Holidaying with family is a great opportunity to know more and spend some quality time with dear ones which is rare as a result of work pressure and lack of time. If you're planning for a family excursion any time soon and tend to go beyond the cliches, then
Maharashtra can serve as a great destination. Family tourist groups will be spoilt by choice of destinations around Maharashtra - sea fornts, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, religious spots, scenic landscapes; the state will mesmerize you with its panoramic beauty.
Best Spots for Family Vacations in Maharashtra
The tourist spots mentioned below are all holiday destinations perfect for family vacationing and weekend getaways with near ones located close to Mumbai and Pune as well as neighboring cities within and outside Maharashtra.
Mahabaleshwar
A hill station with valleys on all sides located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Satara district in Maharashtra, which also marks the origin of river Krishna (spewing from the mouth of a cow), Mahabaleshwar is located 285 kilometers from Mumbai. With picturesque landscape and cool climate, it is a popular tourist spot and family getaway on weekends, as well as throughout the year. Rivers Koyana, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri also originate from River Krishna.
For those families who head out to hill stations in search of a desperate break from their grinding schedule at work and refreshment from study, Mahabaleshwar will be a pleasant change. It is not very far from Mumbai and Pune and is well connected with other cities in India. The strawberry plantations are quite exotic for families to explore, especially the kids and youngsters will be excited if they visit the hill station during its Strawberry Festival, wherein they can pluck fresh strawberries from the farm and eat it at their pleasure.
Elders in the family might prefer to stay indoors and observe the scenic beauty. Few sightseeing spots are quite steep, thus difficult to scale. Families might choose from a range of hotels as per their preferences and majority of them are known for serving amazing food. Hotel Lake View, Saj Resort, Valley View Resort are a few among many hotels known for their valuable services. Most of the hotels organize conducted tours to all the sightseeing spots in and around Mahabaleshwar.
Lonavala
A famous tourist spot and holiday destination for family, located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Lonavala is a scenic hill station in the Sahyadri Mountains bisecting the Deccan Plateau and Konkan coast. It is located at a distance of 96 kilometers from Mumbai and 64 kilometers from Pune.
October to May is the ideal time to visit Lonavala, especially during the monsoons when the waterfalls are in full spate and the lush green ambience creates a mystic charm around the hill station. But it is to be noted that Lonavala is also a famous spot for adventure sports and activities which might not be preferred by elders in a family, but it may be a thrilling options for youngsters or couples.
Also families with a penchant for history, nature and art will be fascinated by the architectural and scenic beauty of the town. Other attractions in the area are Tungi Fort, Karla Caves, Bedsa Caves,
Bhaja Caves, Kalri Hills, Duke’s nose, adventure activities, fishing and
boating.
Some of the best hotels in Lonavala for families are Hotel Lonavala, Citrus Hotels, Sai Moreshwar Resort, Avion Holiday Resort, and Rishikesh Resort. Enhance your experience with the option of spending idle time by the poolside or sipping beverages, visiting spa. Children too, have plenty of options to frolic in the play area.
Lavassa
Set in the Mose Valley region and surrounded by seven hills, Lavassa is a planned city located 65 kilometers from Pune city and 180 kilometers from Mumbai. The panoramic beauty of the city lies in the mountains, valleys, lakes, Varasgaon Dam around which the city has been constructed. Family getaway and weekend holiday destination, tourists can go hiking, trekking, jet skiing, fishing, river cruises, adventure activities, observing wildlife activity.
The city has been planned to ensure ecological sustainability and visiting it around monsoon will be an exciting vista unfolding before the eyes. The weather remains comfortable and cool throughout the year.
Families looking for a quick weekend break can head to Lavassa with plenty of hotels with latest amenities and great ambience like JenJon Holiday Homes, Ekaant the Retreat, Fortune Select Dasve etc. There is nothing much to tour in Lavassa but families looking for some isolation from the daily work routine can head to the city for a relaxing weekend holiday.
Ganapatipule
Maharashtra is filled with religious spots, suitable for family tourist spots and destinations. One such spot is Ganapatipule located in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra housing a 400 year old idol of Lord Ganapati. Ganapatipule town is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from Ratnagiri.
It is a pilgrimage as well as beach destinations lined with coconut and palm groves, adventure activities and sports in plenty. Other places to visit around Ganapatipule are Velneshwar, Pawas,
Ratnagiri and Jaigad Fort. The best time to visit Ganapatipule is around November to February when the weather is cool. Families mainly come to Ganapatipule to seek blessings of Lord Ganapati and a few amongst them also prefer to tour the beautiful white sandy beaches of the town along with the beautiful architectural edifices which still stand till date.
Panchgani
Panchgani town in Satara district of Maharashtra is a famous summer hill resort surrounded by five villages and rich in flora (especially silver oak) and fauna. It is situated at a distance of 266 kilometers from Mumbai and 98 kilometers from Pune.
The Pandavas of Mahabharata are believed to have spent some time during their banishment in the caves known as Devil’s Kitchen. Sightseeing spots in Panchgani are Sydney Point overlooking Krishna Valley, Parsi Point, Table Land, Kamalgadh Fort, Rajapuri Caves, Mapro Garden, Dhom Dam. Panchgani is ideal to visit in between the months of September to May.
Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri located on the western coast of
Maharashtra is renowned for its forests, beaches and forts with Jaigad Fort and Lighthouse serving as premier tourist attractions in the area. Creeks, Hot Springs, Rivers, Waterfalls, Hillocks, Coastline with palm and coconut groves; Ratnagiri is enchanted.
Ratnadurg Fort, Devi Bhagawati Temple, Swayambhu Ganapati Temple, Bhatye Beach, Ganapatipule Beach, Ganeshgule Beach, Mandvi Beach, Thibaw Point are a few attractions in Ratnagiri. It is a popular tourist getaway, family picnic points and pilgrimage as well as recreation options. October to March is the time to visit Ratnagiri.
Some other cities worth visiting
Aurangabad city known as ‘City of Gates’ is another tourist attraction for the famous
Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Jama Masjid to mention a few.
Madh Island in Juhu on the Arabian seashore is another family destination in Mumbai. Local attractions are Church of Bonaventure in Erangal Village of Madh Island,
Kanheri Caves,
Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Ghodbunder.
Shirdi in Maharashtra housing the holy shrine of Sai Baba and its innumerable temples are the most visited spot by families. Maharashtra is the perfect family getaway destination with all the sightseeing spots connected by road, rail and air from Mumbai and Pune, as well as other cities in and around Maharashtra with the rest of India.