10 Best Hill Stations In Maharashtra, Highlights & FAQ’s

Maharashtra brings a beautiful contrast of attractions which lures travellers of all age groups and likes to this majestic Indian state. From the city of dreams Mumbai to some enchanting hill stations in Maharashtra like Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala and Khandala, there is absolutely no dearth of temptations in Maharashtra.

A tiny picturesque town in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Dapoli was once a military camp for the British. This port city attracts tourists from all over the world with its pristine beaches, historical monuments, Konkan delicacies, thrilling water sports and more.

About Maharashtra

Maharashtra has a rich cultural heritage, including its history, literature, art, and music. It is also home to important historical sites and landmarks. Maharashtra has a number of places that attract national international tourists. The most popular or well known are Mumbai city. Mumbai is also called the dream City. 

Traditionally, Marathi women commonly wore the sari, often distinctly designed according to local cultural customs. Most middle-aged and young women in urban Maharashtra dress in western outfits such as skirts and trousers or shalwar kameez with the traditionally nauvari or nine-yard lugade, disappearing from the markets due to a lack of demand.

Men also wear traditional costumes such as the dhoti, and pheta on cultural occasions. The Gandhi cap is the popular headgear among older men in rural Maharashtra.

Maharashtra Highlights 

Highlights Of Maharashtra 

• Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. 

• The state of Maharashtra spans multiple cultures which includes cultures related to Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians etc. 

10 Best Hill Stations In Maharashtra

1. Lonavla 

Lonavala is a hill station surrounded by green valleys in western India near Mumbai. The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. They feature massive pillars and intricate relief sculptures.

South of the Bhaja Caves sits the imposing Lohagad Fort, with its 4 gates. West of here is Bhushi Dam, where water overflows onto a set of steps during the rainy season.

2. Khandala 

Khandala is a hill station in the Western Ghat mountains of Maharashtra, western India. It’s home to vantage spots including Sunset Point and Rajmachi Point, with views of Rajmachi Fort. Kune Falls is a 3-tiered waterfall set in a dramatic valley.

Waterfalls surround the Tamhini Ghat mountain pass. East of town, the Bhaja and Karla caves are ancient, Buddhist rock-cut shrines featuring intricate carvings and pillars.

3. Matheran

Matheran is famous for its vantage points from which you may take in breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Being the automobile-free hill station, Matheran Maharashtra is easily accessible from the 1907 Neral–Matheran Toy Train.

The best time to visit Matheran is between October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool. While days are usually warm, evenings are chilly. October and November are the ideal months for sightseeing, nature walks, and exploring viewpoints.

4. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is famous for its strawberries. Also Mahabaleshwar, essentials include farm fresh strawberries and raspberries that the town is known for. Also you can take home jellies, honey, jams and more. One can also shop for handicrafts, leather items, Kolhapuri footwear and much more from the Town Bazaar. 

From November to February, is possibly the best season to visit Mahabaleshwar. The temperature drop makes it a great time for people of all ages. It rains from July to October in Mahabaleshwar. 

5. Igatpuri

At a distance of 13.5 km from Igatpuri and 59 km from Nashik, Vihigaon waterfall is a seasonal waterfall situated at Vihigaon village in Thane district of Maharashtra. This is one of the best natural waterfalls of Maharashtra and also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Nashik.

You can also visit the Amruteshwar temple, Vaitarna Dam and Talegaon Lake for an unforgettable day. The reason Igatpuri is also famous amongst thrillseekers is that it makes for the perfect backdrop for a camping trip and you can also indulge in water sports like lake rafting and kayaking.

6. Panchgani 

Panchgani is a hill station southeast of Mumbai in India’s Maharashtra state. It’s known for the Table Land, a huge volcanic plateau. Lookouts like Sydney Point and Parsi Point offer views of Dhom Dam lake and Kamalgad Fort, used as a prison by the British in the early 19th century.

To the southeast, the Rajpuri Caves are surrounded by sacred ponds and contain a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Kartikeya.

7. Karjat

Karjat is a city near Mumbai, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Its steep Ulhas Valley is lush in the rainy season, with a full river and waterfalls. Bahiri Cave, overlooking the valley, is a Hindu pilgrimage site. The ancient Kondeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Kondana Caves are 16 man-made caverns dating from the 1st century B.C., with stupas and statues. They were home to Buddhist monks.

8. Lavasa

The well-known hill town of Lavasa is renowned for its tourist destinations. Temghar Dam, Babe Ghat Viewpoint, Lakeshore Watersports, Tamhini Ghat, Devkund Waterfall, and many more are popular tourist destinations.

It is absolutely a leisure holiday destination located in the middle of lush green hills. Lavasa city is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and manages to charm one with its mesmerising views. 

Shirdi Sai Baba Pilgrimage

9. Malshej ghat

October to March is the best time to visit Malshej Ghat to enjoy the dams, Fort and sightseeing. However, monsoons are stunning here, and one can enjoy natural waterfalls and overflowing dams. Though trekking is not recommended on rainy days as the slopes can become very slippery.

10. Amboli

Nestled among the famous Western Ghats of India, Amboli is a famous little hill station located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Known for its scenic beauty, heavenly waterfalls and lush green landscapes, this place is truly an enchanting destination for all kinds of travellers.

The best time to visit Amboli is between October and February when the waterfalls can be seen gushing down from the hills. The sunset point, Amboli Waterfall, the origin of Hiranyakeshi River, Shirgaonkar Falls, Nagatta falls are worth visiting. 

Final Thoughts Of Hill Stations In Maharashtra 

Hill stations in Maharashtra are not so famous but trust me if you visit once you’re gonna love those hill stations if you’re truly adventurous and a nature lover. The whole valley is fully covered with lush green, flora and fauna.

Different different types of plants, insects and many more.. The peace in the atmosphere and surrounding view make you feel worth visiting. I must suggest that you visit these places once in your life to explore such a place that exists on earth. You’re gonna explore the beautiful eyesight of Maharashtra. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) For Hill Stations In Maharashtra