The Sahyadri mountain ranges of Maharashtra are home to unmatched natural beauty. Thanks to this, a number of cozy and magical hill stations have called it home for many decades. Among these, Mahabaleshwar is perhaps the most well-known, and for good reason. Boasting a collection of awe-inspiring peaks, gorging rivers, expansive magical forests, green valleys, Mahabaleshwar is amply gifted with nature’s beauty. The serene hill station is not just home to scintillating sights, but also to some of Maharashtra’s most important rivers and of course, tourism spots like the Pratapgarh Fort and the Kshetra Mahabaleshwar Temple among many others.
While on one hand, Mahabaleshwar is home to many awesome elements, the Sahyadri Ranges are home to many other hill stations that boast similar natural beauty and equally interesting tourist spots. If you’re looking to extend your time in the Sahyadri Ranges, here’s a list of top hill stations near Mahabaleshwar.
10 Best Hill Stations Near Mahabaleshwar
Have a look at the best hill stations to visit near Mahabaleshwar. These hill stations make for great weekend getaways and short trips.
1. Panchgani – 18 Km From Mahabaleshwar
2. Lavasa – 162 Km From Mahabaleshwar
3. Raigad – 127 Km From Mahabaleshwar
4. Lonavla – 178 Km From Mahabaleshwar
5. Khandala – 181 Km From Mahabaleshwar
6. Rajmachi – 122.8 Km From Mahabaleshwar
7. Malshej Ghat – 239 Km From Mahabaleshwar
8. Bhandardara – 294 Km From Mahabaleshwar
9. Ratanwadi – 309 Km From Mahabaleshwar
10. Amboli – 292 Km From Mahabaleshwar
1. Panchgani
A short drive from Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is perfect for an extended weekend. Reaching here involves a pleasant drive of just 18 kilometers from Mahabaleshwar. Situated at an altitude of 1,334 meters, the hill station is overshadowed by five towering peaks of Sahyadris. Hence, the name Panchgani. The hill station is a special point of interest for those seeking some serious adrenaline rush. From exciting hikes to adventure sports like paragliding, Panchgani is known for offering a range of exhilarating activities.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 18 kilometers
Altitude: 1334 meters
Best time to visit: September-May
Things To Do: Explore The Tribal Lifestyle At Devrai Art Village, Go Boating On The Beautiful Venna Lake, Try Paragliding in Panchgani
Places to Visit: Table Land Viewpoint, Kamalgad Fort, Harrison’s Folly, Panchganga Mandir
Places to Stay: JKG State Shantivan Cottages, Panchgani Cottages, Greenwood cottages
Must Read: 6 Best Places For Water Sports In Maharashtra You Must Experience
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2. Lavasa
Ever visited an old hill station and wondered what it looked like in its former days, when the buildings were brand new, the roads were paved, and growth was flourishing in every corner of the city? Well, if you did, you can find out how it all looked with a visit to Lavasa.
Lavasa is an extremely well-planned, privately developed hill station that offers picturesque views and some incredibly well-developed infrastructure. However, the secret behind Lavasa’s sudden popularity is the fact that the town planning and architecture are heavily influenced by the Italian city of Portofino. Give your Mahabaleshwar trip a firangi twist with by paying this beautiful hill town a visit.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 162 kilometers
Altitude: 915 meters
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Things To Do: Watersports, Spot Them Birds, Treat The Foodie In You, The Perfect Place To Chill
Places to Visit: The Promenade, Lakeshore Watersport, Tikona Fort
Places to Stay: Ekaant Retreat, Fortune Select Dasve, Lavasa Lake View Apartment
Suggested Read: 35 Places To Visit In Mahabaleshwar For A Refreshing Maharashtra Trip
3. Raigad
Home to the tomb of famous Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and a former Maratha base, Raigad is rich with stories that shaped our modern culture. The Raigad fort, a prized possession of Shivaji is the most important relic of the scenic hill station, and for good reason. The Rajgad Fort is as much an important historical site as it is an interesting architectural feat. The fort is created atop an irregularly shaped rock and still has stood the test of time over several decades.
Apart from the Rajgad fort, there are a couple of other places worth paying a visit in Rajgad, like the Madhe Ghat and the Jagadishwar Temple. Diveagar Beach is also a short drive away.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 127kilometers
Altitude: 2851 meters
Best time to visit: November-March
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4. Lonavla
One of the most famous hill stations of Maharashtra, Lonavla has been gifted with unmatched natural beauty. Home to famous tourist spots like the Bushi Dam and Tiger’s Leap Peak, Lonavla is has something for every kind of traveler. Best visited during monsoon, the hill station has been a hit among couples for decades. However, from enjoying the monsoon showers on the steps of Bushi Dam to exciting hikes, there is no dearth of activities to do in Lonavala.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 178 kilometers
Altitude: 624 meters
Best time to visit: July-September
Things To Do: Experience The Splendid Beauty, Go Bungee-Jumping, Camping Experience, Trek All The Way Up
Places to Visit: Bhushi Dam, Tungarli Lake, Tiger’s Leap, Rajmachi Fort
Places to Stay: Treebo Trend IndraLok Inn, Treebo Trend Five Elements, FabHotel Lakme Executive FC Road
Suggested Read: 22 Absolutely Breathtaking Places To Visit In Monsoon In Maharashtra
5. Khandala
If you are a 90’s kid, you’ve probably heard of this hill station in the famous Bollywood Song starring Amir Khan. Khandala houses scores of awe-inspiring waterfalls, a dense forest cover, and abundant natural beauty which make it a popular weekend getaway among the residents of Pune and Mumbai.
