Mumbai might be the city that never shuts up (seriously, even at 3 a.m. you’ll still find vada pav stalls buzzing), but sometimes you just need to escape the chaos. Luckily, there are plenty of places to visit near Mumbai that feel like a whole new world. A short drive can take you to breezy beaches, misty hill stations, ancient caves, or even a vineyard where you can sip wine and pretend Monday doesn’t exist.

The best part about planning weekend getaways near Mumbai? You’re not stuck waiting on delayed trains or paying a fortune for last-minute cabs. With a self-drive, you’re in charge – leave at sunrise, stop for endless chai breaks, or take detours whenever a roadside sign tempts you with “the best misal pav in Maharashtra.”

In this blog, I’m breaking down the top weekend getaways from Mumbai in 2025 – from the classic tourist favorites to underrated gems – so whether you’ve got a long weekend or just two days, you’ll have plenty of options to escape the city buzz.

Why Zoomcar Works for Road Trips

Let’s be real: public transport can kill the vibe. Either it’s late, crowded, or way too rigid. With Zoomcar, you skip all that. You pick your car, blast your playlist, and hit the road on your own terms. For exploring road trip places near Mumbai, it’s basically freedom on four wheels – and way more fun than being herded onto a bus.

Benefits of self-drive rentals include:

Total Command: You can take a detour to a secret beach or stop at hidden restaurants without having to ask the driver.

Self-drive rental benefits include:

• Total Command: You don’t have to ask a driver if you want to stop at secret restaurants or take a detour to a secret beach.
• Private & Safe: It is safer and more comfortable to travel in your group only.
• Cost-effective: Renting a car with friends or family is frequently less expensive than calling a cab for the entire day.
• Adventure Ready: Ghats, forests, and coastlines surround Mumbai, making it the perfect place for picturesque self-drives.
  

1. The Monsoon Favorite, Lonavala

85 km | 2 hours of driving time

June through February is the ideal time to visit.

Lonavala, one of the most well-liked weekend getaways to Mumbai, is a monsoon paradise. Within a short drive, you are greeted by rolling hills, waterfalls, and foggy scenery.

A must-do in Lonavala is to see the expansive valley views from Tiger Point and Lion’s Point.

• Discover Kune Falls and Bhushi Dam.
• For regional treats, don’t miss the Chikki shops.
  

Lonavala is perfect for a last-minute plan. Book a Zoomcar, grab your favourite snacks, and set off for a day in the clouds.

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2. Beachside Bliss in Alibaug

95 km (including the ferry) Two to three hours of driving

November through March is the ideal time to visit.

Alibaug is one of the top getaways near Mumbai for a beachside escape. This seaside town, which can be reached by road or ferry, is renowned for its relaxed charm.

Highlights: 

• Visit the beaches at Varsoli, Nagaon, and Alibaug.
• When the tide is low, visit Kolaba Fort.
• Enjoy beachside cottages and seafood.
  

Alibaug is a perfect place to visit near Mumbai for couples or families looking for peace and privacy. Drive there or hop on the Mandwa ferry, and your Zoomcar will be waiting on the other side too.

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3. Matheran – The No-Vehicle Hill Station

Best Time to Visit: October to May; 

Distance: 80 km; 

Drive Time: 2.5 hours

Vehicles are prohibited beyond a certain point at Matheran, a unique hill station. Park your Zoomcar at Dasturi and explore the scenic viewpoints on foot or horseback.

What to Explore:

• Visit Panorama Point, Echo Point, and Charlotte Lake.
• Take the toy train for a nostalgic ride.
• Savor quiet walks free from the sounds of traffic.

This weekend getaway from Mumbai is a verdant haven, perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and want to escape the bustle of the city.

4. Nashik – Vineyards and Temples

165 km | 3.5 hours of driving time

November through March is the ideal time to visit.

Do you yearn for a weekend of wine tasting or a spiritual place to visit near Mumbai? In Nashik, both are accessible. Known for its historic temples and vineyards, it’s one of the most versatile weekend getaways near Mumbai.

How to Do It: 

• Have lunch and a wine tasting at wineries in York or Sula.
• See the Pandav Leni caves and Trimbakeshwar Temple.
• Enjoy a stroll or heritage walk beside the Godavari River.

Book a comfortable Zoomcar and make this a relaxing two-day retreat.

5. Igatpuri: Views of the Hills and Waterfalls

120 km | 2.5 hours of driving time

July through February is the ideal time to visit.

A monsoon wonder, Igatpuri is tucked away in the Sahyadris.The drive is full of lush greenery, and the destination is equally peaceful.

Must-Visit:

• Bhatsa River Valley and Camel Valley.
• Vipassana International Academy (Dhamma Giri).
• Kalsubai Peak trek and Ghatandevi Temple.

Igatpuri is a great getaway near Mumbai, whether you’re trekking or just relaxing with a view of the mountains.

6. Daman: Portuguese Heritage and Beach

180 km | 4 hours of driving time

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Compared to Goa, Daman is less crowded and offers beaches, forts, and old-world charm. One of the lesser-known weekend escapes from Mumbai is this one.

