Epic Road Trips from Mumbai During Monsoon! How Many Have You Done? 

1. Drive to Igatpuri

If I had to describe this route in one word, I would choose serene. The crisp invigorating mountain air envelopes you as soon as you take off in your vehicle for this charming hamlet. You’ll see the roads glistening, the tunnels covered in verdant greens and every turn welcoming you with big and small waterfalls. 

Must Read: best road trips in india

The highlight of any trip to Igatpuri is Dhammagiri, or the Vipassana International Academy. Take a tour of the centre for more picturesque spots and uninterrupted hill views. This drive takes about three hours so a day trip is easily possible.

2. Drive to Lion’s Point in Lonavala:

Situated on Aamby Valley Road, this drive is about 2 hours from Mumbai and I would say, is most enjoyable when unplanned. It is perfect for a weekend when the weather is favourable and the Rain Gods are happy with us. Just call your bunch your friends, get into the car and drive down the Western Ghats to Lion’s Point viewpoint where you will be busy doing nothing at all! Well, that’s what the deal is. Once here, a bowl of delicious corn pakodas is all you need. So sit back, relax and enjoy the hill views as you savour this local delicacy.

3. Drive to Sinhagad:

Conquering the serpentine roads when the Western Ghats are covered in greens, climbing up a fort as the cool monsoon breeze keeps you going and enjoying a flavourful vada pav as you embark upon this adventure…Irresistible, isn’t it?

4. Drive to the stunning Malshej Ghat:

I call this gem in the Western Ghats stunning for reasons more than one. Long winding roads, tunnels, meandering streams and the mist covered hills make the 4-hour journey super exciting. And once you’re there, you’ll notice that the hill station is dotted with pretty lakes, waterfalls, nature trails and the much loved migratory flamingos that are a common sight here during monsoon.

In case you plan to just drive around and return to Mumbai the same day, Malshej Ghat’s idyllic landscape will surely convince you to stay back for a while.

5. Drive to Harihareshwar:

This gem on the Konkan coast makes for a refreshing getaway from Mumbai. You can either take the Lonavala route or drive down via Tamhini Ghat. Monsoon is the best time to see Tamhini Ghat in full glory too as it comes alive with lush greenery and waterfalls. The Sahyadris are prettier than ever in the monsoon and the journey becomes super exciting with its many tunnels, hairpin bends, photo opportunities and almost zero crowd.