Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra for a Winter Break

If you’re dreaming of crisp weather, mist-soaked mornings, and quiet escapes away from the city rush, the best hill stations in Maharashtra offer the perfect winter break. Maharashtra’s highlands transform beautifully from November to February, with gentler sunlight, chilly breezes, and views made for slow, thoughtful travel. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a Christmas break, or a last-minute winter trip, these hill towns have the right blend of scenery, adventure, and serenity.

Below is a detailed guide to the state’s most-loved hill retreats—each with unique landscapes, activities, food trails, and stay options. From the evergreen Mahabaleshwar to the peaceful valleys of Amboli, here’s where you can find your next winter escape.

1. Mahabaleshwar: The Classic Winter Retreat

Mahabaleshwar remains one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra for its cool climate, strawberry farms, colonial-era charm, and endless viewpoints overlooking deep, dramatic valleys. Winter here is crisp and refreshing, with temperatures dipping low enough to enjoy long walks, late-night bonfires, and scenic drives through the Western Ghats.

Visitors love the serene forested roads leading to Arthur’s Seat, Kate’s Point, Elephant’s Head Point, and Lingmala Waterfall, which flows gracefully through winter. The strawberry season also peaks between December and February, making it a great time to visit local farms for fresh berries and desserts.

A scenic detour to Panchgani adds even more to the experience, especially if you enjoy paragliding, sunset points, and heritage boarding-school architecture.

Best for: Families, couples, winter sightseeing, food lovers
Also visit: Mapro Garden, Parsi Point, Venna Lake

2. Lonavala & Khandala: The All-Season Favourite

Lonavala and Khandala remain unbeatable for accessibility and variety, especially for a 1-day picnic near Mumbai or a relaxing 2-day trip in Maharashtra. While the monsoon is their most iconic season, winter brings gentle mist and quiet evenings without the crowds.

From the charismatic cliffs of Lion’s Point to historic sites like Lohagad Fort, Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves, and the peaceful lakeside around Pavana, there is plenty to explore. Winter treks, cosy villa stays, lakeside sunsets, and outdoor bonfires make it an excellent December destination.

Best for: Quick getaways, treks, villa holidays
Don’t miss: Sunsets at Tiger Point, Rajmachi Fort Trek

3. Matheran: Asia’s Only Vehicle-Free Hill Station

If you’re craving a digital detox or a peaceful winter holiday without honking, traffic, or pollution, Matheran hill station offers a rare experience. The moment you leave your vehicle at Dasturi Naka and walk or take a horseback ride into the forested plateau, the world slows down.

Winter is the most comfortable time to explore over 30 viewpoints, including Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake, and Echo Point. The red-soil walking paths, heritage railway, and lush trees create a surreal experience for city travellers.

Adventurers can enjoy valley crossing, ziplining, and rock climbing, which are popular during this season.

Best for: Nature lovers, trekking groups, peaceful retreats
Ideal duration: 2 days
Note: Carry warm layers as Matheran nights get chilly

4. Igatpuri: Mist, Forest Trails & Hidden Lakes

Igatpuri is one of the most atmospheric winter locations in Maharashtra. The hills remain cool and breezy, and the valleys are often wrapped in soft morning fog. Known for its meditation centres, clean air, and serene surroundings, Igatpuri hill station is ideal for both relaxing holidays and adventure stays.

The Bhavali Dam, Kalsubai Peak, Camel Valley, and Vaitarna Lake look breathtaking in winter. It’s also one of the best places for camping, stargazing, and photography.

Best for: Nature lovers, camping, quiet villa holidays
Try: Kalsubai night trek, Vaitarna lakeside picnics

5. Bhandardara: Lakes, Valleys & Slow Living

Bhandardara is one of the most peaceful hill stations in Maharashtra, especially in winter when the weather is calm, the skies are clear, and the lakes reflect golden sunsets. The serene Arthur Lake, the scenic drive around Wilson Dam, and the early-morning hike to Ratangad Fort make it perfect for travellers seeking quiet, scenic escapes.

If you love sunrises, head to Sandhan Valley, which has surreal winter light filtering through narrow rock walls. The temperature dips sharply at night, making bonfire evenings and lakeside stays extra cosy.

