Best One Day Trips from Mumbai — 20 Weekend Escapes
Mumbai is surrounded by some of Maharashtra's best day trip destinations — you just need to know where to go and how to get there. Whether you want a beach, a waterfall, a trek, or a hill station, here are 20 places you can visit and return from in a single day.
By Distance from Mumbai
Under 60km
1. Matheran Hill Station (83km, nearest point) India's only car-free hill station. Take the toy train from Neral or walk up. Completely different pace from Mumbai.
2. Kondeshwar Waterfall, Ambarnath (50km) Closest waterfall to Mumbai. Train to Ambarnath, 15-minute auto ride. Ancient Shiva temple + seasonal waterfall.
3. Sanjay Gandhi National Park (within Mumbai) Not technically a day trip but 104 sq km of forest inside the city. Kanheri Buddhist Caves, lion and tiger safari, cycling trails.
60–120km
4. Lonavala & Khandala (83km) Classic Mumbai day trip. Expressway drive of 1.5 hours brings you to waterfalls, forts, and cool air. Bhushi Dam in monsoon is iconic.
5. Alibaug by Ferry (1 hour from Gateway of India) The best beach day from Mumbai. Ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa (1 hour), then 15 min to Alibaug. Kolaba Fort, beaches, fresh Konkani seafood.
6. Karjat (90km) Base for river camping, rappelling at Kondana Caves, and Ulhas River activities. Easily reachable by Central Railway.
7. Bhivpuri Waterfall (75km) Train to Bhivpuri Road station, walk to waterfall. Combine with Kondana Caves.
8. Igatpuri (130km) Waterfalls along the Kasara Ghat, Bhatsa River Valley, and Vaitarna Lake. Spectacular in monsoon.
9. Murud-Janjira Fort (165km) One of India's most remarkable sea forts — never conquered. Boats from Rajpuri Jetty. Combine with Murud beach.
120–200km
10. Kashid Beach (145km) Best white-sand beach from Mumbai. Long drive (3 hours) but worth it for a proper beach escape.
11. Malshej Ghat (130km) Most dramatic monsoon scenery near Mumbai. Waterfalls on the road, flamingos at the dam, misty valley views.
12. Bhandardara (185km) Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Randha Falls. Leave by 5:30 AM for a full day.
13. Harihareshwar (200km) Sacred Konkan beach town with a dramatic cliff-top Shiva temple. 4 hours drive — an early start day trip.
Mumbai Day Trip Planning Tips
Ferry vs Road for Alibaug: Ferry is always faster and more fun. Book tickets in advance for weekends.
Expressway vs Coastal Route: NH48 (Expressway) is fastest for Lonavala, Pune direction. NH66 coastal highway is scenic but slower for Alibaug, Kashid direction.
Train options: For Igatpuri, Matheran, Karjat, Bhivpuri — trains are faster than driving and eliminate parking stress.
Leave early: By 6:30–7 AM to avoid Mumbai outskirts traffic on weekends.
Find Mumbai Day Trip Groups
Weekend Wander connects Mumbai travellers with vetted day-trip groups. Browse destinations near Mumbai to plan your next escape.
