Mumbai, famously known as “The City of Dreams,” has major tourist attractions to explore in itself. However, for a perfect weekend getaway, you can plan a 3 days trip from Mumbai to any of the destinations mentioned in the well-curated list below. Choosing any of these locations will be a hiatus from your monotonous life. These destinations have a plethora of sightseeing options that are serene, scenic, ancient and symbolic. Some tourist attractions also offer engaging activities that will keep you entertained. Read on to know the details.
6 Best Locations For 3 Days Trip From Mumbai
Here is a compiled list of the best options for a 3 days trip from Mumbai. You can select any of the mentioned locations and plan your itinerary accordingly.
1. Aurangabad
Officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Aurangabad is nestled in the hilly upland region on the River Kaum. The city houses a replica of the Taj Mahal, Bibi ka Maqbara, which is a mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia-ul-Daurani. One can go on retail therapy to Gul Mandi and buy the famous Himroo shawls. For quality time with family, one can plan a picnic at the Siddharth Garden, which also has a zoo and an aquarium on the premises.
When in Aurangabad, tourists prefer to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites- Ajanta & Ellora Caves, which are nearby Aurangabad, on their 3 days trip from Mumbai by car. A striking difference between both the caves is that Ajanta caves are predominantly Buddhist sites, whereas, Ellora Caves are an amalgamation of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain sites.
Best time to visit: November to February
Distance from Mumbai: 325.5 km
Must-try: Mughlai & Hyderabadi cuisine
Other attractions: Daulatabad Fort, Grishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad Caves, Salim Ali Lake
Must Read: 42 Best Resorts Near Mumbai For A Quick Relaxing Getaway
2. Lonavala & Khandala
Nestled in the Sahyadri range of Western Ghats, Lonavala and its twin Khandala are picturesque hill stations in Maharashtra. The cosy hill stations are surrounded by lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls, ancient caves and enchanting lakes, all of which make you feel closer to nature. Both hill stations are a sight to witness during the monsoon season, where one can enjoy local street food while getting drenched in rain.
There are a plethora of sightseeing spots, one should visit like Rajmachi Fort, Tiger’s Leap, Bhaja & Karla Caves, Bhushi Dam, Duke’s Nose, Kune Waterfalls, Lohagad Fort, Bedsa Caves and Shooting Point. Apart from these breathtaking locations, one can visit religious sites like Shingroba Temple, Ekvira Devi Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple and Narayani Dham Temple. Lonavala and Khandala can be easily visited together on 3 days trip.
Best time to visit: September to January
Distance from Mumbai: 95 km and 91 km respectively
Must-try: Vada Pav, Bhajiyas, sweet Chikkis
Other attractions: Pawna Lake, Adlabs Imagica, Aamby Valley
3. Matheran
A quaint hill station in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Matheran literally translates to “forest on the forehead.” It is a perfect weekend getaway destination for the people of Mumbai and Pune. Explore scenic locations like Charlotte Lake, Monkey Point, Dhodani Waterfalls, Louisa Point, Panorama Point, Shivaji’s Ladder, Eco Point and Porcupine Point. One can take a spiritual stop at Pisharnath Mahadev Temple and Ambarnath Temple. The ancient forts in Matheran include Irshalgad Fort, Vikatgad Peb Fort and Prabal Fort. All these locations can be visited on a 3 days trip from Mumbai for family.
The Neral-Matheran toy train that connects Neral to Matheran, functions twice daily. It offers spectacular views of the mountains. However, the train services get suspended during the monsoon season, i.e., from June to October.
Best time to visit: April to May and October to January
Distance from Mumbai: 65 km
Must-try: Kokum sharbat, Vada Pav, Kebabs
Other attractions: Paymaster Park
Suggested Read: 12 Hotels Near Mumbai: Perfect Stay At The City That Never Sleeps
4. Shirdi
Settled in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi is a spiritual spot for pilgrims. It is known as the home of Sai Baba, fondly called the ‘child of God.’ The sacred site has a lot of religious places like Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir (Shri Saibaba Samadhi Mandir), Lendi Baug, Dwarkamai, Gurusthan, Khandoba Mandir, Abdul Baba’s Cottage, Samadhi Mandir and Chavadi. There are several stalls close by selling pictures, paintings and idols of Sai Baba, which can be taken home as souvenirs.
