Mumbai is commonly referred to as the “City that never sleeps” and, this is due to the fact that this city is bustling with activity through the day. So with life in Mumbai essentially being “extremely hectic” relaxation becomes a necessity. And one of the best ways to relax is to travel to a hill station that is located in close proximity to the city.
Read More: TOP 10 POPULAR HILL STATIONS DURING MONSOONS IN INDIA
There a number of hill stations around Mumbai but the popular 10 are as follows
1. Mahabaleshwar:
Considered to be the largest hill station in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is located in the Satara district nestled high up in the Western Ghat. The word Mahabaleshwar which means “God of Great Power” is situated at about 254 km away from Mumbai. It is popular for its extreme natural beauty. It is also known for a few major tourist attractions that include Christ Church, Frere Hall, Government House, Krishna Temple etc.
2. Panchgani:
Located in the Satara district in Maharashtra at around 18km east of Mahabaleshwar is yet another picturesque hill station called “Panchgani”. This hill station is located at about 244 km away from Mumbai. It is popular for its natural beauty as well as for being a “trekker’s paradise”.
3. Panhala:
Located in the Kolhapur district in Maharashtra is a popular hill station called “Panhala”. This hill station is located at about 382 km away from Mumbai. It is famous for the Panhala fort. This fort was built by Raja Bhoja II in the 12th century. Historically speaking this hill station was also the capital of the Maratha Empire from 1782 to 1827.
4. Lonavla:
Lonavla is an extremely scenic hill station located in the Pune district in Maharashtra. It is situated in close proximity to Mumbai at a distance of about 96 km. It is popular for the mesmerising views of the Sahyadris and the Konkan Coast. It is also renowned for the production of a type of hard candy called “Chikki”.
5. Khandala:
Located at about 7 km away from Lonavla is another beautiful hill station called “Khandala”. It is situated in close proximity to Mumbai. Apart from its natural beauty it is also serves as a perfect hiking and trekking destination.
6. Matheran:
Matheran is a picturesque hill station located in Maharashtra in the Raigad district. It is situated in close proximity to Mumbai and Pune at a distance of 90 and 120 km respectively. This hill station is extremely popular for its overall scenic beauty.
7. Igatpuri:
Igatpuri is a scenic hill station that is located in Maharashtra at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. It is situated at about 121 km from Mumbai. It is known for its scenic beauty that includes grassy mountain slopes and green meadows. Apart from its natural picturesque beauty it is also an ideal trekker’s paradise.
8. Malshej Ghat:
Nestled up high in the Western Ghat is a mountain pass called “Malshej Ghat”. This mountain pass is located in Maharashtra at about 127 km from Mumbai. It is popular for its serene environment, and exotic flora and fauna. It is also renowned for a number of sightseeing options that include Bird Graveyard, Shivneri Fort, Malshej Falls, and Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
9. Bhandardara:
Bhandardara is a scenic village that is located in the Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. It is situated at approximately 165 km away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city. This village is extremely picturesque and consists of a number of major tourist attractions that includes Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Ratangad Fort, Ghatghar, Kalsubai, Harishchandragarh fort, Mount and Amriteshwar temple etc.
10. Karjat:
Located at a distance of approximately 62 km away from Mumbai, Karjat is a beautiful hill station that is situated in Maharashtra in the Raigad district. It is located at 636 feet above sea level. Apart from it is close proximity to the city it is renowned to be an extremely scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere. It also is provides for perfect landscapes for adventure sports such as trekking and climbing. It also consists of major popular tourist attractions such as Bhor Ghat, Ulhas Valley, Kondana Caves, Peth Fort etc.
Also Read: TOP 10 HILL STATIONS IN THE WESTERN GHATS