Top road trips in Maharashtra for every kind of traveller to beat the city blues

If you are feeling bored and irritated with your daily routine, it’s time for a vacation. Maharashtra has some of the most scenic spots surrounded by natural beauty. One should definitely go on a road trip here, with the fresh, crisp air hitting your face and beautiful meadows on the way. Ancient forts, blooming wildflower plateaus, flowing waterfalls, and hill stations add variety and charm to each journey. Today, we are going to list out some of the best road trips you can go on for the best de-stress retreats:

A road trip from Mumbai to Lonavala and Khandala is a popular getaway with beautiful views and a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The most convenient route to go here is the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which offers a smooth drive. One can visit Tiger Point, Bhushi Dam, Karla and Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Fort, and Lohgad Fort. These hills and forts offer the best panoramic view of the beauty around. The best time to go on a road trip here is from July to September, as there is lush greenery all around and roaring waterfalls.

The distance from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is 260 km, and Kaas Plateau is 37 km from Mahabaleshwar. As it is a rocky terrain, going here in SUVs is advised, and it is the perfect location for scenic beauty and a pleasant climate. Kaas Plateau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which becomes even more beautiful during the monsoon season with wildflowers all around. This place is also a biodiversity spot, so there are a lot of natural attractions here. One can also visit the Thoseghar Waterfalls, as it swells with water during the monsoon time. In Mahabaleshwar, one can visit Wilson Point, Venna Lake, and Arthur Point.

This is a popular scenic drive with a beautiful landscape and becomes even more captivating during the monsoon season with a vibrant green paradise and numerous waterfalls. The Tamhini Ghat becomes alive during the monsoon with cascading waterfalls, but one needs to be aware of the crowd. While going to Tamhini Ghat, one can stop at the Mulshi Dam viewpoint for some scenic views. You can also enjoy the winding roads near the ghat section, camp at the Mulshi Lake or Dam, and trek to nearby forts like Koraigadh Fort or explore trails like Andharban Trail Point.

One can travel to Malshej Ghat from Pune or Mumbai. The distance from Mumbai is 120–130 km, while from Pune it is 100 km. This destination is mainly famous for its reverse waterfalls, Car Wash Falls where you can drive under a flowing waterfall, and one can also visit the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Thumb Point, and forest views in the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. The best time to visit this place is during June to September. This is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty, lush green valleys, majestic waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. This is the perfect place for bird watchers as well.

Bhandardara, a scenic hill station in Maharashtra, is a popular getaway located between the cities of Mumbai and Pune. One can also go to Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Umbrella Falls, and trek to Ratangad and Harishchandragad, and to Mount Kalsubai (Maharashtra’s highest peak). The best time to visit this place is during the monsoon season for waterfalls and green landscapes, while post-monsoon is ideal for camping and trekking.