Table of Contents
Top 20 Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra to Explore in 2025 – Your Ultimate Guide to Hidden Gems
Introduction
Maharashtra, a state known for its dynamic landscape, is home to numerous beautiful hill stations that attract tourists all year round. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat, a scenic getaway, or an adventure-packed holiday, the hill stations in Maharashtra offer something for everyone. In this guide, we will explore 20 amazing hill stations across Maharashtra, including popular destinations such as Lonavala, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, and many more. These hill stations are not only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in history and culture, offering a perfect escape from the bustling city life.
Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra to Visit in 2025
Lonavala
Lonavala, located in the Pune district, is one of Maharashtra’s most popular hill stations. Situated at an altitude of 2,047 feet, it is known for its scenic landscapes, lush green valleys, waterfalls, and pleasant climate. Lonavala is especially famous for its chikki, a local sweet, and its proximity to Mumbai and Pune, making it an ideal weekend getaway.
- Best time to visit: Monsoon (June to September)
- Entry Fees: No major entry fees, but charges for specific tourist sites.
- How to reach: By train or road from Mumbai and Pune. The nearest railway station is Lonavala.
Matheran
Matheran, located in the Raigad district, is unique as it is an eco-sensitive hill station, with no vehicles allowed within the town. Situated at a height of 2,625 feet, Matheran offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Famous for its cool climate and tranquil atmosphere, Matheran is the smallest hill station in India.
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Entry Fees: No entry fees; however, charges for toy train rides and certain viewpoints.
- How to reach: Matheran is best accessed by a toy train from Neral or by road.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, located in the Satara district, is one of the highest hill stations in Maharashtra, sitting at an altitude of 4,453 feet. Famous for its strawberries, panoramic views, and ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful blend of nature and history. It also has some great viewpoints, such as Wilson Point and Elphinstone Point.
- Best time to visit: October to June
- Entry Fees: No major entry fees; some sites may have small charges.
- How to reach: Accessible by road from Mumbai and Pune. The nearest railway station is Satara.
Alibaug
While Alibaug is more famous for its beaches, it also offers some peaceful spots amidst lush greenery. This coastal town in the Raigad district is known for its historic forts, temples, and serene surroundings.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Entry Fees: No entry fees; charges for specific sites.
- How to reach: By road from Mumbai or by ferry from Gateway of India.
Panchgani
Located near Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani stands at an altitude of 4,410 feet and is known for its picturesque landscapes, colonial-era architecture, and pleasant weather. Panchgani is a blend of tranquility and adventure, perfect for nature lovers.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: Free access to most areas; some private spots may have charges.
- How to reach: Accessible by road from Pune and Mumbai. The nearest railway station is Satara.
Khandala
Khandala, located in the Western Ghats near Lonavala, is famous for its picturesque valleys and lush green hills. This hill station offers a serene getaway with its many trekking trails and views of cascading waterfalls.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
- How to reach: By road or rail from Mumbai and Pune. The nearest station is Khandala.
Toranmal
Toranmal, located in the Nandurbar district, is one of Maharashtra’s lesser-known hill stations. It is located at an altitude of 1,440 feet and is known for its cool climate and tranquil surroundings. Toranmal is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowded hill stations.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: No major entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Nashik or Dhule.
Igatpuri
Igatpuri, located in the Nashik district, is a popular hill station situated at an altitude of 2,000 feet. It is known for its trekking routes, scenic waterfalls, and as a center for Vipassana meditation.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: No entry fees; charges for certain tourist spots.
- How to reach: By road from Mumbai and Pune. The nearest railway station is Igatpuri.
Bhandardara
Bhandardara, located in the Ahmednagar district, is famous for its natural beauty, especially the serene Arthur Lake and Randha Falls. It is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Entry Fees: No entry fees for the natural sites; charges for boating.
- How to reach: By road from Nashik or Mumbai.
Mulshi
Mulshi, located near Pune, is a quiet hill station known for its picturesque lakes, green hills, and rivers. It is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful vacation amidst nature.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: Free access; charges for certain resorts.
- How to reach: By road from Pune.
Jawhar
Jawhar, located in the Palghar district, is a scenic hill station known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and tribal culture. Situated at a height of 518 meters, it is a perfect blend of nature and culture.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: Free entry.
