Maharashtra Hillstations
Hilltop Trips India

Situated on the western side of India, the state of Maharashtra is the land of striking diversities and exceptional liveliness. The land is studded all over with nature's marvel like splendorous stretch of hill stations, picture perfect beaches and man made wonders like the mighty forts, serene temples and rock cut caves. Nestling calmly by the side of Arabian Sea providing splendid views, and having Sacred Rivers like Godavari flowing through it, Maharashtra provides something for both leisurely travelers and devoted pilgrims.

Maharashtra is one of the largest state in India both in terms of population and areas. Its booming capital, Mumbai, makes it not only one of the most important states inexpensively but also a major arrival points for overseas visitors. With big cities like Mumbai, Pune and fast paced lives, features like home to world's biggest film industry, country's fastest growing area, Maharashtra, at first impression seems like a state running a race to become the most developed part of India. But slowly when you explore the interiors of Maharashtra, it starts giving you an insight into its another aspect, the small, calm and spiritual cities.

Dotted with the lush green forest of western Ghats Maharashtra hill stations are very beautiful. Its exhilarating view and the cool weather condition attract tourists all the year round. Visitors have a wonderful time exploring the tranquility of nature and the beauty of the Hill Stations.

Some of the famous hill stations in Maharashtra are Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and Khandala. These perfect picturesque hill stations boost tourists in Maharashtra all the year round. Enjoying a boat ride on the Venna Lake gives an unforgettable experience being in the most exhilarating hill stations of Maharashtra. Tourists will get spell bound with the serene natural beauty and charming beauty of the hill stations of Maharashtra.

Alibag

Alibag is a very picturesque town, situated along the west coast of India. It is a municipal council that falls under the Konkan region of Maharashtra and is counted amongst the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai. The town forms a part of the Raigad district of Maharashtra.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a hill resort in Maharashtra that comes under its Satara district. Perched at an altitude of approximately 1372 m, the hill resort is situated amidst the Sahyadri Hills. You will get an idea about the beauty of the place from the moment you start driving uphill towards it. The drive to Mahabaleshwar, whether in a car or a bus, readies you for the natural splendor the resort is so full of. Located at a distance of approximately 247 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune, it is easily accessible for tourists.

Bhandardara

Located on the shores of Arthur Lake, this placid holiday resort of Bhandardhara in Maharashtra offers opportunities to explore the adventurous side of a hill station vacation. Besides the recreational facilities such as picnics, boating and scenic beauty afforded by the lake, the waterfall cascade - Randha Falls - provides a good opportunity for rafting. You can go sightseeing at the Wilson Dam and Mt. Kalsubai. Though the highest peak in the state, the preferred destination for trekking at Bhandardhara Hill Station is the Shivaji's Ratangad Fort.

Khandala

If you travel to the Khandala hill station of Maharashtra, one thing is for sure - you will fall in love with it at the very first sight. Situated at a distance of approximately 101 km from the Mumbai city of India, the hill station is visited by most of the tourists who visit the Dream City. Infact, most of the people who stay in Mumbai also visit this hill resort on weekends, to forget the daily tensions and let their body as well as their mind relax and rejuvenate. Located amidst the Sahayadri ranges of India, Khandala has an altitude of 625 m.

Lonavala

Lonavala hill resort lies nestled in the Sahayadri ranges of Maharashtra. It is perched at a height of approximately 625 m and is located at a distance of around 96 km from Mumbai and 62 km Pune. The place is very popular, not only amongst vacationers, but also amongst adventure seekers. Trekkers especially find Lonavala a very exciting destination, as it has numerous possibilities for long treks. A visit to the hill station also serves as an excellent getaway, away from the dust and pollution of cities.

Matheran

Matheran is situated in Raigad District. One of the important hill-stations of Maharashtra, situated at the height of 800 mtrs on Sahyadri hills, amidst thick forests. Amid the green Jambol forest. It covers an area of 8 Sq.Km in Sahyadris! One of the few places in India that cannot be reached through road transport, it is accessible through a toy train.

Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat holds special value for hikers, trekkers and adventure lovers. The nature here is at its best. No wonder then that the most exotic migratory flamingoes choose it as their monsoon abode. Close at hand is Shivneri Fort (approx 40 kms.)., birthplace of the legendary Shivaji. The unusual hill has Buddhist Caves dating to the 3 rd century and is surmounted by an important historic fort.

Panchgani

Panchgani is a picturesque hill station of India, situated at a distance of approximately 18 km from Mahabaleshwar. It is one of the most preferred weekend destinations for the people living in Mumbai and Pune.

Panhala

Panhala is situated in Kolhapur District. Historical fort & hillstation. Capital of ancient Bhoj dynesty. It is the only fort in Maharashtra where the whole town is settled on the fort. Sri Shivaji Maharaj conquered this fort in 1659 AD. The historical significance of this fort by Mughul forces of Siddhi Johar & later the dramatic escape of Sri Shivaji & Baji Prabhu Deshpande's sacrifice at the Pawan Khind on way to Vishalgad have been written in golden letters in the history of Maratha warfare. Birth-place of famous Marathi poet Moropant & Samadhi of Ramchandrapant Amatya.

Amboli

Located on the southern ranges of the Sahyadri Hills, Amboli is a hill station that revels in quiet scenic spots and views of the coastal plains that just begin to roll towards the south, escaping the playful grip of the hill slopes. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities in Amboli hill station. Of the many viewpoints is the Sea-view Point that unfolds a view of the Konkan coast merging with the Arabian Sea. Other activities that you can indulge in apart from relaxing amidst breathtaking sunsets and sunrises include angling at Hiranya Keshi, picnics at Nagatta Falls. You can also visit Mahadevgad/ Narayangad on your tour of the hill stations in Maharashtra.

Chikhaldara Hills

Besides its mythological background, Chikhaldara Hill Station in Maharashtra has many claims to fame. There is plenty to do here. You can drive through the coffee plantations; visit the nearby Melghat Tiger Project where you spot a tiger along with Panthers, Sloth Bears etc. There are many scenic points at Hurricane, Prospect and Devi that you must visit on your tour of Chikhaldara Hill Station in Maharashtra. You can also visit the Gaavilgad fort, Narnala Fort, Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Semadoh Lake and the Tribal Museum.

Jawahar

Located in the Thane district, Jawhar Hill Station in Maharashtra is worth a visit on your tour to hill stations in Maharashtra for its picturesque setting and rich cultural heritage. You can visit the grand Dadara Kopra Falls, the tribal king's Jai Vilas Palace, Hanuman Point and Sunset Point, and the historical site of Shirpamal. By no means should you miss the chance to see the Warli paintings that is a tourist destination in itself and a reminder of Jawhar Hill Station's importance as a major tribal kingdom.

Toranmal

Tucked away in the Satpuda Mountains at an altitude of 1461 m., Toranmal is one of the most peaceful places on earth. And when you are tired of plain lazing, you could visit the beautiful Yashwant Lake, Seetha khali or any of the charming temples of olden days.