7 Awesome Weekend Trips from Mumbai Under 3 Hours

Feeling tired of the city? Need a quick break from Mumbai's busy life? You're in luck! You don't have to travel far to find a peaceful place to relax. There are many beautiful spots just a short, easy train ride away.

Here are seven great places you can visit on a weekend, all less than a three-hour train journey from Mumbai.

1. Lonavala

Lonavala is a super popular hill station, especially when it's rainy. You'll see green hills, waterfalls, and lots of mist. The train ride is very pretty, with great views of the mountains.

• Travel Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours by train.

• What to Do: Visit the old Buddhist caves called Karla and Bhaja. See the amazing views from Tiger Point and Lion's Point. And don't forget to visit Bushi Dam. When you're there, you have to try the famous sweet called chikki and also some delicious fudge!

• Where to Stay: There are many places to stay in Lonavala. You can find fancy resorts with private pools, small hotels, or cozy homestays. If you want a luxury stay, look for Della Resorts. If you're with a group, you can rent a whole villa.

• What to Eat: Lonavala is famous for chikki and fudge. You should also try local snacks like vada pav and misal pav from the small food stalls.

2. Matheran

Matheran is a very special place because it's the only hill station in Asia where cars are not allowed. This means the air is fresh and clean, and it's very quiet and calm.

• Travel Time: The fastest trains get you to Neral in just over an hour. From there, the toy train to Matheran takes about two hours, or you can take a shared taxi to Dasturi Naka and walk or ride a horse from there.

• What to Do: Walk around or ride a horse to see the many viewpoints like Panorama Point. Just enjoy the slow pace and old-fashioned charm of the town.

• Where to Stay: Since there are no cars, all the hotels are easy to get to by walking or riding a horse. You can find old, beautiful hotels like The Byke Heritage Resort, or newer resorts and simple homestays.

• What to Eat: The food here is mostly from the Maharashtra region. Try local dishes like Puran Poli (a sweet flatbread) and Misal Pav. Many hotels also have big buffets with traditional food.

3. Karjat

Karjat is in the mountains and is a great place for people who love adventure and nature. It's a quick escape from the city's busy life.

• Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours by train.

• What to Do: You can go river rafting on the Ulhas River. You can also go hiking to places like Peth Fort or Kondana Caves. During the rainy season, you can see beautiful waterfalls.

• Where to Stay: Karjat is well-known for its farm stays and resorts by the river. You can find nice resorts like Radisson Blu or The Forest Club Resort. There are also many villas and bungalows to rent for a fun trip with friends or family.

• What to Eat: The food in Karjat is a mix of Maharashtrian and coastal food. Try local favorites like Misal Pav, Bharli Vangi (stuffed eggplant), and fresh fish curries from the river.

4. Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a quiet hill station with beautiful landscapes, thick forests, and nice weather. It's a perfect place to get away from city noise.

• Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours by train.

• What to Do: You can visit the Vipassana International Academy for a calm, peaceful experience. Explore the Bhatsa River Valley or hike to old forts like Tringalwadi. The green scenery is perfect for long, relaxing walks.

• Where to Stay: Igatpuri has many resorts and places for wellness. Places like Manas Lifestyle Resort offer a very calm setting. You can also find private villas and bungalows to rent.

• What to Eat: The food here is a mix of different Indian foods. Look for small local restaurants (dhabas) to try hot pakoras, spicy misal pav, and local thalis.

5. Kamshet

Kamshet is known as the 'Paragliding Paradise.' It's a hidden gem near Lonavala and is perfect if you're looking for an exciting adventure and amazing views from the sky.

• Travel Time: About 2 to 2.5 hours by train.

• What to Do: Go paragliding! It's an amazing experience where you get to fly and see the beautiful Pawna Lake and the hills from way up high. You can also visit the old Kondeshwar Temple or just relax by the pretty lake.

• Where to Stay: Kamshet has different kinds of places to stay, from adventure camps to glamping spots and cozy homestays with great views of the lake. Many places offer special packages that include paragliding and a place to sleep.

• What to Eat: The food here is Maharashtrian. You'll find small local restaurants serving traditional dishes like Zunka Bhakar and Puran Poli.

6. Nashik

Some fast trains can get you to Nashik in less than three hours. It's a city known for its holy places, vineyards, and culture.

• Travel Time: The fastest trains can get you there in about 2.5 hours. Other trains may take longer.

• What to Do: Visit a vineyard like Sula Vineyards to taste some wine. You can also visit old temples like Kalaram Temple and see the Ramkund ghat. Nashik is a cool mix of spirituality and modern fun.

• Where to Stay: Nashik has lots of places to stay. You can stay at a fancy resort right at a vineyard, like The Source at Sula, or choose from many regular hotels.

• What to Eat: Nashik is famous for its Misal Pav, which is a spicy curry made from sprouted lentils. You should also try other local dishes like Zunka Bhakri and Puran Poli.

7. Alibaug

You can get to Alibaug by taking a train to the nearest station, Pen. The train ride is quick, and from Pen, you can take a taxi or bus to Alibaug. It's a beautiful coastal town.

• Travel Time: About 2 to 3 hours to Pen station by train, and then a short bus or taxi ride to Alibaug.

• What to Do: Relax on the nice beaches like Alibaug Beach and Kashid Beach. Visit the old Kolaba Fort and try some super fresh seafood. It's a great place for a lazy and easy weekend.

• Where to Stay: Alibaug has many resorts, private villas, and small cottages. You can find places for every budget. Many resorts are right next to the beaches, so you can easily go for a swim.

• What to Eat: As it's a beach town, Alibaug is famous for its fresh seafood. You must try the local Konkan food, like fish curry, Bombil Fry, and a special drink called Sol Kadhi.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! A quick weekend getaway from Mumbai doesn't have to be a big, complicated trip. All these places are easy to get to by train, so you can just hop on and leave the city stress behind. Whether you're looking for adventure, a peaceful retreat in the hills, or a lazy day at the beach, there's a perfect spot for you. Why wait? Start planning your next little escape!