Explore The Picturesque Hill Stations Near Mahabaleshwar!

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra, India. It is the Queen of Sahyadri hills located 4400 feet above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests. Further, it is the originating point of river Krishna that travels through Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The distance to Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra from Mumbai is about 285 km while from Pune it is only around 120 km. Moreover, the holy rivers Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri start from the Panchaganga temple.

Mahabaleshwar is also famous for strawberries and the beauty of nature along the plains with lush green forests.   

Best Hill Stations Near Mahabaleshwar 

Lavasa 

Lavasa is India’s new hill station that is known for adventure sports and is the preferred location for weekend sports. It consists of an area of around 25,000 acres and is a scenic beauty of well-planned architecture. Lavasa is one of the best hill stations near Mahabaleshwar.

As a nature lover, and adventure admirer Lavasa always have new experiences. The architecture is heavily influenced by the Italian city of Portofino which is known for its beautiful harbour. 

For adventure lovers, there are activities like mountain climbing, paragliding and hiking. On the other hand, there are wellness centres, unique viewpoints and water sports and is a place to make the vacation colourful.        

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit is in the winter season, preferably in the months of November to February when the temperature is just apt.   

How To Reach

Lavasa is well connected by road and has bus services from most cities in Maharashtra. The nearest city is Pune at a distance of 22km.

Panchgani 

Panchgani is a destination that is known for its natural beauty encircled by five villages Dandeghar, Amrai, Godavali, Khinghar and Taighat. The Krishna river that flows through the valley adds beauty to the place.

Further, it is a gateway to calmness and is a favourite among people that enjoys the romantic essence of nature. This place also has an abundance of strawberries and the Mapro garden is the divine beauty that entitles itself as the major contributor to the strawberries in India. This is also one of the best hill stations near Mahabaleshwar. 

Best Time To Visit 

This place is best when visited during the winter or at the onset of summer. The weather remains pleasant during the months of September to April.  

How To Reach

Tourists can travel in transport buses that have services from Pune, Satara, Mahabaleshwar, Mumbai and Mahad. 

Lonavala 

Lonavala is a hill station that is positioned on the western ghats in the Pune district. The hill station is at a height of about 2041 feet above sea level and is famous for the production of Chikkis.

Further, Lonavala provides a spectacular view of the green valleys, caves, lakes and waterfalls. The journey from Mumbai takes an hour while from Pune it takes about two hours.  Normally, tourists and nature lovers visit this place on weekends to enjoy the refreshing ambience.  

Best Time To Visit

This place is best to visit during the monsoon from June to September as the surroundings will be flushed with greenery and lakes filled up with rain. 

How To Reach 

The best way to reach is by road. However, from far-off cities, there are train and flight services to the nearest location Pune.  

Raigad 

Raigad is situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and is surrounded by the harbour of Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri and the Arabian sea. It is home to the tomb of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the Maratha ruler.

The Raigad fort is built on an irregular rock at 2851 meters above sea level. It is a scenic hill station, a historical site and an architectural feat.

Do you love winding treks with breathtaking views, being engulfed by mist and soaking in the sounds of nature? Experience it all this October in the Sahyadris.

📍Rajgad Fort, outskirts of Pune. pic.twitter.com/no6DEwS1jy

— Maharashtra Tourism (@maha_tourism) October 27, 2022

This place was ruled by Shivaji and has its rich culture, art and cuisine. Further, other places close to Raigad are Madhe Ghat, Jagadishwar temple and the Diveagar beach.  

Best Time To Visit 

The ideal season to visit this place is in the winter, preferably during the months of October to March. 

How to Reach 

Raigad is best connected by road network.  From Mumbai by road, it is around 100 km and is the best choice to enjoy the scenic views. 

Malshej Ghat 

Malshej Ghat is a hill station that is located in the western ghats of Maharashtra. It is an ideal weekend destination away from the busy city life. Malshej Ghat has various lakes, mountains, and water flows and is a favourite place for nature lovers.

The pink flamingos migrate to this spot in the months of July to September. With the onset of monsoon exotic pink flamingos arrive along with the hush of greenery which is mesmerising.  

