Maharashtra is a huge landscape that begins from the high and fascinating Western Ghats and goes down till the massive Arabian Sea. There are many beautiful Hill stations in Maharashtra, each of them having its own wonderful charm. The hill stations offer a pleasant climate and serene atmosphere inviting tourists from every corner of the state.
Here is list of Top Hill Stations in Maharashtra:
Mahabaleshwar
It is an attractive destination in Maharashtra located in the Satara district. The popular hill station is only 285 km from the city of dreams and offers stunning views of the valleys, hills and forests. The cool breeze always welcomes the visitors to the hill station. There are three vintage villages in Mahabaleshwar– Shindola, Old Kshetra and Malcolm Peth. This hill station is located at a height of 4,439 ft mts and gives a panoramic view of deep woods and high peaks.
Some of the attraction near Mahabaleshwar which should not given a miss are- Pratapgad, Parsi point, Mapro garden and Venna lake. Wathar station is close by to the hill station; just at a distance of 60 km. March to mid June is the best climate to visit the hill station.
- Location: Satara, Mahabaleshwar, 412806
- Elevation: 1,353 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Trekking, picnic, boating, nature photography, bird watching.
- Sightseeing places: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Venna Lake, Wilson Point, Chinaman’s Falls, Dhobi Waterfall etc.
- Best time to visit: March to June
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune (120 km), nearest railway station- Wathar (60 km).
Also Read: Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Maharashtra
Lavasa
It is a gorgeous Maharashtra hill station located in the Western Ghats, just 65 km away from Pune. It is located in Sahyadri Mountains near by the Warasgaon Lake. The hill station offers many adventurous activities to the tourists such as trekking, hiking and mountain climbing. One of the top tourist destinations near Lavasa is Temghar Dam. Lonavala station is lose by the hill station and it is located at a distance of only 29km. Although the hill station is open in all seasons, but summers can be the ideal month.
- Location: Pune district, 412112
- Elevation: 630 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Kayaking, Trekking, jet skiing, pedal boating, picnic & water sports.
- Sightseeing places: Shantai Lavasa, Kaarvi Indraprastha, Temghar Dam, Lakeside Promenade, Tikona Fort, Mulshi Lake etc.
- Best time to visit: September to March
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune (67 km), nearest railway station- Pune Junction (60 km).
Also Read: 10 Weekend Getaway Places around Pune
Bhimashankar Hill Station
It is nestled in the beautiful Sahyadri ranges and offers the most pleasant environmental conditions. The hill station has a wildlife sanctuary, a famous and old temple and there are trekking opportunities for the nature enthusiasts. It is known to be an attractive hill station which is above 3200 feet and covers dense forests region all over. The two lakes namely Hanuman Lake and Devi Lake flow through the hills giving a wonderful treat to the eyes.
The climate of the hill station is pleasant all through the year and it’s refreshing during the monsoons which are from June to September. The hill station is close to the popular city Pune, and there are trains well connected to the region.
- Location: Bhimashankar, Maharashtra 410509
- Elevation: 1034 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Trekking, nature photography, explore wild animals and birds etc.
- Sightseeing places: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga, Wildlife Sanctuary, Ahupe Waterfalls, Hamunam Lake etc.
- Best time to visit: September to April
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune (105 km), nearest railway station- Pune Junction (111 km).
Malshej Ghat
Get ready for a rejuvenating and relaxed vacation in the lap of nature. Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range in the Thane district of Maharashtra. Malshej Ghat—a trekker’s delight wows all tourists with its tranquil landscapes and offers unlimited opportunities to trekkers, photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The lush green hills of Malshej Ghat are garbed in green foliage and offer the perfect retreat to weary travelers –far from the maddening urban crowds.
Thronged by tourists across the year, Malshej Ghat is best visited after the arrival of the monsoons –when the region transcends to surreal levels of natural beauty and charm. The gurgling streams and thick forests of Malshej Ghat get a new lease of life in the rainy season and make the place worthy of your visit. This interesting location is a favorite haunt for backpackers who arrive here with their hiking and trekking gear in place. A must visit indeed!
- Location: Thane districts, Maharashtra 412409
- Elevation: 700 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Trekking, rock climbing, bird watching, nature photography,
- Sightseeing places: Malshej Falls, Shivneri Fort, Harishchandragad fort, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Ajoba Hill Fort, Lenyadri Buddhist Caves etc.
