Monsoon Road Trip Destinations in Maharashtra

by Sharukh Bamboat

Living in the city means hectic lifestyle and balancing professionals and personal commitments.  This can certainly lead to frustration and stress. It is, therefore, important that you look for short breaks that can help you unwind and relax. If you have a vehicle you can head for monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra is a state that provides you with plenty of opportunities and options to explore nature. The Western Ghats in particular offer so much more during the monsoon season. If you don’t have the time to go for long breaks you can look for places close to your home that can provide you with fun, adventure and relaxation you need.

If Lonavala and Khandala are the two places on your mind for monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra then you may want to read my other blog post that focuses specifically on Lonavala. For many people living in Mumbai and Pune, the confusion lies between going to Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar and that is again a common destination that you might have visited several times.

However, below I have covered other destinations that can you can add to your monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra.

Harihareshwar

Nestled in the Raigad district is Harihareshwar is a major pilgrimage centre and a beach destination as well. If you are interested in monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra, Harihareshwar offers you a scenic coastal road. If you are starting your drive from Mumbai you can go ahead with the regular Mumbai Pune Expressway. Later take a turn at Khopoli-Pali Road for more scenic view and adventure.

monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra

An evening at Harihareshwar Beach

This road will lead you to Nagothane Railway Station followed by Kolad and eventually Mangaon. Take a right from Mangaon and keep following the road and it will lead you straight to Harihareshwar. This will take you around 5 hours if you are driving non-stop so keep that in mind.

An alternate route that goes through National Highway 66. Hence, you can pick the Seawoods road which will lead you to Pen and then you come to Nagothane Railway station. Follow the connecting road from thereon.

monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra

A View of Harihareshwar Beach

You can also divert from Kolad and take a route to Murud. You can stay overnight in Murud before you continue your journey to Harihareshwar. With plenty of resorts including one by MTDC, you can have a pleasant stay here.

Malshej Ghat

monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra

A Road to Malshej Ghat

If you are bored of the regular Khandala trips, try Malshej Ghats that can allow you to escape your stressful life. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Malshej Ghats is ideal for monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra. You can pick the National Highway 3 and head straight to Kalyan and then move ahead with the Kalyan-Ahmednagar-Pathardi-Nanded Highway.

It would take 3 hours or more to reach Malshej Ghats. You can halt your vehicle in between for some beautiful landscape. If you love bird photography, this is the place for you. Malshej Ghats has a good population of cuckoos, flamingos, quails and crakes and coots.

monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra

Heading towards Malshej Ghat

If you live in Navi Mumbai, drive through Vashi and head straight to Kalyan. Follow the connecting Kalyan-Ahmednagar-Pathardi-Nanded Highway. If you want to take multiple stops and want a long drive you can drive through State Highway 79. This road goes through Karjat and Neral and then take a right turn from Tokawad to head towards Malshej Ghat.

Igatpuri

Another destination that should be on your monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra list is Igatpuri. This place attracts many people, especially during the monsoon period. Drive to National Highway 3 and then head straight towards Bhiwandi. You may continue towards Asangaon and Shahapur until you reach Kasara. You can then drive to Mumbai-Nashik Expressway to reach Igatpuri.

monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra

Road to Igatpuri

Maharashtra is packed with many places located around the Western Ghats that offer great holiday experience. There are many more places that you would find across the state where you can have a good time. Hence, it is important that you find monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra that match your choices. This will allow you to get the best experience and ensure better fun with your family and friends.

So, which is your favourite place for monsoon road trip destinations in Maharashtra? Do share your views and stories and feedback with me.

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5 comments

echoesofthepen June 29, 2014 - 18:29

Every time I read one of your posts it makes me just that little bit more anxious for my retirement to come soon, and for the day I can return for a long and amazing return to your country. Another illuminating post and some truly breathtaking photographs.

Reply
Afreen Shaikh August 6, 2014 - 11:41

These past couple of months have been quite hectic for me. I wish I could go a trip like this. Shahrukh, I really loved your idea of long monsoon weekend drives. If the weather is right, I would definitely go on a drive and let you know about the whole experience.

Reply
pathbreakingwriter August 6, 2014 - 12:00

Hi Afreen. Thank you for taking out time to read my blog post on long monsoon weekend drives. Do share your experience, I would love to hear it. 🙂

Reply
Jyoti July 21, 2016 - 15:53

Hi,
Could you please tell whether the road from Pune to Igatpuri is safe during Monsoon season.

Reply
pathbreakingwriter July 21, 2016 - 22:25

Hi Jyoti, well I have no clue about that. I haven’t travelled much on that road.

Reply

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