If you're in Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, or Surat, the Western Ghats and Aravalli Range is just a bus ride away. So if you’re planning a quick mountain getaway, these four destinations are worth checking out.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Rajasthan's only hill station sits on a rocky plateau in the Aravalli Range at around 1,220 metres — a genuine contrast to the desert state surrounding it. It's known for the Dilwara Jain Temples, considered among the finest examples of marble craftsmanship in India, and Nakki Lake at the centre of town. November to February is the best window; summers are popular too as an escape from Rajasthan's heat. Direct buses run from both Ahmedabad (around 5 hours) and Jaipur (around 9–10 hours). The nearest railway station is Abu Road, 28 km away, from where shared jeeps and autos go up to the hill town.
What to see: Dilwara Jain Temples · Nakki Lake · Guru Shikhar (highest peak of the Aravallis) · Sunset Point · Achalgarh Fort
Planning a quick get away to Mount Abu? Book your bus on Scapia!
Saputara, Gujarat
Gujarat's only hill station is a quiet, unhurried plateau town in the Dang district, sitting at around 1,000 metres in the Sahyadri ranges. It's surrounded by dense forests, tribal villages, and the Ambika River valley — and it's most dramatic in the monsoon, when the hills turn intensely green and Gira Falls roars to full height. November to June is the comfortable window for most visitors. From Nashik, buses take about 2 hours; from Surat, it's around 3.5–4 hours. State and private buses from Mumbai (~5–6 hours) and Pune (~6.5 hours) also cover the route.
What to see: Saputara Lake · Gira Falls · Sunset Point · Vansda National Park · Tribal Museum
Planning a quick get away to Saputara? Book your bus on Scapia!
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar is one of the highest points in Maharashtra and has been a hill retreat since the British made it their summer capital. Strawberry farms, misty viewpoints, and the Krishna River's source all share the same plateau. October to June is the sweet spot; the monsoon transforms it into a deep green but the roads get wet and slippery. MSRTC and private buses from Pune take about 3 hours; from Mumbai, it's around 4–5 hours. Since there's no railway station, bus is the way to go.
What to see: Venna Lake · Arthur's Seat · Pratapgad Fort · Wilson Point (sunrise viewpoint) · Lingamala Falls
Planning a quick get away to Mahabaleshwar? Book your bus on Scapia!
Igatpuri, Maharashtra
Two hours from Mumbai by bus or train, Igatpuri is the least-talked-about hill town on this list — and arguably the most quietly rewarding. Sitting at ~600 metres in the Sahyadris, it's known for Dhamma Giri, one of the largest Vipassana meditation centres in the world, and Kalsubai Peak, the highest point in Maharashtra. The monsoon (July to September) is genuinely spectacular here — waterfalls everywhere and lush valleys — though trekking is better from October to February. Buses from Mumbai take roughly 2.5–3 hours via the Nashik highway; the town also has its own railway station with frequent trains from CST and Dadar.
What to see: Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre · Kalsubai Peak (trek) · Bhatsa River Valley · Vihigaon Falls · Tringalwadi Fort
Planning a quick get away to Igatpuri? Book your bus on Scapia!
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