Monsoon Destinations in Maharashtra

The Sahyadris turn a different colour once the monsoon sets in, and Maharashtra has some of the most accessible monsoon scenery in the country for a weekend crew trip out of Mumbai or Pune.

Lonavala and Khandala

The easiest monsoon escape from both cities. Bhushi Dam, Tiger's Leap, and dozens of roadside waterfalls appear the moment the rain starts. It gets crowded on weekends, so an early start helps a lot.

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani

Cooler, greener, and quieter than Lonavala, with the added bonus of strawberry season overlapping the start of the rains. Roads through the ghats can be misty and slow, so plan for a longer drive than the distance suggests.

Bhandardara

A quieter alternative to the more commercial hill stations. Wilson Dam and Randha Falls are both at their best in monsoon, and Arthur Lake makes for a calm base if your crew wants fewer crowds.

Matheran

India's only vehicle-free hill station, reached by a short toy train or a walk up from the base. Monsoon mist rolling through the car-free lanes is a different experience from the usual hill-station visit.

A note on monsoon trekking

Spots like Harishchandragad and the Kalavantin Durg pinnacle are popular monsoon treks, but rock faces get dangerously slippery and rivers can flash flood with little warning. If your crew wants to trek in the rains, go with an experienced local guide, check weather advisories the same morning, and always have a plan to turn back.

Planning notes

• •Best time to visit: July to September for peak monsoon greenery
• •Roads through ghat sections can see landslides in heavy rain. Check state highway advisories before you leave
• •Waterfalls look their most dramatic right after heavy rain, which is also when they are most dangerous to get close to
• •Carry rain gear for the whole crew, not just ponchos. Sahyadri weather turns quickly

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