Home » Travel » Hill Stations In Maharashtra: 10 Top Maharashtra Hill Station List

Hill Stations In Maharashtra: 10 Top Maharashtra Hill Station List

Kalyani

August 3, 2018

The state of Maharashtra is home to the majestic Sahyadri mountains. Many beautiful hill stations are located amidst the Western Ghats in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. Many of these hill stations were discovered and developed by Britishers. These hill stations predominantly get visitors from cities like Mumbai and Pune who are exhausted with the fast-urban life and are on the lookout for rest and relaxation.

10 Amazing Hill Stations In & Near Maharashtra – 2023 List

Hill Stations Maharashtra: Complete Guide for Best Hill station In & Near Maharashtra

1. Lonavla – Pretty Hill Station in Maharashtra 

Lonavla is a pretty hill station located in Pune district in Maharashtra. Lonavla lies at a height of 622 m in the Sahyadri mountains. Spread across an area of 38 square km, Lonavla serves as a popular monsoon getaway. The name Lonavla is derived from the Sanskrit name ‘Lonavali’, which denotes ‘group of caves’. There are a number of caves in and around Lonavla and hence the name. Lonavla along with Khandala was developed in 1871 by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of the Bombay Presidency.

Distance from Mumbai: 95 km

Why Visit: Visit Lonavla for its caves, lakes, forts and waterfalls. The scenic beauty of Lonavla is best enjoyed during the monsoons when the ambience becomes green with dense growth of vegetation and the waterfalls are in full flow.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road – Lonavla lies in proximity to Pune and Mumbai. It is well connected by bus and cab services to cities like Mumbai, Pune, Shirdi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Bangalore etc. Travel from Mumbai via Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai – Pune Highway.

Average Cab Fare: Rs.1664 – Rs.2510 (one way)

Self-driving to Lonavla from Mumbai makes for a pleasant driving experience. It is a one and half-hour drive from Mumbai to Lonavala. Also, the greenery along the route especially during the monsoons is worth experiencing.

Cost of Driving down to Lonavla: Rs 900 – Rs 1500 (Round trip)

By Flight – Pune International airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 69 km from Lonavla.  Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara have regular flights to Pune.

Fares: Rs 4,636 – Rs 10, 561 (Mumbai to Pune Round trip)

By Train – Lonavla has its own railway station which is connected to all the major cities in India. There are a number of trains that you can board to reach Lonavla such as

• Intercity Express
• Deccan Queen
• Chennai Express
• Indrayani Express
• Puducherry Express

Things To do In Lonavla

• Go trekking on the varied forts
• Explore caving at Karla caves and Bedse caves
• Visit Celebrity wax museum
• Visit Aamby Valley City
• Get enthralled by stunning views at Lion’s point and Vinchu Kata and Tiger’s point

Check Out Top 8 Spectacular Things To do in Lonavla

Places To Visit in Lonavla

• Lohagad Fort
• Rajmachi Point
• Karla Caves
• Valvan Dam
• Lonavala Lake
• Tiger’s Leap

Best Hotels In Lonavla

Hotel Chandralok | Picaddle Resort by Meritas | Fariyas Resort

2. Khandala – Beautiful Hill Station in Maharashtra 

The scenic hill station of Khandala is located in the western ghats in Pune district of Maharashtra. Perched at a height of 625 m at the end of Bhor Ghat, Khandala is a popular weekend getaway for visitors from Mumbai and Pune. Khandala along with Lonavla was developed by Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of the Bombay Presidency in 1871.

Distance From Mumbai: 93 km

Why Visit: Khandala offers panoramic views and its landscape is dotted with deep valleys, abundant greenery, waterfalls and lakes. Khandala serves as a popular hiking destination.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road – Khandala has good connectivity by road to all the major cities of India such as Goa, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kochi, Delhi and many more cities. The Mumbai-Pune expressway passes through Khandala. Travel from Mumbai via Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai – Pune Highway to reach Khandala.

Average Cab Fare: Rs.4416 – Rs.5847 (one way)

Book Your Bus Using : Make my Trip Bus | Red Bus Offers

Cost of Driving down to Khandala: Rs 900 – Rs 1500 (Round trip)

Avail Discounted Car Rentals Using : Ola Mumbai Coupons

By Flight – Pune International airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 71 km from Khandala.  Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara have regular flights to Pune.