- Best time to visit: July to March
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (127 km), nearest railway station- Kalyan (86 km).
Also Read: Most Popular Forts in Maharashtra
Bhandardara
It is a top Maharashtra hill station which is also known to be a resort village. It is situated in Ahmednagar district which is only 185 km at a distance from the capital. The hill station is located at an elevation of 3000 ft and offers the prettiest view of blue skies, green lush vegetation and gushing waterfalls. The nature seems to sing out a beautiful song for the visitors. Trimbakeshwar temple and Ozar temple is close by Bhandardara, both of which are famous pilgrimage points for the religious people. August o February is an ideal time to check out the hill station, as summers can be hot to step out. Igatpuri is a closest hill station which is only 28 km away from the hill station.
- Location: Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra
- Elevation: 740 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Ratangad Fort, Sadhan Valley, Kalsubai peak trek, boating, camping,
- Sightseeing places: Amruteshwar Temple, Harishchandragarh Fort, Umbrella Falls, Randha Falls, Kalsubai Peak, Lake Arthur etc.
- Best time to visit: October – May
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune International Airport (157 km), nearest railway station- Igatpuri (45 km).
Igatpuri
This hill station comes in the list of hill station in Maharashtra which is most visited by the tourists. It is situated between Nashik and Mumbai and is popular for the Vipassana international academy. The old forts, peaceful climate, waterfalls and mountains everywhere make the hill station a charming place. Few attractions in and around Igatpuri are Ashika waterfalls, Camel Valley, Vaitarna Dam, Arthur Lake, Tringalwadi fort and many more. November to March is a good time to hang around in Igatpuri. The railway station in Igatpuri is connected to various district and cities around.
- Location: Nashik district, Maharashtra 422403
- Elevation: 600 metres
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, white water rafting, camping, bird watching.
- Sightseeing places: Ghantandevi Temple, Amruteshwar Temple, Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, Vihigaon Waterfall, Aundha Fort, Tringalwadi Fort, Dhamma Giri Vipassana etc.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Nashik Airport (66 km) & Mumbai Airport (120 km), nearest railway station- Igatpuri.
Karjat
It is a popular weekend destination and hill station for the city people. Situated only 68 km away from the city, the trekking paths welcome adventure freaks to hang around. Basically, the hill station is in Raigad district and hares connection to Pune, Panvel, Thane and Mumbai. It is a perfect spot to escape from the noisy and crowded cities of Maharashtra. Some of the wonderful attractions here are Bhor Ghat, Peth Fort, Kondana caves, and Ulhas Valley. June to October is the right time to visit Karjat, and the railway station in the hill station is connected with Panvel which is close by.
- Location: Raigad district, Maharashtra 410201
- Elevation: 700 metres
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, hiking, shopping, rappelling, caving.
- Sightseeing places: Kondeshwar Temple, Dhapaya temple, Kothaligad Fort, Morbe Dam, Bhivpuri Waterfalls, Kondana Caves, Bahiri Caves, Ulhas Valley etc.
- Best time to visit: June to October
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport (70 km), nearest railway station- Karjat Junction.
Chikhaldara
It is also a great addition in the Maharashtra hill stations list. It is located in the Amravati district of the state at a height of 3898 ft. The hill station is typically famous for many temples and fort. It is the only place where one can come across aromatic coffee plantations. Some interesting places to check out in Chikhaldara are Amner fort, Bir Lake, Mahadev temple, Goraghat point and the list is lengthy. The hill station is open all through the year and every climate offers a new touch to the place. Akola station is only 85 km from the hill station which s the nearest railway station.
- Location: Amaravati district, Maharashtra 444807
- Elevation: 1,188 metres
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Boating, sightseeing, trekking, camping.
- Sightseeing places: Bhimkund, 52 Jain temples, Gawilgarh Fort, Narnala Fort, Bir Lake, Muktagiri, Melghat Tiger Reserve etc.
- Best time to visit: July to February
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Nagpur Airport (234 km), nearest railway station- Amravati Railway Station (85 km).
Also Read: Popular Rivers & Lakes of Maharashtra
Amboli
This hill station of Maharashtra is located in Sindhudurg, which is in Sahyadri ranges of Western Ghats. The hill station looks gorgeous in the climate of monsoons. The place is a treat for the eyes away from the city life offering green lushness, cool breezes, huge mountains and serene atmosphere. The nearest railway station is Sawantwadi which is only 28 km away. Monsoons are the perfect climate to visit Amboli.
