Discover the top 5 hill stations in Maharashtra, each offering breathtaking scenery, thrilling adventures, and serene ambiance. Beat the heat and chaos of city life with a rejuvenating escape to Maharashtra’s picturesque hill stations! Plan your perfect getaway and experience the natural beauty of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra’s character is that of a socially affluent state due to its cosmopolitan urban centres, but what sets it apart is the entire state’s unspoilt scenery, which is a true natural paradise. Sprawled in the Western Ghats and extending to the coastline along the Arabian Sea, the state has hill stations which are beautiful, peaceful and have stunning views. Enveloped in clouds and incorporating beautiful valleys perfectly describe the hill stations around Mumbai and Pune, which are surely a retreat. So, we have for you a comprehensive guide for five of the most picturesque hill stations in Mumbai which will provide you with memorable experiences.
Panchgani: Untangling the Sayings of Five Hills
This hill station is a pleasant destination located just beneath the renowned Mahabaleshwar and is considered to be one of the most popular destinations due to its name Panchgani which is translated to five mountains. At an altitude of 13,334 metres, this alluring hill station is jam packed with picturesque landscapes as well as colonial history. While entering this area, the statue of the Krishna River elegantly compliments the aura so the beauty of the journey is elevated.
The narrow winding streets of the town and its colonial houses, which have not changed much, are still reminiscent of a time gone by. However, there is a major attraction that tourists frequent, besides the bustling streets many consider visiting Table Land, more like a flat plateau where one will be able to see the expansive views of the region.
Visiting the shopping maze is an experience where the ambience and surroundings will prompt one to buy a fragment from the local culture, further enhancing their appreciation towards the unhurried lifestyle. Panchgani is best suited for a relaxed stroll, clicking photographs and appreciating the evergreen beauty of the place.
Keechakadara (Chikhaldara): “Chikaldhar”: A Mythological Pilgrimage Spot
Keechakadara, also called Chikhaldara, forms a vital position in preserving Indian mythology. The legend goes that it was here that the Pandava Bheema killed the evil Keechaka and hurled him off a mountain to this valley. This hill station, located on a mountain in the Vidarbha region has a beautiful combination of history and nature.
Keechakadara is India’s only coffee growing area and is located around a thousand metres above sea level in the Maharashtra state. People whose interests lie in wildlife will not get disappointed as the big cats, namely the tigers, panthers and sambar deer, who make up the Melghat Tiger Reserve are not very far. Gavilgad and Narnala Forts will satisfy the history lovers’ urges. Breathtaking views in Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point are definitely an experience you will not want to overlook.
Bhandardara: Nature’s Borrowed Amusement Park
Bhandardara’s proximity to the Sahyadri Hills makes it the best quick getaway. It’s a collage of green hills, sparkling lakes, and fresh waterfalls. Just a drive of two and a half hours from Mumbai, Bhandardara is an ideal place to relax during weekends. Built in 1910, Wilson Dam is surrounded by streams and gardens, making it an important tourist destination.
The highest point in Maharashtra suitable for climbers is Kalsubai Mountain which offers beautiful views. Besides these, visiting Arthur Lake, Ratangad Fort and Agasti Rishi Ashram which is referred to in the Ramayana, are some of the interests. Adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers find their perfect place here at Bhandardara.
Matheran: A Hill station free of cars
Matheran became a part of the world in 1850. It is located amidst the Sahyadri range at a height of 800 m. Matheran’s identity rests entirely on its being a hill station with no cars. Matheran is surely a different location as it is clean and silence-loving because it is untouched by vehicles.
Riding on the toy train is a life experience one would not forget easily as it passes through greenery and a view of the valley. Other attractions in Matheran include Hart Point, from where the magnificent view of the city of Mumbai with its twinkling lights can be enjoyed at night, and Charlotte Lake with its serene setting ideal for a quiet walk. The colonial buildings and the large markets with leather products, hats, and chikki sweet are quite attractive features of the place.
Mahabaleshwar: The Queen of Hill Stations
As one of the favourite hill stations in the state of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar served as the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during British rule. It is located at a height of 1353 m and possesses plentiful scenic beauty, historical monuments, and present-day conveniences.
Lowdown of Mahabaleshwar with Malcolm Peth, its centre, showcases a busy marketplace, accommodation, and eateries. Mount Malcolm and Moraji Castle narrate the chapter of past colonial rule for the interested. Boating in Venna Lake and short drives to the strawberry farms at Panchgani are among the fun offerings. Because of its scenic views and pleasant temperatures, people tend to visit the hill station throughout the year.
What Makes the Hill Stations of Maharashtra Worth the Visit?
For those who enjoy a little bit of history or wish to take a vacation from the concrete jungles, the hill stations in Maharashtra are anything but boring to say the least. From the idyllic Bhandardara to the mythic Keechakadara to the greenery of Panchgani – all these places are a great opportunity to relax and have fun. The hill stations in Maharashtra are an embodiment of not only the flora and fauna of the region but also the culture, making them suitable for individuals, families, and even couples on a honeymoon.
Please include a few days in your schedule for these hill stations to appreciate their greatness and beauty. Their landscape offers everything from hills to valleys which are ideal for individuals who love to steep in nature, for those who love to explore history, and for those who prefer simply enjoying captivating views.
