Hidden Gems in Maharashtra: Unique Places to Visit in Maharashtra With Family

When people think of Maharashtra, the first names that come to mind are Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Shirdi. While these popular places attract thousands of tourists every year, Maharashtra is also home to numerous hidden gems that remain less explored yet equally fascinating. From offbeat forts and pristine beaches to mystical caves and untouched hill stations, Maharashtra is a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey to discover unique travel destinations in Maharashtra beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or a nature lover, these offbeat places will surely make your trip unforgettable.

1. Amboli – The Jewel of the Sahyadri

Known as the “Cherrapunji of Maharashtra”, Amboli is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Sahyadri Hills near Goa. With heavy rainfall, lush greenery, misty waterfalls, and cool weather, it’s a paradise for monsoon lovers.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September for monsoon beauty, October to February for pleasant weather.
  
  
• Things to Do: Visit Amboli Waterfall, explore Hiranyakeshi Temple, trek to Madhavgad Fort, and enjoy birdwatching.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Unlike Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar, Amboli remains less crowded, making it perfect for peace seekers.

2. Lonar Lake – A Crater Lake with a Cosmic Story

Located in the Buldhana district, Lonar Lake is one of the world’s four hyper-velocity impact crater lakes created by a meteor strike around 52,000 years ago. The lake has both saline and alkaline water, making it a scientific wonder.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  
  
• Things to Do: Explore the lake, visit Daitya Sudhan Temple, and trek around the crater.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Few people know about its cosmic origin, and it’s a dream spot for photographers and geology enthusiasts.

3. Chikhaldara – The Coffee Paradise of Maharashtra

Situated in the Amravati district, Chikhaldara is the only coffee-growing region in Maharashtra. At an altitude of 1,118 meters, it offers panoramic valley views, serene lakes, and dense forests.

• Best Time to Visit: October to June.
  
  
• Things to Do: Visit Melghat Tiger Reserve, explore Bhimkund, and enjoy boating in the lakes.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Chikhaldara is perfect for those who want to experience hill station vibes without the crowd.

4. Tarkarli – The Maldivian Vibes of Maharashtra

If you are dreaming of turquoise waters and pristine beaches, Tarkarli in Sindhudurg is the place to be. Known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, Tarkarli is also Maharashtra’s most famous scuba diving destination.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
  
  
• Things to Do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and enjoying Malvani cuisine.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Unlike Goa’s crowded beaches, Tarkarli offers peace, beauty, and marine adventure.

5. Malshej Ghat – A Heaven for Trekking Enthusiasts

Malshej Ghat, located in the Western Ghats near Pune, is a scenic mountain pass known for its waterfalls, misty peaks, and lush greenery. During the monsoon, it transforms into a paradise with dozens of waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

• Best Time to Visit: July to September (monsoon magic).
  
  
• Things to Do: Trekking, birdwatching (especially flamingos), and visiting Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Less commercialized compared to Lonavala, making it ideal for trekkers and solitude seekers.

6. Dapoli – Mini Mahabaleshwar with a Beach

Often called “Mini Mahabaleshwar”, Dapoli in Ratnagiri is a coastal hill station that beautifully combines beach fun and hill station charm. It is also famous for dolphin watching.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
  
  
• Things to Do: Visit Murud Beach, Karde Beach, Panhalekaji Caves, and enjoy local seafood.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: A perfect alternative to Mahabaleshwar and Alibaug, with fewer crowds and untouched beauty.

7. Bhandardara – A Stargazer’s Paradise

Located near Igatpuri, Bhandardara is a scenic hill station famous for its lakes, waterfalls, and serene surroundings. The highlight is the firefly festival, where thousands of fireflies light up the night sky in May and June.

• Best Time to Visit: June to February.
  
  
• Things to Do: Camping by Lake Arthur, Randha Falls, Wilson Dam, and stargazing.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Unlike popular hill stations, Bhandardara offers a unique firefly experience that feels magical.

8. Vengurla – The Hidden Coastal Beauty

Vengurla is an untouched beach destination in Sindhudurg, known for its golden sands, coconut groves, and clear waters. It’s a peaceful retreat for those who love the sea but dislike crowded beaches.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March.
  
  
• Things to Do: Explore Vengurla Rocks, Sagareshwar Beach, and lighthouse points.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: A quiet alternative to Goa’s busy beaches with raw natural charm.

9. Sandhan Valley – The Grand Canyon of Maharashtra

Located in the Ahmednagar district near Bhandardara, Sandhan Valley is one of the most thrilling trekking and camping destinations in Maharashtra. Popularly known as the “Valley of Shadows”, it offers a mix of trekking, rappelling, and camping.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
  
  
• Things to Do: Trekking, rappelling, night camping, and stargazing.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: A thrilling adventure spot that combines natural beauty with adrenaline.

10. Kaas Plateau – Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers

Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Kaas Plateau near Satara is a vibrant floral wonderland. During monsoon, the plateau blooms with over 850 species of colorful flowers.

• Best Time to Visit: August to October.
  
  
• Things to Do: Nature walks, photography, and visiting nearby Kaas Lake.
  
  
• Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s like walking in a natural carpet of flowers, yet many tourists are unaware of its existence.
  

Travel Tips for Exploring Hidden Gems in Maharashtra

1. Plan Ahead: Some places like Kaas Plateau and Sandhan Valley require prior permissions or guided tours.
   
   
2. Best Season: Most destinations are best during monsoon (June–September) and winter (October–February).
   
   
3. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss Maharashtrian delicacies like Misal Pav, Puran Poli, and Malvani seafood.
   
   
4. Stay Options: Choose homestays for an authentic local experience.
   
   
5. Respect Nature: Many hidden spots are ecologically sensitive, so avoid littering and preserve the beauty.

Why You Should Explore Hidden Gems in Maharashtra?

Maharashtra is more than just Mumbai, Pune, and hill stations like Lonavala. From the mystical crater of Lonar Lake to the floral magic of Kaas Plateau, from the underwater adventures of Tarkarli to the starlit nights of Bhandardara, these hidden gems showcase the diverse beauty of the state.

So, the next time you plan a trip, skip the usual touristy places and set out to explore these unique travel destinations in Maharashtra. For a comfortable and convenient journey, you can easily book an Innova car on rent in Pune to make your road trip smooth and hassle-free. Not only will you experience peace and natural beauty, but you’ll also create memories that few travelers have.