Mumbai has a lot to see and experience however there’re quite a few beautiful destinations even around the city that you can explore on a weekend. One thing is certain: road trips from Mumbai will guarantee a picturesque drive to spellbinding locations filled with surprises. Therefore, take a break from your daily grind and explore and tick off these driving getaways from Mumbai one by one.
Here is our pick of the best road trips from Mumbai by car or bike:
1. Karjat
If you are planning a road trip in the monsoon season, then head over to Karjat. Situated in the Raigad district, this town is known for its green canopy and mountainous landscape. The thickly forested hills are perfect for trekking, mountain climbing and hiking. The drive will involve passing through stunning ghats and valleys, which makes it one of the best road trips from Mumbai.
- Distance from Mumbai: 63 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: July to September
- Tourist Attractions: Kondana Caves, Kothaligad Fort, Jain Temple, Ulhas Valley, ND Studio, Pali Bhutivali Dam
Also Read: Best tourist places in Mumbai
2. Lonavala
Gifted with forests, waterfalls, lakes and hills, Lonavala is a must-visit place in the Western Ghats. This retreat is not far from the city, and is a popular getaway for Mumbai residents to relax and unwind. If you are in the mood for something more adventurous, then try out activities like trekking, hiking, camping and more.
- Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Tourist attractions: Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum, Lonavala Lake, Ryewood Park, Lion Point
3. Matheran
Another popular driving getaway from Mumbai, Matheran is a quaint hill station situated at around 800 metres above sea level. This eco-sensitive region has many viewpoints that offer 360-degree views of the stunning Sahyadri Range. The fascinating landscape offers a relaxing atmosphere to visitors. Meanwhile, thrill seekers can try their hand in some waterfall rappelling, trekking and rock climbing.
- Distance from Mumbai: 83 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Tourist Attractions: Alexander Point, Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, Sunset Point
4. Alibag
Alibag or Alibaug is a coastal town in the Konkan region and is among the popular places to visit from Mumbai. The gorgeous sandy beaches, clean air and adventure water sports have earned this town the nickname – ‘Mini Goa’. However, there is more to Alibag than just natural wonders. It is steeped in colonial history and boasts of a number of forts and shrines as a testimony to that.
- Distance from Mumbai: 95 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Tourist Attractions: Alibag Beach, Varsoli Beach, Kulaba Fort, Alibag Magnetic Observatory
5. Kamshet
If you are into adventure sports, plan a road trip to Kamshet as it is a paragliding paradise. Taking off from one of the hilltops and gliding by lush greenery is an experience to remember. This hill station is nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats and its green cover, fresh air and untamed natural scenery make it one of the top road trips from Mumbai.
- Distance from Mumbai: 101 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Tourist Attractions: Pawna Lake, Bedsa Caves
6. Igatpuri
Among the most enthralling driving getaways from Mumbai, Igatpuri is a town, which is surrounded by the highest peaks of the Sahyadri Range. The picture-perfect roads weave through the villages and forested patches of the Western Ghats. Hiking, trekking, natural photography and Vipassana meditation are the main things to do in Igatpuri.
- Distance from Mumbai: 121 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: June to September and November to December
- Tourist Attractions: Dhamma Giri Vipassana International Academy, Myanmar Gate
7. Malshej Ghat
Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit from Mumbai is Malshej Ghat. This famous mountain pass has been a favourite among adventure seeking Mumbaikars. Driving through the near perfect roads with the incredible views of the Western Ghats is an experience to behold. The destination itself is dotted with waterfalls, forts and enthralling viewpoints.
- Distance from Mumbai: 127 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Tourist Attractions: Malshej Falls, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Ajoba Hill Fort, Harishchandragad Fort
8. Pune
A road trip to Pune will take you on the Mumbai-Pune Highway, which is a rider’s dream ride. The smooth road passes through different terrains and stunning landscapes tempting you make regular stops and capture the beauty with the camera lens. On arrival in Pune, explore and discover the palace, museum, temples and more to understand the evolving culture of this metropolis.
- Distance from Mumbai: 148 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Tourist Attractions: Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pataleshwar Temple
9. Mulshi
The village of Mulshi is a hotspot for nature lovers due to its heavenly surroundings. The most prominent attraction here is the dam and lake formed in its catchment area, which is set amidst the thickly forested Sahyadri Hills. The fresh air, quiet ambience and natural beauty are perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating road trip. Adventurous souls can go for boating, hiking and camping.
- Distance from Mumbai: 169 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Tourist Attractions: Mulshi Dam, Tamhini Ghat, Mulshi Lake, Fort Kailasgad
10. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a scenic hill station in the Satara district of Maharashtra known for its strawberry cultivation. The breath-taking vistas offered by the many viewpoints such as Arthur’s Seat make a visit to this place one of the best road trips from Mumbai.
- Distance from Mumbai: 222 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: March to June and December to February
- Tourist Attractions: Venna Lake, Elphinstone Point, Mapro Garden, Lodwick Point, Wilson Point of Sunrise, Arthur Seat, Lingmala Waterfall
11. Kaas Plateau
Kaas Plateau is a mesmerising landscape comprising of lakes, flowers and butterflies. This biodiversity hotspot is situated at a height of 1200 metres above sea level. You can spot several varieties of endemic butterflies and flowers here. Indeed, this 1000-hectare area is home to about 850 wildflower species. If you love untamed nature in full bloom, this can be one of the best road trips from Mumbai.
- Distance from Mumbai: 289 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: September to October
- Tourist Attractions: Wajrai Waterfall, Kaas Lake, Vajrai Waterfall, Kas Pathar
12. Rajmachi
Situated on the mighty Sahyadri Mountains is the Rajmachi Fort, which has two fortresses – Shriwardhan Ballekilla and Manaranjan Balekilla. The fort is set against a backdrop of lush green valleys, dense forests and cascading waterfalls. Trekking and hiking are the most prominent things to do in Rajmachi.
- Distance from Mumbai: 324 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Tourist Attractions: Rajmachi Fort
13. Ganpatipule
Ganpatipule
Ganpatipule is a town in the Ratnagiri district of the Konkan region and is known for its pristine beaches, and dense flora. It is an idyllic destination and one of the best road trips from Mumbai. The 400-year-old Ganesha Temple, which is a naturally created monolith, makes this a famous site for pilgrims too. The river merging with the beach in the backdrop of a hill shaped in the form of Ganpati is a mesmerising sight.
- Distance from Mumbai: 329 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 9 hours 30 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Tourist Attractions: Ganpatipule Beach, Prachin Konkan, Magic Garden, Ganpatipule Mandir
14. Goa
A road trip to Goa with friends or family is probably on every Mumbaikar’s wish list but it is definitely a long journey. The good thing is that the route is scenic throughout and the best part of being on a road trip is that either you can take breaks or finish the drive to Goa in one day. The location itself needs very little description because its beaches, monuments, food shacks and markets make it the ultimate destination for a relaxing time.
- Distance from Mumbai: 596 km
- Estimated Driving Time: 11 hours 20 minutes
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Tourist Attractions: Aguada Fort, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Dona Paula Beach, Se Cathedral, Colva Beach
Mumbai is a great starting point to some amazing driving getaways and the 14 destinations mentioned above are the very best of the lot. Get your car and bike ready for your road trip and take off on the open road to any of these locations. Make sure to share your road trip from Mumbai memories in the comments below.
This post was last modified on 07-Aug-2023