Hill Station & Nature Retreats

Monsoon Tourism in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is one of the best states in India to experience monsoon tourism, offering lush green landscapes, mist-covered mountains, breathtaking waterfalls, thrilling treks, and scenic road trips. The Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills) come alive during the rainy season, making it a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

Here’s a list of the best monsoon destinations in Maharashtra that you must explore!

 1. Lonavala & Khandala – The Monsoon Capital of Maharashtra

 Location: Western Ghats, 2 hours from Mumbai & Pune
 Best For: Waterfalls, Scenic Views, Trekking

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Maharashtra’s most famous monsoon getaway with lush greenery & heavy rainfall.
✔️ Home to breathtaking waterfalls & mist-covered valleys.
✔️ Perfect for trekking & nature walks.

 Top Monsoon Attractions:
✔️ Bhushi Dam & Pawna Lake – Best for waterfall lovers.
✔️ Tiger’s Leap & Lion’s Point – Stunning foggy viewpoints.
✔️ Rajmachi Fort Trek & Lohagad Fort – Ideal for monsoon trekking.
✔️ Karla & Bhaja Caves – Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.

 Best Time to Visit: June – September.
 How to Reach: 2-hour drive from Mumbai/Pune or via train (Lonavala Station).

 Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid heavy crowds!

 2. Mahabaleshwar – The Land of Waterfalls & Strawberries

 Location: Satara District, Western Ghats
 Best For: Waterfalls, Foggy Views, Nature Walks

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of the most scenic hill stations in Maharashtra during monsoon.
✔️ Experience thick fog, heavy rain & beautiful waterfalls.
✔️ Ideal for couples, photographers & nature lovers.

 Top Monsoon Attractions:
✔️ Lingmala Waterfall – The most picturesque waterfall in Mahabaleshwar.
✔️ Arthur’s Seat & Elephant’s Head Point – Best fog-covered viewpoints.
✔️ Venna Lake – Boating in the rain.
✔️ Mapro Garden – Enjoy fresh strawberry desserts.

 Best Time to Visit: July – September.
 How to Reach: 3-hour drive from Pune, 5-hour drive from Mumbai.

 Tip: Carry raincoats & waterproof shoes for better trekking experiences.

 3. Malshej Ghat – The Best Monsoon Road Trip Destination

 Location: 130 km from Mumbai, near Kalyan
 Best For: Road Trips, Waterfalls, Scenic Views

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of Maharashtra’s best monsoon road trip destinations.
✔️ Famous for lush green hills, waterfalls & mist-covered valleys.
✔️ Best visited by car or bike for a thrilling ride through the ghats.

 Top Monsoon Attractions:
✔️ Malshej Waterfalls & Misty Hills.
✔️ Harishchandragad Trek – A challenging monsoon trek.
✔️ Pimpalgaon Joga Dam – Scenic lake surrounded by mountains.

 Best Time to Visit: July – September.
 How to Reach: 3-hour drive from Mumbai/Pune.

 Tip: Stop at roadside stalls for hot tea & local snacks during your drive!

 4. Bhandardara – Maharashtra’s Best Camping & Fireflies Spot

 Location: Ahmednagar District, 4 hours from Mumbai
 Best For: Camping, Waterfalls, Trekking

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ Best place for monsoon camping & fireflies viewing in June.
✔️ Surrounded by lush green mountains & scenic lakes.
✔️ Less crowded compared to other hill stations.

 Top Monsoon Attractions:
✔️ Randha Falls & Umbrella Falls – Stunning monsoon waterfalls.
✔️ Arthur Lake & Wilson Dam – Best for lakeside camping.
✔️ Kalsubai Peak (Maharashtra’s Highest Peak) – Perfect for monsoon trekking.

 Best Time to Visit: June – September.
 How to Reach: 4-hour drive from Mumbai/Pune.

 Tip: Book camping sites in advance for the best experience.

 5. Thoseghar Waterfalls – The Best Waterfall Destination in Maharashtra

 Location: Satara District, 280 km from Mumbai
 Best For: Waterfall Views, Nature Walks

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ One of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra (500 meters).
✔️ Surrounded by lush green hills & scenic viewpoints.
✔️ Best for photography & nature lovers.

 Top Monsoon Attractions:
✔️ Thoseghar Falls – Main waterfall.
✔️ Sajjangad Fort – Historic fort nearby.
✔️ Chalkewadi Windmill Farm – Beautiful monsoon landscapes.

 Best Time to Visit: July – September.
 How to Reach: 5-hour drive from Mumbai/Pune.

 Tip: Wear anti-slip footwear as trails get slippery.

 6. Amboli – The Wettest Hill Station in Maharashtra

 Location: Sindhudurg District, Near Goa
 Best For: Waterfalls, Rainforest Walks, Misty Views

✅ Why Visit?
✔️ The wettest place in Maharashtra with heavy rainfall.
✔️ Famous for mist-covered ghats & waterfalls.
✔️ Great for nature walks & monsoon photography.

 Top Monsoon Attractions:
✔️ Amboli Waterfall – One of the largest waterfalls in Maharashtra.
✔️ Shirgaonkar Point – A foggy viewpoint with deep valleys.
✔️ Hiranyakeshi Cave & Temple – A peaceful spiritual retreat.

 Best Time to Visit: June – September.
 How to Reach: 7-hour drive from Mumbai, 3-hour drive from Goa.

 Tip: Drive carefully as roads can be foggy & slippery.