Best time to visit 

The best time to visit will be during the monsoons to enjoy the sight of overflowing dams and water flows along with the pink flamingos.

How to reach 

Malshej has good road connectivity to and from cities such as Pune and Mumbai. There are state and private buses conducting services from Mumbai and Pune. 

Khandala 

Khandala is situated in the western ghats at a height of about 1800 feet.  It is a popular place for the residents of Pune and Mumbai. This place cherishes the beauty of nature during the monsoon season with its spectacular views.

Whenever its rains there is a charming blossom of nature’s beauty. Further, it is a place of sunset point, Rajmachi point and views of Rajmachi fort. Khandala also has inspiring waterfalls, dense forests and natural beauty to satisfy the visitor’s experience.  

Best time to visit 

It is during the monsoon season from July to September.

How to reach 

There is good road connectivity and can be reached by NH4 and the Mumbai-Pune expressway.

Ratanwadi 

Ratanwadi is a hilly village near Bhandarada and is the house of the Ratangad fort along with the popular shiva temple Amruteshwar.

The roads were captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji maharaja and are not well maintained. Further, the Ratangad fort is more than 400 years old. However, this is a famous trekking spot and is far from the main town.  

Best time to visit 

This place is best to be visited during winter or summer in the months of September to May. 

How to reach 

As the roads are not well maintained the option is to take a boat ride from Arthur Lake at Bhandaedra. The boat ride to Ratanwadi is only about 20 minutes.  

Amboli 

Amnboli is a hill station situated in the Sahayadri hills at an elevation of around 700 metres in the state of Maharashtra. This is developed by the British colonel westrop and was used as a staging post for supplying garrisons to central and southern India.

The hill station is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands and has various viewpoints of the lush hills and fertile plains. Further, Monsoons make it the wettest region and Amboli provides the resources for the Krishna River.      

Best time to visit 

The winters are the best time to reach this location from October to February.

How to reach 

The nearest railway station is Savantwadi which is located at a distance of 30 km from Amboli. Further, roads are well connected and buses ply to Savantwadi regularly.

Rajmachi

Rajmachi is situated at an altitude of 826 metres in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. Rajmachi has historical fort peaks Shrivardhan and Manaranjan which are popular among adventure enthusiasts.

Further, this area has been ruled by Aurangzeb and Shivaji Maharaj the great rulers. The base of Rajmachi fort is the village of Udhewadi from which trekking is simple even for beginners. It is a popular destination for people from Mumbai and Pune.      

Best Time To Visit 

Rajmachi is best to be visited during monsoon in the months of June to September to enjoy the greenery and the mystic charm of rain. 

How to reach 

The nearest city is Lonavala which is well-connected by road. Transport bus services are available from Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Nashik to reach Lonavala. From Lonavala, it is a trekking path to Rajmachi.

Bhandardara 

Bhandardara is situated at a height of 750 metres above sea level on the banks of the river Pravara in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It has a landscape of lush green forests, waterfalls, mountain and lakes that gives a relaxing ambience.

Bhandarada is also a resting place for people travelling to Nashik and Shirdi. The Wilson dam and Arthur Lake are tourist attractions and the hill station is full of natural glory in the monsoon season.  However, it is still less known and more popular among youngsters.  

Best time to visit 

The best time to visit is in the winter season. Tourists can experience nature’s glory in the months of August to December. 

How to reach 

Bhandardara is easily accessible by road and rail travel. It is around 185 km away from Mumbai, 161 km from Pune and 72 km from Nashik. The nearest railway station is lgatpuri and transport buses ply to Bhandardara.  

Conclusion 

Mahabaleshwar is the Queen of Sahyadri hills and is located in the western ghats 4400 feet above sea level. It is known for waterfalls, evergreen forests, majestic peaks, temples, rivers and magnificent valleys.

For nature lovers, this is the best place to explore and get refreshed from the chores of city life. Further, the abundance of strawberries in the region is well known. To enjoy and get along with nature, adventurous activities and scenic spots Mahabaleshwar is a perfect choice.    

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