6 Amazing Road Trips from Mumbai

A road trip is not always about the destination but the journey is what makes the real difference. The freedom to stop at any point, to enjoy the exquisite view, to misread navigation & take a wrong turn, amazing roads, and relish eating joints at highway what more one can as for an unforgettable experience. Here are the most amazing road trips from Mumbai that every traveller should have in his bucket list:

1. Mumbai to Lonavala
With lush green valleys, spectacular mountain view & pleasant weather throughout the year, Lonavala is the perfect choice for nature lovers for a desirable getaway. The lush greenery of the place featuring hill stations, forts, caves, temples, lakes, gardens adds a magical charm to the place. The romantic weather of Lonavala is just the right place for a one day trip near Mumbai for couples. Mostly covered with a mist during monsoon season, it is a perfect hideaway for mountains and monsoons lovers too.

Distance: 83.3kms
Hours: 2 hours
How to spend your day at Lonavala: Visit Karla Caves, Lohagad Fort, Lions Point, Rajmachi Point, Bhaja Caves, Tiger's Leap, Pawna Lake and Kune Falls.
What to shop at Lonavala: Markets are full of small shops selling colourful handicrafts, trinkets, wooden figurines, products made from cane and sweets. Candy Chikki made from different nuts mixed with jaggery is the speciality over here.
Places of Accommodation to stay:  Rhythm Lonavala, Highland Resort, Maritus Piccadiliy Hotel, SG’s GreenOtel, Meher Villa 
Best season to visit: It is advisable to visit Lonavala between October to May. During monsoon season as it experiences heavy rainfall during this time

2. Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar
Nestled in the Sahyadris, Mahabaleshwar is the highest hill station in the Western Ghats. The drive from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is lined with picturesque views of valleys, lakes ghats & verdant nature. Kaas Plateau is just 40 km from Mahabaleshwar and a part of UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.
Distance: 231 kms
Hours: 6
How to spend your day at Mahabaleshwar: Visit Strawberry Farms, Panchgani/Wai. Venna Lake. Mapro Food Gardens. You may go for trekking also.
What to shop at Mahabaleshwar: Strawberries, Wooden Items, Leather footwear, Cane baskets and items.
Best season to visit: Summertime from March to June with an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius. The period from December to February is equally good to visit the scenic hill station with the mercury dipping down to around 20 degrees Celsius.
Places of Accommodation to stay: LeMeridian Mahabaleshwar, Evershine Resort, Hotel Dreamland, Citrus Chambers Mahabaleshwar, Regenta MPG Club Mahabaleshwar

3. Mumbai to Igatpuri
With a breathtaking view of spectacular mountains, spell bounding landscapes, lush greenery, Igatpuri is one of the favourite choices of nature lovers. The backdrop of the Sahyadri range covered in mist lends a mystical charm to the Vipassana centre. It’s a comparatively short trip and can be covered and return on the same day.
Distance: 121kms
Hours: 3
How to spend your day at Igatpuri: Visit Bhavali Dam, Arthur Lake, Vaitarna Dam Amruteshwar Temple, Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre, Bhatsa River Valley. Darna Dam, Madangad Mountain, Tringalwadi Fort
What to shop at Igatpuri: There are no shopping malls nearby. There is a local market to buy groceries & things of daily use items.
Places of Accommodation to stay: Rainforest Resort & Spa, Hotel Ashwin, Hotel Comfort Inn & Spa, Spandan Holiday Homes, Touchwood Bliss Igatpuri.
Best season to visit: November, December, January, February, and March. Winter is preferable.

4. Mumbai to Kashid
If you are looking to break the monotonous routine of daily city life and seeking tranquillity, Kashid is the perfect place where you can drive down with your family or friends The Kashid beach is serene, calm and relaxing and a paradise for nature lovers. It also offers a variety of water sports activities for adventure lovers & seafood for the big time foodies. 
Distance: 122 kms
Hours: 4
What to shop at Kashid: Jewellery, Handicrafts, Wooden Items
Places of Accommodation to stay: Mango Heights, Kashid Boutique Resort, Prakruki Resorts, Coco’s Inn, Anand Agro Resort, Kashid Heritage Breach Resort
Best season to visit: October to February. Being a beach town, the winter weather is suitable for water sports and all other beach activities. During summers, days are hot and humid while the evenings are mostly pleasant.

5. Mumbai to Malshej Ghat
With numerous waterfalls, mountains, lakes and mesmerising picturesque view on its way, Malshej Ghat is heaven abode full of natural beauty. The place is a popular spot among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers. Frequented every monsoon, Malshej Ghat is a perfect place for those who love rains. We promise this experience will be one to remember for a long time to come. 
Distance: 126.7 kms
Hours: 3.5
How to spend your day at Malshej Ghat: The 5-kilometre long Pimpalgaon Joga Dam built over the mesmerizing Pushpawati River is one of the main attractions in Malshej Ghat. Another prominent attraction here is the Buddhist Caves situated close to the Harishchandragad Fort
What to shop at Malshej Ghat: There aren't many options for shopping here except a few local markets that you might chance upon.
Places of Accommodation to stay: Higuests -Nirvana BTR, Golden Resort and Farm, Hotel Comfort Inn, The Herb Farm, MTDC Malshej Ghat
Best season to visit: November to March

6. Mumbai to Alibaugh
A comparatively shorter road trip, the place is linked with beautiful beaches and numerous old forts, churches and temples. If you're more like fun in the sun type of person, you'll enjoy the wide variety of water sports on the beach too. The roads between Mumbai and Alibaugh are filled with places worthwhile to explore. 
Distance: 92.2kms
Hours: 3
How to spend your day at Alibaugh: Visit Nagaon Beach, Alibaugh Beach, Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple, Kolaba Fort, Mandwa Beach, Versoli Beach, Awas Beach, Akshi Beach.
What to shop at Alibaugh: The two things that dominate the Alibaugh market are fruits and vegetables and Kolhapuri slippers. It is famous for the Khandale Kande or white onion which is the speciality of this beautiful place. The famous Kolhapuri chappal is also the famous souvenir that tourists love to take back home.
Places of Accommodation to stay: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Hotel Maple Ivy, Hotel Nirvana, Kashinath Bungalow, Hotel Ravi Kiran
Best season to visit: November to July is the best time to visit Alibaugh to enjoy the beaches. Between August to October, you can explore the region on the rainy days, which exposes the lush green beauty of Alibaugh.