10 OffBeat Winter Destinations in Maharashtra

Maharashtra, being the third-largest state of India is also home to the financial capital of the country- Mumbai. The state has multiple places to visit right from Khandala, Lonavala, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar to the underrated gems like the Sahyadri ranges, the Konkan strip and more. If you’re someone from the busy cities of Mumbai, Pune or Bangalore and are looking for a place for a winter trip, read on as we’ve got the best winter destinations in Maharashtra for you. 

10 Winter destinations in Maharashtra that you must visit 

Mhaismal: 

360 km from Mumbai,  located at an altitude of 1067 m, Mhaismal is located in the Pulsad District of Maharashtra. It  is a part of the extreme eastern limits of the Sahyadri ranges with its unique mountain topography.  

About 37 kilometers from urban Aurangabad and 12 kilometers from the town of Khuldabad is this temperate place of sheer indulgence – an engagement with nature. 

The temperature here rarely exceeds the 32 degree Celsius mark while the lowest averages to about 7 degree Celsius, making it a year-round destination. However, the real threat of this calm and untouched land is during the monsoon season. 

Picturesque spaces, verdant valleys, serene atmosphere and wild, untouched surroundings are the intangible attributes that make Mhaismal one of the most visited hilly terrains of this part of Maharashtra.  

The main viewpoint overlooks a horizon of over 30 kilometers with neatly laid farms, hamlets and forest patches at regular intervals. Mhaismal is also famous for the Grishneshwar temple and Devgiri fort that are situated in the vicinity. 

Another must visit place is the Gorakhnath Caves, a holy place where it is believed Gorakhnath performed his penance. It is the perfect place for a two day trip away from the cacophony of the city.

Tamhini Ghat: 

Connecting the hilly regions of Pune to the coastlines of Konkan and located 140 km from Mumbai, Tamhini Ghat truly comes alive during the monsoons as the land around transforms into red earth covered with a blanket of moss, creepers and small shrubs. This makes for a great trip for nature lovers!

Swaying merrily along with the rushing winds, the wild plants provide perfect company and the sudden cascades of waterfalls make the ride truly refreshing! 

Although wrought with potholes, the ride through Tamhini Ghats is rewarded richly by the surrounding scenery! From the Tamhini Ghat you can take the road that leads to the Mulshi Dam backwaters which will also lead you to the gigantic waterfall at Palse. 

Further ahead is Kolad which is now becoming immensely popular for river rafting that you can do on the river Kundalika. The currents are strong and it is the only river in Maharashtra where you can experience white water rafting. 

Kolad now has several cottages and resorts where you can book a room. Tamhini Ghat is simply ethereal with its sweeping views and is definitely less crowded than its cousin, Malshej Ghat. In fact, every turn in the landscape holds a surprise, offering fantastic sights. 

There is also a temple here dedicated to the goddess Vanjai that lies almost hidden amongst dense vegetation. The path to it will remind you of the forests that you may have read of in fairytales.

Bhandardara: 

Located 185 kilometers away from Mumbai and about the same distance from Pune, Bhandardara is located to the north of Ahmednagar district in Akole tehsil and is considered a “Trekker’s paradise”. 

Gushing, meandering and making their way through the resilient cliffs of the Sahyadri, the most notable of the falls at Bhandardara are the Umbrella falls. Beautiful, foaming  white, fast and at the same time calming, the Umbrella Falls are formed due to the backwaters of the Wilson Dam. 

The most notable fact about the Wilson Dam is that it is one of the oldest and yet surviving dams of Asia! Romantic and charming, Bhandardara is one of the best kept secrets of Maharashtra. 

From Bhandardara, you can climb up to see the Ratangad and Harishchandragad fort. Or, you can follow the trails that lead to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks.  Built in 1910 across River Pravara, Wilson Dam is situated at a height of 150 m above sea level. It’s one of the oldest dams in the country with a spectacular view.

The opening of sluice gates creates two 60 to 80 feet cascades of water that plummet to the rocks below. It’s a spectacular view.Also, if you are up for a challenge, the highest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai (1646 m), stands tall for you to conquer.

Panhala Fort:

The fort of Panhala occupies a prime place in the history of Maharashtra and is also a favourite destination as a hill station. 

A 375 km long drive from Mumbai, located in the Kolhapur District Built by the Shilahara dynasty of Kolhapur in the 12th century, the fort passed into the hands of the Yadavas of Devagiri, Bahamani, Adil Shahi and subsequently the Marathas. 

Shivaji Maharaj spent many days on this fort which was under the dominance of the Marathas until the 17th and mid-18th century. Queen Tarabai was the founder of the Panhala throne of Karvir alias Kolhapur princely state. 

The fort has witnessed many upheavals and battles and is located around 20 kilometers from Kolhapur. An interesting view from Panhala is that of the pass that connects the rest of Maharashtra with its coastal areas.

There are many remains of the fort which are now being looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort can be visited during any season but what makes it more compelling, mysterious and exciting are the fog and the dense greenery that sprouts up during the monsoon. 

