Maharashtra as a state has always been fascinating for its glorious history, food and as a melting point of various cultures, it brings together people from all over the world and the country. The state is geographically massive and is one of the most popular states in the western part of India. Many popular destinations such as Lonavala, Alibaug, Pune, Khandala are popular among travelers as one finds plenty of tourists in these popular holiday destinations. However, some places are unexplored and offbeat that are hidden from the masses. These places not only have the perfect ingredients and but also balance as Maharashtra has a place for every kind of traveler one can visit solo or with a group of friends.

Go ahead and have a look at these12 beautiful offbeat holiday spots in Maharashtra and plan your new weekend getaway away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

1. Sandhan Valley

If you are a trekking enthusiast who is an adventurous traveller then Sandhan Valley is your tourist destination in Maharashtra. The trekkers are welcomed with a Canyon in the middle of the gorgeous Western Ghats. Sandhan Valley also known as The Valley of Shadow its a height is 1500 meters. One can visit Sandhan Valley for a morning trek and Rappelling.

How to reach Sandhan Valley: The best way to get to Sandhan Valley is by taking a local train to Kasara. On reaching Kasara one can take a jeep ride and arrive at  Samrad village.

2. Harnai Anjarle

Harnai is a village located in Dapoli C.D Block in Ratnagiri district and is one of the state’s lesser-known tourist spots. This place is popularly known for its Kadyavarcha Ganpati The Sunset at the beach makes the perfect evening for a long walk with your loved one. Anjarle is a quaint little green village with all the amenities.

 For Those who love exploring a place and its people, Harnai Anjarle is the ideal place. The locals of Harnai Anjarle are extremely warm and friendly. People from the cities can enjoy the delicious home food as most of the homes provide rented accommodation. The beaches are spotless, have white sand, and are surrounded by trees.

How to reach Harnai Anjarle: Dapoli is the nearby venue by road. Anjarle beaches can be reached with MSRTC Buses while private taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available. Khed is the nearest railway station in the Konkan region. Khed is the connecting place for the cities of Pune and Mumbai.

Discover Pune with Poornima Singh: https://indiachalk.com/blog/exploring-9-unknown-temples-of-pune-with-poornima-singh/

3. Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara is the only coffee estate in the state of Maharashtra. The place is known as one of the best tourist destinations. The height of the coffee estate is about 1080m. It is the only station in the Vidarbha region. On the other hand, what makes this place unique is that it is surrounded by three sides of the borders of the Melghat Project Tiger area. It also has interesting wildlife such as Flying Squirrel, Pangolin, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Chousinga, Ratel, and Honey Badger.

How to reach Chikhaldara: Chikhaldara is close to the city of Amravati one can also travel by road, it is one of the most scenic places in Maharashtra.

4. Tapola

If Rishikesh is the water sports region in the North of India, then Tapola is the water offbeat sport Holiday Spots in Maharashtra. Tapola has beautiful waterfalls which makes it the perfect destination for all water lovers.

How to reach Tapola: One can drive down to this region by road by Pune which is the nearest city and has a distance of 150 km

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5. Morachi Chincholi

Morachi Chincholi is for all the bird watchers and bird lovers. Also, one can witness peacocks in their free habitat walking around. In addition to this, there are puppet shows, local food, and bullock car rides. The city people can surely visit this quaint place to connect with the rural life.

How to visit Morachi Chincholi: A drive from Ahmednagar to Pune state highway up to Shirur, and passing through a small town named Malthan.

6. Thoseghar

Thoseghar waterfalls are situated about 20 km from Satara. Moreover, these gorgeous picturesque waterfalls have a huge weight of about 1000m. The beauty of the waterfalls especially comes to life in the monsoon season as the place is luscious green. That makes it one of the most relaxing offbeat Holiday Spots in Maharashtra

How to reach Thoseghar:

By road: Satara is the nearby destination by road without a doubt

By air: The nearest Airport is  Pune’s Lohegaon airport which is located about 100 km.

7. Kaas Plateau

Kaas Plateau is a dreamy destination for all nature and flower lovers. Additionally, the beauty of the flowers comes visually alive in the months of  August to September as the plateau witnesses 150 kinds of flowers. Above all, this floral destination is awarded a UNESCO World Biodiversity heritage.

How to reach Kaas Plateau

 To reach Kaas you will have to board a train till Satara and then from the station, one can take local transport such as a bus or rickshaw till Kaas.

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8. Karla and Bhaja Caves

Whenever we have to remember a cave from Maharashtra, the first two names that cross everyone‘s minds are Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Elephanta Caves. Karla and Bhaja caves are one of the undiscovered caves as a tourist attraction. In fact, people believe that the carvings and construction of the caves are from around the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C by the Himalayan sect of Buddhism. Nevertheless, Karla Caves are the largest temple in India.

How to reach Karla and Bhaja Caves: By road, there are local buses that run from Lonavala to Karla at a distance of 12 km. One can also walk or take an auto from Karla to Bhaja, Lonavala, and Khandala are the nearby places.

By Train: Malvali is the nearest railway station. One can also come via Pune and get a train from Mumbai to Lonavala in order to reach Karnala and Bhaja,

9. Tamhini Ghat

Tamini Ghat is located in the hilly regions of Pune. The ghat looks spectacular during the monsoon season, the breezing monsoon wind, creepers, small shrubs make Tamhini ghat a perfect destination for monsoon long drives.

How to reach Tamhini Ghat: One can take a train to Khopili and then a taxi to reach Tamhini ghat.

10. Bhandardara

Bhandardara is a hill station in the Sahyadri range. The lush greenery as well as giant waterfalls, and surrounding mountains make a perfect holiday spot for the townies.

How to reach Bhandardara: Situated in the city of Ahmednagar, this beautiful village is 117 km from Mumbai and has easy access by roadways.

 11. Tarkarli

Tarkarli is the perfect place for all beach lovers and ocean lovers. Maharashtra has undiscovered beaches that are absolutely breathtaking as the waters of Tarkali are cleaner than the rest of the beaches in Maharashtra. This destination is now pretty fast becoming a hotspot for water adventure sports such as Scuba diving, snorkeling, and jet skiing.

How to reach Tarkarli:  The nearest railway station is Kudal.One can also take an NH17 or NH4 route via the Mumbai Pune expressway.

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12. Jawhar

Jawhar is one of the least unexplored and offbeat destinations in Maharashtra. Moreover, the place is a perfect break for a quick drive from the city and is known for the beauty of the hills and Warli Art.

How to reach Jawhar: One can take a drive or take a state transport bus Mumbai Jawhar 180 km via Kasara- Khodala.

Looking for more such weekend getaways? Check out: https://indiachalk.com/blog/8-scenic-getaways-from-mumbai/

If you are looking for budget-friendly and wish to explore the offbeat holiday spots of Maharashtra, then this is now the right time. Plan your weekend getaways and mini-vacations in order to explore the geographically blessed state of Maharashtra.