The season of umbrellas and raincoats is back and so is all the lush greenery around the city of Mumbai. Monsoon brings greenery & greenery makes us happy. Take your vehicles outside and just let the rain set the mood right as its the best time to explore around. You may be wondering where you will find breathtaking beauty around Mumbai? Wonder no more as I have curated all the ‘WOW’ places near Mumbai for you. Don’t think! Just go & tell me your experiences at any or all of these places:
WATERFALLS & DAMS:
1) VIHIGAON WATERFALL:
Located just 2 hours away from Mumbai, Vihigaon waterfall is an absolute delight for those who love to have fun with family & friends. This waterfall is located at the distance of 59 km from Mumbai at Kasara ghat in an adivasi village namely Vihigaon. The water content increases during the rainy season which naturally increases the force of the waterfall and so picnicking is popular at this picturesque waterfall & pool surrounded by forest. Go on!
Book your stay here: Hotels near Vihigaon waterfall
2) MUKANE DAM:
Mukane is a Village in Igatpuri Taluka in Nashik District of Maharashtra which hosts the earthfill dam named after its village. At a distance of 2.5 hours from Mumbai this enormous dam is sure to blow off your mind with its construction & strong force of water in the monsoons. In the close proximity of the dam is a river which is the best experience amidst undulating nature. This lake is mainly connected with the dam and is the water source of the nearby villages. The beauty of both the dam & the lake especially during monsoon is spell-binding Go to Igatpuri and experience it for yourself!
Book your stay here: Hotels near Mukane Dam
3) MULSHI DAM/LAKE:
Imagine waking up on a Sunday morning with a lake view & also be surrounded by the sahyadri ranges. Bliss right? That is exactly what you will find here in Mulshi. Located on River Mula, Mulshi is about 135 km from Mumbai and 35 km from Pune, Mulshi is a perfect place to visit during the monsoon season to witness the lush greenery and tranquil environment. It is open from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM for visitors. If you wish to stay amidst this natural beauty, you can easily find a range of accommodation choices. I suggest an overnight stay to re-connect with the mother nature and leave completely refreshed before entering the concrete jungle once again.
Book your stay here: Best hotel near Mulshi Lake
4) RANDHA WATERFALL:
Bhandardara is a area full of beautiful spots and one such spot is the Randha Falls of the Pravara river. With water falling from 170 ft height, it is the third largest waterfall in the state of Maharashtra which attracts the city dwellers on weekends. The waterfall has its own parking service. Yes you read that right! And have I mentioned that the shacks nearby will satiate your hunger pangs. Yes there are shacks as well. What more does one need to have full fledged weekend trip?
Book your stay here: Hotels near Randha falls
5) KUNE WATERFALL:
This monsoon skip the bushy dam and sunset points and head straight to the Kune waterfall in Lonavala. The waterfall is located on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway is a three-tiered waterfall gushing down from a height of 200 meters, it is also the 14th largest waterfall of Maharashtra with a picturesque view of the Sahyadri ranges. You can bath & swim in this falls and enjoy your time with loved ones.
Book your stay here: Hotels near Kune waterfall
6) TUNGARESHWAR WATERFALL:
Tungareshwar waterfall is one of the nearest (Just 1 hour) & the most popular waterfall located in Vasai region of Maharashtra. The city dwellers, especially on weekends, flock in huge numbers to this spot during monsoons thus making it extremely crowded. However it is best to visit this waterfall during the weekday when you will find a handful of people around and you can still enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Not just that you can also opt for monsoon trails, nature walk or hike to the nearby tungareshwar fort to add to your trip. Don’t forget to visit the immensely popular Shiva temple in the Tungareshwar wildlife sanctuary.
Book your stay here: Hotels near Tungareshwar waterfall
7) CHINCHOTI WATERFALL:
Located in the same sanctuary as Tungareshwar waterfall, Chinchoti waterfall is a delight during monsoon. The different trekking routes to tungareshwar waterfall and chinchoti waterfall makes it harder to club both of them in as single trip. This waterfall is located at a distance of 59 km from Mumbai on the National Highway in Vasai (East). Similar to the Tungareshwar falls, it remains crowded on weekends and is comparatively less crowded during weekday. Chinchoti waterfall makes for a fun-filled day trip from Mumbai. So wait no more & enjoy it this monsoon!
Book your stay here: Hotels near Chinchoti waterfall
7) THOSEGHAR WATERFALL:
Thoseghar waterfall are a series of waterfalls of about 15 to 20 metres and one is of approx 200 metres in height. These waterfalls together are located in Satara district of Maharashtra which is at a distance of 294 km from Mumbai. Swimming/bathing is prohibited and only viewing the waterfall from a certain distance is allowed. To get the good view of the waterfall, the government has constructed a picnic area/garden and a platform for the visitors which fulfils its purpose of providing us with the splendid view.
