10 Underrated Short Trips Near Mumbai to Try Right Now!

Monday mornings got you like 😩? If you’re stuck in the 9-to-5 grind, solving emails in your head at red lights, it’s time to swap that grey cubicle for something green and glorious. We’ve rounded up 10 epic, totally underrated short trips near Mumbai under 100 km that will recharge your soul faster than your morning chai can hit the spot. From bird sanctuaries where hornbills do the cha-cha on tree branches, to secret lakes tinted cotton-candy pink at dusk, these escapes are tailor-made for your next digital detox.

And here’s where Kozyclan comes in: we’re your one-stop group-travel BFF, hooking you up with curated itineraries designed by local experts, verified hosts who handle every glitch (permits, gear, and even that random flat tire), and small-group sizes so you actually meet people instead of wandering aimlessly. Booking is zero-stress with transparent pricing, simple online payments, and flexible departure dates. Just pick your adventure, click a button, and prepare for non-stop “OMG, did you see that?” moments.

Ready to pack your bags? Consider this your cheat sheet for the ultimate short trip near Mumbai—peak adrenaline or yoga-on-the-beach, you choose. Check out our Weekend Tours Near Mumbai for the full lowdown on these escapes.

1. Karnala Bird Sanctuary & Fort (50 km | ~1.5 hrs)

Got a thing for critters with wings and centuries-old ruins? Karnala Bird Sanctuary delivers both, just a quick drive from Mumbai. Imagine you’re gliding down a winding ghat road at dawn, lured by the call of Malabar Whistling Thrush and Paradise Flycatchers. Our AC coach whisks you there in about 90 minutes—perfect for a power nap or a pre-trek chai-and-samosa sesh. Once you hit the sanctuary gates, binoculars are your best friend: more than 170 bird species flit through the forest canopy, including the Great Hornbill and the vibrant Eurasian Roller.

After your morning birding high, lace up your trekking shoes for the gentle climb to Karnala Fort—a 700-year-old hilltop sentinel. The summit panorama is pure bragging rights: 360° views of Mumbai’s skyline dancing alongside the endless Sahyadri ridges. Trust us, your Instagram feed has never looked this epic.

• Best time to visit: October to March for migratory flocks; monsoon months (June–September) for lush waterfalls. Learn more about the best time to visit Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
• Must-do moment: Grab a conical hat from the local vendor, sip on hot chai at the summit, and capture that golden-hour glow.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We handle pick-up from central Mumbai, sunrise permits, safety gear, and breakfast at the peak—so you can focus on high-fiving your squad.

2. Pelhar Lake Picnic Haven (52 km | ~2 hrs)

If your ideal weekend includes lounging on mirror-smooth waters under wildflower-strewn banks, Pelhar Lake is calling your name. A breezy two-hour ride in our AC coach takes you right to the lake’s edge, where time slows and breezes whisper. Picture gauzy golden-hour sunsets, you perched on a handwoven mat with a gourmet picnic spread at your feet, courtesy of Kozyclan’s in-house culinary wizards. Locally sourced cheeses, artisan breads, fresh fruit baskets, and chilled mocktails all arrive pre-packed—no Tupperware Tetris required.

As the sun dips, those fringing marigolds and bougainvillea create a pinkish haze that’s basically photographable perfection. Lantern-lit pathways guide you to cozy campfire seating, where marshmallows meet mini-bonfires and storytelling reaches “this one time on a road trip” status. Discover why Pelhar is hailed as the best weekend gateway to Pelhar Lake and Dam.

• Best time to visit: December to February evenings, when the skies turn cotton-candy pink.
• Must-do moment: Lakefront s’mores and hot cocoa sessions under a star-speckled sky.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: Opt for our luxury picnic add-on for pre-set bamboo tables, eco-friendly flatware, and a verified local host who’s basically your picnic fairy godparent.

3. Karjat Adventure Central (62 km | ~1.5 hrs)

Seeking an adrenaline rush to zap those weekday blues? Karjat Adventure Central is your playground. In just 90 minutes on our air-conditioned shuttle, you’ll swap Mumbai’s gridlock for roaring waterfalls and jungle-groove vibes. Your verified Kozyclan host greets you with fresh coconut water and a crash-course on the day’s itinerary—then it’s straight into the wild.

