Tourist Spots Close to Mumbai – Pune Expressway

A trip from Mumbai to Pune by road is certainly one of the most popular ways to travel between these two cities and is an ultimate urban touring experience. The Mumbi-Pune Expressway passes through the gorgeous landscape of the Western Ghats including the hilly roads, through the valleys, small towns, and villages.  Besides, this route has many pit stops worth stopping for. All the bikers and automobile aficionados like to undertake this super fast and super smooth journey that connects two of Maharashtra’s most popular cities as part of the Maharashtra tour. The excitement of setting out on a road trip is simply incomparable and it will expose you to the hustle-bustle of two cities. Let us look at all the important places to visit on this amazing journey.

Lonavala

Settled in the proximity of Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is a beautiful hill station that lies at an altitude of 622 m in the Sahyadri Ranges of Maharashtra which separate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast. It is one of the famous hill stations in Maharashtra, and among the perfect monsoon getaways for the people of Pune and Mumbai when the air is moist and cool, the hills are wrapped in a misty layer of thick clouds and the greenery gets a new life renewed with the rainfall. As part of Lonavala tour packages, one can visit numerous caves, forts, lakes, and waterfalls amidst dense forests and verdant greenery. This hill resort is also known for its variety of ‘Chikki.’

            Must Read : Charming Summer Getaways near Mumbai & Pune

Khandala

Lonavala & Khandala are the twin hill stations in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, and among the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune. Khandala is famous for its natural beauty, serenity, and outstanding scenery. Its spectacular mountain views, shimmering lakes, and historic caves and forts are enough to leave you awestruck. It is one of the top monsoon places to visit in India and also one of the famous hill stations near Pune. Bhushi Lake, Valvan Dam, Rajmachi Fort, Shooting Point, and Kune Falls are some prominent tourist places to visit in Khandala. One can also enjoy trekking at this magnificent hill station.

               Also Read : Monsoon Destinations in India

Matheran

Situated at an altitude of 800 m in the Western Ghats, Matheran is one of the popular hill stations near Mumbai, and among the major stop-overs on Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Matheran, which means ‘forest on the forehead’, is an eco-sensitive region declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is Asia’s only automobile free hill station. No private automobiles are allowed into Matheran town. This quaint hill station is famous for its 38 viewpoints, which provide a panoramic view of the peaks of Western Ghats. Porcupine Point, Panorama Point, Echo Point, Charlotte Lake, One Tree Hill Point, King George Point, Louisa Point, Rambaug Point, Heart Point are among the popular places to visit in Matheran. The Matheran hill railway, also known as Matheran Light Railway (MLR), is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

                       Book Here : Matheran Tour Packages

Karnala

With the echoing melody of chirping birds, rich flora and fauna, and a marvellous natural environment, Karnala tops the list of tourist spots close to Mumbai – Pune Expressway. Karnala is home to Karnala Bird Sanctuary, among the largest bird sanctuaries in Maharashtra. The sanctuary is home to over 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds. In the monsoon season, travellers can spot a vivid collection of bird species such as the racket-tailed drongo, golden-backed woodpecker and heart-spotted woodpecker. Watching the pretty migratory birds here, during monsoons is definitely one of the best things to do as part of Mumbai tour packages. Karnala Fort, also known as Funnel Hill, is located within the protected region of Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

 Book Here : Mumbai Car Packages 

Lohagad

Located just a short distance away from Pune & Mumbai, the Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) is a historical fort situated along the Sahyadri hills in the Lonavala region of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Maharashtra and among the best tourist places to visit as part of Pune tour packages. Perched atop a hillock at an altitude of 1050 m, the Lohagad Fort separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin. This fort offers aerial views of Karla, Bhaja caves, and Pawna Lake. The highlight of the Lohagad fort trek is the ‘Vinchu Kata’ fortification resembling a scorpion’s tail. It is also among the popular trekking places to visit near Pune & Mumbai because of its accessibility, ease of trek, and lush green surroundings.

                    Must Read : Places to visit near Pune

Adlabs Imagica

Located near Khopoli, Adlabs Imagica is an amazing theme park loved by kids as well as adults. It is the biggest international standard entertainment theme park in India and among the popular Maharashtra tourist places. The fun water park is modelled based on the Greek city of Mykonos. This amusement park has India and Asia’s largest Roller Coaster, 4D Simulation rides, Free Fall from 132 feet, a Rolling Scream Machine at a height of 142 feet, Junior Roller coaster, Water Games, India themed attractions (Mr India), 360-degree Cinema Dome, Special effects, and much more. On your Mumbai to Pune by road trip, spend all day in the lazy river or splash some water at the Splash ride and try out the Loopy-Woopy.

                       Book Here : Pune Cab Packages

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Santhi is an avid traveler and primary contributor to the blogs at Trawell.in. She has explored most of the states in India and gained vast knowledge on tourist destinations in India and abroad. She also contributes content to other travel websites.

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