26 Best One-Day Picnic Spots Near Mumbai for a Perfect Trip

Bollywood, Film Stars, Gateway of India, Hotel Taj, Corporations, Dabbawalas, Vada Pav, speedy individuals, local trains, heavy traffic on the roads and so much stress in daily life with a hidden competition among people working together and more to count; this city of dreams called Mumbai, has everything for everyone living here. Mondays to Fridays; neither the time halts nor the people working in Mumbai. Therefore weekends are considered the best time when one finds time for oneself and family. Every human mind; amid all the city chaos waits for the weekend when it can relax and re-energize itself for next week. Join us as we explore the best one-day picnic spots near Mumbai, each offering unique attractions and activities to make your outing truly memorable.

This blog shares 26 such weekend getaways from Mumbai, it’s also covers places to visit near Mumbai in the monsoon where you can spend quality time with family and friends in nature’s lap doing either adventurous activities or capturing natural beauty in the eyes and camera or doing nothing and sitting ideally in the shades near the flowing river water.

Best Places to Visit Near Mumbai:

Let’s have a look at picnic spots near Mumbai one by one:

1. Alibag:

Sandy seashores, blue and sparkling water, cool breeze, and freshness in the air; what more would you ask for a refreshing weekend? The weather is almost calm and comfortable so that you can lie on the beaches ideally under the shade of dense coconut trees. Want to be at peace for some time; you can visit numerous ancient and convoluted temples as well.

Distance from Mumbai: Three possible ways to reach Alibag from Mumbai. Check which one among the three is suitable for you.

• 3 hours 9 mins(95.2 km) via NH 66
• 3 hours 21 mins(121.0 km) by way of Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway/Mumbai-Pandharpur Road /Mumbai – Pune Highway
• 3 hours 28 mins(94.3 km) via NH166A

What to Explore? Water sports at Alibaug Beach and Nagaon Beach, click pictures at Kolaba Fort and Kankeshwar Forest. Wrap up the trip amid the natural green beauty of Vrindavan Farms.

2. Jawhar:

Another hill station packed with the stony peak in the background and pouring falls enclosed in the swanky green forest made this place unquestionably fascinating. You can witness the mesmerizing culture of tribal communities here.

Distance from Mumbai: Two possible ways to reach Jawhar from Mumbai.

• 3 hours 9 mins (140.6 km) via NH48
• 3 hours 36 mins (117.0 km) via NH848

What to Explore? A bathing experience in Dabdaba Falls would be unforgettable, Bhopatgad Fort, exploring Jai Vilas Palace would be a regal feel, and the Sunset point is must visit if you are here. The Hanuman Point and Shirpamal cannot be missed as well.

3. Kamshet:

Bounded by the Western Ghats, this place is heaven if you have adventures in your blood. The area is enclosed by paddy and sunflower meadows which you will lose your heart at first glimpse. Natural beauty is often at its best here soon after monsoons. You must go for Paragliding here.

Distance from Mumbai: 2 hours 8 mins (101.8 km) via Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Raod/Mumbai – Pune Highway

What to Explore? Pawna Lake, Kondeshwar Temple, Bedsa, and Bhairi Caves for pictures and Shinde Wadi Hills for paragliding as it is the takeoff point.

Also Read: Exciting Paragliding Season in Kamshet

4. Kashid:

Being a beach town Kashid holds the position of the comforting and peaceful place in nature’s lap. The white sand and blue seas attract the weekend planners. It has an unruffled beach that expands to an enormous amount offering an awestruck look. You can be doing nothing and sitting on the shore enjoying the serenity at its best here.

Distance from Mumbai: Two possible ways to reach Kashid

• 4 hours 13 mins (168.1 km) via Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/Mumbai – Pune Highway
• 4 hours 34 mins (124.6 km) through NH166A

What to Explore? Kashid Beach, Pansad Bird Sanctuary has many species of birds you can capture on camera, Murud Janjira Fort, and Ravdanda Beach. In the end, pay your worship in the Dutta Temple.

5. Korlai Fort:

This is the picture-perfect destination for shutterbugs and Mother Nature fans. The best time to visit Korlai Fort is evening hours. The sunset will steal your heart for a while. The stretch of the fort region is somewhat vast; enjoy a trip to the lighthouse adjacent.

Distance from Mumbai: 3 hours 59 mins (114.8 km) via NH 66

What to Explore? If historic stuff has always attracted you, then the Portuguese architecture of the fort made in the year 1521 would leave you speechless. Beautiful, meaningful carvings are a must watch here.