First stop: Kondana Caves, the Buddhist rock-cut marvels dating back to the 1st century BCE. Explore ancient prayer halls, stargaze through basalt tunnels, and channel your inner Indiana Jones. Next, conquer the Ulhas River rapids: with certified rafting instructors steering the oars, you’ll navigate foam-flecked waves that dip, dive, and scream your name. Feel that electric heart-thump? That’s adventure serotonin kicking in. Karjat is one of the most popular road trips from Mumbai, and for good reason.

• Best time to visit: June to September for waterfall spectacles at full tilt.
• Must-do moment: Midnight bonfire by the riverbank, complete with DIY chai stations and marshmallow toasting.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We secure all permits, top-tier safety gear, and a guide who doubles as your trusty hype-person. Just bring your A-game (and swimsuit).

4. Durshet Jungle Thrills (76 km | ~2.5 hrs)

Flash your inner Tarzan in Durshet Forest Lodge Khopoli, the Western Ghats’ own adventure hub. Zipline through canopies, rappel down rocky cliffs, and traverse hanging bridges as your coach revs back to civilization. After a day of pulse-pounding fun, unwind by the bonfire with piping-hot local curries and chai that tastes like victory.

• Best time to visit: October to May for clear skies and dry adventure trails.
• Must-do moment: Night safari followed by stargazing with a local naturalist.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We pre-book all activities—from archery to mountain biking—and pair you with certified instructors. Just bring your sense of wonder.

5. Matheran Car-Free Hill Station (83 km | ~2 hrs)

Escape the drone of engines in Matheran, Asia’s only car-free hill station. Your Kozyclan shuttle delivers you to Neral, where the charming toy train chugs through emerald tunnels to Matheran’s misty ridges. Once you arrive, it’s all pedestrian paths, horse trails, and pastel cloud views as far as the eye can see.

Start your morning at Panorama Point, cupping hot, spice-perfected chai as the sun peeks over Sahyadri outcrops. Explore Echo Point for some fun “hellooooo” echoes, wander to One Tree Hill for that selfie framed by Himalayan pine silhouettes, or simply meander down horse tracks in the company of local guides who’ll share folklore about the hill’s British-era heritage.

• Best time to visit: July to March for crisp air and clear panoramas.
• Must-do moment: Horseback ride at dawn with a flask of local masala tea—10/10 serenity guaranteed.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We snag your toy train e-tickets, pair you with friendly hosts who know every viewpoint, and keep groups small so you get personalized tips, not one-size-fits-all bulletins.

6. Lonavala Waterfall Wonderland (85 km | ~2 hrs)

If monsoon fever is real, Lonavala is the cure—and the addict’s dream. Our group leaves Mumbai at the crack of dawn to beat the traffic and catch Bhaja Caves when the mossy walls are still cool and dewy. Then it’s full-throttle to Tiger’s Leap for that picture-postcard panorama, followed by an epic waterfall hunt: Leopard’s Point, Kune Falls, and the legendary Bhushi Dam where the spray doubles as a natural shower.

Water babies, this is your safari. Wade through knee-deep streams, scramble over slippery boulders, and belly-flop into secluded pools that feel like private spas. Feel like busting a Bollywood-style dance in the spray? Go for it—you’re among friends.

• Best time to visit: June to September for 100% waterfall action.
• Must-do moment: Bhushi Dam dance party—locally known as “Bushi Nach”—when water gushes and beats drop.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: Our daybreak departure and small-group vibe get you ahead of the crowds, plus we roll out breakfast at a hidden café that only locals know.

7. Alibaug Beach & Fort Duo (92 km | ~2.5 hrs)

Craving a coastal vacay without hopping a plane? Alibaug is calling. Roll out of Mumbai onto our deluxe bus, cruise to the Gateway to the West—Bombay Ferry Terminal—then sail into the quaint town with coconut palms swaying and seafood grills firing up. Alibaug beach has everything: banana boats, jet-ski thrills, and parasailing views that turn you into a real-life seagull.

At low tide, traverse the sandy causeway to Kolaba Fort’s ancient ramparts. Envision exploring its stony corridors, igniting a tiny beach bonfire, and watching waves crash through archways while you’re roasting marshmallows. When you’re done channeling inner explorer vibes, collapse on your Kozyclan-curated beachfront homestay porch, breeze in your face, a cold kokum sherbet in hand. Browse some of the cheap resorts in Alibaug for inspiration.

