Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Mumbai for a One-Day Trip

Mumbai, the bustling metropolitan and financial capital of India, is surrounded by destinations that offer a refreshing break from city life. From serene beaches and hill stations to ancient caves and wildlife sanctuaries, these getaways are perfect for a one-day trip. Here’s a detailed guide to the Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Mumbai, complete with reasons to visit, major attractions, best times, and dining recommendations.

1. Lonavala

Why You Should Visit:

Located 83 km from Mumbai, Lonavala is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and caves.

Major Attractions:

Karla and Bhaja Caves: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.
Lohagad Fort: A historic fort offering panoramic views.
Pawna Lake: Ideal for picnics and photography.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Rama Krishna Restaurant: Known for vegetarian meals.
German Bakery: Offers continental snacks and desserts.

2. Matheran

Why You Should Visit:

Located 90 km from Mumbai, Matheran is a car-free hill station known for its pristine environment and viewpoints.

Major Attractions:

Echo Point: Known for its natural acoustics.
Charlotte Lake: A serene spot surrounded by greenery.
Panorama Point: Offers stunning sunrise views.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning (6:00 AM departure).

Restaurants Nearby:

Khan’s Café: Known for local snacks.
Shabbir Bhai Biryaniwala: Offers Mughlai delicacies.

3. Elephanta Caves

Why You Should Visit:

Located 11 km from Mumbai (by ferry), these UNESCO World Heritage rock-cut caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Major Attractions:

Sculptures: Marvel at the Trimurti sculpture.
Cave Architecture: Explore intricate carvings and historical significance.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Elephanta Café: Offers light meals and beverages.
Bade Miya (Colaba): Known for kebabs and rolls.

4. Alibaug

Why You Should Visit:

Located 95 km from Mumbai, Alibaug is a coastal town with beautiful beaches and forts.

Major Attractions:

Alibaug Beach: Ideal for a stroll and sunset views.
Kolaba Fort: A historic fort accessible during low tide.
Varsoli Beach: Known for its calm and clean environment.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Sanman Restaurant: Famous for its seafood thalis.
Patil Khanaval: Known for authentic Konkani cuisine.

5. Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 50 km from Mumbai, Karnala is a favorite among trekkers and birdwatchers.

Major Attractions:

Bird Sanctuary: Home to numerous migratory and resident birds.
Karnala Fort: A short trek with rewarding views.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Karnala Dhaba: Offers Maharashtrian meals.
Vithal Kamat: Known for vegetarian cuisine.

6. Igatpuri

Why You Should Visit:

Located 120 km from Mumbai, Igatpuri is a serene hill station surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery.

Major Attractions:

Vipassana Center: A meditation hub for peace seekers.
Bhatsa River Valley: Perfect for nature photography.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Manas Resort Restaurant: Offers multi-cuisine meals.
Tandoor Dhaba: Known for North Indian dishes.

7. Khandala

Why You Should Visit:

Located 82 km from Mumbai, Khandala is a serene hill station ideal for nature lovers.

Major Attractions:

Rajmachi Point: Offers stunning valley views.
Kune Waterfalls: A scenic monsoon attraction.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Sheetal Da Dhaba: Known for Punjabi food.
Sunny Da Dhaba: Offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

8. Mandwa Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located 105 km from Mumbai, Mandwa Beach is a tranquil spot perfect for water sports and relaxation.

Major Attractions:

Jet Skiing and Parasailing: For adventure seekers.
Beachfront Shacks: Relax with a view.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Boardwalk by Flamboyante: Known for seafood and continental dishes.
Mandwa Café: Offers quick snacks and drinks.

9. Bhimashankar Temple and Wildlife Sanctuary

Why You Should Visit:

Located 120 km from Mumbai, this destination is a spiritual and natural retreat.

Major Attractions:

Jyotirlinga Temple: A revered site for Lord Shiva devotees.
Trekking Trails: Explore lush forest paths.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning (6:00 AM departure).

Restaurants Nearby:

Bhimashankar Bhojanalaya: Serves simple vegetarian meals.
Hill View Café: Offers light snacks.

10. Malshej Ghat

Why You Should Visit:

Located 127 km from Mumbai, Malshej Ghat is a monsoon paradise with waterfalls and scenic drives.

Major Attractions:

Waterfalls: Perfect for photography and relaxation.
Flamingo Sightings: During the monsoon season.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

MTDC Resort Restaurant: Offers simple meals.
Ghat View Dhaba: Known for Maharashtrian food.

Here’s the continuation and completion of the Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Mumbai:

11. Karjat

Why You Should Visit:

Located 62 km from Mumbai, Karjat is a picturesque destination known for its lush greenery, caves, and trekking trails.

