Road trips for Mumbaikars that will leave you awestruck

The sky is pouring, painting the mundane land in exotic colors, making it an alluring picturesque. It’s the monsoon season; leap out of your daily humdrum and dive in to plan your weekend road trip. You can ask your girlfriend or tag your friends along with you but as long as you are moving on two-wheelers, you are nailing it! Road trips are best when you get actually acquainted with Mother Nature and a bike does provide this rapture, you feel connected. Enjoy the breeze hitting your hair, take an occasional snack break by the Dhabas, and meet flamboyant tourists to make it an unforgettable riding experience.

This listicle will provide you with the places you can go for a road trip

Lonavala and Khandala

Everyone residing in or around Mumbai has at least once visited this bounty, but the best season to go there is monsoon. Don’t give up your bike ride scaring the slippery roads but just be cautious and wear your safety gear, a windcheater, or a waterproof coat and tada! You are ready to explore.

Time: 2 hrs.Via Old Mumbai Pune Highway

Distance: 85 km

Alibaug

The bike ride to Alibaug is one of the most fascinating around Mumbai, and the ferry crossing is a big part of the appeal. M2M Ferries runs a Ro-Ro service from Bhaucha Dhakka (Mazgaon), loading your bike directly on board so you ride off the other side and continue your journey without any detour. Though a road route exists, it’s heavily congested — the ferry is the far better option. Check the M2M Ferries schedule before you head out, as timings vary by season and slots fill up quickly on weekends.

Time: Almost a 4-hour journey including the ferry ride

Distance: Almost 110 km

Malshej Ghat

That lofty, wobbly, and a bit creepy yet enthralling bike ride. Sometimes narrow, sometimes jammed with traffic and a wispy endangered tunnel. A packet full of adventure! This should be on every biker’s bucket list. Check the highway status before leaving as monsoon landslides often lead to temporary closures.

Time: 3 hrs. 30 min bike ride

Distance: 130 km from Mumbai via NH61

During peak monsoon weekends, the Thane District Collector occasionally issues Section 144 orders restricting entry to Malshej Ghat, particularly when red or orange rainfall alerts are in effect. Before heading out, check for any such orders on the Maharashtra government’s official channels or local news. Getting turned back at a checkpoint midway is a real possibility — confirm the road is open before you leave.

Pelhar Dam

Going on a road trip to Pelhar Dam is like riding in a forest, the path is narrow and unpaved, you can’t speed up your vehicle here, and you have to be careful. This journey is full of surprises as you may encounter a snake or fox while riding.

Time: 2 hr. ride

Distance : 59 Km

Bekre Bhivpuri

You may need to be an early bird for this one, as the adventures awaiting there, need a little more time. Riding your bike while the sun is rising is an astounding experience. But you must leave your bike at the foot of the hills to enjoy the waterfall.

Time: 1 hr. 58 Min

Distance: 79.5 km

Monsoon Riding Essentials

Monsoon riding on these routes is genuinely rewarding, but a few basics can make the difference between a great trip and a dangerous one. Wet ghats, narrow forest paths, and sudden landslides demand more preparation than a dry-season ride.

• Helmet: A full-face helmet is mandatory under Indian traffic law and doubly practical in rain — it keeps visibility clear and protects your face from heavy downpour.
• Waterproof gear: A quality rain suit or waterproof jacket and pants matters more than a windcheater on routes like Malshej Ghat, where rain can be relentless. Waterproof gloves help maintain grip.
• Footwear: Avoid open sandals. Closed, grippy shoes or ankle boots reduce the risk on slippery surfaces.
• Tyres and brakes: Check tyre tread and brake response before you leave. Wet roads expose both weaknesses quickly.
• Visibility: Switch on your headlight even during the day — visibility drops sharply in heavy rain and mist, especially inside tunnels and through the ghats.
• Route checks: Malshej Ghat and Pelhar Dam access roads are prone to monsoon closures. Check Maharashtra traffic updates or local news before departure.
• Dry bag: Keep your phone, documents, and wallet in a waterproof pouch or dry bag. A wet phone mid-route is a real problem.

None of these are complicated. Sort them the evening before and the ride itself becomes everything it should be.