Why do people love hill stations? You feel rejuvenated and refreshed in the beautiful surroundings and scenery. The experience of going to a hill station for vacation is overwhelming.
Thankfully, India has been blessed with several picturesque and serene hill stations. So you have many choices, from the Himalayas in the north to Nilgiris in the south or Aravalis in the west.
If you consider only the state of Maharashtra, you will also find many hill stations spread across the Sahyadri range of mountains.
Let’s explore the Top 10 Hill Stations in Maharashtra.
1. Matheran
Matheran is the only hill station in the world where you are not allowed to take the vehicle beyond a certain point. It is a 100% vehicle-free zone. The meaning of Matheran is “forest on the top.” It is because of the lush green thick forest on the top of the mountains.
It is famous for long trails in thick forests, scenic points, and unmatched peace and serenity. It is the perfect place for meditation and self-realization.
The dense forests and silent walkways transport the visitors to a different mystical world and include it in the Best hill stations in Maharashtra.
2. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is recognized and regarded as “The Queen of Hill-stations” in India. It is perfect for family trips, group tours, and honeymoons. It is around 300 kilometers from Mumbai and 120 kilometers from Pune. When you book the Mahabaleshwar tour package, ensure that you go there for at least three to four days.
Due to its closeness to Mumbai and Pune and superb natural beauty, Mahabaleshwar is one of the favorite spots and among the Top 10 Hill Stations in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant throughout the year except for monsoons. Therefore, the place is always crowded. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are twin hill stations that make your vacations memorable.
3. Lonavala-Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are other hill stations near Pune that have become a perfect weekend gateway. Both Mumbai and Pune are at a convenient distance from Lonavala and Khandala. They are very well connected by road and railway.
Though they are gorgeous in any season, the real beauty can be witnessed during the Monsoon. There are several spots where one can see beautiful valleys and mountains. Bhushi dam is a major attraction during the rainy season.
Breathtaking scenes and beautiful green forests make these two places the best for a family outing and a honeymoon destination.
4. Malshej Ghat
This is a typical Monsoon Special place. Its lush green surrounding and fantastic landscapes are a true feast for the eyes and mind. It is on the border of the Thane and Ahmednagar districts. Gushing water from descending waterfalls is worth watching. When there is heavy rain, you can feel the mist around you. It creates a scene like a dream sequence in a movie.
In recent years, Malshej Ghat has become a star location, especially popular among youngsters. Not only the natural scenery, but the place has a variety of rich flora and fauna. Various migratory birds, including flamingos, arrive here.
When you explore Maharashtra hill station Packages, ensure that Malshej Ghat is in the plan.
5. Bhimashankar
It is not just one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, important shiva temples in India but a place blessed with wonderful natural beauty. If you want to go to a site that blends adventure, natural beauty, and spirituality, then nothing can beat Bhimashankar. You can go there in any season, but Monsoon makes it great. The forests of Bhimashanar are famous for the Giant Squirrel or Shekar. The temple is located in the mid of dense forest and serene surroundings. When you make the Maharashtra hill station list, Bhimashanakr is one of them.
6. Bhandardara
When you look for a perfect weekend break in the Top 10 Hill Stations in Maharashtra, Bhandardara is perfect. It is located in the north of Ahmednagar district. Bhandardara is known for towering waterfalls where thousands of liters of water fall from a great height.
There is an ancient temple called Amruteshwara, which brings unique architecture. Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam are other well-known places in Bhandardara.
7. Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara is in the Vidarbha region. The distance is far, but it is a famous hill station with rich flora and fauna and serene surroundings. When you want to reconnect with yourself and rejuvenate your senses away from worldly affairs, you must go to Chikhaldara.
The famous Melghat Project Tiger is near Chikhaldara. It is home to over 800 species of plants. And you can see tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian Gaurs, and various other rare species like Flying Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Honey Badger, and Pangolin.
8. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is one of the famous hill stations in the Western Ghats located in the Nashik District. There you can find some highest peaks of Sahyadri Mountain Range. So whether you are a nature lover or adventure seeker, Igatpuri will make you happy.
Igatpuri has gained fame in recent years due to Vipassana International Academy. It is the largest Vipassana Meditation Center in the world.
What is Igatpuri famous for? There are many things, such as historical forts, rivers, mountains, waterfalls, and some magnificent vistas. Book one of the Best Travel Agency In Mumbai and explore the unseen beauty of Igatpuri.
9. Gaganbavda
Why is Gaganbavda a famous place for the shootings of various Hindi and Marathi movies? It is because of the fantastic surroundings and widespread natural beauty. It becomes highly attractive during the monsoon season. The whole place gets covered with mist and becomes lush green. The chilling winds and dense fog cover make it a perfect hill station. The other famous sites are Gagangad Fort, the Math of Gagangiri Maharaj, and Palsambe Monolithic Temples.
10. Amboli
Another hill station in Maharashtra that has recently gained fame and reserved its place in the Top 10 Hill Stations in Maharashtra is Amboli. It is located at the southernmost point of Maharashtra State. Due to its immense natural splendor, it is called the Queen of Maharashtra. The cool and calm surroundings make Amboli an ideal holiday place for families.
Along with its natural beauty, tourists enjoy the rich flora and fauna. The place has been blessed with diverse ecology. Hundreds of species of plants, trees, animals, birds, reptiles, and butterflies exist.
