There are several places of tourist interests near Mumbai where one can take a break and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. After visiting these places, it is certain that you would comprehend that the economic hub of India is not untouched by the worldly charm. However, the excursions from the erstwhile Bombay are quite different, since they appear immersed in the idyllic and pastoral beauty. You can elongate this wonderful trip by adding excursions to your program, where hills stations would rejuvenate you with their cooling effect and rock-cut temples, in the form of caves, would give you an insight of ancient architecture. Scroll down to know more about tourist places near the Mumbai city of Maharashtra.

Ajanta Ellora Caves

Ajanta & Ellora Caves have the distinction of being counted amongst the World Heritage Sites in India. Located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, these caves are rock-cut cave monuments that represent the Indian rock-cut architecture.

Aurangabad Caves

Situated just on the fringes of Aurangabad are the caves that were carved out during the 2nd to 6th century in Maharashtra. These caves are ten in number and have been shaped out of somewhat soft rock. Tantric Hinduism has been the inspiration of their architecture and iconography.

Alibag

Set in the lap of nature, Alibag is a coastal town of India, famous for its clean waters, sandy beaches and fresh air. It makes a great escapade for the Mumbaikars, owing to its close proximity to Mumbai, which is around 35 kms away. Alibaug is an amazingly beautiful place, where nature appears at its best.

Bassein Beach

Bassein Beach is situated in Bassein, which is somewhere around 50 to 60 km from the Mumbai city of Maharashtra. The splendid beach has, infact, become one of the major attractions of the town today.

Elephanta Caves

Earlier called Gharapuri is today's Elephanta Island, which is known for embracing the remarkable Elephanta Caves. To be found about 10 kms off the eastern coast of Mumbai, Elephanta Caves has been given the position of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Kanheri Caves

Through the meandering paths of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, you can reach the staircase that leads to Kanheri Caves of Maharashtra. Located in the picturesque surroundings of Borivali, Kanheri Caves have a distinctive aura about them.

Khandala

Khandala is an impressive hill station, cuddled up in the Sahyadri Range of Maharashtra. Endowed with nature's splendor, Khandala makes a quick excursion at a distance of 101 kms from the bustling city of Mumbai. This beautiful place immersed in pastoral beauty, had been known since years.

Lonavala

Lonavala is a picturesque hill station, often called the 'Jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains' in India. Located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, Lonavla is much preferred hill resort to the Mumbaikars, especially since it is only 96 kms from Mumbai.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station, nestled in the Western Ghats Range of India. Earlier the summer resort to the British, Mahabaleshwar is today a popular holiday resort, especially for the exhausted souls. It is to be found about 285 kms from Mumbai, amidst the Satara district of Maharashtra.

Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat, that forms a part of the Western Ghats of India, falls under the Pune district of Maharashtra. Perched amongst the ghats, at an altitude of approximately 700 m above sea level, the tourist spot can be visited throughout the year.

Mandwa Kihim Beach

Mandwa Beach and Kihim Beach are situated near Alibag, the beautiful hill station in Maharashtra. Both the beaches have been gifted with fabulous locales and extremely tranquil surroundings. This is what makes them a popular haunt, especially amongst the city dwellers.

Matheran

Set in the lap of nature, Matheran is probably the smallest hill station in India. It is located about 108 kms from Mumbai city, in the Karjat Tehsil of Maharashtra, at an altitude of 803 metres. The pastoral beauty of this tiny hill station is exceptionally striking, more so because of motor transport ban in the region.

Pune

Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is a striking city set amidst picturesque locales. Sited about 170 kms from Mumbai, Pune is known to be the state's second largest city. In the earlier times, the city had been the residence of Shivaji - the Maratha leader.

Panchgani

Snuggled in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Panchgani is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Maharashtra. It makes a nice excursion from the jostling city of Mumbai. This 6-hour journey will never let you get bored, especially when Krishna River will accompany you throughout the way.

Shirdi

Shirdi, the graceful abode of Sai Baba, is a religious town that allures devotees day and night. Sited about 300 kms from Mumbai, the town has a mystic aura about itself, which never fails to captivate even a casual sightseer. This small town is spread over an area of 2 sq kms.