- How to reach: By road from Mumbai.
Kalsubai
Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra at 5,400 feet, offers a thrilling trekking experience. It is situated in the Sahyadri range and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: No entry fees; charges for trekking.
- How to reach: By road from Igatpuri and Mumbai.
Durshet
Durshet, located near the Sahyadri mountains, is an offbeat hill station perfect for nature walks, trekking, and bird watching. It is known for its lush greenery and the Ulhas River.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Mumbai.
Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat, located in the Thane district, is famous for its beautiful landscapes, monsoon waterfalls, and rich wildlife. It is ideal for trekking and bird watching.
- Best time to visit: Monsoon (June to September)
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Mumbai and Pune.
Lonavala and Khandala
These twin hill stations are located close to each other in the Pune district. Known for their picturesque scenery, they are both easily accessible from Mumbai, making them perfect for a short getaway.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: No entry fees; charges for tourist spots.
- How to reach: By road or rail from Mumbai and Pune.
Pench
Located near the Madhya Pradesh border, Pench is famous for its tiger reserve and serene environment. Situated at an altitude of 1,350 feet, Pench offers a perfect mix of wildlife exploration and hill station tranquility.
- Best time to visit: November to March
- Entry Fees: Charges for safari and entry into the Tiger Reserve.
- How to reach: By road from Nagpur, which is about 100 km away.
Bhandara
Bhandara, in the Vidarbha region, is a lesser-known hill station with dense forests and small hills. It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers seeking solitude.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Nagpur.
Wai
Wai, located near Mahabaleshwar, is known for its historical temples and the Krishna River that flows through it. Situated at an altitude of 1,800 feet, it is an excellent place to unwind.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Pune or Satara.
Chikhaldara
Chikhaldara, located in the Amravati district, is the only hill station in the Vidarbha region and is known for its dense forests, wildlife sanctuary, and scenic lakes. Sitting at an altitude of 1,100 meters, Chikhaldara offers a refreshing retreat.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: No major entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Amravati or Nagpur.
Amboli
Amboli, located in the Sindhudurg district at a height of 2,250 feet, is a beautiful hill station known for its lush green environment, waterfalls, and misty weather. It is one of the least crowded hill stations in Maharashtra.
- Best time to visit: June to September (Monsoon season for its waterfalls)
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Sawantwadi or Sindhudurg.
Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat, located in the Thane district, offers picturesque views of waterfalls and mountains, especially during the monsoon. It is a popular destination for trekking and bird watching, especially for spotting flamingos.
- Best time to visit: June to September (Monsoon for waterfalls)
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
- How to reach: By road from Mumbai or Pune.
Pawna Lake
Located near Lonavala, Pawna Lake is an artificial reservoir surrounded by lush greenery, making it an excellent spot for camping and weekend getaways. It is located at an altitude of 2,018 feet.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Entry Fees: Camping charges apply.
- How to reach: By road from Pune or Mumbai.
Kolad
Kolad, located in the Raigad district, is known for its adventurous activities like white-water rafting, trekking, and camping. It is a small hill station located at an altitude of 300 feet and is an excellent place for adventure seekers.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Entry Fees: Charges for rafting and adventure activities.
- How to reach: By road from Mumbai or Pune.
Ratangad
Ratangad, situated in the Sahyadri hills, is a historical hill fort and is famous for its trekking routes and panoramic views. The fort is located at an altitude of 4,000 feet.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Entry Fees: No entry fees for the fort.
- How to reach: By road from Igatpuri or Nashik.
Kamshet
Kamshet, located in the Pune district, is a hill station famous for its paragliding opportunities. It sits at an altitude of 2,200 feet and offers a peaceful escape amidst lush valleys and hills.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Entry Fees: No entry fees; paragliding charges apply.
- How to reach: By road from Pune or Lonavala.
Conclusion
Maharashtra’s hill stations are a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, an adventure-filled vacation, or a scenic exploration, these hill stations offer it all. From the lush greenery of Matheran to the serene lakes of Bhandardara, each destination brings something unique to the table.
User Question
Which hill station in Maharashtra are you most excited to visit in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
