10 road trips you can take from Mumbai

Think beyond the obvious and explore these unusual getaways, just a few kilometres away from Mumbai.

1. Dahanu-Bordi Coastline

IMAGE: Bordi beach is a refreshing getaway. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 125 Km

Get a chance to experience the quaint village life along the north Maharashtra coastline.

There are beaches while driving down the winding roads to Bordi.

They have some delicious seafood cuisine and chikoo based desserts that one must definitely try.

2. Tungareshwar Sanctuary

IMAGE: As you trek along Tungareshwar, you will see rare species of birds and plants. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 50 Km

This is a perfect place for adventure lovers who can look to indulge in trekking, mountain biking and trail riding.

Get your cameras ready as you spot the different species of birds, butterflies, flowering plants and other exciting things.

Also, this is shortest trek location from Mumbai with a high mountain plateau rising over 2000 feet!

3. Tansa Forest

Distance: 90 Km

Drive through the Wildlife Sanctuary to witness one of the sources of drinking water that comes out of our taps -- Tansa Lake.

It also a nature’s paradise, with over 54 species of animals and 200 species of birds

4. Jawhar

IMAGE: Dabhosa waterfalls is among the highest waterfalls near Mumbai. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 130 km

Popularly called mini-Mahabaleshwar, Jawhar is an underrated hill station of Maharashtra that you must totally make a visit to.

It specialises in archaeological ruins and also has a historical fort by the name Jai Vilas Palace.

The Dabhosa Waterfall located in the Jawhar district is one of the highest waterfalls situated near Mumbai - perfect for those seeking some serenity.

5. Naneghat

IMAGE: View from the top of Naneghat. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 150 Km

A trip down to the toll-gate from ancient past, Naneghat is a trekker’s paradise.

Steeped in history, it was used by traders who crossed over from coastal Maharashtra into the Deccan.

They had to pay for their passage (aka toll-gate) by dropping the requisite amount into a huge urn that is still visible at the site.

Overnight Getaways

6. Diveghar

IMAGE: A view of Diveghar beach. Photograph: Pankaj Dhande/Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 180 Km

Diveghar is a small coastal village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra which is a good option for a quick beach getaway.

Some of the interesting places to visit are the Sea Gulls Sanctuary and Himmatgarh Fort Ruins.

One can take a ferry boat to Diveghar that accommodates cars and bikes, both. Get ready for some lip-smacking coastal food!

7. Anjarle

IMAGE: The serene Anjarle beach is perfect to unwind on a weekend. Photograph: Apoorva Karlekar/Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 200 Km

This rustic and sandy beach which is about a 4 hour drive from Mumbai is famous for its coastal architecture.

It is also home to Olive Ridley Turtles, which is an endangered species of turtles.

A special festival is also organised by the Marine Conservation Society between February to April every year as an awareness to conserves these turtles and their hatchlings.

8. Bhor

IMAGE: Necklace point at Bhor. Photograph: Shailesh Birhade/Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 160 Km

Bhor, situated near Pune, makes for great off-road trails.

You can also visit the Bhatghar Dam; indulge in bird spotting, nature walking, boating and water sports in the backwaters.

You get a chance to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life from here!

9. Pawna

IMAGE: The long winding roads leading to Pawna Dam are filled with greenery on either sides. Photograph: Sachin Mohol/Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 90 Km

Perfect for a lakeside getaway, Pawna is famous among the campers from Mumbai and Pune.

For those who are looking for a more relaxed getaway with some music and bonfire, can head out to Pawna.

10. Wai

IMAGE: Dhom Dam, is an earthfill and gravity dam on Krishna river near Wai. Photograph: solarisgirl/Wikimedia Commons

Distance: 240 Km

If your mood says you need something peaceful and cool, Wai is the place for you.

A hill station with scenic vistas, beautiful mountain views and cooler temperatures from the city, Wai is home to Dhom Backwaters aka the Ladakhi Lake of Maharashtra.

One should not miss to visit the Mapro strawberry farms. It also offers some exciting adventurous and aquatic sports.

Tanmay Pangam is chapter lead, The RoadTripsCo, Mumbai.

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