Summary: This weekend travel guide has all that a traveller needs to know. It covers 7 budget-friendly weekend getaways from Mumbai, along with essential information such as travel time, costs, and what to expect. Hopefully, it will help you plan an affordable, short, and beautiful weekend trip.
Mumbai, the City of Dreams, is also one of the most crowded and busiest cities in the country. The endless traffic, packed local trains, and non-stop work can get to your head at times. But to get away and unwind from all the chaos, all you need is a few hours’ drive.
Mumbai is close to several refreshing escapes, which is exactly why finding the right weekend destination near Mumbai doesn’t have to be difficult. This guide highlights 7 budget-friendly destinations so you can plan a pocket-friendly trip without breaking the bank or wasting your leaves. Dive in to pick your next getaway.
Note: Please know that the budget or price range mentioned throughout the blog may vary depending on travel season, dates, hotels, and any other significant factor.
Lonavala, a hill station in Maharashtra that most of us already know, sits 622 meters above sea level in the Sahyadri mountain range. It’s a destination that sees tourists from Mumbai and Pune all year round.
Lonavala is well known for its sweets, including chikki, canned jams, and brittle candy.
Lonavala is full of scenic viewpoints and greenery. The place has historical sites, adventure activities, and entertainment for visitors. Things to do in Lonavala include:
You can visit Lonavala all year round. However, visitors generally choose the monsoon season for active waterfalls and lush green surroundings, and winter for trekking and sightseeing. The choice is yours.
Also Read: Top 10 Resorts in Lonavala for a Relaxing Vacation
Alibaug, or Alichi Bagh, is a well-known coastal town in Maharashtra’s Raigad district. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, this place is nothing short of a paradise for sea-lovers and one of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai for anyone wanting to unwind.
Alibaug is known for its Birla Temple, coconuts, mangoes, and, most importantly, its beaches.
There are several picturesque places, especially beaches, to visit in Alibaug. The list includes:
The best time to visit Alibaug is between October and May. October to February is the peak season, while March to May is considered a moderate season.
Also Read: Escape to Paradise: Discovering 5 Luxurious Villas Near Mumbai
Nestled beautifully in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, Matheran is a popular and busy hill station. While there are multiple ways to reach it, the nearest railway station is Neral, located 20 km away.
The hill station is known for its lush green surroundings, Kolhapuri chappals, and a variety of chikkis.
Matheran offers activities like mountain climbing, hiking, forest trails, and horse riding. Some popular places to visit include:
You should visit Matheran between October and May, i.e., winter and early summer.
Also Read: 15 Most Charming Small Towns in India
Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Karjat is an attractive weekend destination near Mumbai for nature lovers. The town has plenty to see and is popular among adventure enthusiasts, as well as people wanting to step away from Mumbai’s busy life for a short while.
People love Karjat for its ghats, valleys, and the Buddhist-style Kondana caves.
Apart from nature, historical sites, and trekking, Karjat offers several adventure activities. The to-do list in Karjat includes:
It’s best to visit Karjat anywhere between June and February, covering the entire monsoon and winter season.
Also Read: The 7 Best Waterfalls In India You Can’t-Miss!
Igatpuri, a town and hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, sits near the Sahyadri range’s highest peak. Mumbaikars often visit this hill station for its picturesque mountains and peaceful atmosphere.
Igatpuri is popular among visitors for its natural beauty, local food, and waterfalls.
Igatpuri offers plenty of adventure activities like camping, rafting, and trekking, along with photo-worthy places to visit. The list includes:
It’s best to visit this hill station from December to February and June to November. That said, the monsoon months make the destination look stunning.
Also Read: Your Ultimate Guide to the Harihar Fort Trek – Maharashtra!
Kamshet, a hill station surrounded by green hills and calm lakes, is a favorite for lakeside retreats and adventure sports. Apart from sightseeing and unwinding, people often visit this place for its adventure sports.
Kamshet, also known as “The Paragliding Paradise,” is popular for its adventure sports and natural beauty.
Kamshet offers several tourist attractions to explore. The list includes:
What is the best time to visit Kamshet?
Visit Kamshet between October and May for clear weather for paragliding. June to September is also a good time to enjoy the waterfalls and landscapes.
Also Read: Most Picturesque Hill Stations In India Must Visit During Your Summer Break!
Karnala, a small village in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, is nothing short of a paradise for bird watchers. It’s an excellent weekend trip from Mumbai for families and travelers wanting a nature-filled break from their busy lives.
Karnala is primarily known for its fort and bird sanctuary.
The two major attractions in Karnala are Karnala Fort and the Bird Sanctuary. While this place doesn’t offer a long list of viewpoints and activities, the unique birdwatching and trekking experience it offers is well worth the visit.
It’s best to visit Karnala between June and February. Winter months are best for family trips and birdwatching, while monsoon is best for picturesque sightseeing and trekking.
Also Read: 10 Best Places to visit in India during festive August
Thanks to Mumbai’s geography, you can plan a refreshing getaway without needing a big budget. Whether you’re a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or an adventure enthusiast, you can experience it all just by picking the right spot.
If you want any help planning the next trip, Flamingo Travels can help you develop a perfect itinerary for your weekend getaways near Mumbai. All you need to do is get in touch with us!
Some great options include Lonavala, Matheran, Kamshet, Alibaug, Karjat, Igatpuri, and Karnala. Each destination offers a different experience.
Public buses and local trains are the cheapest way to reach these destinations near Mumbai.
Hill stations like Karjat usually attract solo travelers and groups of friends, while places like Alibaug and Lonavala are more popular with families.
A few ways to save on your trip include:
Also Read: Best Monsoon Getaways in India: Top Destinations for Rain Lovers!
Also Read: Weekend Getaways from Bangalore: 7 Best Monsoon Escapes
Also Read: 20 Best Weekend Getaways from Ahmedabad for 1, 2 & 3 Day Trips
Also Read: 15 Best Weekend Getaways from Udaipur for a Perfect Short Escape!
Nikita Karia has eleven years of experience working in the B2B travel trade, focusing on international destinations. Thus, writing tourism content comes naturally to her. She has traveled across countries- like Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and South Africa.
Additionally, she has a flair for writing about healthcare, technology, mental health, education, and e-commerce. Her purpose of the write-up is to simplify the contents in a way that resonates with the reader. When she is not writing, she enjoys tweaking her gardening skills
