Best Places in Summer in Maharashtra: 8 Destinations That Deliver in the Heat in 2026

The best places in summer in Maharashtra are its hill stations in the Western Ghats. During April and May, when temperatures in the plains of Mumbai (35 degrees Celsius) and Pune (38 degrees Celsius) can reach record highs, the Western Ghats have average temperatures 10 to 15 degrees Celsius less than those found at comparable elevations. The highest elevation, Mahabaleshwar, of 1353 m, is on the list of top summer destinations within the state. Mahabaleshwar is also the best summer destination for anyone looking for true comfort in temperature (20 to 28 degrees Celsius). This guide contains 8 of the best summer destinations in Maharashtra, as well as tips for each destination, including how to get there, activities available, and average summer temperature ranges at each destination.

Maharashtra in summer is not a compromise. The hill stations of the Western Ghats are at their greenest and most lush just before the monsoon arrives, the Konkan coastline is at its most dramatic in April and May, and the cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora stay naturally cool regardless of the outdoor heat.

Best Places in Summer in Maharashtra: Quick Overview

The best places in summer in Maharashtra are concentrated in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, with coastal and cave destinations rounding out the circuit for travellers wanting variety beyond the hill stations.

You can also explore our affordable Andaman Tour Packages designed for Budget Travellers.

Why Maharashtra Rewards Summer Visitors

The best times for visiting hill stations in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats are between March and May. The landscape for hill stations will be green and vibrant just before the heavy rains come. Weather will be clear without clouds and the temperature will remain under 30°C, which is much cooler than the extremely hot plains during this time. 189.4 million (Ministry of Tourism) domestic tourists visited Maharashtra’s Western Ghats in 2024; the majority of these visitors are summer vacationers escaping the extreme heat of the very hot plains of 40° or more to cool off in the cool Sahyadri Hills.

The strategy is the same across all the best places in summer in Maharashtra: for cave temples and wildlife, early morning visits before 10 AM are essential. For hill stations, the air is cool all day. For coastal destinations, April and early May offer calm seas and clear water before the June monsoon brings rough conditions. Each best place in summer in Maharashtra on this list rewards the visit with something distinct.

1. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is the best place in summer holidays in terms of temperature, experience and variety. As one of India’s highest hill stations within the Sahyadri mountains at 1353 metres above sea level, Mahabaleshwar has recorded summer temperatures between 20-28 degrees Celsius during April and May that make it incredibly cool when the area surrounding Mumbai/Pune feels like an oven! Strawberry production accounts for 85% of total strawberry production in India. The strawberry season lasts until May; Therefore the fresh strawberries picked from farms contribute to memories during a trip to Mahabaleshwar just as much as the famous viewpoints around it. The famous viewpoints include Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point & Elephant’s Head Point which offer fantastic panoramic long-distance views of the valley; Venna Lake provides opportunities for boating in cool waters; Lingamala Falls produces an impressive sight, especially before monsoon rains (May-June), making it one of the best locations for viewing waterfalls during summer months in Maharashtra.

• Summer Temperature: 20 to 28 degrees C; the coolest of all best places in summer in Maharashtra
• Things to Do: Visit Arthur’s Seat for the deepest valley view in the Sahyadri; boat on Venna Lake in the cool morning air; buy fresh strawberries from Mapro Garden; trek to Lingamala Falls through the forest; drive to Wilson Point for the sunrise over the valley; visit Pratapgad Fort for Maratha history 24 km away
• Activities to Do: Strawberry picking at Mapro Garden farms, boating on Venna Lake, fort trekking at Pratapgad, nature walks on the Lingamala trail, sunrise photography at Wilson Point
• Distance from Mumbai: 250 km, approximately 4.5 hours via the Pune bypass
• Best for: Families, couples, those wanting the coolest best place in summer in Maharashtra, strawberry lovers

2. Matheran

Matheran is the most atmospheric of all the best places in summer in Maharashtra and the only automobile-free hill station in Asia. This city has been car free since 1910, and officially listed as an eco-sensitive zone. Visitors let their feet or horses guide them through the city by using the Neral to Matheran narrow gauge toy train winding through the Sahyadri forest. The summer temperature for the city is 22 to 30 degrees Celsius with 800 m in elevation. There are also 33 different viewpoints available, including Panorama Point, Charlotte Lake, Echo Point and One Tree Hill which means the Matheran area has the most scenic variety per square km of any of the best mountain summer destinations within 100 km. The quiet car free mornings provide a peaceful and different type of experience than any of the other designated cities in the best summer mountain experience in Maharashtra.