Book your stay here: Hotels near Thoseghar Waterfall
8) UMBRELLA FALLS:
The name of the waterfall has been derived after its shape of an umbrella. The water falls with force from a height in the middle of the rock and disperses giving an impression of an umbrella. This waterfall is located at Bhandardara near Igatpuri and is a great source of water to the nearby villages. Arthur lake, randha falls & umbrella falls are close by making it all the more easier to club more places in a single trip.
Book your stay here: Hotels near Umbrella falls
9) SOLANPADA DAM:
Solanpada dam can interchangeable be called as Jambrung dam which is located at Karjat Maharashtra. It is 26 kilometers from the karjat railway station and just 24 kilometers from Neral railway station. From 8 am to 6 pm one can have complete fun at this dam. However swimming or bathing in this dam is risky and it might cause death. Neither is there any security guard or police personnel nor any facilities like washroom, snacks corner etc. Hence, you must venture at your own risk.
Book your stay here: Hotels near Solanpada Dam
BEACHES & LAKES:
1) VANDRI LAKE:
In close proximity with Mumbai is an ideal spot to bird watch or simply sit by the lake and explore the surroundings. This lake comes to life in the monsoons for the city dwellers. Although, there are no facilities near this lake, still Mumbaikars flock here in high numbers. I have visited Vandri Lake twice, during monsoon & during other season & there is no doubt about the best season – Monsoon. Check out my post below for additional information about the lake
Book your stay here: Hotels near Vandri Lake
2) UTTAN BEACH:
Uttan beach, the most nearest beach from Mumbai and yet unheard by many, is a real hidden gem located in Mira-Bhayander. This fishing beach is about 7 km away from Bhayander railway station and can also be reached by boat from Gorai. This beach is close to Gorai beach and is peaceful compared to the other beaches in Mumbai. Lighthouse of Uttan is another attraction, apart from the beach, which is frequented by the Mumbaikars. Yes peace near Mumbai is now possible so go & get it at Uttan:
Book your stay here: Hotels near Uttan beach
3) ARTHUR LAKE:
Bhandardara has hidden gems spread across the village and Arthur lake is no exception to it. This lake has slowly started gaining traction from the city-dwellers due to its natural beauty. It gets all the water from the Pravara river. It is a lake surrounded by Sahyadri ranges, full of peace, serenity and calmness and makes for an ideal getaway from big cities.
Book your stay here: Hotels near Arthur Lake
3) PAWNA LAKE:
A prominent hotspot among the youth of Mumbai & Pune, Pawna lake is an ideal spot to spend your rainy day amidst the nature. The surrounding Tung fort adds to the beauty of the lake. You can perform plenty of activities in Pawna lake including but not limited to trekking, paragliding, boating etc. Please read the blog post below about my one such experience in Pawna Lake along with more details about how to reach:
Book your stay here: Hotels near Pawna Lake
5) BHATSA LAKE:
Bhatsa River and Corna River, located in Igatpuri, are two major water bodies connected to the Bhatsa Dam which is a main source of water for the nearby cities dwellers. Apart from that it used for irrigation and hydro electrical power projects. Bhatsa lake is surrounded by the jungle comprising of several species of flora & fauna. The sound of the water & chirping of birds is a source of tranquillity for the visitors. Venturing in the water is prohibited but the spectacular views have a lasting impact on your mind. Apart from this they have parking area on the side. What more do you need?
Book your stay here: Hotels near Bhatsa Lake
4) KELVE BEACH:
The Mumbai – Gujarat highway patch is a highly unexplored patch filled with wonders and mysteries. People now are keen to venture outside their comfort zone & explore this patch near Mumbai and the change has commenced. You can too be a part and explore the hidden & beautiful places on this highway. One such amazing Kelve beach in Palghar has gained traction in the recent past from Mumbaikars. With no prickly heat, monsoon is the right time for chilling by this beach. Read my post below for more information:
Book your stay here: Hotels near Kelve beach
6) TAPOLA LAKE:
Tapola has earned itself the title of ‘Kashmir of the West’ for the beauty that it is. The lake is formed as a confluence of Koyna & Solshi rivers and is surrounded by the Sahyadris, stretching to 90 km. It is home to one of the biggest dams (Shivsagar) in Maharashtra and will indeed make your eyes pop out of your head. Boating is quite common in this lake and so is the strawberry farm where visitors can go & pluck strawberry’s under the guidance of an expert.
Book your stay here: Hotel near Tapola Lake
7) DAHANU BEACH:
Bordi beach or Dahanu beach, located 145 km away from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Gujarat highway, is famous for ‘chickoos’ and is a religious abode for the Zoroastrians. This beach is also popular for the temple called as Udwada, ‘the Mecca of the Zoroastrians’, comprising of the sacred fire of the Zoroastrians which is burning for more than a century. This place is easily accessible by both roadways & railways and is an ideal weekend getaway for families, couples & friends. So don’t wait & head to Bordi/Dahanu beach away from the hustle & bustle of the city life!
Book your stay here: Hotels near Dahanu beach
That’s all folks for now! If your have been to either of the above mentioned places then let me know your experience in the comments below.
Continued in part two
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