Maha / 15 - Monsoon Getaways of Maharashtra  

This is to elaborate upon different hill stations in Maharashtra that are at their best in Monsoon. While Monsoon is not the best time to visit most of India, these destination provide excellent getaways during monsoon. 

These destinations (2000-3000 ft asl) come alive in Monsoon with waterfalls, mist and intermittent rainfall. Trekking is pursued around these areas especially around monsoon.

Lonavala / Khandala - This is mother of all monsoon destinations in Maharashtra. It lies somewhat mid-way between two biggest cities in Maharashtra i.e. Mumbai and Pune. Lonavala rest of the year is just a stopover on the Mumbai-Pune route and after the advent of the Mumbai-Pune expressway, its become a concrete jungle for Bungalow owners and haven for corporate conferences. However when monsoon arrives, Lonavala changes its stripes completely. The barren hills around get a green carpet like cover and waterfalls spring up spontaneously all over, some right on the way to the twin-towns. Guests from Mumbai and Pune drive down over the weekends during monsoon and just enjoy the nature, do a bit of trekking or visit popular spots around Lonavala (most notoriously (for its traffic jams) Bushy Dam). For trekking enthusiasts, Duke's Nose, Rajmachi trek are popular routes and area beyond Tungarli offers a good lakeside panorama for guests to just walk up.

Della Adventure now propose to enliven the Lonavala / Khandala further with an adventure park facility setup with as many as 80+ activities equipped with state-of-the-art equipments, trainers / marshals and surrounding (Facility is about 2000 ft above Lonavala / Khandala, spread over 32 acre plateau).

Accommodation options : Lonavala / Khandala

Malshej Ghat - 160 kms on the Mumbai - Bhimashankar (Jyotirlinga Temple) route via Murbad, this area is known in winter for its Flamingo arrivals (otherwise its a middle of nowhere do nothing kind of a place with barren hills around). Once monsoon arrives greenery / waterfalls and mist takes over. The hilltop overlooks a valley and it gets extremely windy in peak monsoon. The entire drive up the hilltop has umpteen waterfalls and it makes for a very scenic sight. However ugly side of this in weekends is that umpteen number of rowdy local groups drive in and "enjoy" a bit of drinking and a bit of loud fun at these waterfalls.

Accommodation options : Malshej Ghat

Bhimashankar - 65 kms from Pune is Bhimashankar , a hilltop known for its Jyotirlinga Shiva Temple. The hilltop is surrounded by a reserve forest (Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary) and it comes to life during Monsoon. Some routes here are serious trekker's favorites.   

Accommodation options : Bhimashankar

Bhandardara - 80 kms from Nashik and about 160 kms from Mumbai / 200 kms from Pune is Bhandardara, known for its Dam, waterfalls and completely uninhabited area around it. While approaching the area one passes through Vineyards, Windmills and lakes and therefore makes for a pleasing drive and excellent getaway all through the year, especially during monsoon.

Accommodation options : Bhandardara

Saputara - 85 kms beyond Nashik and about 255 kms from Mumbai on Maharashtra - Gujarat Border is Saputara. Saputara all through the year is an idyllic lakeside hill station. Come monsoon and the beauty around takes a completely different dimension. Neighbouring areas of Gujarat (such as Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Vapi etc.) are now bustling with industries and for them Saputara is an excellent drive-in option (< 200 kms from these cities) in Monsoon especially over weekends .

Accommodation options : Saputara

Jawhar - It lies on the Manor (NH-08) - Nashik(NH-03) route (One that connects NH-08 with NH-03) at about 160 kms from Mumbai and is a popular monsoon getaway ex-Surat / Valsad / Vapi / Nashik. Monsoon brings life to the barren mountains and hundreds of waterfalls abound the area.

Accommodation options : Jawhar

Koyna - Koyna area is one that connects NH-04 with NH-17. Set around a Dam and surrounded with reserve forest, Koyna is an excellent ex-Pune getaway especially during Monsoon. 

Accommodation options : Koyna

Panhala - Panhala at 25 kms from Kolhapur is an idyllic spot set around a Fort on the Kolhapur - Ratnagiri route. However during monsoon the area transforms itself and thus an excellent monsoon getaway ex-Pune / Belgaum. 

Accommodation options : Panhala

Amboli - Amboli at 25 kms from Sawantwadi and 60 kms from Belgaum, is again one that lies on the road that connects NH-04 with NH-17. All round the year its an idyllic local getaway and stopover. In monsoon umpteen waterfalls around flowing into valleys, misty weather and pleasant cool weather alongwith the thick reserve forest around gives it a completely rejuvenating experience for guests. Amboli is therefore a popular ex-Belgaum / Goa getaway. 

Accommodation options : Amboli

Chikhaldhara - Set around Melghat tiger reserve, Chikhaldhara is an ex-Nagpur / Indore and Aurangabad monsoon getaway that is just 120 kms from Amravati. 

Accommodation options : Chikhaldhara