• Summer Temperature: 22 to 30 degrees C; car-free environment makes the cool air significantly more noticeable than at other hill stations
• Things to Do: Ride the Neral-Matheran toy train (Rs 75 per person, 2-hour journey); walk to Panorama Point for the 360-degree valley view at sunrise; explore Charlotte Lake and Echo Point; take a horse ride through the red-mud forest paths; visit One Tree Hill for the Ulhas River valley view
• Activities to Do: Toy train ride from Neral, horse riding through forest paths, sunrise walks to Panorama Point, birdwatching at Charlotte Lake, viewpoint photography across 33 scenic points
• Distance from Mumbai: 80 km, approximately 2 hours; park at Dasturi Naka and walk or take a horse into town
• Best for: Families, couples, those wanting the most car-free and peaceful best place in summer in Maharashtra, photographers

3. Panchgani

Panchgani is not only the second coolest (next to Mahabaleshwar) of the best places to visit during summer in Maharashtra, but is approximately 18 kilometers away and situated at an elevation of 1,334 meters among the SahyadRI (Western Ghats) mountains. Summer temperatures are similar to Mahabaleshwar (20 to 28 degrees Celsius). The main attraction is the “Table Land” (one of the largest volcanic plateaus [Table Land] in Asia at 95 acres). From this location you will have 360-degree panoramic views of the Krishna Valley below you and the Sahyadri mountains that surround you at every angle. In comparison to Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani has a more relaxed, colonial atmosphere with strawberry farms, a paragliding launch site at “Sydney Point” and “Parsi Point” (which overlooks the Krishna River) providing countless opportunities for two days of relaxation on your summer trip to Maharashtra with Mahabaleshwar being easily accessible.

• Summer Temperature: 20 to 28 degrees C; matches Mahabaleshwar and is one of the two coolest best places in summer in Maharashtra
• Things to Do: Walk the Table Land plateau for panoramic valley views; paraglide from Sydney Point; visit Parsi Point for the Krishna reservoir panorama; explore strawberry farms along the plateau road; see the Devil’s Kitchen volcanic formation; combine with Mahabaleshwar (18 km) as both are the best places in summer in Maharashtra for a single trip
• Activities to Do: Paragliding from Sydney Point, horse riding on Table Land, strawberry farm visits, photography at Parsi Point, volcano rock formation walks at Devil’s Kitchen
• Distance from Mumbai: 244 km, approximately 4.5 hours
• Best for: Couples, paragliding enthusiasts, photographers, those wanting a quieter summer alternative among best places in summer in Maharashtra

4. Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavala is the most accessible of all the best places in summer, located just 83 km from Mumbai via the Expressway; the second town, Khandala, is located just 3 km along the same ridge. even though it is at 622 m elevation (which is quite a lot less than Mahabaleshwar’s), the average summer maximum will be around 35° C at its hottest times of the day, but there will be a pleasant average of between 20° C to 25° C during the morning and evening times, and the ancient Buddhist Caves sites of Karla & Bhaja will be cool all day long thanks to their natural shade. Another popular spot for camping (which is less than 30 km away) is Pawna Lake with three fort view points and a nice cool body of water to complete the trip.

• Summer Temperature: 20 to 35 degrees C; morning and evening hours the coolest; cave interiors naturally cool all day
• Things to Do: Visit the Karla and Bhaja Buddhist rock-cut caves (naturally shaded and cool); camp overnight at Pawna Lake with fort views; trek to Lohagad and Visapur forts in the early morning; visit Tiger Point and Lion Point for valley views; explore the Rajmachi Fort trek; buy Lonavala’s famous chikki on the main road
• Activities to Do: Cave exploration at Karla and Bhaja, overnight lakeside camping at Pawna, fort trekking at Lohagad and Visapur, valley viewpoint walks, chikki and local food trail on the main bazaar
• Distance from Mumbai: 83 km, approximately 1.5 hours via Mumbai-Pune Expressway
• Best for: Quick weekend escapes, families, fort trekkers, those wanting the nearest best place in summer in Maharashtra from Mumbai

5. Tadoba Tiger Reserve

Chandrapur’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the state’s top summer destinations primarily due to its oppressive heat. This is the season when water becomes scarce in the dry deciduous forest of Tadoba, thus drawing all of the large cats including tigers, leopards, and wild dogs, to the few remaining watering holes. May and June are good months to find tigers in any zone because this is when there has been the greatest number of tiger sightings throughout India. There are in excess of 80 tigers in Tadoba and they generally have the highest tiger sighting rates anywhere in the summer due to the decrease in cover provided by the monsoon season and the animals being easier to see as a result of the thinning of the vegetation. As a result, Tadoba is a very exciting place for summer vacationing in Maharashtra and is certainly a great value for your dollar; you get to experience the thrills of being outdoors while also experiencing the extreme heat of summer in a location that offers a range of activities to suit any budget.

