Hidden Treasures on a Road Trip in Maharashtra.

I had no idea what a road trip near Mumbai might reveal. Turns out, pristine lakes, virgin beaches and stunning villages await on a road trip in Maharashtra.

I am transiting through Singapore on my way to South Australia as I pen this. Amid the excitement of visiting the land down under, I find myself looking back fondly at the last week, which we spent road tripping through rural Maharashtra.

Just 2.5 hours away, this road trip near Mumbai revealed many hidden surprises! We drove along pristine lakes, stayed at a work-in-progress art village just off Panchgani, and lazed in the warm afternoon sun on virgin beaches along the Konkan coast.

Here’s my visual ode to the state – and some ideas for your own road trip in Maharashtra:

READING MURAKAMI BY PAWNA LAKE

near Lonavala, finishing this picture of tranquility.

Pawna Lake, Pawna lake Lonavala

A GORGEOUS SELF-CATERING ABODE IN PAWNA NAGAR 

on a hill, overlooking Pawna Lake – making for a perfect stop on a road trip in Maharashtra.

Pawna lake, getaways from mumbai

A PRISTINE OUTDOOR OFFICE

by the mango trees, quaint villages, untraversed hills and pristine lake of Pawna.

Pawna Lake, Pawna lake Lonavala, road trip near mumbai

GOLDEN SANDS ON THE KONKAN COAST 

shining at sunset. Who knew a stunning deserted beach awaited us on a road trip near Mumbai?

Alibaugh, Alibaug beach, Alibag

FINDING A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE

at Devrai Art Village, just off Panchgani. A highlight on our road trip in Maharashtra.

Panchgani, Devrai Art village, weekend getaways from Mumbai, Devrai homestay

TASTING CORN DELIGHTS IN MAHABALESHWAR 

Corn is grown widely in the region and this little restaurant serves innovative and delicious corn snacks.

Panchgani food, Panchgani where to eat, Mahabaleshwar where to eat, Garden restaurant Mahabaleshwar

LIFE IS MADE FOR MOMENTS LIKE THESE

on a virgin beach along the Murud-Alibaug route. This evening alone made our short but sweet road trip in Maharashtra feel worth it.

beaches near mumbai, offbeat getaways from mumbai, road trip in maharashtra, road trip near mumbai

AFFLUENT BUT HARDWORKING, THE VILLAGE FOLK

of this part of rural Maharashtra. Land values have gone through the roof, especially along the coast. Yet they choose to live simple lives, working on their fields and sending their kids to school.

Pawna Lake, Pawna lake Lonavala, rural maharashtra, road trip near mumbai

THE COSY DEVRAI ART VILLAGE HOMESTAY

The art village is a work in progress by a local NGO, that helps families from Naxal-affected areas to relocate to Panchgani and work on their Dhokra Art from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, as a sustainable source of livelihood.

Devrai Art village, Devrai homestay, Panchgani

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

and the serenity of a road trip in Maharashtra is everywhere.

Panchgani, Devrai Art village, weekend getaways from Mumbai

THE VIEW AT THE END OF A FOREST HIKE

This trail in Mahabaleshwar was first charted out by the British. It has long been forgotten and covered by the hideous facade (think boating and horse riding) of touristy Mahabaleshwar. Luckily, we met someone who knows these forests like the back of his hand!

road trip in maharashtra, road trip near mumbai, devrai art village

Have you been on a road trip in Maharashtra? What gems have you discovered?

ALSO READ:

Offbeat Getaways from Mumbai That’ll Inspire You to Rethink Life

Sarmoli, Uttarakhand: A Himalayan Village Where Locals Run Marathons and Their Own Instagram Channel

Bombay to Barcelona: How Travelling Inspired an Indian Street Kid to Chase an Impossible Dream

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34 Comments

  1. wow..that’s amazing, I live in Maharashtra, and despite what Maharashtra offers, we hardly get tourists from outside(although we have loads of local tourists).
    The konkan coast is gorgeous, you can easily find beaches all for yourself.

    1. It really is amazing, Ashwin. More people need to discover what the state has to offer! And I agree, so many stretches of virgin beaches along the Konkan coast.

  2. Oh yeah, there are many beautiful gems hidden around Pawna. You must check out Madh village…there’s a pristine lake over there as well. 🙂

  3. Shruti Mohandas (@aspoonfulofyumm) says:

    great post, simplicity at it’s best. i loved malvan-tarkarli, it’s gorgeous !

  4. Shivya you probably get this a lot but your posts are so inspiring girl! I love how you unearthen offbeat destinations that are just so beautiful! Enjoy your trip down under!

    1. Thanks Pallavi! Glad this photo essay inspired you. And thanks, I’m having a great time in Australia.

  5. Lovely photos and they make me miss India even more! Saw your photos too on Jaisalmer and Asian. ..beautiful!

  6. Great Wrap up !! Good to see Murud- Alibaug beach here … our favourite was Kashid beach.. untamed 🙂 . BTW welcome to South Pacific – if u r planning to NZ do visit Auckland

    1. I’ve heard Kashid is lovely. Missed it. Next time! No NZ this time, didn’t have time to apply for a visa + not enough money 😉

    1. Thanks Renuka; Maharashtra sure surprised me with its hidden gems!

  7. There is so much to see and experience in India itself, my bucket list keeps increasing and loved this off beaten destination you just chronicled 🙂

    1. That’s great Soujanya! Time to take that list and hit the road then 😉

  8. Hi Shivya! I keep coming back to your blog for travel ideas and these are so inspiring, one day I am sure I’ll end up giving my corporate job too! I have a suggestion – if you could share more details on where you stay, it would be a great help. For example, I cold not figure out what the self-catering place in Pawna was and how does one go about booking/renting it out.

  9. Konkan is next on my list. Do not miss camping at Kashid Beach when you’re there next. I think Letscampout (or something like that) can arrange camps/tents for you.

    Interesting blog you have got here. Kudos!

  10. Wow Shivya, your post looks amazing and so does all your trip. I admire the way you have decided to follow your passion. I must say you are doing a great job and the posts are fun and interesting to read. So keep sharing 🙂

  11. Atul (@twtul) says:

    All pictures of your travel story are captivating! Even being a Maharshtrian myself never got a chance to explore such beauty, How unfortunate I’m. Once I had Deoghar trip, I’m sure you’d love to explore it in your future trip… Thanks for sharing, my instinct says i will visit these places one day 🙂

  12. amol vinod says:

    Nice click with good description

  13. hi Shivya, i absolutely adore your blogs! Could you tell me how you travel within cities (public transport, etc) and how much budget do you keep aside for local and international destinations for road travel?

  14. Bhava Mazumdar says:

    Simply just awesome!

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