Apart from the religious spots, there is a Sai Heritage Village, an artificial village with life-like statues depicting instances from Sai Baba’s lifetime. A devotional theme park dedicated to Baba, known as Sai Teerth, exhibits robotic, laser, acrobatics and 5-D shows, along with a mini-train temple ride of ten of India’s most significant temples.
Best time to visit: October to February
Distance from Mumbai: 240 km
Must-try: Langar at Shree Sai Prasadalaya, consisting of a solar-powered kitchen
Other attractions: Shani Shingnapur
5. Kolhapur
Situated in the southwestern part of Maharashtra, Kolhapur is famous for Kolhapuri chappal, jaggery, masala and saaj (necklace). It is known as the “Kashi of the South,” as the city has many temples like Shri Mahalaxmi Temple, Jyotiba Temple, Kopeshwar Temple and Binkhambi Ganesh Temple. History enthusiasts can head to the ancient Panhala Fort which is zigzag in structure, because of which it is called the “Fort of Snakes.”
To dive deeper into the history of Kolhapur, one can visit Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum, which exhibits various items owned by the Kolhapur rulers. The enchanting Rankala Lake, which is often called “Marine Drive of Kolhapur,” offers boating and horse riding facilities. The Bhavani Mandap is a prominent historical site within the confines of Kolhapur, which has a life-size statue of Shahu Maharaj and a temple of Goddess Tulja Bhavani.
Best time to visit: November to February
Distance from Mumbai: 376.8 km
Must-try: Kolhapuri Misal, Zunka Bhakari with Thecha, Rajabhau Bhel
Other attractions: Radhanagari Dam, Kaneri Math, Vishalgad Fort
Suggested Read: These Mumbai To Goa Special Summer Trains Will Now Make Your Journey In 2023 Hassle-Free
6. Ganpatipule
Ganpatipule is a picturesque town located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, along the Konkan coast. The destination is famous for its beaches and temples. The town got its name from a folklore that Ganapati, the elephant God, has moved his abode from Gule to Pule, hence named Ganpatipule.
Ganpatipule Beach is a scenic location, famous for its mesmerising sunsets and activities like paragliding, motorboat & peddle boat rides, water scooters & camel rides. The famous Swayambhu Ganapati Temple has an idol of Lord Ganpati, which is said to have originated on its own, that sits on a lion. The ancient Jaigad Fort is now in ruins but some architecture has stood the test of time and must be visited. The premises have temples of Lord Ganesha and Hanuman, the palace of Kanhoji Angre and a lighthouse in proximity to the fort.
Best time to visit: October to March
Distance from Mumbai: 337.6 km
Must-try: Modak, Kokam Kadi, Fish curry
Other attractions: Hedvi Ganesh Temple & Beach, Velneshwar, Malgund, Pawas
Further Read: 22 Monsoon Trekking Destinations Near Mumbai & Pune
Now that you have a list of places to visit for 3 days trip from Mumbai, bookmark it for your next getaway. Pack your bags and head to any of the above locations with your loved ones super soon! If not based in Maharashtra, check out our Mumbai Tour Packages and plan a long trip that can cover the film capital of India and its nearby locations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Days Trip from Mumbai
Where should I go for a 3 day vacation from Mumbai?
Some of the best locations for 3 days trip in India from Mumbai are:
1. Aurangabad
2. Lonavala & Khandala
3. Ganpatipule
4. Kolhapur
5. Shirdi
6. Matheran
What are the major festivals celebrated in Shirdi?
Ramnavmi, Guru Purnima and Vijayadashami are the major festivals celebrated in Shirdi with great fervour.
Which is the best hill station near Mumbai?
Lonavala is considered a favourite hill station near Mumbai among locals and tourists alike.
Where to stay in Lonavala?
Some of the accommodation options in Lonavala are:
1. Fariyas Resort Lonavala
2. Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa
3. Radisson Resort And Spa Lonavala
4. Mizzle Exotica Lonavala
5. Nostravila
What is the best place to visit near Mumbai in monsoon?
Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Igatpuri, Matheran and Panchgani are some of the best places to visit near Mumbai during monsoon.
What locations can be visited in 3 days trip from Mumbai for couple?
The couples can visit any of the idyllic hill stations like Matheran, Lonavala, Khandala, Satara, Mahabaleshwar, Karjat, Lavasa and more.
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