The Monsoon is to Mumbai what rasgullas are to Bengal and winters to Delhi. Monsoon in Mumbai has transformed into one of the most iconic experience that many travelers enjoy as much as the locals do.

Everything seems to be more vibrant, lively & cheerful during rain, even travelling get more exciting & equally enthralling. I mean who doesn’t love driving on the open roads during rain while your favourite beats play on the stereo.

There are numbers of places to visit in Maharashtra in Monsoon to feed your wanderlust & enjoy the rain on the open road. So pick a destination, hire a car in Mumbai from Avis & drive away from the city to follow the clouds. Here are our top picks for a road trip near Mumbai with zero traffic:

Here are our top picks for a road trip near Mumbai with zero traffic:

Mumbai to Bhimashankar

Source: Mouthshut.com

Located in the village of Bhavagiri 50 km North West of Khed near Pune, it is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in Bhimashankar Temple. Placed on the banks of river Bhima, it’s located in the Ghat region of Sahyadri hills. During Monsoon, the whole region is covered in the shade of green. The greenery of Bhimashankar is certainly a sight to behold.

Sahyadri Wildlife Sanctuary and Jyotirlinga Temple are the top places to visit during Monsoon as rare animal’s sightings can be spotted. In this time, the air becomes more soothing in the region as it gets greener due to the rains.

Distance: 220 km

Time: 5 hr

Mumbai to Bhandardara

Source: pxhere.com

At 2000 m from the sea level, Bhandardara is the perfect destination for camping trips with your buddies. This place has the most amazing view for campsites too!

A hill station located in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, it is one of the ideal places to visit in Maharashtra in Monsoon from Mumbai. Filled with waterfalls, lakes and lush greenery, it’s a perfect destination for a camping trip in the lap of nature. Umbrella waterfall and Nanhe waterfall are the most popular to visit in this region. During rain, the beauty of Bhandardara is at its glorious best as Monsoon adds up to the beauty of this place.

Distance: 164 km

Time: 3.5 hr

Mumbai to Malshej Ghat

Source: Eventshigh.com

One of the top places to visit in Maharashtra during Monsoon, Malshej is known for beautiful trails and orchards of mulberries which covers the mountains during Monsoon. Malshej Ghat is a must-visit destination for history buffs and travel enthusiasts as this is also the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

At 1400 m from sea level, Harishchandragad Fort Trek is the ultimate experience for adventure seekers where the 6th-century fort makes an exciting spectacle for travellers. Ajoba Hill Fort, Darkoba Peak, Jivdhan Chawand Fort, and Nane Ghat are the most popular places that give travellers a lot to explore in the rainy season.

Distance: 127 km

Time: 3 hr 10 m

Mumbai to Matheran, Raigad

Source: Mouthshut.com

Known for its mild climate and well-preserved colonial architecture, Matheran is a hill station near Mumbai, in the West Indian state of Maharashtra. The hills here offer surreal panoramic viewpoints of the surrounding regions. Acclaimed as the smallest hill station, Rains only add to the beauty of Raigad which makes it the prime location to visit in Monsoon season.

Louisa Point, Panorama Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point, Echo Point, and Prabal Fort are the most popular places you should visit to fully enjoy the glamour of Monsoon.

Distance: 80 km

Time: 2 hr

Mumbai to Alibagh, Raigad

Source: Wikipedia

In southern India, just south of Mumbai is a coastal town named Alibagh, also known as Alibaug. It is known for its beautiful beaches like Alibagh Beach and Varsoli Beach. Historical architecture, gorgeous beaches and scenic views make it one of the top places to visit near Mumbai during Monsoon. Monsoon is the perfect time to visit this region as the beaches go through a complete makeover in rain.

Some popular places to visit in Alibagh are Kulaba Fort, Undheri Fort, Nagaon Beach, Alibaug Beach, Varsoli Beach and Murud-Janjira Fort. They are known for their innovative architecture and mesmerizing sunsets.

Distance: 98 km

Time: 2 hr 40 min

Mumbai to Lohagad, Pune

Source: Wikivoyage.org

Located at 52 km northwest of Pune near the hill station of Lonavala, Lohagad is one of the popular hill forts of Maharashtra. The fort was under the dynasty of Maratha Umpire but for a short period of time, it was ruled by Mughal Empire. Known for its beautiful treks and historical significance, Lohagad is one of the most distinguished structures in this region. There’s a trek which goes to the top where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the whole region.

During Monsoon, the rain adds up to the beauty of this place as the fort gets covered in lush greenery. More popular places to visit in this region are Pavna dam, Lonavla, Kamshet, Khandala, and Karjat.

Distance: 100 km

Time: 2 hr

Mumbai to Igatpuri, Nashik

Source: bp.blogspot.com

Igatpuri is a popular place to visit in Maharashtra in Monsoon season as many waterfalls come alive in the area which turns it into a whimsical location. It’s a popular hill station located in the Western Ghat Mountains and a heaven for nature lovers and travel enthusiasts. At 1700 m, It also has some of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range.



Kalsubai Peak, Bhasta River Valley, and Camel Valley are the most popular locations in Igatpuri to visit during Monsoon. The place is certainly worth a visit during the rains for a Mumbaikar. The best mode of travel is booking a self-drive or chauffeur-driven car via Avis car rental in Mumbai.

Distance: 120 km

Time: 2 hr 5 min



So these are some of the great places to visit in Maharashtra in Monsoon. Book a self-drive car in Mumbai from Avis to fully enjoy the first rain of the season. Tell us what would be your ideal destination to visit during Monsoon in the comment section below.