5 hill stations in Maharashtra that you should visit at least once in your lifetime

Wondering where to go on your next vacation? This article may help you.

Although Maharashtra is mostly known for its two major cities Mumbai and Pune, the city is also blessed with a lot of travel destinations. From historical heritages to beaches, from forests to pilgrimages, Maharashtra attracts thousands of tourists from all over the country. The state also offers some hill stations which are magnificently beautiful, charming and attractive.

Let's take a look at some of the must visit hill stations in Maharashtra.

  1. Mahabaleshwar: Probably the most popular hill station in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar literally means "God of great power". Located in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is best known for its attractive mountains, strawberry firms, dense forests, ancient temples, streams, valleys and waterfalls. Chinaman’s Falls, Venna Lake, Dhobi Waterfall, Elephant’s Head Point are some of the must visit places in Mahabaleshwar.
  2. Lonavala: If you are bored in the chaotic city life, then Lonavala can be the most perfect destination for you. Rich in natural beauty, picturesque landscapes and moist weather, Lonavala will fill your heart with a lot of peace and calmness. Lonavala Lake, Valvan Dam, Shivaji Udyan, Karla Caves and Duke’s Nose are the main tourist attractions of Lonavala.
  3. Khandala: You have definitely heard the name from the iconic song "Aati kya Khandala?" in the Aamir Khan, Rani Mukherjee starrer film 'Ghulam'! Well, what you may not know is that the place is breathtakingly beautiful and a treat for every tourist. The majestic hills, enchanting valleys, foggy waterfalls, charming lakes and the pleasant weather make this place a perfect destination for you. Monsoon is the most ideal time to visit Khandala and Bedsa Caves, Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort etc are some of the must visit places in Khandala.
  4. Matheran: Located at a height of about 800 metres, Matheran literally means "forest on the head" and its gorgeous beauty will completely leave you mesmerized. The stunning views of the surrounding hills, the calm and pollution free nature, the hypnotic beauty of the green forests, the scenic valleys and the amazing local foods make this place an amazing destination for you. Matheran is also famous for its toy train ride and street markets.
  5. Panchgani: Charming nature, enriching history, adrenaline-fuelled adventures; Panchgani has everything that you want to experience in your weekend trip. Surrounded by five hill stations, Panchgani offers you a lot; from charming mountains to mesmerizing waterfalls, from dense forests to fascinating valleys and many more. Table Land, Kaas Plateau, Rajpuri Caves are some of the main attractions of Panchgani.
Also Igatpuri, Malshej Ghat, Bhandardara, Karoli, Chikhaldara, Rajmachi, Lavasa, Gaganbavda, Amboli, Rajmachi are some of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra that you simply cannot miss.