Epic Road Trips from Mumbai During Monsoon! How Many Have You Done? 

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Photo of Epic Road Trips from Mumbai During Monsoon! How Many Have You Done? by Ragini Mehra

“I saw raindrops on my window, joy is like the rain…”

I grew up singing this song and have loved the rains for as long as I can remember. My love for rains and travel always encouraged me to travel during monsoon. I was lucky enough to spend some time in Mumbai and made the most of it by planning road trips around with friends and family. Monsoon was always the best time to do so as that is when the hills come alive with lush greenery, gushing waterfalls and tons of photo opportunities.

Photo of Epic Road Trips from Mumbai During Monsoon! How Many Have You Done?  1/1 by Ragini Mehra
A drive in the rains calls for some fun!

Here are my top 5 recommendations if you’re planning a road trip from Mumbai during the monsoon:

1. Drive to Igatpuri

If I had to describe this route in one word, I would choose serene. The crisp invigorating mountain air envelopes you as soon as you take off in your vehicle for this charming hamlet. You’ll see the roads glistening, the tunnels covered in verdant greens and every turn welcoming you with big and small waterfalls. 

Must Read: best road trips in india

The highlight of any trip to Igatpuri is Dhammagiri, or the Vipassana International Academy. Take a tour of the centre for more picturesque spots and uninterrupted hill views. This drive takes about three hours so a day trip is easily possible.

Photo of Igatpuri, Maharashtra, India by Ragini Mehra

The cherry on the cake? Raindrops on your window of course!

Distance from Mumbai:

120 kilometres

Playlist recommendations:

Yun Hi Chala Chal (Swades), Ilahi (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani), Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen)

2. Drive to Lion’s Point in Lonavala:

Situated on Aamby Valley Road, this drive is about 2 hours from Mumbai and I would say, is most enjoyable when unplanned. It is perfect for a weekend when the weather is favourable and the Rain Gods are happy with us. Just call your bunch your friends, get into the car and drive down the Western Ghats to Lion’s Point viewpoint where you will be busy doing nothing at all! Well, that’s what the deal is. Once here, a bowl of delicious corn pakodas is all you need. So sit back, relax and enjoy the hill views as you savour this local delicacy.

Photo of Lion’s point, Lonavala, Maharashtra, India by Ragini Mehra

Enjoying delicious corn pakodas at Lion's Point

Photo of Lion’s point, Lonavala, Maharashtra, India by Ragini Mehra

Distance from Mumbai:

92 kilometres

Playlist recommendations:

Happy (Pharrell Williams), Holiday Road (Lindsey Buckingham), Aaj Main Upar Aasman Neeche (Khamoshi: The Musical)

3. Drive to Sinhagad:

Conquering the serpentine roads when the Western Ghats are covered in greens, climbing up a fort as the cool monsoon breeze keeps you going and enjoying a flavourful vada pav as you embark upon this adventure…Irresistible, isn’t it?

View from Sinhagad Fort | (C) Abhishek Kumar/flickr

Photo of Sinhagad Fort, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra, India by Ragini Mehra

Make this dream come true as you plan a monsoon getaway from Mumbai to Sinhagad on your bike. The route is dotted with vendors selling local street food, and scenic spots for the shutterbugs. If you have time, stop by at the Khadakwasla Dam for a quick dip in the water and get back to the road with more enthusiasm. This 3-hour bike ride will take you to the rustic Sinhagad Fort, a great place to stop by for a while and take in the fresh air before you head back to the city.

Distance from Mumbai:

180 kilometres

Playlist recommendations:

Rang de Basanti Title Track, Deewana Dil (Pardes), Dil Chahta Hai title track

4. Drive to the stunning Malshej Ghat:

I call this gem in the Western Ghats stunning for reasons more than one. Long winding roads, tunnels, meandering streams and the mist covered hills make the 4-hour journey super exciting. And once you’re there, you’ll notice that the hill station is dotted with pretty lakes, waterfalls, nature trails and the much loved migratory flamingos that are a common sight here during monsoon.

In case you plan to just drive around and return to Mumbai the same day, Malshej Ghat’s idyllic landscape will surely convince you to stay back for a while.

Photo of Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra by Ragini Mehra

With so much to offer, Malshej Ghat is truly a delight for nature lovers.

Distance from Mumbai:

134 kilometres

Playlist recommendations:

Chaiyya Chaiyya (Dil Se), Patakha Guddi (Highway), Country Roads Take Me Home (John Denver)

5. Drive to Harihareshwar:

This gem on the Konkan coast makes for a refreshing getaway from Mumbai. You can either take the Lonavala route or drive down via Tamhini Ghat. Monsoon is the best time to see Tamhini Ghat in full glory too as it comes alive with lush greenery and waterfalls. The Sahyadris are prettier than ever in the monsoon and the journey becomes super exciting with its many tunnels, hairpin bends, photo opportunities and almost zero crowd.

The calming beach at Harihareshwar | (C) Rajarshi MITRA/flickr

Photo of Harihareshwar, Maharashtra, India by Ragini Mehra

The fun doesn’t end here! After the epic 4-hour road trip, Harihareshwar welcomes you with a serene black sand beach and a calming vibe. Sit back, relax, indulge in delicious seafood and let the waves roll over your feet. Perfect way to spend your upcoming weekend, isn’t it?

Distance from Mumbai:

200 kilometres

Playlist recommendations:

93 Million Miles (Jason Mraz), Ik Junoon (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara), Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana (Andaz)

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