The best part is, Khandala is not only close to Mahabaleshwar but to other amazing hill stations like Lonavala. In fact, Khandala and Lonavala are frequently visited by travelers on a single trip, thanks to their close proximity to each other.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 181 kilometers
Altitude: 550 meters
Best time to visit: July-September
Things To Do: Glancing Sihyadri Region, Best Shopping Experience, Peaceful Ambience, For Adventure Lover
Places to Visit: Lohagad Fort, The Bhaja And Karla Caves, Rajmachi Fort, Shrivardhan Fort
Places to Stay: Weekend Nursery & Cottages, Hillscape Khandala, LXR Chalets
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6. Rajmachi
Rajmachi, also sometimes known as Udhewadi, is more of a hilly village than a hill station. The village is a popular destination among hiking enthusiasts in neighboring cities of Mumbai and Pune. Rajmachi fort trek is a great, beginner-friendly trek that is accessible by two paths, one of which involves only an easy 30-minute walk.
The village also has a rich history, and has been under the reign of many great rulers ranging from Aurangzeb to Shivaji Maharaj.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 122.8 kilometers
Altitude: 826 meters
Best time to visit: July-September
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7. Malshej Ghat
Ancient temples, beautiful lakes, towering dams, and mystical forts perched on the hills, these are the things that best describe the hill station Malshej Ghat. Naturally, the hill station attracts scores of nature and adventure lovers from nearing cities like Mumbai. The most frequented spots of the hill station include the hike to Harishchandragad Fort, Malshej Falls, and the Ajoba Hills Fort.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 239 kilometers
Altitude: 700 meters
Best time to visit: July-March
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8. Bhandardara
A relatively unexplored gem in Maharashtra, Bhandardara is blessed with all the elements that make a hill station special. Powerful waterfalls and calm lakes, tall peaks and towering dams, Bhandardara has something for all sorts of nature lovers.
Since the hill station is yet to undergo a tourist revolution, it gives city dwellers a chance to truly get away from the hustle-bustle of the city, something that is lost in the crowds flocking to well-known hill stations.
If you’re looking to spend a few days living close to nature surrounded by Instagram worthy natural beauty in every direction, Bhandardara is the place to be.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 294 kilometers
Altitude: 740 meters
Best time to visit: July-March
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9. Ratanwadi
Ratanwadi is a hilly village situated very close to Bhandardara. Accessible through a 20-minute boat ride through Arthur Lake in Bhandardara, Ratanwadi has a couple of interesting spots. With that said, the Ratangarh Fort and Amruteshwar Temple are both extremely important relics of Maharashtrian history, and also make for an amazing trekking experience that is equal parts exciting and beautiful.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 309 kilometers
Altitude: 1296 meters
Best time to visit: September-April
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10. Amboli
Another lesser explored hill station near Mahabaleshwar, Amboli is also the last hill station in the Sahyadri Ranges before the plains of Goa begin. In fact, this distance might just be the reason that a lot of tourists don’t come here every weekend. Amboli is home to some truly magical waterfalls and a couple of exhilarating treks, making the hill station perfect for nature and adventure lovers.
Distance from Mahabaleshwar: 292 kilometers
Altitude: 688 meters
Best time to visit: June-September
Further Read: 30 Forts In Maharashtra That Will Let You Experience Its Rich Heritage
It must be clear by now that the Sahyadri Ranges are filled to the brim with truly gorgeous hill stations. While some enjoy a lot of fame, others still remain unexplored by travelers. But all of them have one thing in common that they are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and plenty of adventure. Book a trip to one of these hill stations near Mahabaleshwar and have an amazing time!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Stations Near Mahabaleshwar
What is the best time to visit Sahyadri Range?
The Sahyadri range boasts of a pleasant temperature throughout the year. However, the true beauty of the mountain ranges is revealed during and after the monsoons in September and October.
How to reach Mahabaleshwar?
Mahabaleshwar does not have a railway station or airport. The most conveniently located airport and railway station are in Pune.
Is it safe to drive to Mahabaleshwar?
Yes, the roads are well maintained and safe, and it is absolutely safe to drive to Mahabaleshwar, and in the Sahyadris in general.
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