Fares: Rs 4,636 – Rs 10, 561 (Mumbai to Pune Round trip)

Book Your Flight Using : Make my Trip Discount Coupons

By Train – Khandala has its own railway station where a number of south bound trains from Mumbai halt. However, Lonavla railway station which is 5 km away is a major railhead. There are a number of trains that you can board to reach Khandala such as

• Siddheshwar SF Express
• Deccan Express
• Koyna Express
• Mahalaxmi Express
• Sinhagad Express

Things To Do in Khandala

• Go trekking on the varied forts
• Marvel at the Buddhist architecture of the cave temples
• Explore caves at Karla caves and Bedse caves
• Enjoy stunning views at Rajmachi Point
• Have picnic at Valvan dam and Kune falls

Places to Visit in Khandala

• Duke’s Nose
• Rajmachi Fort
• Amrutanjan Point
• Ryewood Park
• the Bushy dam

Best Hotels In Khandala

The Dukes Retreat | Zara’s Resort | Hotel Royal Park

Book Your Hotel Using : Goibibo Hotel Coupons | Oyo Coupons

3. Mahabaleshwar – Scenic Hill Station in Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar is a scenic hill station in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar comprises of three villages namely Malcolm Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar and a portion of Shindola village. The present day Mahabaleshwar was developed in 1829-30 when it became the summer capital of Bombay presidency during the colonial era. Mahabaleshwar is the source of the river Krishna that flows across four states.

Distance From Mumbai: 243 km

Why Visit: Mahabaleshwar enjoys moderate temperatures throughout the year. It is visited for some breath-taking views and beautiful landscapes. This lovely hill station is visited for its forts, temples, lakes and other picturesque attractions.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road – Mahabaleshwar has good connectivity to cities like Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Goa and Shirdi. You can travel from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Bengaluru- Mumbai Highway/ Mumbai Highway/ Mumbai- Pune Highway and NH 48.

Average Cab Fare:  Rs.3370 – Rs.4642 (one way)

Cost of Driving down to Mahabaleshwar: Rs 2,500 –  Rs 3,500 (round trip)

By Flight – Pune International airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 123 km from Mahabaleshwar.  Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara have regular flights to Pune.

Fares: Rs 4,636 – Rs 10, 561 (Mumbai to Pune Round trip)

By Train – Th nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar is located at Wathar at a distance of 60 km from Mahabaleshwar. The following trains can be boarded from Mumbai to travel to Wathar

• Koyna Express
• Sahyadri Express
• Mahalakshmi Express
• Sharavati Express
• Ahmedabad – SCSMT Kolhapur Express

Things To Do in Mahabaleshwar

• Shop for strawberries and mulberries
• Visit the many viewpoints like Wilson’s point and Bombay point to get panoramic views of Sahyadri mountains and deep valleys
• View Sunrises and sunsets from the varied viewpoints
• Go trekking and hiking at the forts
• Enjoy the cascades of Lingamala falls

Places To Visit in Mahabaleshwar

• Arthur’s Seat
• Wilson Point
• Pratapgarh Fort
• Venna Lake
• Mahabaleshwar Temple

Best Hotels in Mahabaleshwar

Mango Hotels Valley View | Neeta’s Shanti Villa | Bharat Hotel

4. Pachgani – Beautiful Hill Station in Maharashtra 

Panchgani is a popular weekend getaway for people from Pune and Mumbai. Located at an altitude of 1334 m, Panchgani is located amidst the five hills of Sahyadri ranges. Discovered as a summer retreat for Britishers during the 1860s, Panchgani was developed as a retirement place for the British due to its pleasant weather throughout the year.

Distance From Mumbai: 254 km

Why Visit: Panchgani is dotted by many health resorts and residential educational institutions. Furthermore, Panchgani’s landscape is adorned with many British style bungalows and Parsi houses Besides, there are many forts, viewpoints, caves and other natural attractions that tourists can explore.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road – Panchgani has good connectivity to places like Mahabaleshwar, Mumbai, Satara, Pune, Goa, Shirdi and other places. You can travel from Mumbai via Bengaluru – Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai – Pune Hwy and NH 48. Alternatively, you can also take the NH66 route to reach Panchgani.

Average Cab Fare:  Rs.3595 –  Rs.4701 (one way)

Cost of Driving down to Panchgani: Rs 2,500 – Rs 3,500 (Round Trip)

By Flight – Pune International airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 104 km from Panchgani.  Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara have regular flights to Pune.

Fares: Rs 4,636 – Rs 10, 561 (Mumbai to Pune Round trip)

By Train –  Pune railway station is the nearest railway station  at a distance of 104 km from Panchgani. The following trains can be boarded from Mumbai to travel to Pune

• Indore – Pune Express
• Bhuj – Pune Express
• Jaipur – Pune SF Express
• Indrayani SF Express
• Ernakulam – Pune SF Express

Things To Do in Panchgani

• Experience the tribal lifestyle at Devrai art village
• Savour delectable strawberries at Mapro Garden
• Go boating at Venna Lake
• Enjoy paragliding
• Get mesmerised by the amazing views of table land and Sydney point

Places To Visit in Panchgani

• Table Land
• Parsi Point
• Kamalgadh Fort
• Devil’s Kitchen
• Rajpuri Caves

Best Hotels in Panchgani

Hotel Malas | Ravine Hotel | Mount View Heritage Hotel

5. Matheran – Picturesque Hill Station in Maharashtra 

Matheran is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra and situated at a height of 800 m amidst the Western Ghats. The district collector of Thane district, Hugh Poyntz Malet developed Matheran in 1850 AD. Matheran is popular for its viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the peaks of the Western Ghats.