There are hotels aplenty in Panhala and you can enjoy the typical Kolhapuri cuisine. While entering Panhala you will come across the mausoleum of Veer Shiva Kashid whose statue is at the entrance of the fort. Walk along the opposite side of this statue and you will reach the Parashar cavern which possibly could have been a Buddhist cave.

Tadoba: 

Tadoba National Park or Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is another place to visit especially for wildlife lovers. Created in 1955, this place is named after the Andhari river that flows through it. It is open for tourists from the 15th of October to the 30th of June every year. 

Apart from the tigers, one can also get to see wild dogs, sloth bears and different species of birds here. This lush green space for wildlife  is also rich with diverse flora and fauna. There are Indian Python, peacocks, Wolf Spiders, Indian Cobra, Crested Serpent Eagle, Striped Hyena and more located in this wildlife sanctuary.

Wai: 

Located 35kms North of the city of Satara, Wai is truly a pilgrim town with around 100 temples situated across and around the town. Most of these beautiful temples were constructed in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture that uses huge stone slabs without mortar. 

A popular abode for temples with ancient mythological links, Wai is also a favourite tourist destination because of its scenic ambience and the fact that it can be a stop-over on the way to the hill-stations of Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. 

With its more than 100 temples, it is rightly known as the ‘Dakshin Kashi’ of Maharashtra. And if that’s not all, it is also the place where some of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters have been shot. 

Over the years, Wai has become a hotspot for the shooting of Indian feature films. More than 220 Hindi, Marathi, Bhojpuri, Tamil and Telugu movies have been shot here courtesy its beautiful locations, availability of equipment, the cooperative nature of the locals, etc. 

Don’t be surprised therefore, if the conversation with the residents of Wai often veers toward the narration of intriguing stories of the superstars of Indian cinema. 

Wai has a number of tourist spots apart from the culturally rich temples like the Wai Caves, Buddhist caves, situated at Lohare, 7 km north of Wai, Panchgnani, a well known hill station, Dhom and Dhom Balakwadi dams, situated on the Krishna and Kamandalu rivers, Lohare Palpeshwar Caves — It is 5 km north of Wai and 39 km from Satara known for its beautiful artistic legacy.

Every once in a while, it becomes necessary to take a break from the fast -paced urban lifestyle and escape to the beauty and tranquility of the countryside. Pick your next getaway from one of these lesser known places and you will be surprised by what you have been missing all this time so close to home.

Matheran:

Matheran is a winter destination in Maharashtra that should be visited specially to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in the Raigad district of the state of Maharashtra, Matheran is a place devoid of vehicles. 

You can travel here on horseback, wander on your feet or use the Matheran railway for the commute. You can explore different tourist points, see some popular peaks and valleys and enjoy to your fullest amid the greenery found in this place. Mumbai is the closest city to this place and is only a 2-3 hours drive distance from here. 

The various points to see here are Louisa point, panorama point, monkey point, porcupine point etc. Lake Charlotte and One Tree Hill are also some places that are famous here. It takes around 2-3 days to make the most of all that this hill station has to offer, making it a great destination for weekend getaways. 

Alibag: 

Located just a boat ride away from Mumbai, Alibag is filled with beaches and other natural wonders to gawk at. Alibag means ‘Ali’s Garden’ and the place owes its name to an Israeli resident who lived here in the olden days. Alibag has a rich history as it was a very important and cherished port of British India.

There are beaches, temple ruins and ancient forts like the Kolaba fort located all over Alibag making it a great weekend visit. Summers are too warm and humid whereas rains make the place difficult to reach. 

Winters are the best time to visit this tiny coastal town. Amid chilling on the beaches, trying the watersports or having fun across the shore, make sure you try the beach shacks for seafood and make a night out of it by having a great barbeque dinner.  

Chikhaldara: 

Being a fill station in the Amravati area of Maharashtra, Chikhaldara is a place famous for the epic of Mahabharata. This place is also a budding coffee-growing area of Maharashtra. 

Apart from this, there are lakes, waterfalls, temples and forts to visit in Chikhaldara. The winter temperature range is pleasant as the temperature extends from 23 degrees Celsius to 4 degrees Celsius.

The must-visits include Bhumkund waterfalls, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Narnala and Gwaligarh forts, Mozari Point, Panchbol point, Semadoh lake, Wan sanctuary and more. Chikhaldara is a small hill station replete with nature’s wonders and perfect for a weekend away from the city noise. 

Mahabaleshwar: 

Saved the most popular one for the last. Mahabaleshwar is one of the top hill stations of the state. Located around 5-6 hours from Mumbai and around 2-3 hours from Pune, this place is a great winter destination. 

Make sure you book the hotel package reservations in advance so as to avoid last moment bookings which are expensive as the hotels are mostly full during winters. Mahabaleshwar is a hill station with plenty of tourist points, there is Venna lake, the market area, mapro garden, Kates point, Mahabaleshwar temple and more. 

Winters has this hill station at its best with cold weather and a serene view of valleys and mountains. If you do decide on visiting Mahabaleshwar, remember that the strawberry season of this hill station is from October to November and from April to May. This is the time when you have to try various dishes that are made out of these local strawberries like strawberry shakes, strawberry and cream (absolutely delicious), strawberry jams etc.

