The much-awaited respite from the scorching summer is finally here. Pre-monsoon showers are painting Mumbai, Pune and surrounding areas in shades and hues of green. While popular hill stations like Lonavala, Khandala and Matheran always steal the spotlight for short monsoon getaways near Mumbai, we bring you a closer option. Within the Western Ghats, Karjat comes alive with forest trails, gushing waterfalls and river streams, and adventurous treks. Not so sure? We bring you a complete Karjat guide to explore during this monsoon.
We uncover the best of Karjat — what to see, what to eat, what to do and where to stay— whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking solace in nature, or simply craving a break from city life.
Karjat is the perfect escape for a quick getaway near Mumbai and Pune. It is 62 km from Mumbai and about 100 km from Pune, making the travel time between 2-2.5 hours, depending on the traffic. As the monsoon sets in, the dry landscape transforms into lush hills, cloud-covered valleys and an overall pleasant climate.
It is a destination where you can take your kids, pets and elderly family members together. There are private villas in Karjat where you can enjoy the perfect staycation amidst nature, enjoy farm fresh meals and rejuvenate away from the daily hustle. In Karjat, you will find:
Ulhas Valley: A haven for nature lovers, this place has a mix of landscapes from dense forests, streams of the Ulhas River and early cascades of waterfalls. While you can access some of it on foot, the upper viewpoints must be trekked through.
Kondana Caves: Every guide to Karjat will include these historic caves. A group of 16 Buddhist caves require you to trek and trail for about an hour to reach the ancient rock-cut structures. They were excavated in the 1st century BC, and during monsoon, water descends over them, making it a beautiful sight.
Bhor Ghat: This is a scenic mountain pass connecting the Deccan plateau with the Konkan belt. The winding roads showcase the lush greenery on either side. If you’re taking a drive, roll down the windows to feel the cool breeze and tranquil ambience.
ND Studios: If you’re a Bollywood buff and are curious about the set life, you can take a day trip to ND Studios. This film and TV production studio has been a location for several films like Jodha Akbar, Bajirao Mastani, Kick, and the reality show Bigg Boss is also shot here. There are also a variety of other sets, including replicas of Times Square, VT Station, and Chor Bazaar. Get the tickets in advance to avoid crowds.
Bhivpuri Waterfall: A highlight on any Karjat guide, Bhivpuri Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction that truly comes alive during the monsoon. The best time to visit is between August and September, when the rains swell the cascades into a dramatic rush over the hills. For adventure enthusiasts, several tour companies organize thrilling waterfall rappelling sessions here, making it a perfect to experience adrenaline within nature.
If you’re an occasional trekker, Karjat is a beautiful destination to go scaling the peaks on Sahyadris. If you’re particularly a fan of trekking during the rainy season, here are some monsoon treks near Karjat:
In our guide to Karjat, we will also be covering the best places to eat. While the location may grab all eyeballs for lush, scenic views during the monsoon, given the rising opportunities for tourism, it is also seeing charming eateries with global cuisine. Some of the popular places to eat in Karjat are:
While these are all the major restaurants, you will find several local dhabas across the highway leading to Karjat. You can enjoy fresh Maharashtrian veg and non-vegetarian meals here. Vada pav, Misal pav and bhajiyya are popular items to eat in Karjat.
If you’re planning a family trip this season, rent a private villa in Karjat. Located away in the lush landscapes, ideal for a weekend escape, these holiday homes promise privacy, comfort and luxury. Swim in the pool under the rain, enjoy freshly made crispy snacks or just take a slow walk in the garden post a good meal. Looking for the best stays? Our Karjat guide brings you some options:
This villa in Karjat has a private pool, badminton court, trampoline and a games room. If you’re visiting with kids or cousins, this is the best place to have a fun weekend getaway this monsoon.
Surrounded by an evergreen landscape, this home is ideal for rejuvenation away from city life. Private pool, expansive garden, semi-open dining areas, large balconies, you can soak in nature, no matter where you’re sitting.
A unique architectural gem, this Karjat villa is right by a riverside. It has two sections connected by a glass bridge over the pool. The glass-panelled lounge is perfect to sip your morning and evening chai, enjoying the passing of rainclouds with views of mountains in the backdrop.
The best part about choosing to stay with Lohono Stays is that we can help you plan other activities too. If you wish to take a monsoon yoga retreat or want to go on a short trek near the villa, we can make arrangements. Whether you choose to stay in and simply relax or want to do any of these things mentioned in this guide to Karjat, our team can help you.
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