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. 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. A PRISTINE OUTDOOR OFFICE by the mango trees, quaint …