Major Western Ghats Destinations in Maharashtra To Visit This Year

A global biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Western Ghats is an incredible natural wonder of India. This mountain chain runs parallel to India's western coast, around 30 to 50 km from the coastline. It covers parts of six Indian states, starting from a small portion of Gujarat in the north and southwards to Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The mountain range runs for around 1,600 km and covers an area of around 140,000 km². The only notable gap in its length is the Palghat or Palakkad Gap of around 30 km between Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore and Kerala's Palakkad. Located in Kerala, the 2,695 m Anamudi Peak is the highest peak of this range.

🌿 Major Western Ghats Destinations in Maharashtra

1. Mahabaleshwar (Satara district)

Breathtaking views in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. Image credit: Vinayaraj via Wikimedia Commons.

• Known as the "Queen of Hill Stations" in Maharashtra.
• Famous for: Strawberry farms, Venna Lake, Wilson Point (the highest point at 1,439 m), Pratapgad Fort trek, Arthur's Seat, spectacular waterfalls, birdwatching, nature trails.

2. Matheran (Raigad district)

The mysterious beauty of Matheran, Maharashtra. Image credit: Sharmagourav27 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Asia’s only vehicle-free hill station.
• Known for toy train rides, Charlotte Lake, and 30+ viewpoints (like Panorama Point).
• Herping in the monsoon season

3. Lonavala And Khandala (Pune district)

View of Pawna Lake/Reservoir from the top of Lohagad fort, near Lonavala, Maharashtra. Image credit: Harsh243919 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Popular twin hill stations.
• Attractions: Bhushi Dam, Karla and Bhaja Caves, forts like Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi, and Tiger’s Leap and other viewpoints.

4. Amboli (Sindhudurg district)

The Amboli bush frog. Image credit: Dr. Raju Kasambe via Wikimedia Commons.

• A biodiversity hotspot with heavy rainfall.
• Known for: Amboli Waterfalls, Mahadevgad Fort, rare amphibians and reptiles.

5. Tamhini Ghat (Pune district)

Tamhini Ghat in the rainy season. Image credit: Abhijeet Safai via Wikimedia Commons.

• A scenic mountain pass connecting Pune to Konkan.
• Known for: Waterfalls, lush valleys, birdwatching, and Mulshi Lake.

6. Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra) (Satara district)

Beautiful flowers in bloom at the Kaas Plateau. Image credit: Ashishshetty111 via Wikimedia Commons.

• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
• During the monsoon, it blooms with hundreds of species of wildflowers.

7. Bhimashankar (Pune district)

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple. Image credit: Udaykumar PR via Wikimedia Commons.

• Famous for: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple (one of 12 sacred Jyotirlingas).
• Surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home of the endangered Malabar giant squirrel.

8. Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Aurangabad district)

Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. Image credit: Y.Shishido via Wikimedia Commons.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites carved into basalt cliffs of the Ghats.
• Famous for Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and paintings.

9. Torna And Rajgad Forts (Pune district)

The impressive Rajgad Fort, Maharashtra. Image credit: Rohan sangodkar, via Wikimedia Commons

• Historic forts linked with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Popular trekking and heritage destinations.

10. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary And Shivsagar Lake (Satara district)

The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra. Image credit: Bangal Priti via Wikimedia Commons.

• Rich in biodiversity, also part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
• Known for its hydroelectric dam and boating opportunities.

🌄 Other Notable Spots

• Panhala Fort (Kolhapur) – historic Maratha stronghold.
• Harishchandragad Fort (Ahmednagar) – famous for the Konkan Kada cliff.
• Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Kolhapur) – known for Indian bison (gaur).
• Chikhaldara (Amravati) – only hill station in Vidarbha, on the Satpura extension of Ghats.

✅ In short: Maharashtra’s Western Ghats region is a mix of hill stations, forts, temples, caves, biodiversity hotspots, and trekking destinations, making it ideal for both tourism and ecological exploration.