The South, East and West regions of the country are home to equally gorgeous hill stations as well. If you forget your lonely planet guide, this interesting list of hill stations in Maharashtra will help you plan your itinerary depending upon which hill station you'd like to visit first on your trip to India. Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala in Maharashtra are extremely captivating.
Here are some of the best hill stations in Maharashtra.
1. Malshej Ghat
Malshej ghat is a mountain pass in western ghats range and is almost equidistant from both Pune and Mumbai. It comes alive in Monsoon and is good alternative for a bike trip. The route is beautiful with serpentine roads and dense green forest on both side. Harishchandragad Fort, which is at the end of this walk, is almost a mystery.
It is believed that the main complex was built in the sixth century and was mentioned both in history and in mythology. Trekking enthusiasts climb all the way to this fort for the great charm of witnessing the story from up close. You have to drive to Bailpada from Kalyan for the trek. It's easy and you can get to the fort in about eight hours. Make Kokan Kada your stop at the top.
The nearby Kedareshwar cave has an ancient shivalinga inside, which is usually half submerged in the water of a nearby stream. In addition, the ceiling of the cave rests on a single pillar, while the other three are completely broken. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Konkan region from the fort. You need a whole day for this trek.
2. Bhandardara
Bhandardara is another hidden gem which is not so hidden now. Bhandardara is about 70 km from Nashik, 185 km from Mumbai and about 185 km from Pune and a popular hill station with many attractions around it. Tourists are attracted to the Wilson Dam built on the Pravara River, the Umbrella and Randha waterfalls, a clean and large Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Peak, the highest mountain in the state of Maharashtra, an ancient temple of Shiva Amruteshwar and the historic Ratangad fort.
This trekkers paradise is located north of the Ahmednagar district in Akole tehsil. Accessible through winding roads that lead through some of the most breathtaking natural scenery, Bhandardara is a popular place to visit in the state. In recent years, this little village has attracted so many travel lovers that now it is called holiday resort village.
What makes this one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra is the fact that it offers a diverse variety of attractions which include gorgeous waterfalls, lush green hills, stunning rivers, and ancient forts among plenty of other things. Hiking, trekking, and rock-climbing are some of the most popular things to do at Bhandardara.
Many cool places to stay at include a one of kind Treehouse stay.
3. Amboli
A relatively lesser-explored region in the Sahyadri Hills, Amboli is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Maharashtra popular for being an eco-hotspot. Elevated about 600 plus meters above sea level, this hill station is best visited during the monsoon season when waterfalls and misty mountains come alive.
Invest in cheap flights and come explore stunning attractions in Amboli which include famous viewpoints, towering Amboli Ghat Waterfall and lush greenery.
4. Matheran
The closest and brilliant hill station to Mumbai in Maharashtra, Matheran offers a great deal of walking and trekking tracks and stunning views. It's a spot to relax from any clatter and noise. Far away from the noise, crowd and air pollution, this spot is one of the most stunning spots in Maharashtra and is one of the best places to visit in India in July.
The most unusual thing about this spot is, vehicles are not permitted here. Vehicles are completely prohibited here. You can't go there even on your bike. Free entirely of automobiles, Matheran is one of the most eco-friendly hill stations of Maharashtra.
Located amidst the scenic hills of the Western Ghats, Matheran was developed and used as a summer resort by the British in early 1900s with the building of the Matheran Hill Railway. This is also one of the smallest hill station in Maharashtra and since being declared eco-sensitive, it is also the most pollution-free hill station in India.
Mulshi is a village very close to Pune. Surrounded by Sahyadris, it’s best enjoyed in monsoons.
5. Khandala
Khandala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharastra, which attracts tourists from all over India. The flora and fauna of Khandala makes it one of the the best summer vacation places in Maharastra. Khandala is a very popular hill station. People plan for Khandala in order to get relief from the humid climate, sunstroke and traffic-filled roads and to embrace nature.
Khandala is one of the top 10 hill stations in Maharashtra which never seem to lose their sheen irrespective of whatever new attractions come up. Famously mentioned in an Aamir Khan song from the movie Ghulam, Khandala is one of the most scenic hill stations near Mumbai. Located about 500 plus meters above sea level, this scenic hill town offers scores of trekking and hiking opportunities across picturesque trails.
This is one of the best hill station in Maharashtra you can explore on your visit to Mumbai. First, it is important to note that the best time to visit Khandala are from mid June to October, because this region increases its beauty with clouds, waterfalls and natural green landscapes.
Regarding its location, it should be noted that it is constituted from two highlands, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. At its base are the Rajmachi village and a forest reserve.
6. Panchgani
A stunning hill station near Maharashtra in the Sahyadri range, Panchgani was actually initially developed as a summer resort by the British during the mid-eighteenth century. One of the most beautiful hill resorts of Maharashtra, Panchgani quickly became a retirement place for British officials.
Replete with stunning natural beauty and home to diverse, remarkable species of flora and fauna, Panchgani is one of the most popular weekend getaways for people of Mumbai and Pune alike.
The place could be quite crowded but the list of romantic places in Maharashtra is incomplete without mention of Panchgani. Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains in the midst of lush trees, Panchgani has been the favorite refuge of visitors since the time of Britishers. And even today, the tinsel village remains full of people in a hurry of tourists.
Rajpuri caves, Parsi Point, Sydney Point and Table Top Mountain are some of the places in Panchgani, where you can spend some quality time with your loved ones. If you have extra time at your disposal, make a point to visit Wai, a picturesque village, on the banks of the Krishna River, is known for its beautiful temples and ghats.
7. Panhala
Devi Ambabai is famous and ancient temple in Kolhapur and famous Jyotiba Temple is also located in Kolhapur. The Panchanganga river originates in the western ghats. It has five tributaries and surrounds the Bhogavati, Tulsi, Kumbhi, Kasari and the Dhamini rivers. Kolhapur has a number of lakes. The Rankala lake is famous Lake and it's also famous point of Kolhapur.
The popular food of Kolhapur is Kolhapuri Misal and Kolhapuri Bhel. Pandhara Rassa is a dish made from mutton.