Mahabaleshwar | Matheran | Lonawala | Alibaug | Malshej Ghat

When I was in school, I always had some inclination toward official conferences and tours. I always used to think “wow – it’s so much fun in travelling/conferences”. My fantasy soon became a hard reality, and I got to know the fact that all these conferences are super hectic. Luckily I got a chance to roam around during all my conference places in the free time.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a small hill station in the Western Ghats range and is among the popular gateway destinations from Mumbai. The hill station is very relaxing and beautiful.  A few spots which can be seen include:

• 3 monkey point – Natural sculpture of 3 st
  ones in the shape of a monkey
• Wilson Point – highest point watching for sunrise/sunset
• Arthur Seat point
• Veena lake
• Needle Point

Generally, the names given to these spots are I feel only for creating more tourists spots, else, it’s the similar view from different angles which is mesmerizing.

One can visit around the year to get a break from the hectic city life.

Matheran

It is another hill station in the Western Ghats range. It is very popular weekend gateway from Mumbai. The hill station is very beautiful which preserves the British style architecture.

The roads are made of red sand/stone (whatever you call it). One has to either walk or ride on horses to roam around. There is no other vehicle available.

The feeling/experience of riding on a horse is splendid. There are again similar spots for tourism.

I do not remember all the spot’s names, but a couple of them are:

• Panorama point – The sunrise and sunset look beautiful from this place. Also, I have eaten the best VadaPav (Maharashtrian snack) to date on this point.
• Other spots are Echo Point, Louisa Point….etc.

One can visit around the year as a weekend gateways from Mumbai.

Lonawala

It is another hill station and a popular weekend
gateway. It is more famous for Chikki (various types of sweet hard candy). There are multiple spots designed that one can visit.

There is also a small town and lake which can be visited.

The best time to travel to this place is during the rainy season when the view from the hill is breath-taking.

Alibagh

It is a coastal town in Konkan, Maharashtra. Alibagh Beach and Fort are the two major attractions at this place. One can travel from Mumbai to Alibagh by Ferry or Road. The ferries from Mumbai’s Gateway of India run at hourly frequency.

It gets a bit hot during the summer but is a good option as a gateway from Mumbai for relaxation.

Malshej Ghat

It is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats range. It is another very popular destination for a day’s picnic and gateways from Mumbai & Pune. There are gushing waterfalls on the roads to enjoy.

The only resort there is overbooked during the peak season; therefore, one needs to do pre booking before reaching this place if planning to stay overnight. The other resorts are little far off.

Best time to Visit – Monsoon months Aug-Sep

All these places are good relaxing gateways/day picnic spots from Mumbai or Pune.

My Suggestion – One should stay there overnight to admire the beauty offered by nature.