• Best time to visit: November to February for perfect beach weather.
• Must-do moment: Ferry ride at golden hour, with the sun melting into the Arabian Sea—peak romance (with friends or that special someone).
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We bundle your ferry tickets, secure your beachfront homestay, and assign a local host who knows which shack serves the catch-of-the-day.

8. Kashid’s Sandy Solitude (120 km | ~3 hrs)

Okay, so we slightly bent our 100 km rule, but Kashid is that good. A three-hour drive past Alibaug delivers you to an almost-deserted stretch of the Konkan coast, where ivory sands meet crystal-clear surf. It’s the kind of place you can wander barefoot for hours and only leave behind footprints—and maybe a cute beach chair you rented.

When night falls, gather around a roaring Kozyclan bonfire with your travel squad. Drumbeats, acoustic guitar, and gourmet snacks turn a simple beach night into an epic memory. The next morning, an optional sunrise yoga session on the sand resets your mind for the week ahead.

• Best time to visit: October to February for calm seas and gentle sun.
• Must-do moment: Midnight star-gazing—no light pollution here, so the Milky Way is front-and-center.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We provide the group camping kit (comfy tents, cozy sleeping bags, and twinkling fairy lights), plus gourmet bonfire snacks so you don’t have to ration marshmallows.

9. Manori Beach Daycation (18 km | ~1 hr)

When time is short but you need a fastish recharge, Manori Beach is your one-hour miracle. Skip the traffic by hopping a pre-booked ferry (we got your back!), then step into a laid-back island scene where palm fronds sway and shacks pour the perfect latte or cold brew. Whether you’re paddle-boarding across calm coves or parasailing above azure waves, this micro-getaway packs maximum chill.

By afternoon, the beach clubs crank up mellow-house beats, turning a lazy day in the sun into a mini-festival vibe. Dine on fresh catch-of-the-day grills, sip on kokum cooler mocktails, and lounge in hammocks until the sunset bonfire calls your name.

• Best time to visit: November to March for breezy, dry beach days.
• Must-do moment: Sunset bonfire DJ sets—yes, there will be glow sticks.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We lock in your shack seating and water-sport slots, so you can literally show up, plonk down, and forget your parking woes.

10. Kanheri Caves City Escape (18 km | ~1 hr)

Who said you can’t have ancient history and jungle vibes in one quick trip? Drive less than an hour to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, and Kanheri Caves unfold like a hidden chapter of Mumbai’s storybook. These rock-cut sanctuaries date back over 2,000 years, hosting monks, pilgrims, and now—you. Wander through prayer halls, examine carved stupas, and marvel at stone inscriptions that predate the city itself.

After your guided history trek, drift in a paddleboat on the park’s serene lake, scanning for kingfishers and maybe a cheeky langur or two. By midday, retreat to a shaded picnic spot where Kozyclan’s local host serves up piping-hot bhakri and sabzi—fuel for your next adventure.

• Best time to visit: November to February to beat the heat and the crowds.
• Must-do moment: Sunrise entry when golden rays illuminate the cave facades—pure Instagram gold.
• Why Kozyclan rocks here: We breeze past ticket lines (INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners + park fees), handle shuttle fees, and deliver an expert guide to decode every carving.

Bonus: Where to Crash (Budget-friendly stays)

Your adventure squad deserves a cozy night’s sleep after epic days. Here are Kozyclan’s top budget-friendly picks, all vetted by our hosts and loved by past travelers. For more tips on finding cheap accommodation, check out this guide.

Conclusion

Which escape is calling your name? Tag your BFF, your work squad, or even that match you met on a travel app. Whether it’s soaring above Matheran’s mist, chasing monsoon waterfalls in Lonavala, or unearthing ancient vibes at Kanheri Caves, these 10 underrated short trips near Mumbai are ready to blow your mind. Thanks to Kozyclan’s zero-stress booking, verified hosts, and small-group magic, you get bucketloads of epic memories without any of the planning headaches. So what are you waiting for? Book your seat, ditch the FOMO, and let your next adventure begin! 🚀