Top Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai For History Lovers: All Under 100 km
Mumbai, a city rich with history for lovers of the past, has stories etched into every colonial façade and crumbling fort wall. But beyond its bustling streets and Gothic architecture lies an even wider canvas of heritage. For history enthusiasts, the region surrounding Mumbai is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, where each weekend escape offers a journey through time.
Within 100 kilometres of the city, you’ll find a fascinating mix of forgotten kingdoms, archaeological wonders, and coastal relics that bring Maharashtra’s layered past to life. Whether it’s tracing the legacy of the Satavahanas in the Kanheri Caves, wandering through the Portuguese-era ruins of Vasai Fort, or walking the ramparts of Rajmachi and Lohagad, these short trips promise the best of exploration and nostalgia. Here are some of the best weekend getaways near Mumbai for history lovers.
Vasai Fort
Distance from Mumbai: 60 km (1.5–2 hours drive via Western Express Highway)
Once a crowded Portuguese settlement, Vasai Fort, or Fort Bassein, as it was once called, now stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin of Mumbai’s colonial past. Built in the early 1500s, it served as the headquarters of the Portuguese northern province before the Marathas claimed it in 1739.
Today, the fort’s crumbling walls, leafy arches, and old stone churches seem to tell stories of the past, of a time when European style blended seamlessly with Indian craftsmanship. Situated by the Vasai Creek, it’s especially magical at sunrise and sunset. Inside, nature has quietly reclaimed its space, with roots twisting through doorways and moss softening the edges of the collapsing walls.
Timings: Open all days; 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: November to February for pleasant weather
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the fort complex is large and uneven in places
Arnala Fort
Distance from Mumbai: 80 km (2.5–3 hours drive via Western Express Highway to Virar + 10-minute ferry ride from Arnala Beach)
Sitting on a small island just off the coast near Virar, Arnala Fort, also called Jaldurg, was originally built by Sultan Mahmud Begda of Gujarat in the 16th century before passing into Portuguese hands and later being captured by the Marathas. Its strategic coastal position earned it the title “Island of Strength.”
Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, the fort is a great offbeat destination for those seeking history with a touch of adventure. You’ll find intact stone walls, cannons, and small shrines scattered across the fort. The short ferry ride from Arnala Beach adds to the charm, especially during cooler months.
Timings: Open all days; 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Ferry Cost: INR 20 – INR 30 (round trip, weather-dependent)
Ferry Schedule: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Best Time To Visit: November to March; avoid monsoon months
Tip: Carry snacks and water as there are limited facilities on the island
Mahim Fort
Distance from Mumbai: 15 km (30–40 minutes’ drive from South Mumbai)
Often overlooked, Mahim Fort is one of Mumbai’s oldest surviving coastal fortifications. Believed to have been built in the 11th century by King Bhimdev, or Raja Pratap Bimb, of the Rajput dynasty, the fort later came under the Gujarat Sultanate before being reinforced by the Portuguese and the British. Once guarding the city’s western coastline, it played a key defensive role when Mahim was still a quiet fishing village. The fort’s weathered ramparts and sea-facing bastions today still hint at its storied past. Years of encroachment took their toll, but major restoration work is now underway to reclaim and preserve this heritage structure.
Timings: Open all days, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (subject to restoration work)
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or evening for coastal views
Tip: Combine your visit with a stroll along Mahim Beach or a stop at nearby St. Michael’s Church
Elephanta Caves
Distance from Mumbai: 10 km by sea (1-hour ferry ride from Gateway of India)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are among the most iconic heritage sites near Mumbai. Located on Elephanta Island in Gharapuri, these rock-cut caves date back to the 5th–6th centuries and are dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva.
The main cave houses the magnificent 20-foot-tall Trimurti sculpture, which is a three-headed depiction of Shiva as the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer. The caves feature intricate carvings, pillars, and shrines that showcase the artistry of early Indian rock architecture.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Closed: Mondays
Entry Fee: INR 40 (Indians), INR 600 (foreigners); ferry tickets INR 250 – INR 300 (round trip)
Ferry Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM from Gateway of India
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes
Kanheri Caves
Distance from Mumbai: 40 km (1.5 hours from South Mumbai)
Hidden within the greenery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the Kanheri Caves are an archaeological wonder carved between the 1st century BCE and 10th century CE. Once a major Buddhist learning centre, these caves, more than 100 in number, contain prayer halls, stupas, viharas (monastic cells), and inscriptions in ancient Brahmi script. The site offers a rare mix of spirituality and scenic beauty; as you climb the stone steps, the forest hums softly below, and the weathered rock walls whisper stories of monks who once meditated here.
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Tuesdays
Entry Fee: INR 25 (Indians), INR 300 (foreigners); INR 77 per vehicle to enter park
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Tip: Combine it with a safari or a short trek inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Karla Caves
Distance from Mumbai: 93 km (2 hours via Mumbai–Pune Expressway)
Dating back over 2,000 years, the Karla Caves are among India’s oldest Buddhist rock-cut monuments. Built between the 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE, they represent the pinnacle of early Hinayana Buddhist architecture. The main Chaitya Hall (prayer hall) features an awe-inspiring vaulted ceiling supported by wooden ribs — one of the finest examples of ancient Indian craftsmanship.
Located close to Lonavala, the caves also offer sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. A steep but rewarding climb of around 300 steps leads you to the site, making it a perfect combination of history and light adventure.
Timings: Open all days; 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 30 for Indian nationals and INR 200 for foreign nationals
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and the afternoon sun
Jogeshwari Caves
Distance from Mumbai: 20 km (around 1 hour’s drive from South Mumbai)
Dating back to the 6th century CE, the Jogeshwari Caves are among the earliest examples of Hindu rock-cut architecture in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the caves mark an important transitional phase in Western Indian cave design, blending Buddhist influences with the emerging Hindu style that would later reach its zenith at Elephanta.
Inside, you can still trace the outlines of long corridors, sculpted pillars, and mythological carvings. However, the site today sits amid dense urban development, with much of the surrounding area encroached upon. Despite the neglect, the caves retain their historical and spiritual significance, offering a fascinating glimpse into Mumbai’s ancient past.
Timings: Open all days; 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Tip: Visit early in the morning to explore before the crowds and city bustle set in
FAQs
1. What are the best historical places to visit near Mumbai?
Some of the best historical sites near Mumbai include Elephanta Caves, Vasai Fort, Kanheri Caves, Karla Caves, and Mahim Fort — all within 100 km.
2. Which forts near Mumbai are worth visiting?
Vasai Fort and Arnala Fort are must-visits for their colonial and maritime history, while Mahim Fort offers a glimpse into Mumbai’s coastal defence heritage.
3. What are the top ancient cave sites near Mumbai?
Elephanta, Kanheri, Karla, and Jogeshwari Caves are significant archaeological sites showcasing Buddhist and Hindu rock-cut art.
4. How far are these historical sites from Mumbai?
All destinations listed are within 100 km of Mumbai — ranging from 15 km (Mahim Fort) to 93 km (Karla Caves).
5. What is the best time to visit historical sites around Mumbai?
November to February offers the most pleasant weather for exploring forts and caves. Avoid the monsoon months due to slippery trails.
