Maharashtra’s Most Beautiful Monsoon Road Trips You Shouldn’t Miss
When the monsoon clouds roll into Maharashtra, the entire state takes on a different character. Dry plains turn green, waterfalls start flowing again, and the Western Ghats become a sight worth driving through when seeking for monsoon road trips. For those looking for the best places to visit in India during monsoon, Maharashtra offers some of the most rewarding experiences through scenic roads and rain-kissed valleys. Whether it’s a long drive with friends or a solo journey to reconnect with nature, these routes promise memorable moments without the usual tourist crowds.
Unlike the common guides that list tourist hotspots, this blog focuses on what makes each place interesting during monsoon, from hidden trails and historic viewpoints to offbeat villas in Lonavala or scenic corners of Malshej Ghat rarely talked about online. These are the long drive places that locals often keep to themselves, making them perfect for peaceful weekends during July, August, and early September.
In this Blog
Lonavala: Monsoon Road Trips Through Valleys and Forts
Lonavala is often mentioned as a top monsoon place in India, but most visitors stop at the main town. For a unique monsoon experience, consider driving past the city towards Aamby Valley Road or Rajmachi Village. The narrow paths, bordered by tall grass and intermittent waterfalls, are best enjoyed during heavy drizzles.
Things to do in Lonavala during monsoon include visiting Bhushi Dam, walking through the foggy paths of Tiger Point, and sipping hot tea at small roadside stalls on the way to Della Adventure Park. Those planning a weekend stay can look into a private villa in Lonavala with valley views, ideal for groups.
- Weather in Lonavala during monsoon: Temperatures stay between 20°C and 25°C with frequent showers.
- Best time to visit Lonavala for drives: July to early September.
Malshej Ghat: A Drive Between Tunnels, Waterfalls and Flamingos
For those who enjoy winding mountain roads, Malshej Ghat is one of the most exciting monsoon road trips in Maharashtra. Located about 130 km from Mumbai, the road is filled with natural water streams that cross the highway, forming mini-waterfalls right on the path.
Few know that the region is also home to migratory flamingos that arrive in the Pimpalgaon-Joga Dam area. This adds a rare mix of wildlife watching to your rain drive.
- Things to do in Malshej Ghat: Stop at the Malshej Tunnel, visit the Harishchandragad Fort trail, or photograph the dozens of waterfalls that appear during July.
- Weather in Malshej Ghat in monsoon: Cool, breezy, and very wet, perfect for foggy photographs.
- Best time to visit Malshej Ghat: Late July, after the first round of heavy rains.
Tamhini Ghat: Hidden Forest Roads Near Pune
Tamhini Ghat connects Mulshi to the Konkan region and is a lesser-known gem among monsoon places in India. The roads are lined with trees on both sides, and small waterfalls pop up every few kilometres. Many overlook this route in favour of Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar, but those who’ve driven through monsoon road trips will never forget the experience.
A perfect stop is the Tamhini Waterfalls, a natural cascade just off the main road. The Mulshi Dam also gets active during this time, and driving beside it adds to the beauty.
- Things to do in Tamhini Ghat: Enjoy picnic stops by the stream, walk short forest trails, or stay at a villa in Tamhini for a quiet monsoon weekend.
- Weather in Tamhini Ghat: Often foggy, with medium to heavy rainfall through July and August.
- Best time to visit Tamhini Ghat: Late July to early September.
Bhandardhara: A Quiet Drive to Lakes, Dams, and Forts
Bhandardhara, located in the Ahmednagar district, is one of the most peaceful places to visit in the monsoon in India. The drive from Igatpuri to Bhandardhara is filled with visual treats, rice paddies, hills covered in clouds, and empty winding roads.
The main attraction here is Arthur Lake, which fills up dramatically during the monsoon. The Randha Falls also swell up and become one of the most photogenic spots in the state.
- Things to do in Bhandardhara: Visit the Umbrella Falls, hike up to Ratangad Fort, or enjoy a rain-filled boat ride in the lake.
- Weather in Bhandardhara: Mild to heavy rain with cool breezes all day.
- Best time to visit Bhandardhara: August, when the dam overflows and creates spectacular sights.
- For overnight stays, a local villa in Bhandardhara offers quiet spaces with hillside views.
