The best weekend getaways from Mumbai

What is it: Twin towns, one buzzy, one blissfully quiet

Why we love it: The Sahyadris' most accessible escape from Mumbai, Lonavala-Khandala delivers on every kind of view: lakes, cliffs, forests, and in monsoon, waterfalls. Lonavala handles the crowds and commerce; Khandala keeps things peaceful. Together, they're a pretty ideal pair for keeping the monotony from creeping in.

Distance from Mumbai: 85km | About two hours’ drive via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway

Best things to do: Wander through the second-century BC Buddhist rock-cut caves at Karla and Bhaja. The eternal chikki debate can be settled by sampling your way through every Maganlal on the strip. Head to Duke's Nose (Nagphani) for rock climbing with a view, or Shooting Point, which overlooks Rajmachi. For thrill-seekers, Della Adventure Park has bungee jumping and dirt-biking sorted. And even if you've missed strawberry season, the Mapro Garden here is still worth a stop.

Best restaurants: Fiori, Anglo-Indian Café & Bistro, Parsi Dhaba, Golden Vada Pav, Buvanchi Misal, Cooper’s

Where to stay: The Hidden Eden’s room and tent scream quiet luxury, and they’ve got a host of things for you to do in them too – a garden, hammock, board games, and even the pickle-tickling option of an outdoor shower.

What is it: Maharashtra's trekking capital: equal parts adventure and spiritual retreat

Why go: It boasts one of the world’s largest meditation centres – Dhamma Giri Vipassana Academy – and serves as a base trek village for Maharashtra’s highest point, Kalsubai. Since it’s located near Thull Ghat – one of the steepest railroad inclines in India – it’s got deep, jagged valleys and railway viaducts. During the monsoon, five different waterfalls cascade to become one at Camel Valley, and that sight is just serene.

Distance from Mumbai: 120 km | About 2.5-3 hours’ drive via Mumbai-Nashik Highway

Best things to do: Hike to Tringalwadi Fort or take up the daunting Kalsubai Trek. For something even more extreme, go rappelling at Maharashtra's Grand Canyon, Sandhan Valley – but there’s also rewards in staying back for camping. Indulge in extreme touristy behaviour and strike a pose at Myanmar Gate. Go for a winery tour at Vallonne Vineyards.

Best restaurants: Anand Mangal, Malaka Spice, New Bombay Hotel, Greenland, Garden View Pure Veg Restaurant, National Café, Appa Chinese Corner

Time Out tip: May is also the month when you start spotting fireflies, so explore the Kajwa Mahotsav and make it a camping trip. Treks and Trails has some affordable packages.

Where to stay: The Fog Farms Organic guest house, known for its owner’s warm service, is in the middle of farmlands with a patio, guaranteeing a calm stay.

What is it: Asia’s only hill station where horses take you around

Why we love it: Well, other than the very low AQI, the quaintness of this hill station is unmatched. No exhaust fumes, because no vehicles are allowed beyond Dasturi Naka. The only mode of transportation to rely on is horse portering, which delivers groceries and tourists to their destinations alike. It’s charming, and dotted with many, many viewpoints. Matheran also offers a rare chance to cut off from the world (read: low network connectivity).

Distance from Mumbai: 80km | About two hours’ drive to Dasturi Naka, then a brisk walk or a horse ride to your stay

Best things to do: Hop on the UNESCO-listed Matheran toy train that crawls up steep slopes at a pace that offers a slow-travel experience from the word go. There are red-soil forest trails you can embark on to reach Panorama Point for 360-degree views. Add Charlotte Lake to your must-see things list as well. For sunsets, head to Porcupine Point. Trekkers also love One Tree Hill Point. For astronomy nerds, there’s a modest observatory near MTDC Resort called Aakashganga Sky Observatory.

Best restaurants: Hakimi, Khan’s, Divadkar's, Shree Rajbhog Thali, Farm Fresh

Time Out tip: Beware of monkeys.

What is it: A breezy hill station with old-school colonial charm and some of the best paragliding conditions in the country

Why go: Dotted with Parsi bungalows and boarding schools, this place exudes old-world. Table Land, a flat volcanic rock plateau and Asia's second-longest mountain plateau, offers unobstructed views of the vast expanse. It remains windy even during May.  And it’s the deep Krishna Valley and wind currents that make it the paragliding capital of Western India.

How far from Mumbai: 242 km | 4.5 hours drive via Mumbai - Pune Expressway/Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway and NH 48

Best things to do: Paraglide at Krishna Valley for a bird’s-eye view of the Sahyadris. For unforgettable sunset views, head to Sydney Point, Parsi Point, or Kate’s Point. Enjoy water sports at Dhom Dam, or go go-karting at Velocity Entertainmentz. It’s really fun to pick up strawberry products, jams, and syrups at the OG Mapro Garden. You can also explore traditional art forms and handcrafted items at the nearby Devrai Art Village.

Best restaurants: Rainforest, Mapro Garden, Purohit Lunch Home, Akbarally Parantha House, Lucky Restaurant, Hotel Mala’s Dining

Where to stay: Armed with both a gorgeous lake view and a private indoors pool, this private suite is all about minimalist decor.

What is it: The ‘queen of hill stations’ sits at an elevation of 1,353 metres – a deserving royal seat, given that it grows 85% of India’s strawberries

Why go: It has vast plateaus, evergreen forests, and, you guessed it, loads of strawberries. Be warned that in the summer months, though, you will barely spot any.

Mahabaleshwar is also famous for Wai turmeric, which is a powerhouse of wellness. Right next door is Panchgani with its natural bounty, and it shares a similar topography. At Old Mahabaleshwar’s Panchganag Temple, five rivers – Krishna, Koyna, Venna, Savitri, and Gayatri – originate from a single point. It also offers unique nature trails and treks.

Distance from Mumbai: 260km | 5-6 hours drive

Best things to do: Sports galore: go rowing and paddle boating on Venna Lake, try water sports at ‘mini-Kashmir’ Tapola, kayak in the Koyna backwaters, zip-lining near Lingmala. The historic 17th-century Pratapgad Fort is definitely worth visiting. Catch deep valley views from Arthur's Seat, and admire rock formations at Elephant's Head Point. You can even learn about honeymaking and beekeeping at the Madhuban Honey Park.

Best restaurants: The Grapevine, Hirkani, Cafe Peter, Saayali, Mapro Garden, The Raintree Restaurant, Meghdoot

Time Out tip: Book-lovers, make a pit stop at Bhilar village. It is India's first village of books – a public library, also known as Pustakanch Gaav, where you can read at any of the cosy spots that are decorated with murals and paintings.

Where to stay: A villa perfect for summers with a swimming pool, but is also at very convenient distances from Veena lake, Mapro, and the main Mahabaleshwar market.