Major Attractions:

Kondana Caves: Ancient Buddhist caves with stupas and carvings.
Ulhas Valley: Perfect for trekking and scenic views.
Peth Fort (Kothaligad): A small fort offering panoramic views.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to early afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

ND’s Kitchen: Known for North Indian cuisine.
Karjat Dhaba: Offers simple Maharashtrian meals.

12. Vasai Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 50 km from Mumbai, Vasai Fort is a historical Portuguese fort offering a glimpse into the region’s colonial past.

Major Attractions:

Fort Ruins: Explore the remnants of the Portuguese era.
Photography Spots: Ideal for capturing scenic and historical landscapes.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning or evening (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Hotel Malvan Katta: Famous for seafood.
Vasai Café: Known for snacks and drinks.

13. Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Why You Should Visit:

Located within Mumbai itself, this national park is a green haven offering various activities.

Major Attractions:

Kanheri Caves: Ancient Buddhist caves with intricate carvings.
Safari Rides: Spot leopards, deer, and exotic birds.
Cycling and Trekking: Explore scenic trails.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

SGNP Canteen: Offers simple meals and snacks.
Food Studio Café: Serves multi-cuisine dishes.

14. Arnala Beach and Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 67 km from Mumbai, Arnala is a peaceful beach destination combined with a historic fort.

Major Attractions:

Arnala Fort: Accessible via a short boat ride.
Clean Beach: Ideal for picnics and relaxation.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (6:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Arnala Dhaba: Known for seafood and vegetarian options.
Seaside Café: Offers light snacks and beverages.

15. Kashid Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located 125 km from Mumbai, Kashid Beach is a serene destination known for its clean sand and blue waters.

Major Attractions:

Water Sports: Enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
Beachfront Shacks: Relax and enjoy fresh seafood.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Kashid Beach Resort Café: Known for seafood delicacies.
Highway Treat Dhaba: Offers vegetarian meals.

16. Murud-Janjira Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 150 km from Mumbai, this sea fort is a historical marvel built by the Siddis of Janjira.

Major Attractions:

Fort Architecture: Explore the sturdy fort walls and bastions.
Boat Ride: Enjoy the journey to the fort via ferry.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to early afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Patil Khanaval: Famous for Malvani food.
Murud Café: Offers snacks and seafood.

17. Durshet Forest Lodge

Why You Should Visit:

Located 76 km from Mumbai, Durshet is a tranquil retreat ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Major Attractions:

Trekking Trails: Explore lush forests and waterfalls.
Adventure Activities: Zip-lining, wall climbing, and more.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Durshet Lodge Dining Hall: Offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.
Forest Café: Known for light snacks and beverages.

18. Bhandardara

Why You Should Visit:

Located 165 km from Mumbai, Bhandardara is a peaceful hill station known for its natural beauty.

Major Attractions:

Randha Falls: A picturesque waterfall.
Arthur Lake: Perfect for boating and picnics.
Mount Kalsubai: The highest peak in Maharashtra.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Anandvan Resort Café: Serves Indian and continental cuisine.
Bhandardara Dhaba: Known for simple meals.

19. Daman

Why You Should Visit:

Located 170 km from Mumbai, Daman is a coastal town with Portuguese heritage.

Major Attractions:

Jampore Beach: A clean and calm beach.
Fort of St. Jerome: A historical Portuguese fort.
Devka Beach: Known for its beachfront promenade.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Daman Delights: Known for seafood dishes.
Hotel Sovereign Restaurant: Offers multi-cuisine meals.

20. Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Why You Should Visit:

Located 35 km from Mumbai, this sanctuary is a quick nature escape close to the city.

Major Attractions:

Trekking Trails: Explore scenic routes surrounded by greenery.
Wildlife Spotting: Spot deer, birds, and small mammals.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Sanctuary Café: Offers light meals and tea.
Highway Treat: Known for vegetarian snacks.

21. Junnar (Shivneri Fort)

Why You Should Visit:

Located 155 km from Mumbai, Junnar is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a hub for history lovers.

Major Attractions:

Shivneri Fort: Explore the fort and its historical significance.
Lenyadri Caves: A set of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to early afternoon (6:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Fortside Dhaba: Offers Maharashtrian meals.
Cave View Café: Known for snacks and drinks.

Conclusion

Mumbai’s proximity to beaches, hill stations, forts, and wildlife sanctuaries makes it an ideal base for exciting day trips. These 21 weekend getaways offer a mix of relaxation, adventure, history, and culture, catering to every type of traveler. Use this guide to plan your one-day trips effectively, and enjoy the recommended dining spots for a delightful experience. Happy exploring!