6. Harnai-Anjarle:

Harnai-Anjarle is a beautiful one-day picnic spot near Mumbai. The drive to this place is mesmerizing as it offers sparkling views of the Sahyadri mountain range, particularly during the monsoon season. Harnai-Anjarle is blessed with ample natural beauty and tranquility, making it an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Distance from Mumbai: 4 hours and 40 minutes (142 km) via NH 17

What to Explore? Here you can explore the serene beaches and trek through the lush green mountains. The temples and ancient forts in the vicinity are also worth a visit. Harnai-Anjarle is the perfect destination to enjoy a one-day trip near Mumbai for couples or family.

7. Ratanwadi:

Mostly known for the Ratangad Fort and Amruteshwar Shiva temple, this place is loved among those who are trekking freaks. It is recommended to have a boat ride from Arthur Lake in Bhandardara to Ratanwadi as the roadways are not that good. You can also have the fun of a boat ride while reaching here.

Distance from Mumbai: 4 hours 45 mins (178.1 km) via NH160

What to Explore? Visit Ratangad Fort for views and pictures. Also, plan for a trekking trip from the north side of Ratangad Fort to end on the west side of the fort with friends. If you enjoy camping, then there is a cave adjacent, which can accommodate 20 people at a time. Carry your essentials.

8. Daman:

Daman is a super vacation spot for quick relief from the busy town life. Daman attracts you with its especially fascinating seashores and ancient attractions. Daman is a unique weekend getaway from Mumbai. People vacation at Daman as it gives the appeal of Goa being crowded. Daman is an extremely good place to plant yourself on the seaside.

Distance from Mumbai: The distance between Mumbai and Daman is 162 KM. The fastest way to get from Mumbai to Daman is by taxi and it takes 3 hours and 18 minutes.

What to explore? Daman is surrounded by numerous tourist attractions such as Mirasol Lake Garden, Jampore Beach, Bom Jesus Church, Somnath Mahadev Temple. Devka Beach. St Jerome Fort where you can enjoy.
Things to do – watersports, Parasailing, Taking a Camel ride, Car Racing, visiting museums & Galleries, Taking photos, enjoying seafood

Read Also: Adventure Sports In Goa That You Must Try On Your Next Vacation

9. Igatpuri:

Igatpuri is a lovely small town, hill station, and one of the most famous weekend getaways from Mumbai in addition to Pune. Located within the district of Nashik in Maharashtra, Igatpuri is an amazing place to visit near Mumbai nestled among the luxurious greenery of the Western Ghats.

Distance from Mumbai: The minimum time taken by train from Mumbai is 1 hour 40min.

What to Explore? Malshej Ghat, Bhatsa the River Valley Viewpoint, and Bhandardara Camel Valley Viewpoint are some of the best places to visit at Igatpuri.

10. Matheran:

Matheran is one of the best weekend getaways from Mumbai. Matheran is also an exciting getaway for solo experience and a top-notch vicinity to go to for couples. Matheran’s scenic splendor and picturesque panorama make it a favourite vacation spot amongst tourists who throng the vicinity all year long! Matheran is at an easy distance from the town and is available via roads and trains.

Distance from Mumbai: The distance between Mumbai to Matheran by road is 83 km. The air distance from Mumbai to Matheran is 42 km.

What to Explore? Some of the finest places to explore are Louisa Point, One Tree Hill Point, Alexander Point, Panorama Point, and Little Chowk Point.

11. Sandhan Valley:

If you are searching for a good place for a one day trip near Mumbai, Sandhan Valley is the perfect option. This is one of the most popular trekking destinations near Mumbai. Located in the Sahyadri mountain range, Sandhan Valley offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Best Time to Visit: Between October and March

Distance from Mumbai: 4 hours 25 minutes (182 km) via MH SH 44 and NH160

What to Explore? The trek to Sandhan Valley starts from Samrad village. The trail leads through a lush green forest before reaching the Sandhan Valley. Several small streams flowing through the valley make it a perfect spot for spending some refreshing time. After spending some time in the valley, trekking back to Samrad village takes about 3 hours. Overall, Sandhan Valley is one of the great places to visit near Mumbai for a one-day trek.

12. Raigad:

Raigad’s ancient locations, beaches, amazing landscapes, and various vegetation and fauna of the Western Ghats are beautiful attractions for tourists. Religious places in the neighborhood such as Ashtavinayak Temples, and Elephanta Caves, are very famous for their rich cultural past.

Distance from Mumbai: Raigad is located at a distance of approximately 101 or 130 km by road distance from Mumbai with 2 different routes being National Highway 17 and the Mumbai – Pune Expressway and National Highway 17. This distance takes around 1 hour 52 minutes to 2 hours 12 minutes.

What to Explore? Some of the best places to explore are the Raigad Fort, Varsoli Beach, Kondana Caves, Jagadishwar Temple, Raj Bhawan, Sondai Fort, and Sagargad Fort.

