Pawna Lake Camping:
Pawna Lake with its camping experience around the beautiful setting of the lake amidst nature has gained popularity as one of the major tourist attractions near Mumbai at a distance of 117 km. Camping with friends or solo adventure is what Pawna Lake offers. The Pawna Lake is an artificial reservoir surrounded by the greens of raw nature. The experience ranges from pitching tents, barbecues, music, DJ, bonfires and starry sky. The glistening water of the lake in front of the rolling hills looks quite picturesque and relaxing. Due to the rising tourist demand, there are added adventure activities and water sports that can be done along with camping. To name a few there is paragliding, trekking, ridge dancing, kayaking and many others. You can extend your trip with a visit to the nearby popular places like Lohagad Fort, Tikona Fort and Tung Fort. Best Time to Visit Pawna Lake would be from January to May and October to December.
Igatpuri:
Igatpuri is a small quaint hill station with thundering waterfalls adding to its green verdant beauty. Some of the highest range of Sahyadri surrounds this hill station making it apart from the outside world. Almost untouched by the polluted cities, Igatpuri can be your perfect get-away to rejuvenate and relax. The added charm of ancient ruins and some of the famous temples only adds up the tourist attraction of this region. Some of the famous attractions are Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, Vihigaon waterfall, Tringalwadi fort, Avadhan and many more. Vipassana Academy situated here is one of the world’s largest meditation centres known for wellness retreats. Stargazing in Igatpuri is one of the wildly famous activities to do. All in all, let it be an exploration or adventure activity you will never run out of things to do in Igatpuri.
Matheran:
Matheran is a well-known hill station near Mumbai which boasts of its sunrise and sunset view with stunning landscapes. The pleasant weather and mind-blowing scenery are enough reasons to attract many tourists from all over the place throughout the year. The flourishing flora and fauna in the monsoon and winter months beautify the entire region all the more. Essentially located in the western ghats, Matheran elevates up to a height of 800 metres. If you are a fan of activities like trekking then Matheran is just the place for you with a number of trekking trails. The photography enthusiast also has a liking for Matheran because of its panoramic views. Last but not the least, adventure seekers can also indulge in a number of activities like rappelling, camping, mountain biking and many more. Matheran having something or the other for each and everyone.
Malshej Ghat:
Malshej Ghat located on the border of Thane district and Ahmednagar is a perfect get-away for the people who want a retreat into nature. It is a spell-bounding mountain pass with abundance of flora and flora of the western ghats. Malshej ghat is a gem of a place for all the bird watchers where you can find some of the rare species like flamingos, crakes, rails and such. The region is also known for the mating dance of the flamingos which is rare to witness. Malshej ghat is popular for its dark woods and lush greenery that booms of natural beauty. It’s a hidden lair for wildlife like peacocks, leopards and many more. Shivneri fort, the birthplace of the great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is also located in the area which attracts many tourists. You can also visit some of the scenic villages famous for landscapes and waterfalls.
Durshet:
Nothing can beat Durshet when it comes to immersing in nature. One of the best places to get away from the city life near Mumbai at a mere distance of 76 km is Durshet. Set in the surrounding Sahyadri ranges, Durshet makes the dream of conquering the mountains that you only watch from afar when visiting any hill station. The waterfalls snaking in and out of the sight while falling down from the several hills with verdant meadows and plateaus are some of the few exquisite experiences that Durshet offers. Let loose the explorer in you and go crazy with the history of the ruins of monuments and temples set at high altitude. There are also many water sports and adventure activities that one can take part in. Also, the Imagica park in its vicinity also attracts many tourists. Uddar Hot Springs are best to relax and enjoy the calming environment.