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Looking for the perfect getaway and places to visit near Mumbai? Need some time to unwind and relax? Well I’ve got you covered! This list includes both adventurous and relaxing activities you do around Mumbai. They’re the perfect escape and you’ll definitely find something you love! Some of the places are also easily accessible from Pune. Here are the top 5 tourist places to visit near Mumbai that will surely make you want to travel!
Places to visit near Mumbai for a Relaxed Stay
1. Purushwadi- Fireflies Festival
If you want to witness a magical sight, you can watch thousands of fireflies a few hours away from Mumbai. Purushwadi hosts a firefly festival with more than 2000 species of fireflies. End of May up until June is when you can witness this beauty. You should ideally visit before the rains begin.
The pictures look heavenly, but the fact is that it looks even better in real life. You can book tours through various sites or visit on your own taking help of a local guide. You can reach the place around early evening, stay in lakeside camps, take a walk around the place watching fireflies when it’s time and enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian village meal. Usually trips are overnight. You can ask the villagers if there are any other activities like trekking you can do around. Other than Purushwadi, you can also visit Bhandardara and other villages nearby. The places are also easily accessible from Pune. This will surely be a memorable trip.
Cost: Rs 1300 (approx for overnight stay)
2. Bhandardara- Lakeside Camping
There are quite a few places to visit near Mumbai if you want a scenic view and if you enjoy camping. Lakeside camps are a perfect getaway from the city’s bustling life.
It is usually a 1 Day 1 night camp. Along with lakeside camping you enjoy stargazing, boating, forest walks, going for a swim, and watching the sunset. You can also club lakeside camping with firefly watching and river rafting. Night walks are soothing and calming and the early morning sunrise ensures a breathtaking view. The packages include meals. You’re sure to have a good time around a campfire with delicious BBQ along with your friends and family. You can choose from Kundalika Camp, Bhandardara lakeside camping, Pawna lake camp and Alibaug camping. Different websites offer and locations have varying itineraries, so choose according to what activities you like!
Cost: 1500 (approx for overnight stay)
Adventurous activities near Mumbai
3. Kolad- River rafting
If the fireflies didn’t hype you up as much and adventure is what you seek, river rafting near Mumbai is the perfect thing to do! It is a breath of relief in the humid summers. You can visit Kolad where rafting in the river Kundalika happens all year round since it is dam controlled. For the most thrill, the best time to visit would be during the monsoon, between June to September.
The rapids generated due to the water released from the dam along with the rains makes it the most ideal time to visit the place. If you don’t enjoy the rains as much you can visit it during other times of the year. The water is released by 8 am, and you have to be there well in advance. The rafting is for around 2.5 hours. Life jackets are provided so you don’t need to know how to swim! If you do not want to travel early at dawn, you can choose an overnight stay nearby. Weekday bookings are cheaper. You can also choose packages with food and that include kayaking, zip line, waterfall rappelling and much more!
Cost: Rs 600 (weekday rafting)
4. Maharashtra’s Western Ghats- Trekking
There are many places you can go trekking near Mumbai, like Kalsubai the highest peak in Maharashtra or Devkund which is a waterfall trek or one of the most visited Lohagad trek. There are many more that you can find and choose from.
All the treks have different levels of difficulty and you can choose based on your experience. If you’re a beginner Kalsubai is a great place to begin with and if you seek some adventure, you can try Lohagad. You can opt for a day or night trek. There are different packages and you can club trekking with a camp stay. Monsoons are the best time to visit waterfall treks and also the time to trek if you like adventure. Treks offer stunning views that you can’t get enough of. You can opt for guided tours if you’re not familiar with trekking. You can go trekking on your own if you’re familiar with routes and have experience. Treks are sure to pump you up and are perfect for adventure lovers.
Cost: 600 onward (guided trek)
Best of both: Relaxation & Adventure
5. Neral- Agro Tourism Farms
Agro Tourism Farms are the perfect getaway for those wanting a relaxed and peaceful stay while indulging in some agricultural and horticultural activities around Mumbai.
You can enjoy Water buffalo rides, try your hand at fishing, wake up early for cow milking, try an air rifle, spot around 50 species of birds, view honey bee keeping, take waterfall tours, visit Emu farms, ride horses, go kayaking, cycle around and enjoy similar activities offered by these agro farms. You can choose to stay in Mud houses, Pond houses, Row houses, Dormitories and Tents. You’ll also enjoy the delicious food they provide. You can also shop for farm produced items. Depending upon the agro farm you choose, the activities will differ. You can choose either a day’s visit or an overnight stay. An Agro Tourism Farm I’ll recommend is Saguna Baug, but you can check out similar other ones and choose as per the activities offered there!
Cost: Rs 1000 (approx for day visit)
So that were the top 5 places to visit near Mumbai that you’re sure to enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous try river rafting and trekking. If you just want to relax and chill the other options are the perfect choice for you. These are suitable for tourists as well as for residents looking for the perfect weekend plan. Pick your destination and get ready to explore!
