5 offbeat destinations in Maharashtra for your next weekend trip

Maharashtra isn’t just Mumbai, Pune, and Lonavala’s vada pav. Beyond the tourist-packed hill stations, there are lesser-known places where you get the most beautiful surprises popping out of the blue in terms of natural beauty and more. If you're the kind of traveller who prefers empty trails over overflowing resorts, it’s now time to skip the obvious.
Weekend getaways don’t have to always mean the same five hill stations and beach shacks. There are some of the lesser-known towns quietly waiting, with forts, forests, waterfalls, and stories you won’t find on a fridge magnet. So, here are five offbeat towns in Maharashtra that deserve a pin on your weekend map.

Nestled in the ranges of the Western Ghats, and just around 156 km from Mumbai, Jawhar is a sleepy tribal town that packs a surprisingly rich punch. Lush green forests, misty mornings, and art that tells centuries-old stories are some of the highlights of this place. It’s known for the Warli tribal paintings, minimalist, striking, and utterly unique. You can visit artists in their homes, watch them create, and maybe pick up a souvenir that isn’t made in China.

Don’t miss the majestic Jai Vilas Palace, which stands like a forgotten relic of royal days. And if you're chasing waterfalls, the Dabhosa Waterfall is a monsoon wonder you won’t forget.

While Alibaug hogs the beachside spotlight, Murud-Janjira is that offbeat gem in the sidelines, smug with its secret: an unbeatable sea fort. Located about 165 km from Mumbai, this coastal town has a little bit of everything, Arabian Sea breeze, coconut palms, and a fort so invincible, it was never conquered, despite dozens of attempts.
The Janjira Fort is accessible only by sailboat, adding a bit of drama to the already cinematic setting. Inside the fort, explore 19 rounded bastions, hidden freshwater ponds, and echoes of stories from a different century. And since Murud isn’t overrun by weekend warriors yet, you can enjoy your beach walks and seafood thalis in peace.

Tamhini is less a town, more a dream place during the monsoon. Located between Mulshi and the Konkan region, it’s ideal for those who think long drives should come with waterfalls, misty hairpin bends, and zero mobile signal.
The Tamhini Ghat road is a scenic rollercoaster ride through dense woods, past rain-soaked cliffs and cascading streams. There isn’t much in terms of commercial attractions—which is exactly the point. Pack snacks, raincoats, and a camera.

Move over, Mahabaleshwar. Tucked away in the southern Konkan Division, Amboli is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Known for receiving the highest rainfall in Maharashtra, it turns into a lush green paradise between June and September. Frogs chirp like birds, waterfalls burst out of nowhere, and the fog wraps you up like a cozy sweater.
Unlike its more commercial alternatives, Amboli is for the soul-seeker. Trek to the origin of the Hiranyakeshi River, chase butterflies in the dense Amboli forest, or anything that resets your soul. No itinerary required.

Ever visited a lake created by a meteor strike? Welcome to Lonar, a small town in Buldhana district that’s home to India’s only hyper-velocity impact crater lake. Over 50,000 years old, the Lonar Crater is a scientific marvel, highly alkaline and saline at the same time, with magnetic anomalies that have left even scientists intrigued.
But this isn’t just a geologist’s playground. The lake is surrounded by ancient temples, each with its own local legend, carvings, and that distinct old-world silence. And since most tourists zoom past it on the way to more “popular” destinations, you’re likely to have this marvel mostly to yourself.