Best Places to Visit Near Mumbai in Monsoon:

Let’s dive into the top destinations to explore near Mumbai during the rainy season and uncover the beauty that the rains bring to these beautiful locations.

1. Mahabaleshwar:

Mahabaleshwar is a delightful and peaceful place. It is a well-known hill station near Mumbai, perfect for a visit year-round. Located amidst the Western Ghats forests, it offers numerous attractions to explore. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer 3-4 day trip, Mahabaleshwar hill station is an excellent choice near Mumbai.

Distance from Mumbai:

• 5 hours 10 minutes (230.3 km) via NH 66
• 5 hours 20 minutes (261.5 km) via NH 48

What to Explore? Arthur’s Seat offers a picture-perfect view. Pratapgad Fort is historically significant. You can enjoy the Lingmala Waterfall and take a boat ride on the Venna Lake. Monkey Point, Carnac Point, Falkland Point, Helen’s Point, Marjorie Point, and Babington Point are some other places to visit.

Read Also: Places to Visit Near Pune for Weekend Getaways

2. Panchgani:

Panchgani is a beautiful place that attracts many people. It is located between five hills and offers a stunning view. The Krishna Valley is particularly popular among visitors. Many newly married couples choose this place as their holiday destination. It is also loved by nature enthusiasts and holds many educational centers.

Distance from Mumbai:

• 4 hr 39 min (241.4 km) via NH 48 and Bengaluru – Mumbai Hwy
• 5 hr 49 min (247.7 km) via NH 66

What to Explore? Must visit places are Table Land hosting a range, Mapro Garden (not to forget to buy your organic strawberries), Sydney Point and Parsi Point. Panchgani has many advanced forms of paragliding, and the experience of this is a thrill.

3. Bhandardara:

Being a hill station near Mumbai, it is mostly crowded at weekends. The extravagant greenery, the self-effacing cascades, and the adjoining high mountains make this place a must-visit and re-visit destination. A visit during the monsoon season would be great for the fantastic views of the falls.

Distance from Mumbai: 3 hours 55 mins (163.8 km) via NH160

What to explore? Randha Falls, Umbrella Falls, Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Peak, Wilson Dam, Amruteshwar Temple, and the neighboring Ratanwadi village. Village life is a pretty good idea to explore and share with kids.

4. Durshet:

Surrounded by Sahyadri ranges on the bank of River Amba, this small village is among the most visited spots for weekend trips from Mumbai. Ganesh Temples of Pali and Mahad are said to be two ends of this village.

Distance from Mumbai: 1 hour 45 mins (76.2 km) via Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway /Mumbai Highway /Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/Mumbai – Pune Highway

What to explore? Water sports like parasailing and swimming at the Kundalika River, Pali Fort for exploring the ancient culture and statuettes, Uddhar Hot Springs, and Trekking on the mountains forts of Sarasgad and Sudhagad with the Night Safari.

5. Karjat:

Another place to hang out on weekends if doing adventurous activities attracts you. The River Ulhas is originated from here. It also has old sites that make it a favorite place among vacationers and adventure fanatics.

Distance from Mumbai: Two possible ways to reach Karjat from Mumbai.

• 1 hour 39 mins(62.3 km) via Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/Mumbai – Pune Highway
• 2 hours 20 mins(79.5 km) via NH48

What to explore? Peth Fort, Kothligad Trek, Bhivgad Trek and Kondana Caves must be explored.

Read Also: Best Places To Visit In Gujarat During Monsoon Season

6. Karnala:

If you are a nature lover then Karnala will make you feel happy. The bird sanctuary here accommodates numerous inborn and wandering birds. Condensed forests and mountainous counties make this place a wonderland for couples.

Distance from Mumbai: 1 hour 24 mins (47.8 km) via Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/Mumbai – Pune Highway/Sion – Panvel Expressway

What to explore? The place mostly has many temples to visit. The best among them are Ram Temple, Gaondevi Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Datta Temple. In the end, you can camp near the Bot Lake.

7. Kolad:

Tumbling cascades, green pastures, and the scenic background of Sahyadris would let you relax in natural beauty.  Its natural beauty is at its peak in the monsoons. Thus, planning a weekend during monsoons to place is recommended.

Distance from Mumbai: 3 hours 9 mins (126.6 km) through Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/Mumbai – Pune Highway and SH92

What to explore? Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls for being wet under the fall, Bhira Dam, Kolad River Rafting, Ghosala Fort, Sutarwadi Lake, Tala Fort, Kuda Mandad Caves, and Gaimukh. If you love trekking, then plan for a Plus Valley Trek.

