When the Journey Becomes the Destination

There’s something profoundly healing about driving during the monsoon. The rhythmic tap of rain on the roof, the cool breeze sneaking in through a cracked window, the scent of petrichor rising from rain-drenched roads—every sense awakens. As the cityscape of Mumbai or Pune fades behind your rearview mirror, so does the weight of deadlines, traffic honks, and screen fatigue. What replaces them is something ancient and primal: connection—with nature, your co-passenger, and yourself. In Maharashtra, the monsoon isn’t just a season—it’s a state of mind. And for those who crave space to breathe, reflect, and feel again, scenic drives become much more than travel—they become therapy on wheels.

Why Monsoon Road Trips Are Maharashtra’s Best-Kept Secret

Modern travelers aren’t waiting for the next long holiday. They’re booking impromptu weekends, chasing waterfalls and cloud banks, and turning every spare 48 hours into a wellness retreat on wheels. Drive from Mumbai & Pune to Durshet, Kundalika & Sajan are scenic but during monsoons they become breath-taking with emerald ghats to water bodies becoming social media gold. But above all, these road trips remind you that life isn’t about the hustle all the time—it’s about finding stillness in motion.

Top Scenic Routes to Try This Monsoon

Whether you're leaving from Mumbai or Pune, here are the most soul-stirring drives that lead you right into the arms of nature:

1. Mumbai to Durshet (via Khopoli)

Distance: ~90 km
Drive Time: 2 hrs
Best for: Families, photographers, solo escapes

Cruise past the iconic Lonavala ghats—dramatic cliffs swaddled in mist. As you descend into Khopoli, the Amba River emerges, flanked by forested trails and sudden waterfalls. The road winds gently, allowing for lazy detours and spontaneous roadside stops.

2. Mumbai to Sajan (via Wada)

Distance: ~120 km
Drive Time: 3 hrs
Best for: Couples, artists, writers

This route swaps highways for slower, village roads that bloom green in the rains. Drive past rice paddies, sleepy hamlets, and forested bends where you might spot peacocks or grazing cattle. The silence is profound, broken only by the occasional thunderclap or birdcall.

3. Pune to Kundalika (via Mulshi & Tamhini Ghat)

Distance:~115 km
Drive Time:3.5 hrs
Best for: Adventure seekers, nature lovers, group getaways

Mulshi dam’s backwaters glisten like silver under grey skies. As you ascend Tamhini Ghat, prepare to be awestruck—this stretch is famous for its cloud-wrapped cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and endless canopy roads. Eventually, you’ll hear the Kundalika River roaring in the distance—a cue that you’ve arrived.

Your Perfect Pause: Nature Trails Resorts

A road trip is only as good as its pitstop. After hours of soul-stirring scenery, what you need is a cozy base where the adventure doesn’t end—it deepens.

Nature Trails Durshet (Khopoli)

Nestled in a private forest, this lodge offers treks,zip lines, and riverside lounging. Ideal for families who want both activity and relaxation.

Nature Trails Sajan (Vikramgad)

Tree-top cottages, tribal art walks, and chirping cicadas—perfect for couples, artists, and digital detoxers.

Nature Trails Kundalika (Kolad)

For those who like their getaways wet and wild. Wake up to the sound of rapids, paddle through adventure, and sleep under the stars.
Each resort is drivable within 2.5 to 4 hours from Mumbai or Pune, with well-marked directions and easy parking. You bring the playlist; we’ll bring the nature.

How to Pack for a Monsoon Drive

Let the rain do its thing—you just need to pack smart:

Essentials: Water, power bank, snacks, torch
Rain-ready: Waterproof shoes, a hooded jacket, a quick-dry towel
Gear: Phone stabilizer or camera with weather cover
Vibe: A custom road trip playlist (include Lucky Ali, Coke Studio, and a little AR Rahman)
Snacks: Bhutta (roasted corn), homemade sandwiches, thermos of tea

And of course, always check your car’s brakes, tyres, and wipers before you head out.
Voices from the Road
“We didn’t just reach Nature Trails. We discovered ourselves on the way. From singing along with the rain to making pitstops at roadside waterfalls—it felt like the kind of weekend you remember ten years later.”
– Ankur & Pallavi, Pune
“Tamhini blew our minds. Every bend had a waterfall. We reached Kundalika by dusk and sat by the river in complete silence. No calls. No deadlines. Just breath.”
– Rahul M., Mumbai

This Weekend, Don’t Just Go Somewhere—Feel Something

There’s no rush, no boarding gate, no hotel check-in deadline. Just the open road, the patter of rain, and the feeling of shedding a little stress with every kilometre.
All you need is a tank of fuel, a willing heart and a longing for peace that only nature can offer. Embark on the gorgeous monsoon road trips and make Nature Trails Resorts your base by booking at www.naturetrails.in or calling us at +91 7969269803.

Scenic Drives from Mumbai & Pune: Monsoon Road Trips That Feed the Soul