Traveling in Maharashtra during the monsoons is an enchanting experience filled with greenery, waterfalls, and mist-laden hillscapes. Here are some of the best places to visit in Maharashtra during the monsoon:
1. Lonavala and Khandala
Highlights: Rajmachi Point, Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam.
Why Visit: Located in the Sahayadri Mountains, these two twin hill stations turn into paradise during the monsoon season. The picturesque landscape includes misty hills, waterfalls, and the pleasant climate makes it an ideal monsoon destination. Lonavala and Khandala are famous for their beautiful valleys and are considered as good places for holidays far from the noisy city. This makes the region have a bit of a mystical feel to it due to the fog which a number of travelers prefer.
2. Matheran
Highlights: Charlotte Lake, Echo Point, Panorama Point.
Why Visit: Often referred to as the smallest hill station in Asia, Matheran provides quite a serene experience that is just few hours away from Mumbai. The forests, fog, and several vantage points make it one of the best places to see the monsoon in all its glory in Maharashtra. Since no vehicles are allowed in Matheran, there is no pollution and it is an ideal place for taking strolls and nature walks. The toy train ride is another interesting activity that affords views of the beauty of the environment.
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3. Mahabaleshwar
Highlights: Wilson Point, Venna Lake, Mapro Garden.
Why Visit: Renowned for its strawberry gardens and clear sky, Mahabaleshwar becomes even more captivating with thick forest and gorgeous valleys during the rainy season. The hill station has many vantage points that provide panoramic views or the green landscape of the valley. Some of the popular tourist attractions include boat riding in Venna Lake and strawberry farming fields that make Mahabaleshwar even more beautiful during the rainy season.
4. Bhandardara
Highlights: Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Umbrella Falls.
Why Visit: Located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is a beautiful hill station with lakes, waterfalls and dams. It becomes more beautiful during the monsoon season, especially when there are waterfalls and greenery all over the place. It is perhaps the most ideal destination for tourism, especially for those who love nature, trekking, and camping. The historical fort of Ratangad adds a historical aspect to the beauty of Bhandardara.
5. Igatpuri
Highlights: Bhatsa River Valley, Vipassana International Academy, Kalsubai Peak.
Why Visit: Igatpuri is surrounded by beautiful spots like lakes, mountains, and waterfalls that attract numerous tourists and adventure lovers. The Bhatsa River Valley also provides some amount of relief with its green landscapes and water bodies such as waterfalls. A trek to the Kalsubai Peak, which is the highest peak of Maharashtra offers splendid views of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. Another bonus of this place is the monsoon season, which brings cool and misty climate.
6. Kolad
Highlights: Kundalika River, Tamhini Falls, Bhira Dam.
Why Visit: Out of all the places that offer adventure activities during the monsoons, Kolad is the most preferred destination. As these rivers gradually fill up, they provide excellent sites for river rafting, making it a preferred destination for adventurers. Besides rafting Kolad has other adventure activities which include trekking, camping, waterfall rappelling at Kolad. This makes this place beautiful during the rainy season with dense forests and clear streams.
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7. Kaas Plateau
Highlights: Kaas Lake, Thoseghar Waterfall, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Why Visit: Popularly referred to as the Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra, this site is known for the colorful flowers that bloom during the monsoon. The plateau converts into a beautiful stretch of flowers and becomes a favorite haunt of both nature lovers and photographers. Kaas Plateau is also blessed with calm water bodies such as lakes and hills, which augment the natural beauty of the place.
8. Amboli
Highlights: Amboli Waterfall, Hiranyakeshwar Temple, Sunset Point.
Why Visit: Another relatively unknown hill station, Amboli provides cool vistas of lush forests and waterfalls. The best time to visit Amboli is in the monsoon as the greenery and the mist is at its best during this time. It is ideal for anyone in search of serenity and a place to escape the hustle and buston of the city.
9. Panchgani
Highlights: Table Land, Sydney Point, Parsi Point.
Why Visit: Known for strawberry farms and beautiful vantage points, Panchgani is blessed with scenic beauty of valleys and waterfalls. Another great reason for visiting the hill station during the monsoon is that the area has a pleasant weather and beautiful sceneries. Places such as the strawberry farms and viewpoints are exciting activities that enhance the beauty of Panchgani.
10. Tarkarli
Highlights: Tarkarli Beach, Sindhudurg Fort, Scuba Diving.
Why Visit: One of the significant and famous beaches of Maharashtra, Tarkarli is a good place to relax and understand the life underwater. The region is beautiful, especially during the monsoon season, which provides a different feel compared to the regular beaches. Some of the activities include snorkeling and scuba diving which enable the guests to discover the beautiful underwater world.
11. Karnala
Highlights: Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala Fort.
Why Visit: Situated near Panvel, Karnala is another perfect place for bird watching as well as nature lovers. Karnala Bird Sanctuary which has more than 150 types of birds become melodious during rainy season. Karnala fort trek is mesmerizing as its exhibits the beauty of the monsoon rain and the Western Ghats range.
12. Harihareshwar
Highlights: Harihareshwar Beach, Kalbhairav Temple.
Why Visit: Known as the ‘House of God’, Harihareshwar is a quiet beach destination located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Located near hills and famous for its clean sandy beaches it is an ideal place to visit in monsoon. The monsoon gives a fresh look to the area which is suited for a peaceful and spiritual vacation.
13. Shrivardhan
Highlights: Shrivardhan Beach, Laxminarayan Temple.
Why Visit: One of the famous coastal town in Raigad district, Shrivardhan is also famous for its beautiful beaches and historical monuments. In the monsoon, the beaches appear green and beautiful and offer a good opportunity to relax. A cultural touch is brought in your visit by the Laxminarayan Temple nearby.
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Conclusion
The tourist attractions that Maharashtra state presents during the monsoon season are numerous and fascinating. No matter if you love to explore the misty hills, calm lakes or the serene beaches, these top places offer you the best of the nature with lots of adventures. Ranging from the pristine nature of Lonavala and Khandala to the blooming flowers of Kaas Plateau and the thrilling adventures at Kolad, it can satisfy any kind of traveler. The best thing about traveling to Maharashtra during the monsoon season is the tranquil and beautiful scenery that you are likely to encounter.