India Travel Tips 2: Near Mumbai

Close to Mumbai there are a number of popular tourist destinations within 1-3 hours by car, train, or ferry. Unlike most travel destinations in India, most of these are recommended during the raining season, when the mountainous western part of Maharashtra is lush and green and there are waterfalls everywhere. You might get caught in a downpour, but it’s worth it.

Lonavola is the ultimate “green getaway” from Mumbai.

I once rented a house with a large pool on Airbnb with a bunch of friends. It came with a chef and cleaning staff. There are also popular hotels like the Hilton and the Machan, which you have to book well in advance because expats and ritzy Mumbaikers all like to stay there. Another time in Lonavola we stayed at a slightly rundown hotel that had massive outdoor pools with lots of slides—a hit with the kids.

Nashik is fun if you like wine.

The best Indian wines companies have vineyards and bodegas in Nashik, and some have beautiful hotels attached. I stayed at The Source by Sula a few times. It has a variety of beautiful rooms and bungalows, and a nice pool and outdoor area with lots of greenery… and wine. Lots of wine. Also, there are ancient caves in the area that are definitely worth a visit.

Matheran for horses & hiking.

During the raining season Matheran can be a muddy mess, but that’s okay because you can go everywhere by horse! It felt a bit unreal, but there are horses for rent everywhere—plus people who will walk around with you to keep the horse in check. They’ll walk you around town, through the forest and to the best lookout spots. The small Westend resort we stayed at wasn’t top notch, but the rooms were clearn, they had some entertainment for the kids, and the Indian food buffet, which was served outside three times a day, was decent.

Alibaug beaches by speedboat, or ferry.

I must admit—I haven’t been to Alibaug. It’s supposed to be a nice resort town close to Mumbai, only 30 minutes by speedboat or an hour by ferry. It’s on the water and that’s the problem I have with the idea of going there—the water around Mumbai is so shockingly dirty that I’d never dream to touching, smelling or even looking at it if I can avoid it. But I shouldn’t say anything bad about a place that’s popular with the crowds and some people I know have traveled to (though very few!). Whether or not you can/should swim there? I’m not not sure.

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