• Summer Temperature: 30 to 42 degrees C; hot but manageable during early morning and evening safaris
• Things to Do: Early morning jeep safari (6 AM to 10 AM) for tiger, leopard, and wild dog sightings at the waterholes; afternoon safari (3 PM to 6:30 PM) for sloth bear and gaur encounters; birdwatch at Tadoba Lake for waterbirds; book the Kolsa, Moharli, and Navegaon buffer zones for the best tiger sighting opportunities
• Activities to Do: Jeep safari at sunrise and sunset, lakeside birdwatching at Tadoba Lake, wildlife photography at the waterholes, guided nature walks in the buffer zone
• Distance from Mumbai: 930 km via Nagpur, approximately 14 hours; best reached by overnight train to Chandrapur or flight to Nagpur then road
• Best for: Tiger safari enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, serious wildlife travellers; the most rewarding best place in summer in Maharashtra for wildlife

6. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are two of the best places to visit in the summer because they are both located in Maharashtra, India and have fantastic natural air conditioning. In addition to being two of the best places in Maharashtra, they are also both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both have been carved from basalt rock and both have naturally cool interiors no matter how hot it is outside. The Ajanta Caves have 30 rock-cut cave temples containing the finest examples of surviving Buddhist paintings on Earth, which date back between 200 B.C.E. and 650 C.E. The Ellora Caves have 34 caves which exhibit the 3 major traditions of India (Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism), the most famous of which is the Kailasa Temple at Cave 16 as it has been carved out of a single piece of basalt rock and is therefore the largest monolithic rock-cut temple in the world. Due to the decrease in the number of visitors to these caves during summer months, you will be able to view the stunning murals, sculptures and stone carvings in relatively peaceful settings.

• Summer Temperature: 30 to 42 degrees C outside; cave interiors naturally cool and a relief from the outdoor heat making this a uniquely comfortable best place in summer in Maharashtra
• Things to Do: Explore the Ajanta Caves murals from Cave 1 to 30 in the early morning when crowds are smallest; visit Ellora in the afternoon using the cool cave interiors as relief; spend extra time at Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, which rewards slow exploration; combine both caves in a 2-day Aurangabad trip including Bibi Ka Maqbara
• Activities to Do: Cave mural photography at Ajanta, Kailasa Temple guided exploration at Ellora, heritage walks through both UNESCO sites, Aurangabad city heritage trail including Bibi Ka Maqbara
• Distance from Mumbai: 410 km, approximately 6.5 hours by road; Aurangabad airport has direct flights from Mumbai (1 hour)
• Best for: History lovers, heritage seekers, photographers, those wanting a culturally immersive best place in summer in Maharashtra with natural cooling

7. Tarkarli and Malvan

Tarkarli is one of the premier summer coastal spots in Maharashtra. It features clear water and offers opportunities for scuba diving along with the historic Sindhudurg sea fort, which was built by the Maratha Empire. The best months to go scuba diving, which is Tarkarli’s main draw, are April and May, due to the visibility under water being ideal at this time of year. Just prior to the start of the monsoon rains in June, the waters of the Arabian Sea are calm and also clear. As a result, coral reefs and marine life will be at their most vibrant in colour and will be visible while scuba diving at depths of five to ten meters or when snorkeling as well. Tarkarli is also home to an abundant variety of Malvani cuisine, consisting primarily of coastal Konkan-style fish curry dishes (as well as sol kadi and solkadhi), which further enhance the overall culinary experience at one of the premier summer coastal destinations in Maharashtra.

• Summer Temperature: 28 to 35 degrees C; sea breeze and clear water make the coastal experience comfortable in the morning and evening hours
• Things to Do: Scuba dive and snorkel in the clear pre-monsoon Arabian Sea; visit Sindhudurg Fort by boat, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1664; eat fresh fish curry and sol kadi at a local Malvani restaurant; kayak through the Karli River backwaters at Tarkarli; visit Rock Garden beach for the clearest sea on the Konkan coast
• Activities to Do: Scuba diving and snorkelling on the coral reef, boat trip to Sindhudurg Fort, kayaking through Karli River backwaters, Malvani seafood trail, beach walks at Rock Garden and Devbagh
• Distance from Mumbai: 540 km via the Konkan Railway or NH66, approximately 9 hours
• Best for: Couples, divers, seafood lovers, those wanting a coastal best place in summer in Maharashtra before the monsoon makes the sea rough