Best for: Couples, minimal-tourism travel, photographers
Great for: 2-day slow travel break

6. Amboli: The Chilly Paradise of Southern Maharashtra

Often called the “Mahabaleshwar of South Maharashtra,” Amboli hill station becomes magical in winter. Surrounded by misty forests and views of the Konkan coast, it maintains a pleasant chill throughout the season. Nature trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints like Hiranyakeshi, Mahadev Gad, and Kavlesaad make it a scenic retreat.

Amboli is also a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts during the cooler months. Its biodiversity makes it one of the most underrated places to visit in Maharashtra for winter.

Best for: Nature lovers, quiet travellers
Nearby: Sawantwadi, Vengurla beaches

7. Chikhaldara: Maharashtra’s Only Coffee-Growing Hill Station

Chikhaldara in the Vidarbha region offers a rare blend of wildlife, coffee plantations, and sweeping plateau views. Winter is the best time to explore the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Gawilgarh Fort, and various viewpoints overlooking deep green valleys.

The weather stays pleasantly cool, making it one of the best offbeat hill stations for travellers from Nagpur, Amravati, and Akola looking for weekend trips.

Best for: Wildlife lovers, long scenic drives
Good for: 2–3 day winter vacations

8. Jawhar: Tribal Art, Waterfalls & Rustic Trails

Jawhar offers a unique winter experience with its tribal culture, handicraft markets, and scenic trails. The weather is cooler, and the landscapes around Jai Vilas Palace, Hanuman Point, and Dabhosa Waterfall feel refreshing.

The region is known for Warli art, making it a great stop for cultural travellers. It’s ideal for those who want a winter break that combines nature with heritage.

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, families, short road trips
Distance: 3 hours from Mumbai

9. Toranmal: A Serene Plateau Escape

Located in the Satpura range, Toranmal is quiet, scenic, and perfect for travellers who prefer less crowded pockets. Winter enhances the charm of Lotus Lake, Yashavant Lake, and the forested viewpoints around the plateau.

The cool air, long walks, and natural beauty make it one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra for slow travel.

Best for: Minimalist travellers, long walks, quiet retreats

10. Lavasa: European-Style Town by the Hills

Lavasa, with its lakeside promenade and hillside roads, offers a combination of water views and chilly winter evenings. Cycling, kayaking, lakeside dining, and scenic drives give travellers plenty to enjoy.

Though more modern compared to other hill stations, the climate and scenery make it a great winter weekend option.

Best for: Cycling groups, couples, waterside stays

Quick Comparison Table: Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra

Hill Station	Best For	Winter Highlights	Ideal Duration
Mahabaleshwar	Families, couples	Strawberries, viewpoints	2–3 days
Lonavala	Short trips	Treks, lakes, villas	1–2 days
Matheran	Nature lovers	Car-free walks, viewpoints	2 days
Igatpuri	Adventure, peace	Lakes, fog, treks	2 days
Bhandardara	Slow travel	Lake views, forts	2 days
Amboli	Offbeat	Forests, biodiversity	2–3 days
Chikhaldara	Wildlife	Melghat Reserve	2–3 days
Jawhar	Culture	Warli art	1–2 days
Toranmal	Minimalist travel	Lakes, plateau	2 days
Lavasa	Modern retreats	Lakeside activities	1–2 days

FAQ (People Also Ask)

Where to Stay

For a comfortable winter holiday, choose a StayVista Villa in Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Igatpuri, or Panchgani. These stays come with private pools, heated indoor spaces, lawns, and beautiful views designed for relaxing winter getaways.

Explore the Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra in An Ultimate Way This Winter

A winter break in Maharashtra doesn’t require long planning or elaborate itineraries. With beautiful hill stations spread across the Western Ghats and Vidarbha regions, you can find crisp weather, forested trails, lakeside sunsets, and peaceful stays just a few hours away. Whether you want adventure or quiet time, Maharashtra’s hill stations promise a winter that feels refreshing, scenic, and restorative.

Banner image credits: Dhananjay Odhekar via Wikimedia Commons