- Location: Amboli, Maharashtra 416510
- Elevation: 690 metres
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, nature photography, bird watching.
- Sightseeing places: Mahadev Gad, Hiranya Keshi Temple, Amboli Ghat Waterfall, Nangarta Falls, Sunset Point, Shirgaonkar Fort etc.
- Best time to visit: June to September
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Goa International Airport (108 km), nearest railway station- Sawantwadi Railway Station (39 km).
Panchgani
Panchgani is one of the most popular hill stations of Maharashtra. It is located in Satara district of Maharashtra. The beautiful and scenic Panchgani was discovered by British during British Raj as a summer resort. It is situated in the middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain range. This is one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra.
- Location: Satara district, Maharashtra 412805
- Elevation: 1,293 metres
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Things to do: trekking, camping, paragliding, cycling, horse riding, hiking, caving, shopping, boating.
- Sightseeing places: Kate’s Point, Devrai Art Village, Table Land Viewpoint, Kamalgad Fort, Kaas Plateau, Mapro Garden, Dhom Dam etc.
- Best time to visit: September – April
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune International Airport (111 km), nearest railway station- Wathar Railway Station (45 km).
Mhaismal
The beautiful hill station is situated in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is located at 40 km away from Aurangabad city. The place attracts visitors during monsoon. The place has please climate and one of the best sightseeing points to visit in Maharashtra.
- Location: Aurangabad District, Maharashtra 431101
- Elevation: 1,067 metres
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, cycling, caving, nature photography.
- Sightseeing places: Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Temple, Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary Kannad, Daulatabad Fort etc.
- Best time to visit: During monsoon
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai, nearest railway station- Aurangabad station (40 km).
Lonavala
A popular hill station, located at a height of 625 mt above the sea level, Lonavala is a great place for tourist attraction. It lies in the western side of Maharashtra and offers some scenic and spectacular beauties. The exquisite beauty of the expanding hills offers a romantic gateway away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Lonavala tourism has undoubtedly flourished to a great extent in the recent years. The panoramic views of the Deccan plateau and the Konkan Coast make it an amazing destination, as a whole.
- Location: Pune district, Maharashtra 410401
- Elevation: 624 metres
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, angling, boating, swimming, camping, nature photography.
- Sightseeing places: Pawna Lake, Narayani Dham Temple, Kune Waterfalls, Tikona Fort, Bhushi Dam, Aamby Valley, Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves etc.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune International Airport (75 km), nearest railway station- Lonavala station.
Tamhini Ghat
Tamhini Ghat is a passageway of Mountain, which is located between Mulshi and Tamhini in Maharashtra. It is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range of Maharashtra. The beautiful Ghat surrounded by comprising scenic waterfalls, lakes and tall mountains. It is the best hill station to visit in Maharashtra.
- Location: Pune district, Maharashtra 402107
- Elevation: 1,312 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Trekking, nature photography, nature walks, river rafting.
- Sightseeing places: Kalika Mandir, Tamhini Waterfalls, Kailashgad Fort, Tamhini Ghat, Bhira Dam, , Mulshi Lake etc.
- Best time to visit: July to September
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune Airport (60 km), nearest railway station- Pune station (70 km).
Wai Hill Station
It is a beautiful hill town, which is located on River Krishna in Satara district of Maharashtra. At the bank of Krishna River, this town is surrounded by mountain region of the Sahyadri. It is located at 715 meters above from seal level. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations to see in Maharashtra.
- Location: Satara district, Maharashtra 412803
- Elevation: 718 metres
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Trekking, nature photography, nature walks, boating.
- Sightseeing places: Mahaganpati Temple, Vishnu Mandir, Vision Optics Temple, Menawali Wes, Mapro Food Park, Rajpuri Caves, etc.
- Best time to visit: September – May
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune International Airport, nearest railway station- Wathar station (28 km).
Panhala
Panhala is a city and hill station, which is situated at 18 km from Kolhapur in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is located at 3177 feet above from Sea Level. You can enjoy the beautiful and scenic view of Panhala from Panhala Fort, which offers you the panoramic view of the beautiful valley of Panhala. It is one of the best sightseeing points and hill station of Maharashtra.
- Location: Kolhapur district, Maharashtra 416201
- Elevation: 754 metres
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Water activities, trekking, caving, nature photography.
