10 Weekend Bike Rides from Mumbai: Ghats, Forts and the Konkan Coast
The best weekend bike rides from Mumbai: Lonavala, Malshej Ghat, Igatpuri, Bhandardara, Alibaug and the Konkan coast — with monsoon tips and routes.
· MotoWave team · 3 min read
Mumbai is hemmed in by the sea and the Sahyadri, which means every ride out of the city ends up either on a ghat road or along the coast. Here are ten of the best weekend rides from Mumbai.
Before you go: motorcycles are not allowed on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway — use the old Mumbai–Pune highway. Distances are approximate from central Mumbai, and ghat roads can close after heavy rain.
Quick list
| Ride | Approx. distance (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Karnala and Panvel | 60 km | Short morning ride |
| Lonavala and Khandala | 85 km | Classic ghat ride |
| Alibaug | 95 km | Coastal roads and beaches |
| Igatpuri | 120 km | Monsoon waterfalls |
| Malshej Ghat | 130 km | Monsoon ghat ride |
| Bhandardara | 165 km | Lake, waterfalls and hills |
| Mahabaleshwar | 260 km | Hill station weekend |
| Kashid and Murud | 130 km | Beach and fort |
| Harihareshwar | 200 km | Quiet coastal temple town |
| Tarkarli | 520 km | Long Konkan weekend |
Ghat rides
1. Lonavala and Khandala
The classic Mumbai ride: take the old Mumbai–Pune highway (NH48) up the Bhor Ghat. It’s green and misty in the monsoon, with viewpoints like Tiger’s Leap and Rajmachi point. Watch out for trucks on the ghat.
2. Malshej Ghat
On the Kalyan–Ahmednagar road, Malshej Ghat is spectacular in the monsoon, with waterfalls pouring off the cliffs. It’s also prone to landslides and fog in heavy rain, so check conditions and ride very carefully.
3. Igatpuri
On the Mumbai–Nashik highway, up the Kasara Ghat. Waterfalls, lakes and forts in the monsoon.
4. Bhandardara
A lake town beyond Igatpuri, with the Arthur Lake, the Randha falls and views of Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak. The roads beyond Igatpuri are narrower but beautiful.
5. Mahabaleshwar
A weekend ride south via the old highway and Wai, climbing the Pasarni Ghat. Strawberries, viewpoints and cool weather. See also weekend rides from Pune.
Coastal rides
6. Alibaug
Ride around the bay via Panvel and Pen to Alibaug’s beaches, the Kolaba fort (reachable at low tide) and coastal villages. Many riders take the ferry from Mumbai for part of the way.
7. Kashid and Murud
Further down the coast from Alibaug: Kashid beach and the Janjira sea fort near Murud.
8. Harihareshwar
A quiet temple town on the coast, with a beautiful coastal road and a ferry across the Bankot creek.
9. Tarkarli (a long weekend)
The Konkan coast’s jewel near Malvan, with clear water and the Sindhudurg fort. It’s a long ride, best as part of a Mumbai to Goa coastal trip.
Short ride
10. Karnala and Panvel
A quick morning escape to the Karnala bird sanctuary area and fort, on the Mumbai–Goa highway.
Monsoon riding around Mumbai
Most of these rides are at their best from June to September, which is also when they’re most dangerous:
- Landslides and fog on the ghats: slow down, lights on, bigger gaps.
- Waterlogged roads: never ride into water when you can’t see the surface.
- Weekend crowds at waterfalls: park only where it’s legal and safe, not on bends.
Read our full monsoon riding tips — they apply to every city.
Riding with friends? See our group riding rules.