Murud Janjira

The former capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud-Janjira is popular for its charming beach and ancient fort. The fort stands surrounded by sea on all four sides and has never been conquered in its 300-year old history.

Some of the places of interest are the Dattatreya temple, Garambi Lake, and Kashid and Harihareshwar beaches. 

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Mumbai (165 kms)
Nearest Railway Station: Panvel (122 kms)
By Road: Mumbai-Murud Janjira via Revdanda (165 kms)
By Sea: Launch service is available from 'Ferry Wharf' (Mumbai) to Rewas, 90 minutes away. Buses are available from Rewas to Murud-Janjira.

Bordi Dahanu

Bordi and Dahanu are situated in Thane district, north of Mumbai. Near the 17-km casurina-fringed beaches, the once-barren land is now famous for chikoos.

Close to Bordi is Udwada, the "Mecca of Zoroastrians," where a large temple houses their sacred fire. It is believed that this fire has been kept alive for almost a thousand years.

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Mumbai (145 kms)
Nearest Railway Station: Gholwad (2 kms). It is also accessible from Dahanu (15 kms) on Western Railway.
By Road: Mumbai-Bordi (145 kms). Dahanu-Bordi (15 kms). State Transport buses ply between Dahanu Road and Bordi.
Accommodation: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has self-contained suites, tents and a restaurant service.

The ruins of Bassein speak of the glory of the former Portuguese City protected by marshy land on one side and a vast ocean on the other. Today, this beach is inhabited by Kolis (fisherfolk).

It is advisable to stay clear of the beaches during the monsoons (June - September) as the sea turns rough and choppy.

Getting There

Nearest Railway Station: Vasai
By Road: Well-connected to Mumbai by State Transport Buses.
Accommodation: Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) hotels and private hotels.

 Hill Stations 

Lonavala

This charming little hill station lies on the slopes of the Sahyadri mountains, along the busy Mumbai-Pune highway. Situated at 2,000 feet above sea level, the peak season for a visit is between the months of July and February.
Discovered in 1871, this scenic hill station is at nature's best during the monsoons, attracting a number of tourists. Lonavala is also known for its dams, which supply water to generate electricity at Khopoli Power House.

Tourist attractions

Tungarli Lake: This lake supplies water to Lonavala and is located 3 kms from Lonavala station.
Sherota Dam: Situated on the outskirts of the town, it is the perfect place for an overnight picnic.
Walvan Dam: One of the largest dams here with a length of over 1,700 metres.

Khandala

Khandala, a 2-hour drive from Mumbai, offers a breathtaking view of cascading waterfalls and surrounding mountains. This hill station gained more popularity after actor Aamir Khan's blockbuster song - Aati Kya Khandala.

Tourist attractions

Tiger's Leap: This valley has a fascinating view with a drop of 650 metres.
Duke's and Duchess' Nose: This is one of the finest viewpoints of Khandala. The summit of the hill resembles the nose of the Duke of Wellington (the Iron Duke), after whom it has been named.
One can also visit the 18^th-century forts of Lohagad & Visapur and the caves at Karla and Bedsa.

Getting there

Nearest Airport: Pune (66 kms). There are daily flights to Pune from Mumbai.
By Train: Lonavala is 118 kms from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Pune section of Central Railways.
By Road: It is 104 kms from Mumbai. Private and State Transport buses & taxis ply regularly.

Matheran

In 1850, H.P. Malet, the Collector of Thane, discovered Matheran and converted it into a beautiful hill resort. An hour's journey from Mumbai, it is situated at 2,635 feet above sea level. Here, travellers picnic, indulge in fireside camping, hiking, horse-riding and shop for chikkis, hats and finger-sized footwear. October to May are the best months to visit.

Tourist attractions

Matheran has 33 scenic points, of which Echo Point, Sunset Point and Monkey Point are the most popular.

Charlotte Lake: A lovely picnic spot.
Cathedral Rock: During sunset, this place provides a breathtaking view.
Olympia Racecourse: In the month of May the town holds its annual sports and riding events at the racecourse.

Getting there

Nearest Railway Station: Neral on Central Railways. Experience travelling by the tiny narrow-gauge toy train from Neral to Matheran.
By Road: Taxis are available from Neral to Dastoori Car Park. No vehicles are permitted inside Matheran.
Hiking: For those with a zest for adventure, this hill station is an 11-km hike by road from Neral.

Mahabaleshwar

British General Peter Lodwik, discovered one of the most popular hill stations of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar, situated at an altitude of 4,500 ft above sea level. During the British Raj, it acquired fame as the summer capital of Mumbai province.

The best time to visit would be between October and June.

Tourist attractions

Venna Lake: Built in the year 1842, this lake offers boating and fishing facilities.
Pratapgad Fort: This fort is located 24 kms from Mahabaleshwar. Here, Maratha Chief Chhatrapati Shivaji killed General Afzal Khan, the Commander of Mughals.
Some of the popular view points to be visited in Mahabaleshwar are Wilson Point (Sunrise Point), Connaught Peak Point, Kate's Point, Arthur Seat, Bombay Point (Sunset Point) and Lodwick Point.

Getting there

By Road: This place is best approached from Pune. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has regular bus service from Mumbai, except during monsoons. State transport and private luxury buses also ply on a daily basis.