- Sightseeing places: Shree Mahalaxmi Ambabai Temple, Shree Jotiba Devasthan, Male Lake, Panhala Fort, Sajja Kothi, Masai Pathar, etc.
- Best time to visit: October to December
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Kolhapur Airport (30 km), nearest railway station- Kolhapur junction (21 km).
Gagan Bavda
Gagan Bavda is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Maharashtra, which is located in Kolhapur. The hill station is famous for its amazing view of the Konkan coastal region and lush green Karul Ghat. This is the best place for trekking. It is one of the best hill stations of Maharashtra.
- Location: Kolhapur district, Maharashtra
- Elevation: 2000 feet
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Things to do: Trekking, nature photography, bird watching.
- Sightseeing places: Gagangad fort, Gagangad Gagangiri Maharaj Aasharam, Shri Ramling Temple,
- Pant Amatya Bawadekar Wada, etc.
- Best time to visit: During monsoon
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Kolhapur Airport (38 km), nearest railway station- Kolhapur junction (55 km).
Toranmal
Toranmal is a hill station which is located in Nandurbar district of Maharashtra. The hill town is situated in Satpura Range. It is a beautiful hill station as well as a sacred pilgrim of Hindu Religion. It’s famous for Gorakhnath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the best hill stations and sightseeing points to visit in Maharashtra.
- Location: Nandurbar district, 425432
- Elevation: 1461 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Trekking, caving, nature photography etc.
- Sightseeing places: Sita Khai, Lotus Lake, Yashavant Lake, Machhindranath cave, Aawashabari Point, Khadki Point, Torna Devi Temple, & Medicinal Plant Garden, etc.
- Best time to visit: October to May
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Surat airport (172 km), nearest railway station- Nandurbar railway station (77 km).
Jawhar
Jawhar is a city and hill station, which is located in Palghar district of Maharashtra. It is located at 145 km from Mumbai. This hill town is nestled at 447 metres above from sea level. It is one of the most beautiful scenic hill stations of Maharashtra.
- Location: Thane district, 401603
- Elevation: 447 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, mountaineering, camping, swimming, shopping etc.
- Sightseeing places: Dabdaba Falls, Domzira Waterfall, Jai Vilas Palace, Sunset Point, Jai Sagar Dam, Hanuman Point, Shirpamal, Bhopatgad Fort etc.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Nashik Airport (99 km), nearest railway station- Igatpuri railway station (68 km).
Sawantwadi
Sawantwadi hill station is situated at an altitude of 2,264 feet above the sea level. This hill station is an Access Point to visit the Amboli Ghat, Aronda Backwaters, Tiracol Fort and Vengurla Beach. It is famous for the artificial fruit, Sawantwadi Lacquer Craft, and Wooden Toys. It is easily accessible through the road and rail.
- Places to Visit in Sawantwadi: Moti Talao, Narendra Hills, Sawantwadi Palace, Hanuman Temple, Vitthal Temple and Raghunath Market
- Best time to visit Sawantwadi: November to February
Khandala
- Location: Pune district, 414006
- Elevation: 550 metres
- Ideal Duration: 2-4 days
- Things to do: Trekking, biking, hiking, caving, camping, nature photography etc.
- Sightseeing places: Lohagad Fort, Shrivardhan Fort, Pavana Lake, Bhaja Caves, Tiger’s Leap, Bhor Ghat, Rajmachi Point etc.
- Best time to visit: July to September
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Pune International Airport (75 km), nearest railway station- Khandala Railway Station.
Khandala hill station is not less than any foreign location, because the ambience of this hill station is just tremendous and you can’t believe that near the Mumbai city you can get such naturist location. Khandala is totally surrounded by high hill ranges, dark fog and numbers of waterfalls. When people went to Khandala, they just get pulled by the beauty of Khandala in its love, like love at first sight. From Mumbai city, the distance is about one hundred one kilometer, that’s why people of Mumbai, don’t stay in the Mumbai, they just run away towards Khandala like in the cushion of nature, to get natural breathing air and to pull all tiredness out of the body.
People say that the people who have visited the dream city, they definitely visit the Khandala. Because of the popular hill station, this place has many hill resorts, so that people can comfortably enjoy their weekends and they can totally forget the week day’s pressure. Hill stations are made to give relaxation and peace to the visitors mind. Khandala hill station is situated in the ranges of Sahyadri of India and its altitude location is six hundred twenty five meter.