Also, try the spiced hot Bhutta ( corn ) as a contrast to the cold climate outside. This place tops the charts when it comes to hill stations and it is definitely worth all the hype.

Maharashtra is truly a state offering the best of both worlds. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beach person or a mountain person because this state has both. Owing to its long coastline, there are plenty of beaches in the coastal areas like Kashid beach in the north Konkan region, ganpatipule beach in Ratnagiri etc. 

The western ghats or the Sahyadri range has also made it possible for the city to have numerous tourist attractions in the form of hill stations. 

What to pack for Maharashtra in winters?

Check out Kosha’s winter wear collection here!

Outerwear like puffer jackets, parkas, or a coat

Shell layers or outerwear make for the outermost layers of any winter wear. This is the reason they need to be made of material that guarantees synthetic insulation while being easy to carry and compressible. 

Kosha’s range of parkas and puffer jackets are a great fit for extreme winters with a compatible base and mid-layer. However, Maharashtra experiences a moderate level of winter for which this outerwear can be worn by themselves depending upon the individual’s resistance to cold.

Check the Fleece-lined puffer jacket for men here

Check the Fleece-lined puffer jacket for women here

Sweaters and Pullovers

Sweaters and pullovers make for the classic winter apparel and these old school winter gears are still in fashion. It should be kept in mind that these are made out of fabric that provides warmth while being breathable. 

Kosha’s range of sweaters and pullovers are made out of merino wool which is the kind of sustainable material that leaves a cushiony feel on the skin. Kosha’s sweaters for men are dual coloured and available in full sleeves and also as sleeveless sweater vests. 

Kosha’s sweater for men

Kosha’s sweater for women

Base layers 

The innermost layers of winter layering are known as the base layers. They form the foundation which is why they must be soft on the skin while being breathable. They also protect the natural body heat from escaping while making sure that they don’t let the chilly outside wind seep in. 

As these are in constant touch with your body to make sure that the base layers you choose are comfortable, Kosha’s range of base layers has been reinvented to provide the users with the best winter clothing experience. 

Made with the unique combination of merino wool and bamboo, these base layers make sure that they are super soft on the skin while being itch-free and breathable. 

Check out base layers for men here 

Check out base layers for women here 

Woolen bottoms – Snow Pants

The state of Maharashtra receives heavy rainfall which can also be experienced during the peak winter months. In such a scenario, it is inadvisable to wear thick material like denim as it soaks in the water thus adding to the weight. This can also be said for places of extreme cold that experience snowfall. 

Wearing winter garments like snow pants that are made out of water-repellant fabric will help get a better experience. These snow pants allow free flow of movements and make a great fit for winter activities of any kind. 

Kosha’s winter pants are suitable to be worn by themselves in a temperature range that extends from 5 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius.

Check out snow pants for men here 

Check out snow pants for women here 

Warm accessories

Winter accessories make for the fourth (and informal) layer in the winter layering process. But it should be kept in mind that winter accessories are very crucial as they help protect the otherwise exposed areas of the body like the hands, neck region, ears, head etc. 

Accessories like scarves, mufflers, gloves, mittens, monkey caps or beanies should be looked into as they not only provide insulation but also up your outfit look. Gloves or mittens make sure that your hands are warm while preventing them from going numb in extreme cold. They also provide grip in snowy areas. 

Scarves and mufflers or stoles cover your neck region which otherwise harbours cool air. Make sure you research the kind of weather that is expected from the place of your visit and pack accordingly. 

Check out accessories here 

Warm shoes or boots

Whether it is a trip for leisure adventure or work, you must carry the right footwear. Winter weather requires you to carry the kind of shoes that are breathable with great grip on snowy surfaces. 

Carry simple shoes that are meant for the kind of weather you are expecting from the place of your visit. Do consider other factors like the possibility of rains, kind of terrain expected etc. in advance so that you make an informed purchase. 

Check out winter boots for men here 

Check out winter boots for women here

Warm socks 

Socks are a mandatory prerequisite for any winter trip as they make sure your feet are well insulated. They also protect your feet from shoe bites, blisters or even foot odour to some extent. 

Kosha’s range of no-blister socks is a great buy as they cover all these features and more. These socks are made out of merino wool, they have arch support for a better grip and they can be worn in a temperature range that extends from 40 degrees Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius.

Check out Kosha’s socks for men here

Check out Kosha’s socks for women here 

Planning on visiting these destinations? Research well in advance, have a travel guide ready, and let us help you focus on creating memories. We recommend our all-weather color pop Supima Pullovers for him & her, waterproof feature-rich jackets that can also be used in the Monsoons. 

For those cold hill station nights and misty mornings, we recommend adding a muffler, scarf, or layering with our temperature regulating soft thermals. Our base layers are available for adults (plus sizes available) as well as for kids.

Still not sure about what layers to get for your cold-weather needs? Let us help you with the right layers! Call us / WhatsApp us at+91 9820999006 between 11am & 6pm IST Mondays to Saturdays.

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This post is written by Kosha Team Member: Sanika