Weekend Getaways in Maharashtra: Beaches, Forts, and Beyond
An escape during a weekend is supposed to make the days to come better. This is the kind of recharge that all of us are looking for to get our lives back on track so that we can carry on with our dreary everyday lives. The good thing about staying in the western Indian state of Maharashtra is that there is no dearth of viable options in this context. In this blog, we will talk about the best options you have for weekend getaways in Maharashtra.
Top 9 Weekend Getaways in Maharashtra
1. Matheran
Matheran is a small hill station in Maharashtra, but there are a lot of options you have over here to entertain yourself during the weekend. This is a major reason why many consider it to be the best place for a weekend in Maharashtra. This beautiful location, full of forests, is at a distance of less than 3 hours from both Pune and Mumbai. It has beautiful weather throughout the year, but you should ideally visit it between October and May. This is a great location for wildlife lovers, and if you are an adventure traveler, you would be happy to know that there are a few routes for trekking as well.
2. Alibaug
Alibaug is a beach town and a charming one at that, making it one of the best destinations where you can have a fantastic vacation every weekend. It is a preferred destination for families and couples, but for solo travelers too, it can be one of the top places to visit in Maharashtra for the weekend. Here, everybody will find meaning and beauty, which makes it such a special location in every sense of the word. Alibaug is located in the Konkan region of the state and has several villas and beaches, along with the sounds of waves to reel you in this weekend.
3. Wai
If you are looking for weekend getaways in Maharashtra where you can heal your spirit, you can be sure that it does not get much better than this one. The beautiful town is situated on the banks of the River Krishna and is known primarily for its temples, but there is so much more to experience over here than the religious structures. It is a great place if you are looking to indulge in gods and mythologies. It is for these reasons that it is such a unique destination as far as having a great weekend escape is concerned.
4. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is one of the most beautiful locations in the Western Ghats, and this is one location that you can never miss out on, especially when you are looking for a weekend holiday destination. It has some of the most stunning views you would ever come across, and both the sunrise and the sunset over here are the stuff of legends as far as travel enthusiasts are concerned. The most prominent tourist attractions here are the Pratapgad Fort and the Lingmala Waterfall.
5. Aurangabad
Aurangabad houses the famous caves of Maharashtra. However, there is more to them than these caves. It is here that you get to see the well-known Ellora Caves as well. The Pitalkhora Caves – known for their great Buddhist architecture – are yet another attraction that you must not miss while you are here. Aurangabad is a great option when you are looking for a short trip, like most weekends tend to be. It also helps that this is the perfect location for people who love history.
6. Satara
Satara, which translates to seven hills in English, is a location straight out of your dreams. It is filled with various sites of tourist attraction, such as lakes, museums, and forts, to name a few. This is also where you will find the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site Kaas Plateau as well. The Mayani Bird Sanctuary is also something that you must not miss out on when you are in this part of the state. Thanks to the unbridled beauty at its disposal, this is one place that will never fail to make you come and feel alive.
Lonavala is regarded by many as one of the greatest weekend destinations in Maharashtra. It is surrounded by greenery from all sides, and this is what makes it such a stunning escape option for weekends. By visiting Lonavala, you also get a chance to visit Khandala – yet another stunning weekend location, which is located close by. You can be sure that if you visit the area during the monsoon season, it will be even better. So, in case you are thinking of visiting Lonavala during the weekends, you can do so during the monsoons.
8. Pawna Lake
The Pawna Lake is a major destination for people who love to get adventurous. This is an artificial lake created amid authentic nature. The best times to head to the lake are between January and May and October and December, and the best tourist attractions over here are the Lohagad Fort, the Tung Fort, the Tikona Fort, and the Visapur Fort. Over here, you can take part in activities such as games, camping, barbecue, and water activities. Apart from that, you can also participate in other exciting activities such as paragliding, trekking, ridge dancing, and advanced kiting.
As it is such a lovely campsite, people from all over love to come here to spend quality time by the glistening blue waters that look absolutely stunning against the backdrop of rolling hills.
9. Kolad
Kolad is a tiny village situated on the shores of the Kundalika River in the gorgeous district named Raigad. It is said to be the water-rafting capital of the state, something which has contributed immensely to its popularity as a weekend destination among tourists. It is often referred to as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra. As such, the village can boast of various scenic valleys from where you can get some of the most stunning views of the dense evergreen forests and the mist-laden hills that surround it.
Following are the other locations worthy of being mentioned in this regard:
- Kundalika
- Kamshet
- Igatpuri
- Rajmachi
- Ratnagiri
- Karnala
- Karjat
- Vasind
- Maval
- Kalsubai
Conclusion
Most of these locations are within a few hours’ drive from Mumbai, and the roads approaching them are a treat to the eyes. The best way to enjoy those roads and all the natural bounty that they have to offer is to get a car from a top car rental service provider like Revv and drive it to your intended destination. An even better decision in this case could be to hire a driver along with the vehicle so that you do not have to take any responsibility at all.