This place was formed by the great leader of Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji, Khandala was under his territory. He was the person who had organized the clan of Maratha with the facilities of power of formidable military. During his period, the Khandala hill station was went under the empire of Peshwa rulers. In Khandala, British Empire was the last power who was ruled over this place. The time, when Peshwa ruler lost their power, British got a chance to capture this beautiful place and got it. But after coming under various powers, the position of Khandala hill station is very nice; it became one of the most demanded tourist spot of the India.
If you go from the Pune city, the distance is around sixty nine kilometer weather structure of the Khandala is very pleasant, if you want to see the real and washed beauty of Khandala hill station, then visit this location in the rainy season; the beauty which you see, you won’t forget it anymore. Khandala is a look like, it has been covered by the green blanket and the pure and clean white waterfalls are look like they are doing competition with each other. During summer season, the weather is mild means in the month of April to June and in the winter season the climate is very cool. The picnic spots which you will find in the Khandala hill station are such as green valleys, Historic forts, Lakes, hills, monkey hill, Lonavala, Amrutanjan point and tiger point.
After viewing the natural beauty of the Khandala, you will definitely feel that Khandala is blessed by the beauty and ambience. Your memory within the Khandala will be an unforgettable one. Khandala’s peaceful surroundings and splendid nature makes this place a best weekend spot. You will observe one unique thing about the hill station that is one side of the Khandala is steep valley and on the other side there are very high hills. Compare to other hill stations, Khandala has preserved and saved its beauty because compared to others, there is no commercialization and industrialization done by the people, which is a plus point and beneficial point of this place. Otherwise, nature’s beautiful gift would be destroyed by the human beings.
Matheran
- Location: Raigad district, 410102
- Elevation: 800 metres
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Things to do: Trekking, nature walking, camping, water activities, caving, camping, nature photography etc.
- Sightseeing places: Pisharnath Mahadev Temple, Dodhani Falls, Charlotte Lake, Panorama Point, Porcupine Point, One Tree Hill Point, Sunset Point, Chanderi Caves etc.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- How to reach: Nearest airport- Nashik Airport (99 km), nearest railway station- Igatpuri Railway Station (68).
Matheran hill station comes under the district of Raigad, in Maharashtra and it is a selected holiday destination for the residential people of Mumbai city. The uniqueness about this hill station is this is one of the places, where you cannot think of going by road, at Matheran hill station; you have only one choice of reach that is railway. Maybe because the journey to Matheran via rail is just fabulous, you can travel between the green hills and you get to see natural scenery through a very close distance and traveling like this makes your journey more enjoyable like a Hindi movie.
This journey to Matheran serves you the best journey of your life. While in the train, you will see the monkeys jumping from one hill to another hill and on the train. The scenery through the train’s window would definitely mesmerize you which you cannot forget in your whole lifetime. This mesmerizing scene actually gives you the idea, that in Matheran, you are going to see more beautiful and dazzling views.
The altitude location of Matheran hill is around eight hundred meter over the level of sea which gives you the view of heaven, very far from the general life of city. The lush green trees of Matheran, work as a cover which provides healthy and fresh air to the tourists and it is also a beauty in Matheran. As per time, the population of the hill station Matheran increased, and it is obvious because the tourism and travel business is highly increasing here, with tourism business the hotel business automatically enters and other service provider also joins it. Matheran hill station is highly attracting the tourist that’s why their population is also expanding.
Maharashtra state is gifted by many beautiful places but because of lack of ignorance towards these places, tourism business is not widely developed in this state. Within the Matheran hill station, there is one spot which is called as Hart Point, the view which this spot gives you, you won’t get anywhere, from this spot you can see the view of the entire Mumbai city, in the night you will feel like you are watching a magical show of lights. There are numbers of picnic spots for the tourists to enjoy with their family and friend. The attractive spots of the Matheran include Panthers Caves, Charlotte Lake and Paymaster Park.
There are also special spots for children such as Dig Park, it provides rides and there is also open space to play different games and enjoy the fun. This hill station consists of architectural touch also like Parsi and British mansions which look like dots of the landscape. It creates an attention between the natural beauties of this hill station. During your vacation to this pleasant location, you can also shop in the bazaar; here you can buy different items which you can bring it to your house as a memory of the Matheran hill station. Here you can buy the chappals, cane, hats and leather items.
