Matheran

Dubbed the tiniest hill station in India, Matheran is perched at an elevation of 2625 feet. A narrow gauge ‘toy train’ winds its way up from Neral, treating visitors to breathtaking views of the Sahyadris. There’s also a tar road that goes up to Dasturi Naka which is 11 km from the town. In an effort to preserve the region’s ecology, no vehicles are permitted beyond this point. Visitors may choose to walk or continue on horseback.

Bhimashankar

Located in village of Bhorgiri, the Bhimashankar temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. While the temple dates back to the mid 18th century, the shrine Bhimashankaram finds mention in texts from the 13th century. The nearby Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular weekend getaway.

Peth

Sitting at an altitude of 1550 ft, Peth (or Kotligad as it is also known) is a small fort with a large cave at its base. Dating back to Sambhaji’s empire in the early 17th century, its principal feature is a dramatic stone staircase that leads to a funnel-shaped fortification at the top.

Ulhas Valley

The valley of the Ulhas river springs to life in the monsoon with hundreds of streams and waterfalls tumbling over the rich green mountainsides. The area is a popular destination for trekkers from Mumbai and Pune.