8. Amboli

The remote mountain area of Amboli, located 690m high within the Sahyadri mountain range in Sindhudurg (adjacent to Goa), provides some of the coolest temperatures during the hot summer months (22-32°C) along the western part of India. It is also the most diverse location in Maharashtra due to its many different types of flora and fauna. Amboli has natural attractions such as waterfalls (the Hiranyakeshi Waterfall), amazing views of the coastline of Konkan, and a reputation as an important herpetological and birdwatching area for unique Western Ghats birds. These facts make it one of the most desirable summer destinations in Maharashtra that serious nature tourists will seek out when looking for “off the beaten path” places to enjoy.

• Summer Temperature: 22 to 32 degrees C; forested setting and Konkan coastal influence keep it cooler than its elevation suggests
• Things to Do: Walk to Amboli Falls and Hiranyakeshi waterfall through the dense forest; visit the Sea View Point and Mahadevgad Point for Konkan coast panoramas; birdwatch in the Amboli forest for endemic Western Ghats species; look for the Amboli bush frog and rare reptiles in the forest after dusk; extend the trip to Sawantwadi or the Vengurla beaches on the Konkan coast below
• Activities to Do: Waterfall trail walks to Amboli Falls and Hiranyakeshi, wildlife and herpetology walks after dusk, birdwatching for endemic species, viewpoint photography over the Konkan coast, day trip to Sawantwadi for lacquerware craft shopping
• Distance from Mumbai: 490 km via NH66, approximately 8 hours; nearest railway station at Sawantwadi (30 km)
• Best for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, offbeat travellers, those wanting the most biodiverse best place in summer in Maharashtra

How to Reach the Best Places in Summer in Maharashtra

• Lonavala has the best train connectivity with over 20 trains daily on the Mumbai-Pune route. Matheran requires changing at Neral on the same line and taking the toy train. Aurangabad for Ajanta and Ellora has direct trains from Mumbai CST. Sawantwadi on the Konkan Railway serves as the gateway for both Tarkarli and Amboli.
• A self-drive car or hired car with a driver is the most flexible option. The Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani circuit is a classic 2-day combination. Lonavala and Khandala with a Pawna Lake overnight are easily combined in 2 days. Tarkarli and Amboli pair naturally on a 3-day Konkan circuit. Tadoba and Ajanta-Ellora require more time and are best as separate trips.
• Pune Airport serves Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Lonavala, and Khandala. Aurangabad Airport is the gateway for Ajanta and Ellora. Kolhapur Airport serves the Sindhudurg Konkan belt for Tarkarli and Amboli. Nagpur Airport is the most practical flight gateway for Tadoba.

Practical Tips for the Best Places in Summer in Maharashtra

March to May is the peak season for the best places in summer in Maharashtra. Book accommodation at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance for Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, and Matheran during the April-May school holiday period as these fill up very fast. For Tadoba, book safari permits 4 to 6 weeks in advance as summer slots are the most in-demand of the year. Hotel rates at the hill station best places in summer in Maharashtra are higher during May school holidays than at almost any other time of year. Carry sunscreen and light cotton clothing for coastal and cave destinations. For Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, a light jacket is advisable for evenings when the temperature can drop to 15 degrees Celsius.

Conclusion

The best places in summer in Maharashtra deliver a wider range of experiences than most travellers expect from a season usually associated with heat. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are the coolest best places in summer in Maharashtra with temperatures under 28 degrees Celsius through May. Matheran is the most atmospheric and unique. Lonavala is the most accessible. Tadoba is the best place in summer in Maharashtra for wildlife, with peak tiger sighting conditions in May and June. Ajanta and Ellora are the most rewarding heritage best places in summer in Maharashtra due to their natural cave cooling. Tarkarli is the finest coastal escape before the monsoon closes the sea. Amboli is for those who want the road less travelled. Choose your best place in summer in Maharashtra, go early in the morning, and let the state’s extraordinary Western Ghats and coastline show you a summer that more than justifies the drive.

Frenzy Holidays ensures a smooth and enriching travel experience from start to finish. You can visit us at Haware Centurion, S07/34, Nerul East, Sector 19A, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400706. For bookings or more information, call +91 7400453140, email [email protected], or visit www.frenzyholidays.com. So pack up and explore India with Frenzy Holidays for an unforgettable journey.

Best Places in Summer in Maharashtra: FAQs