Distance From Mumbai: 94 km

Why Visit: The Matheran Light Railway (MLR) is being pitched for UNESCO World Heritage Site Status. This small hill station is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station.  Wherein tourists drive up to Dasturi Point (2.5 km) and then reach Matheran by walking or riding a pony.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road – You can travel from Mumbai to Matheran via  Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai – Pune Highway. Alternatively, the route via Badlapur – Katai rd can also be explored.

Average Cab Fare:  Rs.2111 – Rs.3107 (one way)

Cost of Driving  to Matheran : Rs 1000 – Rs 1500 (Return)

By Flight – Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is the closest airport located at 90 km from Matheran. Airlines like Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara, Jet Konnect, Indigo fly regularly to Mumbai from varied locations across the country.

Fares : Rs 2674 – Rs 14,000 (Delhi- Mumbai round trip)

By Train – The nearest railway station to Matheran is Neral which is located 11 km from Matheran. You can book tickets in the following trains to reach Neral.

• Deccan Express
• Koyna Express

Things To Do in Matheran

• Go trekking at Kalavantin Pinnacle
• Indulge in waterfall rappelling at Dodhani waterfalls
• Explore Chanderi caves

Places To Visit in Matheran

• Porcupine Point
• Panorama Point
• Paymaster Park
• Panthers’ Caves
• Charlott Lake

Check out Satiate Your Wanderlust by Visiting These 10 Places in Matheran

Best Hotels in Matheran

Westend Hotel | Hotel Paramount | Gujrat Bhavan Hotel

6. Bhandardara – Tranquil Hill Station in Maharashtra

Bhandardara is a holiday resort located in the Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. This quaint hill station is located at an altitude of 750 m on the banks of river Pravara. Bhandardara is a popular stopver for people travelling to Nashik and Shirdi. Bhandardara is replete with waterfalls, mountains, green cover and a tranquil atmosphere. Eco-tourism enthusiasts will be delighted to find trekking and hiking opportunities here. Major attractions of Bhandardara are Arthur Lake, Randha Waterfalls, Umbrella Falls, Bhandardara Dam or Wilson Dam and Amruteshwar Temple.

Distance From Mumbai : 172 km

7. Amboli – Rainy Hill Station in Maharashtra 

Amboli hill station in Maharashtra is close to Goa. Located at an altitude of 690 m, Amboli is the penultimate hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa. Amboli forms the southern side of Sahyadri ranges. Amboli was majorly developed by British Colonel Westrop. Known as the wettest region in Maharashtra, Amboli receives about 750 cm of rainfall. This place should be visited in the monsoons as the waterfalls and the surrounding mist makes for a breath-taking ambiance. The sunset point, Amboli Waterfall, the origin of Hiranyakeshi River, Shirgaonkar Falls, Nagatta falls are major attractions of Amboli.

Distance From Mumbai : 489 km

8. Malshej Ghat – Wonderful Hill Station in Maharashtra 

Malshej Ghat is a beautiful hill station nestled in the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats. This mountain pass is located on the Thane-Pune road and serves as a perfect weekend retreat for people from Mumbai and Pune. The topography of the place is dotted with dams, waterfalls, fort and mountains that can entail activities like hiking, trekking and sightseeing. Malshej falls, Pimpalgaon Joga dam, Harishchandragad fort and Ajoba hill fort are some of the places that travellers can explore.

Distance From Mumbai : 127 km

9. Panhala – Historic Hill Station in Maharashtra

Panhala is a hill station municipal council which lies in proximity to Kolhapur. Panhala is deemed to be the smallest city in Maharashtra. Panhala is best known for Panhala Fort associated with the Maratha ruler Shivaji. Perched at a height of about 3,000m, Panhala landscape is dotted with verdant hills and terraced farms with an omnipresent mist which forms an alluring ambiance. Ambarkhana, Sajja Kothi, Sambhaji temple and Someshwar tank are main attractions at Panhala.

Distance From Mumbai: 373 km

10. Sawantwadi – Offbeat Hill Station in Maharashtra

Sawantwadi is a taluka in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. This scenic town is located on NH 17 that connects Mumbai and Goa. People travelling either to Goa or Mumbai have a stopover at Sawantwadi for rest and refreshment. Sawantwadi Palace, Moti Talao and Raghunath market are popular places to visit in Sawantwadi.

Distance From Mumbai: 517 km