8. Lonavala – Khandala:

Lonavala and Khandala have magnificent cascades that give a mood holding view in monsoons. They are also famous as the ‘Jewel of Sahayadri’, as nature has gifted them with beautiful valleys, mountains, opaque waterfalls, lavish greenery, and pleasurable calm winds. Eat the roadside chikkis when you are here.

Distance from Mumbai: 1 hour 46 mins (81.9 km) by way of Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pandharpur Road/Mumbai – Pune Highway

What to explore? Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa Caves, Lonavala Lake, Shivaji Park, Ryewood, Valvan Dam, Duke’s Nose, Tungarli Lake, Reversing Station Point, and Tiger’s Leap with much more.

P.S.: Ask your partner now, “Aati/Aata kya Khandala?”

9. Malshej Ghat:

Malshej Ghat is an ultimate hideaway from the uproar of city life and is an ecstasy habitat replete with natural exquisiteness. This place is precisely attractive in monsoons. The temples in this region were made in the 16^th century A.D. and are prodigious instances of architectural wonder.

Distance from Mumbai:

• 3 hours 29 mins (140.2 km) via NH160
• 3 hours 40 mins(134.2 km) via MH SH 80 and NH61

What to explore? Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Harishchandragad Fort, Ajoba Hill, and Malshej Falls

10. Mulshi:

Foggy green mountains, a small number of mislaid clouds twisting through a cheerful, vibrant sky, and a lake with glittering blue water, do you need anything more for a weekend relaxation trip. It has decent climate throughout the year, including summers, so planning to visit here is possible anytime.

Distance from Mumbai: 3 hours 36 mins (168.4 km) through Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway/Mumbai – Pune Highway

What to explore? Mulshi Lake and Mulshi Dam for pictures and views. You can also plan for camping here with family and friends.

11. Rajmachi Fort:

Also recognized as ‘Bale Qila’, it is built on top of the Shrivardhan Peak about 3000 feet high.  The two twin fortresses, with plentiful natural prettiness in the backgrounds, made this spot unique. The Kal Bhairava temple stood in between the two forts.

Distance from Mumbai: 99 km

What to explore? The Buddhist caves devoted to the local god are located on the Western side of the Rajmachi hill. Click pictures in Shrivardhan Fort in addition to Manaranjan Fort inside the Rajmachi Fort campus itself. Trekking is another good idea to explore the fort taking a start from Tungarli Lake to reach the fort in an exhilarating way.

12. Saputara:

Saputara, a serene hill station, is located in the Western Ghats and is located in the Dang district of Gujarat. This is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day.

Distance from Mumbai: 

• 5 hours 23 minutes (256.1 km) via NH 160
• 6 hours 44 minutes (319.7 km) via NH48 and NH 360

What to Explore: Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, go for hikes, picnic in the scenic surroundings, or relax in one of the many beautiful gardens. Several lakes are also located nearby, making Saputara an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or family vacation. Whether you’re searching for a tranquil retreat or an adventure-filled outing, this picnic spot near Mumbai has something for everyone.

13. Dakshin Kashi:

Dakshin Kashi, or South Kashi, is a small town in Maharashtra, India. The town is located on the banks of the River Krishna and is known for its temples and shrines. Dakshin Kashi is also home to the Mahalakshmi Temple, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

Distance from Mumbai: 4 hours and 37 minutes (257.2 km) via Mumbai-Pune highway and NH 48

What to Explore: You can visit the temples, offer prayers, and participate in aarti, and worship rituals. The town is also home to several small shops and restaurants, making it a convenient place to stop for a meal or a souvenir. Dakshin Kashi is an ideal destination for a day trip from Mumbai. With its beautiful temples and scenic setting, the town offers a glimpse into India’s religious and cultural heritage

14. Vikramgarh:

It is a small village mainly famous for picnicking and trekking. A visit to Jawahar and Dabhosa waterfalls can be planned from here. Mostly in monsoon season, the place sees major footfalls and visits to capture the greenery around.

Distance from Mumbai:

• 2 hours 40 mins (114.5 km) via NH48
• 3 hours 9 mins(101.0 km) via NH848

What to explore? Pilucha Dhabdhaba Waterfall along with resorts offering Rappelling, Valley Adventure, mountain biking, Go fishing, Wall Hiking, Kayaking, Cook on a spit, besides Rambles and Nature walks.

Ready for Your Perfect One-Day Getaway Near Mumbai?

Life is a journey; we live it anyway. Weekdays are when we live for family and their responsibilities but then weekends should be planned in a way so that you can snatch out time for yourself with family and friends. Though the writer has given close attention while planning out of these 26 places to visit near Mumbai on weekends; any addition from the readers’ end would be happily taken. Don’t wait, let’s plan a short trip from Mumbai.

Life is short, don’t just leave it instead live it.

Happy Weekends, Happy Holidays.

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