Highlights: 

• Visit Jampore Beach and Devka Beach.
• See Daman Fort and the historic Church of Bom Jesus.
• Taste the street food and seafood from the area.
  

Daman is perfect for a slightly longer weekend road trip with a different vibe.

7. Lavasa: The Town by the Lake

190 kilometers and 4.5 hours of driving

The best time to go is from October to March.

Lavasa is a special place to visit near Mumbai because of its well-planned layout, views of the lake, and European-style promenade. It still promises beauty and tranquility, but it is quieter now than it was in its prime.

• Activities: Enjoy walks by the lake and water sports.
• Sip coffee at the cafés along the waterfront.
• Take pictures of views and architecture that are fit for Instagram.

This is one of the charming getaways near Mumbai where the journey is as beautiful as the destination.

8. Bhandardara: The Hidden Gem of the Ghats

Best Time to Go: September to February
Distance from Mumbai: ~165 km
Drive Time: Around 4 hours

If you’re tired of the usual Lonavala-Alibaug circuit and want weekend getaways from Mumbai that actually feel like a break, Bhandardara is your spot. Tucked in the Sahyadri ranges, this quiet hill retreat gives you Arthur Lake’s mirror-like waters on one side and the historic Wilson Dam on the other.

It’s the kind of place where you trade traffic jams for misty mornings, and café noise for the sound of waterfalls. Think of it as nature’s version of airplane mode – a reset button just four hours from the city.

 Quiet, scenic, and refreshingly offbeat, it’s one of those rare getaways near Mumbai where you can actually hear yourself think.

If your idea of a trip is unwinding with killer views instead of fighting through crowds, this is the place. Waterfalls steal the show here – Randha Falls and Umbrella Falls are both worth the detour – and the lake views are the kind that make you want to ditch your phone for a while.

For anyone hunting weekend getaways from Mumbai that combine nature, silence, and a little adventure, Bhandardara is a top pick. 

• It’s the kind of place where you drive up for a weekend, breathe fresher air, and head back Monday feeling like you’ve actually taken a break.
• Camp lakeside or take a boat ride.
• Trek to Ratangad Fort or Mount Kalsubai.
  

It’s a perfect offbeat location to explore with friends or solo with a reliable Zoomcar.

9. Strawberry Fields in Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar Forever

Best Time to Go: December to March
Distance from Mumbai: ~270 km
Drive Time: 5–6 hours

If you’re craving weekend getaways near Mumbai that mix nature with a little nostalgia, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar are the twin towns you can’t skip. Famous for their endless strawberry farms, sweeping valleys, and old-school colonial vibes, these hill stations are basically the cooler cousins of Lonavala.

The drive itself is long enough to feel like a proper road trip, but totally worth it. Once you’re there, you’ve got places to visit near Mumbai that feel worlds away – think the massive plateau of Table Land, picture-perfect Parsi Point, and of course, the joy of biting into fresh strawberries straight from the farm.

• For anyone planning weekend getaways from Mumbai where you can actually slow down, sip on strawberry cream, and take in stunning valley views, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar are unbeatable. It’s the kind of getaway near Mumbai you’ll want to turn into a yearly ritual.
• Take pleasure in boating at Venna Lake.
• For strawberry-based treats, stop by Mapro Garden.

Mahabaleshwar is hands down one of the best places to visit near Mumbai if you’ve got a long weekend to spare. With its cool weather, strawberry farms, and endless viewpoints, it’s the kind of trip where you can slow down, eat well, and just soak in the hills.

Road Trip Tips for 2025

Planning weekend getaways near Mumbai? The road trip is half the fun — but only if you play it smart. A few quick hacks can turn the drive into part of the adventure instead of a test of patience:

• Leave early: Nothing ruins the mood faster than spending two hours stuck at a toll booth before you’ve even left the city. Start at sunrise, and those getaways near Mumbai suddenly feel a lot closer.
• Pick the right ride: SUVs crush the ghats with zero effort, while hatchbacks are perfect for city retreats and shorter weekend getaways from Mumbai.
• Cash is king (sometimes): Not every toll booth or roadside dhaba loves UPI. Keep a stash of notes so you’re not stuck drooling over parathas you can’t buy.
• Smarter rentals, smoother trips: Zoomcar’s flexible pickup and drop options save time and stress meaning you can focus on discovering new places to visit near Mumbai instead of juggling logistics.

In conclusion

Weekend getaways near Mumbai offer something for every mood, whether you’re looking for misty hills, breezy beaches, or simply a respite from the bustle of the city.  In all honesty, especially when using a Zoomcar self-drive, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the final destination.  Let the wind take its course, turn down the windows, and play your favorite music.  You suddenly remember why driving never gets old, and traffic bottlenecks, deadlines, and Monday emails seem so far away.

Being able to stop where you want, travel how you want, and stay as long as you want turns any weekend into a miniature adventure.

It definitely is the best place to visit near Mumbai, so don’t wait; pick your trip, book your lodging, and start traveling. Let 2025 be the year of spontaneous vacations and unforgettable experiences.