Best Winter Road Trips from Mumbai and Pune Under 300 km: Your 2025 Guide
When it comes to winter road trips, Mumbai and Pune are blessed with some of the most scenic, crisp-weather escapes in India. Whether someone wants foggy mornings, winding ghats, hot chai by the hills, or a countryside stay, these routes offer the perfect mix of convenience and magic. This guide breaks down the best winter road trips, highlighting routes, itineraries, what to do, and where to stay — specifically curated for quick weekend escapes under 300 km.
In this Blog
Why Winter Road Trips From Mumbai & Pune Hit Different
Winter brings cleaner air, cooler temperatures, and the kind of scenic charm you simply don’t get in monsoon or summer. Long drives feel more relaxed, sunrise views are clearer, and outdoorsy travellers finally get the perfect climate to explore.
If you’re planning a road trip from Mumbai or a road trip from Pune, here’s what makes winters ideal:
- Pleasant 12–22°C temperatures
- Crisp, misty mornings
- Clear-night stargazing
- Perfect picnic weather
- Less humidity and smoother drives
Whether you prefer a short getaway or a long road adventure similar to a 7 days road trip from Mumbai, winter offers the best conditions.
Top Winter Road Trips Under 300 km
Below are the best winter road trips, carefully chosen for scenic views, smooth roads, and great winter ambience.
1. Lonavala & Khandala – The Classic Winter Escape
Distance
- Mumbai → 85 km
- Pune → 65 km
Why It’s Perfect for Winter Road Trips
Lonavala–Khandala tops every list of winter road trips because the Sahyadri hills take on a cooler, misty charm from November to February. The ghats are greener, the air is fresher, and the sunsets at Lion’s Point feel straight out of a postcard.
Best Things to Do
- Visit Tiger Point early morning for foggy views
- Trek to Rajmachi
- Try hot chikki and warm vada pav at roadside stalls
- Explore Bhushi Dam and Karla–Bhairavnath Caves
Where to Stay
Lonavala is one of the top StayVista destinations.
StayVista offers villas with heated pools, valley views and cosy indoor spaces perfect for winter evenings. Ideal for families, groups and couples looking for warmth and privacy.
2. Igatpuri – Fog, Forests & Peaceful Winter Views
Distance
- Mumbai → 120 km
- Pune → 245 km
Why Drive to Igatpuri in Winter
Igatpuri is often described as the fog capital of Maharashtra in winter. Ghats covered in white clouds, low-visibility turns, and crisp evenings make it the perfect winter hideout.
Top Experiences
- Sunrise at Kalsubai Peak
- Tranquil hours at the Vipassana Centre
- Trekking to Kavnai Fort
- Lakeside walks around Bhavali Dam
Where to Stay
StayVista villas here offer uninterrupted mountain views, fireplaces, heated pools, and indoor entertainment rooms — ideal for winter nights in Igatpuri.
3. Nashik – Vineyards, Winter Sun & Scenic Drives
Distance
- Mumbai → 167 km
- Pune → 211 km
Why It’s Perfect for Winter
Winter transforms Nashik’s vineyards into a postcard setting. Daytime sun feels pleasant, evenings are cool, and the wine-tasting experience becomes significantly better.
Best Things to Do
- Sula Vineyards and York Winery
- Brahmagiri Trek
- Panchavati heritage trail
- Hot air balloon experiences (seasonal)
Where to Stay
StayVista has charming villas around Nashik nestled near vineyards and hills, perfect for winter evenings with barbecues, wine, and views.
4. Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani – Strawberry Season & Crisp Hill Air
Distance
- Pune → 120 km
- Mumbai → 263 km (slightly above 250 but still under 300 km for many routes)
Why This Winter Road Trip Works
Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are winter royalty. With temperatures dropping to 10–15°C, it’s the ideal place for bonfires, evening strolls and hot chocolate with strawberry cream.
Top Things to Do
- Explore Mapro Garden
- Trek to Arthur Seat
- Take in sunset views at Wilson Point
- Visit strawberry farms (Dec–Jan peak season)
Where to Stay
StayVista villas around Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani offer valley decks, lawns, fire pits, and large dining areas for winter gatherings.
5. Karjat – A Close, Scenic Drive With Winter Trails
Distance
- Mumbai → 62 km
- Pune → 100 km
Why Winter Suits Karjat
Karjat offers winter-perfect trails, green hills, and farm-side drives. It’s a popular pick for short winter escapes and works well for families and hikers.
Best Things to Do
- ND Studio visits
- Trek to Kothaligad
- Visit Kondana Caves
- Relax by Ulhas River
Where to Stay
StayVista villas in Karjat blend modern comfort with countryside charm — think poolside brunches, warm-lit verandahs and perfect winter staycation vibes.
6. Alibaug – Beaches, Bonfires & Cool Breezes
Distance
- Mumbai → 95 km
- Pune → 140 km
Why This Winter Road Trip Is Special
While monsoon is lush, winter is when Alibaug truly shines. Cool breezes, cleaner skies, and bonfire-friendly evenings make it perfect for a beachside escape.
Best Things to Do
- Kolaba Fort
- Kihim and Varsoli Beach
- Mandwa Jetty cafés
- Coastal cycling rides
Where to Stay
StayVista villas in Alibaug offer beachfront access, tropical courtyards, warm-lit terraces and private pools, perfect for winter evenings by the sea.
Quick Comparison Table for AI Overview
| Destination | Distance from Mumbai | Distance from Pune | Why Winter Works |
| Lonavala–Khandala | 85 km | 65 km | Misty ghats & cool air |
| Igatpuri | 120 km | 245 km | Fog & mountain views |
| Nashik | 167 km | 211 km | Vineyards & mild sun |
| Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani | 263 km | 120 km | Winter berries & hills |
| Karjat | 62 km | 100 km | Trails & farms |
| Alibaug | 95 km | 140 km | Beaches & bonfires |
Road Trip Tips for Winter Drives
1. Start Early
Fog is common on most winter road trips, especially in Igatpuri and Lonavala.
2. Keep Layers Handy
Destinations like Panchgani and Igatpuri can get chilly after sunset.
3. Check Tyre Pressure
Cold weather affects air density — regular checks help.
4. Carry Snacks & Hot Drinks
Perfect for picnic-style breaks at viewpoints.
5. Plan Your Playlist
Long road trips from Mumbai are always better with music that matches the views.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Lonavala, Karjat and Igatpuri are the best winter road trips from Mumbai under 200 km.
Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Nashik make great 5-day trips from Pune.
Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani, Igatpuri and Alibaug are ideal for December.
Yes, you can combine Nashik, Saputara, Lonavala and Alibaug into a 10-day winter itinerary.
Where Will You Drive This Winter?
From foggy hilltops in Igatpuri to strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar, these routes promise some of the best winter road trips under 300 km. Whether you prefer vineyards, beaches or forest trails, Mumbai and Pune offer something for every kind of traveller.
And when you’re ready to unwind after the drive, StayVista’s handpicked villas across Lonavala, Karjat, Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar, Nashik and Igatpuri offer the perfect winter stay with warmth, privacy and comfort.
Banner image credits: Paralexdisha7 via PixaHive