Igatpuri: One of The Best Monsoon Road Trips
Igatpuri is famous for its meditation centre, but few talk about its scenic roads during the rainy season. Located on the Nashik Highway, this small town becomes one of the most calming long drive places during July and August.
Just before you reach Igatpuri, the roads start climbing gently through a mix of forested hills and ancient rock faces. The Bhatsa River Valley, visible from the roadside, fills up with flowing water and fog.
- Things to do in Igatpuri: Take photos at Ghatandevi Temple Viewpoint, explore Kalsubai Peak (Maharashtra’s highest), or enjoy a hot local meal in small eateries en route.
- Weather in Igatpuri in monsoon: Cold mornings, heavy rain, and occasional sunshine.
- Best time to visit Igatpuri: August, for cloud-covered views and clean air.
- Weekend travellers can stay at a private villa in Igatpuri overlooking the Sahyadri hills.
Amboli Ghat: Maharashtra’s Greenest Monsoon Stretch
Located near Sawantwadi in Sindhudurg, Amboli Ghat is often left out of typical monsoon road trips lists. But it is one of the rainiest places in Maharashtra and feels untouched by city life.
The main ghat road itself is a destination, with hundreds of micro-falls running down the cliffs. This route is perfect for people looking to drive far from Mumbai or Pune during a three-day weekend.
- Things to do in Amboli: Walk through Amboli Forest, visit Hiranyakeshi River’s source, or enjoy the many small step-waterfalls on the main road.
- Weather in Amboli: Very wet, with 2000+ mm rainfall through July and August.
- Best time to visit Amboli: Mid-July to end-August.
Kaas Plateau via Satara: Valley of Seasonal Flowers
If you’re planning a long drive with friends in September, the Kaas Plateau near Satara becomes a field of seasonal flowers. Though the flowers appear only for a short window, the drive itself is worth taking in any monsoon month.
The road from Satara to Kaas is quiet, with open views of lakes and hills. Kaas is a UNESCO-listed site, so there’s some regulation during the flower season. But even without the flowers, the atmosphere is completely refreshing.
- Things to do near Kaas Plateau: Visit Sajjangad Fort, stop at Thoseghar Waterfalls, or spend the evening at Koyna Backwaters.
- Weather in Kaas Plateau: Cool with intermittent rain.
- Best time to visit Kaas Plateau: September, when the flowers bloom fully.
Mulshi to Lavasa: Monsoon Road That Feels Like Abroad
While Lavasa town has seen changes over the years, the road from Mulshi Dam to Lavasa during monsoon still feels magical. The route goes past rain-soaked trees, cliffside viewpoints, and small villages that glow under wet skies.
The drive is smooth and makes for great monsoon photography without needing to go far from Pune. Those looking for a scenic stay can rent a villa in Lavasa with dam or lake views.
- Things to do in Lavasa: Cycle by the lakeside promenade, go for short hikes in the surrounding hills, or relax by the windows during evening showers.
- Weather in Lavasa in monsoon: Ideal for day drives with fog and light rain.
- Best time to visit Lavasa: Early August for clear views with greenery.
Tips for Monsoon Drives in Maharashtra
- Leave early in the morning to avoid fog and traffic delays.
- Carry dry snacks and hot beverages in a flask. Local dhabas may be shut during heavy rain.
- Avoid night driving, especially in the ghats where visibility drops quickly.
- Carry a physical map or download offline maps, as mobile networks may be patchy in hilly areas.
Plan Your Perfect Monsoon Drive in Maharashtra
Monsoon in Maharashtra isn’t just about hill stations, it’s about the roads that lead to them. From Igatpuri’s misty trails to Tamhini Ghat’s waterfalls, every drive reveals a new side of the state. These long drive places aren’t just meant for sightseeing; they’re about slowing down, listening to the rain, and spending meaningful time with people, or just by yourself.
Whether you’re planning a long drive with friends, a quiet weekend with a stay at a villa in Lonavala, or chasing flowers in Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra’s monsoon routes never disappoint. For anyone looking for the best places to visit in India during monsoon, these drives offer something refreshing every single time.
Banner image credits: Arjun Singh Kulkarni via Wikimedia Commons
Written By: Ruben Saha
