The mercury is rising and it’s not too long before the Indian summers strike! As the sun starts scorching the concrete roads and high rises, it’s time to escape into some greenery and take a breath of relief. For Mumbaikars, it’s a boon to be surrounded by scenic hill stations right outside the city. At only a few hours’ drive, you can leave the sizzling heat and plunge into the greener and cooler laps of the mountains. For instance, the distance from Mumbai to Lonavala, Lavasa, Panchgani and Mahableshwar are all short enough to turn these into weekend getaways. With Savaari Car Rentals, you can plan a quick and comfortable journey this summer and escape into one of these hill towns near Mumbai-
Lavasa
The newest in the city’s vicinity, Lavasa has shaped up to be a trendy retreat with its signature mini-Europe setting. At a distance of 185 Km from Mumbai, Lavasa is replicated as the resort town of Portofino, Italy, and makes for a quaint holiday locale. The beautiful blend of man-made and natural surroundings with colorful constructions, state-of-the-art hotels, lake promenade and boardwalks, complete the package of a perfect retreat. Catch the laser show at the musical fountains that add to the vibrancy of the town
Matheran
The smallest hill station near Mumbai, the town of Matheran is more like an ecological retreat. At a distance of 110km from Mumbai, you can reach Neral, the nearest railway station. From there, you can either walk up all the way up through the forested hills or ride a pony till the main market area. Matheran is probably the only hill station of Asia to prohibit vehicles in its interiors, which helps maintains the natural beauty and greenery of the town. Stop by the sunset point for a breathtaking view of the setting sun between two cliffs or cross the U-shaped 1000 meters gorge at Valley Crossing.
Lonavala
Mumbai’s favorite hill station and the most popular tourist destination, Lonavala has been attracting tourists of all kinds for generations. Fondly called the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri’, Lonavala is known for its lush verdant beauty, nature trails, trekking and not to mention the calming weather all year round. Closest hill station to the city, it takes less than two hours from Mumbai to Lonavala by car, via the Mumbai-Pune expressway. The town is dotted with resorts of all kinds. But the best places to stay is away from the market and find a quiet shelter around the Tungarli Lake or off the Khandala-Lonavala road.
Panchgani
Crystal clear lakes, rolling hills of green, and the sweet aromas of fruit orchards, Panchgani is as picturesque as it gets. While the old bungalows and villas, the tree-lined streets and the quaint eateries, exude an old world charm; the resorts on the cliffs and ravines, make for an idyllic stay and unwind from the city’s chaos. It takes about 4.5 hours from Mumbai to reach the sleepy hamlet.
Mahabaleshwar
Strawberries, hills, misty trails and a whole bunch outdoorsy things, you will surely have your travel checklist ticked off when you land in Mahabaleshwar. If you love fruits and all things fruity, spend a day at the strawberry farms or other fruit farms in the vicinity. You can even plan a farm stay for a more immersive experience. Don’t forget to visit the mighty Mahadev Temple, the oldest in the region and explore the ancient stone sculptures. Or, head to the Venna Lake for a boat ride.
Igatpuri
The very name resonates a spiritual vibe, mainly because the world’s largest Vipassana meditation center is here. The peaceful hamlet of Igatpuri is the perfect place to find the right calm and quiet from the city summer. At 135 Km from Mumbai, Igatpuri also offers scenic natural trails for treks and hikes.
Karjat
At only an hour’s drive, Karjat is one of the charming settlements in the laps of the Sahyadri Mountains. The natural surroundings of the hill town are popular among travelers for trekking, mountain climbing, outdoor adventure, camping and white water rafting.
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