monsoons as the entire region comes alive with its awesome waterfalls which every Mumbaikar must visit i.e. Dugarwadi waterfall, Vihigaon waterfall, Someshwar waterfall, Dabhosa waterfall. Nashik is also home to a number of wine yards, which in itself makes for a wonderful trip. There are several wine tours, wine therapies, and some excellent cuisines to enjoy. Above all don't miss out on local Misal Pav during monsoons.

 

 

 

Igatpuri

 

Distance from Mumbai: 125 km

 

Igatpuri a little hill station on the outskirts of Mumbai has become popular by an academy that practices the old art of Vipassana meditation. Many Bollywood films have been shot on the locations here especially during the monsoon and winter seasons. Travelers can shop for chips and biscuits, which Igatpuri is well known for. Travelers can also head to the Camel Valley to view the stunning waterfalls. Igatpuri also serves as the base city that leads towards many forts and mountains for treks.

 

 

 

Bhandardara

 

Distance from Mumbai: 190 km

 

Situated at the banks of the Pravara River, Bhandardara (@3000 feet above sea level) is a hill station that makes for an ideal destination for a  weekend trek. Set on a dam, Bhandardara  is known for its remote and idyllic location, waterfalls during monsoon season and boating in the lakes.Bhandardara also serves as a base point for many treks within the area and  is equally steeped in historical culture with a 1,000 year old temple dedicated to Shiva.Travelers must visit the Wilson Dam that was built in the year 1910 and also try catch a glimpse of the Randha falls during monsoon.

 

 

 

 

Bhimashankar

 

Distance from Mumbai: 150 km

 

Bhimashankar is home to one of the 12 jyotirlinga shrines and a prominent pilgrimage centre situated in the western ghats of the Sahyadri hills. Besides being a pilgrimage center it is also has a biodiversity as it is home to the famous Bhimashakar Wildlife Reserve that houses a large variety of birds, animals and plants.Bhimashankar is also popular with hikers, trekkers  and rock climbers and every year adventure enthusiasts from all over Maharashtra head to the Bhimashankar especially during monsoon to have their rush of adrenaline.