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People travel for various reasons. Some travel to escape the boredom that creeps in with a daily rut of the city life, others to experience something new every once in a while. Some also travel to seek thrill and challenge themselves out of their comfort zone. So while most of us wait for a reason, a season or a companion to travel with, solo travellers venture out on their own.
If you are a solo traveller who loves to explore, we have some of the amazing solo travelling destinations in Maharashtra. Pack your bags already and take your pick.
1. Mumbai
The capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai needs no introduction. Travelling to Mumbai is an experience and an amazing one if you are travelling solo. With the salty sea breeze, the always-on-the-move crowd, the busy trains stations and the numerous choices for food & shopping, the city makes everyone feel welcomed.
Visit Marine Drive, Gateway of India, the museums and art galleries or eat from the amazing khau gallis or food streets. Experience peace and simplicity at the famous Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Mosque & Mount Mary Church.
2. Pune
Another major city of Maharashtra which is ideal for solo travelling is Pune. Contrary to the fast-paced life of Mumbai, life in Pune is comfortable and laid-back. One can peek into the Maharashtrian traditions and culture at Pune with a visit to the many archaic forts and palaces strewn across the city that date back to the Maratha kingdom.
Known as the Oxford of the East, the city is filled with educational institutions catering to all vocations. Pune is a place where one can find a perfect mix of the old and the new, and the traditional and the modern way of life.
3. Aurangabad
The historical city of Aurangabad is known for its rich heritage. The most popular one is a monument called Bibi Ka Maqbara, which is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal of Agra. Other famous tourist attractions of Aurangabad are the Ajanta & Ellora Caves. These ancient rock-cut monuments are amongst the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra.
Around 140 km from Aurangabad, one can visit the Lonar Crater - a stunning crater and lake that was formed when a meteorite had hit the earth at this spot many million years ago.
4. Matheran
Located close to Mumbai, Matheran is a famous hill station of Maharashtra. It is a popular getaway for the city dwellers and why not? Vehicles are totally banned here, which means a better, fresher and least-polluted quality of air. One can board a local train from Mumbai to reach Karjat, from where the hill station is located at a distance of just 20 km.
One can ride on the exciting Neral-Matheran Toy Train here. The adventurous ones can go trekking on the various hills in and around Matheran. Once at the hilltop, one can get breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling Western Ghats and the surrounding lush valleys.
5. Panchgani
Located in the Satara district, Panchgani is another famous hill station destination of Maharashtra. The most striking feature of Panchgani is the Table Land - a huge volcanic plateau. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, the name Panchgani loosely means five hills.
A summer retreat for the British officers during the pre-independence era, Panchgani has a pleasant weather throughout the year. It is famous for its strawberry garden, breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, etc.
6. Mahabaleshwar
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Filled with breathtaking views of the surrounding evergreen forests and mountains ranges of the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is the largest hill station in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra. This popular destination is flocked by tourists and travellers throughout the year.
With a pleasant climate, fresh air, scenic views, numerous waterfalls and forests, Mahabaleshwar is an excellent place to unwind and reconnect with nature. Visit the Arthur Point, Venna Lake, Needle Hole Point, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Lingmala Waterfalls to experience the sheer beauty of Mahabaleshwar.
7. Lavasa
There are a number of picturesque destinations between Mumbai and Pune that aren't too mainstream; Lavasa is one of them. Though Lavasa is a private, planned city, it is a must-visit because of its charming design and planning. The stylish, planned city draws its inspiration from the Italian town of Portofino.
One would get a feel of walking down the streets of an Italian city here as the beautiful streets and buildings give the same look and feel. The backdrop against which the city is planned is equally stunning and is filled with beautiful views of hills, valleys and lakes.
8. Alibaug
The coastal town of Alibag is located close to Mumbai and is a popular weekend getaway for the Mumbai crowd. With a number of beaches, varying from popular to least-visited to completely virgin, Alibag is paradise for beach lovers. Alibag Varsoli, Kashid and Kihim are some of the popular beaches amongst many others.
One can visit the 17th-century Kolaba Fort and the impressive Murud Janjira, also called Janjira Jaldurg (meaning a fort on water), another 17th-century fort that is built on an island off the fishing village of Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.
9. Nashik
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Established on the banks of river Godavari in Maharashtra, Nashik is one of the ancient cities in the country. Travel to Nashik to experience the rich culture of the state and its local traditions, visit the centuries-old temples that tell tales of numerous interesting stories and legends deep-rooted in the Hindu mythology.
While this may be so, there's another side to the city that is totally modern. The famous Sula Vineyards is also located in Nashik. Nashik also gets a lot of visitors, especially during the Sulafest, which one of the biggest and happening festivals of the country.
10. Satara
Located near the confluence of Krishna and Venna rivers in Maharashtra, Satara is a city located about 110 km from Pune. Satara was the erstwhile capital of the Maratha Empire and therefore, is an important city from the historical point of view. Its name means "seven hills" in local parlance, which surround the city. Kaas Plateau is a famous destination that can be visited.
Listed under World's Natural Heritage Site, the Kaas Plateau is best visited during and post the monsoon months. Sajjangad and Ajinkyatara are other places to be visited when in Satara.
