Maharashtra offers hill stations where misty mornings, chilly evenings, and hot cups of chai become your daily norm.
This guide highlights weekend-friendly hill towns that consistently rank among the coldest places in Maharashtra, even when the rest of the state heats up: Lonavala–Khandala and Mahabaleshwar. Think lush green valleys, dramatic ghats, seasonal waterfalls, crisp air, and cosy stays where you can relax completely.
Lonavala & Khandala – Classic Cool-Weather Weekend Combo
Beyond the famed chikki and popular viewpoints, these twin hills firmly hold their place as among the coldest places in Maharashtra, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons.
Why Lonavala–Khandala Shine as Cold-Weather Retreats
- Elevation & Ghats: Perched high on the Western Ghats, they stay noticeably cooler than the plains below.
- Green Valleys & Cliffs: The monsoon turns them into a lush carpet of green, with clouds hanging low over the valleys.
- Waterfalls & Dams: Bhushi Dam, Pawna Lake, countless seasonal falls and streams bring that classic hill-station feel.
- Easy Access: A scenic drive or train ride from Mumbai and Pune makes them perfect for short, spontaneous trips.
Days are best for long drives to viewpoints like Lion’s Point or Duke’s Nose; evenings are best spent in a villa living room, watching the fog roll in through picture windows.
Things to Do in Lonavala & Khandala
- Visit viewpoints: Tiger Point, Rajmachi Point, Amrutanjan Point
- Trek or drive to historic forts like Lohagad, Visapur and Rajmachi
- Picnic by Pawna and Tungarli Lakes, especially in cooler spells
- Café-hop for warm local snacks: bhajiyas, vada pav, fudge and chikki
👉 For a smooth weekend plan, here’s a complete guide on how to reach Lonavala from Mumbai and Pune.
Stay Cool in Style: Lohono Villas in Lonavala
1. Om Anantha – Infinitum, Lonavala
Overlooking the Sahyadris and Pawna Lake, this villa offers:
- Structures in earthy shades that blend with the hillside
- Stunning infinity swimming pool with lake and mountain views
- Double-height living and dining spaces, bathing in sunlight
- Breezy upper-level bedroom with private terrace and sunset vistas
The villa is close to Pawna Lake and forts, yet tranquil enough to luxuriate poolside all weekend.
2. Trisara, Lonavala
Ideal for larger groups, just 30 minutes from central Lonavala:
- Five ensuite bedrooms with Sahyadri range views
- Large private pool linking the living and bedroom wings
- Poolside bar perfect for cool, relaxed evenings
- Lounge with games: TV, board games, table tennis
Explore golf clubs, forts, and viewpoints nearby or stay wrapped in misty mornings by the pool.
Mahabaleshwar – Strawberry Country & Sweater Weather
Mahabaleshwar stands out for its consistently cool weather and is often the coldest destination in Maharashtra, as it is perched higher and deeper within the Western Ghats.
Reasons to Choose Mahabaleshwar
- Higher altitude and dense evergreen forests
- Mist and fog wrap the mornings and evenings
- Classic hill vibes with horse rides, boating, and bustling market lanes
- A favourite for families, couples, and friends seeking proper respite
Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar
- Viewpoints: Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point, Elphinstone Point and Kate’s Point all offer sweeping valley views, especially magical when the clouds roll in.
- Venna Lake: Go boating in the cool evening air, and then nibble on hot corn, strawberries and cream.
- Strawberry Farms: In season, visit local farms for fresh strawberries, jams and juices.
- Nature Walks: Morning walks through forested trails are a highlight when the air is crisp and fresh.
👉 Planning your trip is easy—here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Mahabaleshwar by road, rail, or air.
Your Hill Home: Vinayalam, Mahabaleshwar
Designed for families or close friends, Vinayalam offers:
- Contemporary exterior with warm, heirloom-styled interiors
- Spacious living and dining areas are ideal for conversation and games
- Large patio opening onto lush gardens for foggy mornings and chai
- Bedroom sit-outs with birdsong and sunrises over forests
Quietly situated yet close enough to explore viewpoints and markets by day.
Winter Comfort Food in Maharashtra’s Hill Stations
Chilly mornings and cool evenings in Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar call for hearty, warm meals that are a treat for the senses. Local favourites—piping hot misal pav, bhakri with spicy aamti, and freshly made vada pav—bring warmth and flavour to both outdoor adventures and slow villa days. Seasonal delights such as luscious strawberries in Mahabaleshwar—often savoured with rich cream—offer a sweet, refreshing contrast to the crisp air. Winter sweets, made with jaggery and sesame, such as tilgul and ladoos, add festive warmth, while local tea stalls serve steaming cups of masala chai that perfectly complement misty mornings.
How to Choose Between These Cool Escapes
- Lonavala–Khandala for quick drives, easy plans, and scenic activities
- Mahabaleshwar for a deep hill-station experience with berries, boating, and fresh air
- Villa-first holidays: all three offer stunning Lohono villas where the weather is part of the décor
👉 If you’re travelling with family and planning winter holidays beyond hill stations, you may also enjoy family-friendly wildlife safaris in India, which offer a completely different way to experience the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which is the coldest place in Maharashtra for a weekend?
Mahabaleshwar generally holds the lowest temperatures among popular hill stations, especially in winter.
Q. When is the best time to visit the coldest hill stations in Maharashtra?
Anytime is a good time because in Summer (Mar–May) the trip helps to escape the city heat, in the Monsoon (Jun–Sep) for lush greenery and waterfalls and Winter (Nov–Feb) for crisp air and bonfires.
Q. Are Lonavala and Khandala suitable for 2-day trips?
Yes, ideally, any two days are good, but the hill stations are best suited for Friday to Sunday getaways.
Q. Do Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar require warm clothes?
Light jumpers/jackets are essential in the monsoon and winter seasons, especially during early mornings and nights.
