Who doesn’t like a road trip? If you have an extended weekend off from work, head out onto the open roads. There are few places proximate to Mumbai which are perfect for a short road trips from Mumbai.
1. Mumbai > Mahabaleshwar > Kaas Plateau :
Mahabaleshwar makes for a great road trip from Mumbai. It is around a 5-6 hour drive and one would have to drive on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. Kaas Plateau of Flowers is located around 40kms from Mahabaleshwar and is worth the visit especially during the monsoon.
These short trips from Mumbai will help take the tension off your mind and these are among the best places near Mumbai to visit.
2. Mumbai > Ganpatipule > Ratnagiri > Tarkarli :
The road trip from Mumbai to Ganpatipule is exhilarating. You will feel like you’re on vacation as soon as you drive through the stretch. The best route to take from Mumbia is via Panvel - Khed and Chiplun. The road is not too bad but it can get a little rough during the monsoon. The Ganpatipule-Ratnagiri region is home to some of the best beaches in Maharashtra, giving Goa tough competition.
Tarkarli around 150kms from Ratnagiri and is great for water sports enthusiasts.
3. Mumbai > Malshej Ghat > Ajanta Caves > Lonar Crater :
The long drive from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat is around 130km. Those 3-4 hours that you will spend in the car is worth is. Malshej Ghat is a quaint hill station in the Western Ghats, perfect for a weekend off in the midst of nature. If you want, take a trip to Ajanta caves which is around 330km from Malshej ghat via Aurangabad. You must make a visit to Lonar Crater. This beautiful lake was formed by a meteorite strike.
It can be accessed by a short hike. Who said there are a dearth of places near Mumbai to visit?
Must Read: best road trips in india
4. Mumbai > Amboli > Goa :
No long drive from Mumbai plan is ever complete without adding Goa to the mix. However, before reaching the beach destination, stop over at Amboli. The drive past the area offers some incredible views which lead to the Amboli waterfall. Goa is just around 100km from Amboli.
If you want a little adventure, visit Ganpatipule beach while on your way back from Goa.
5. Mumbai > Vadodra > Ahmedabad > Bhuj > Kutch :
This road trip from Mumbai might seem a little daunting. Don’t be scared, it is doable. The NH-8 will make it possible. The journey from Mumbai to Ahmedabad will take a day. If you want, you can also make a visit to Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park located near Vadodra.
This is the best time to undertake these road trips from Mumbai.