Any visit to India must have Mumbai as a stopover in order to gain true understanding of the country, and its people. At the heart of India’s development story, Mumbai is where you will find the richest, the poorest, and the middle-class, all co-existing and making the most of the opportunities that the Maximum City presents. That said Mumbai is blessed to be surrounded by some most picturesque hill stations, cities and states. Therefore, a road trip from Mumbai often ranks high in the list of top experiences that you can have in Mumbai.
Here’s our pick of top road journeys you can make from Mumbai:
Mumbai to Lonavala
Located at a distance of just 85kms from Mumbai, a road trip to Lonavala is one of the most rewarding journeys you will make in India. Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (if you are riding a four-wheeler) and prepare yourself for mind-blowing vistas of the nearby Sahaydri Mountains as well as the famed Western Ghats. Lonavala itself presents visitors with some great attractions such as Korigad Fort, Tiger’s Leap, Lohgad, Karla and Bhaja Caves, and Lonavala wax Museum. You can further trek to the Rajmachi fort from Lonavala, which takes your through 15kms of lush fields and mountains.
Mumbai to Goa
We know Goa is on your wish list and this is just the perfect way to reach your dream destination. The road trip from Mumbai to Goa is one of the most popularly taken journeys in India. Located 591 kilometres away from each other, Mumbai and Goa are connected by NH17. Expect to see coconut trees, paddy fields and glorious views of the ocean on your way from Mumbai to Goa. You can make a stopover at Satara, Kolhapur and Sankeshwar for snacking as also for exploring the local attractions at these places.
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar
Hit the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and be on your way to Mahabaleshwar, situated at the height of 1353 metres above the sea level, making it the highest hill station in the Western Ghats. The ride takes you through the Golden Quadrilateral Road and you see strawberry fields on your way along with the mighty Sahaydri Mountains. Once in Mahabaleshwar, you can explore Wilson Sunrise Point, Needle Hole Point as well as Three Monkey Point. Don’t forget to visit local markets for strawberries and mulberries.
Mumbai to Kamshet
Located just 2.5 hours away from Mumbai, Kamshet is a hill town popular as ‘Paraglider’s Paradise’. Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and be on your way to feast your eyes on the stunning vistas of paddy and sunflower fields. As you reach the hills around which Kamshet has developed, you will start seeing caves and hill fortresses. Of course, you should undertake paragliding here, but do not miss visiting Karla Caves, Bedsa Caves, the Bhaja Caves, Pawna Lake as well as the Kondeshwar Temple.
Mumbai to Malshej Ghat
A spellbinding Mountain Pass on the way from Mumbai to Pune, a Malshej Ghat drive is your chance to discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Your eyes are met with glorious views of lush landscapes and fields as well as gushing waterfalls as you progress toward the Malshej Ghat from Mumbai. An ideal escape for nature and bird lovers (cuckoos and orange flamingos are found here in abundance), Malshej Ghat will charm you with its mesmerising beauty.
