10 Offbeat Places in Maharashtra

Think of Maharashtra and images of aamchi Mumbai, with crowded beaches and Bollywood presence flood your mind. Maharashtra is known for its Misal Pav and Bombil, spirited Lavani performances and the ever-crowded Gateway of India. But if Aga Khan Palace and Elephanta Caves fail to lure you, take a peek at these uncommon tourist sites in the state. Venture into the road less traveled. After all, what’s a vacation without a little suspense? We list the best Offbeat Places in Maharashtra that you must visit once.

Quick choice: Choose the Konkan for beaches, the Satara area for Kaas and Thoseghar, or Pune’s surroundings for a short fort or village trip. These places are spread across the state; pick a region rather than trying to cover all ten on one weekend.

 

1) Tarkarli

Source: flickr.com/photos/nilanjan_sasmal/12809177774

Tarkarli is a small village located on the south west tip of Maharashtra. It is best known for a long unbroken shoreline and clear waters. The beach here is great to just laze around, and a long walk along the shore through shacks and fishing huts lands you at Devbagh. This is where the Karli backwaters meet the Arabian Sea, with a slick piece of land jutting out of the village, separating the two. Apart from this, there is Bhogwe beach, on the opposite side of the Karli River. Bhogwe is more secluded and quiet, with occasional rocks and boulders. The beach is blessed with fine white sand and the water is pristine, so clean that the sea bed is visible till quite a distance into the sea.

The Devbagh and Tarkarli area is known for boating and water sports, including snorkelling and scuba diving when conditions allow. Choose a reputable operator, check safety equipment and do not expect guaranteed dolphin sightings or clear visibility. The cuisine overlaps Goan and Maharashtrian traditions, and the seafood reflects the coast. Maharashtra Tourism’s activity guidance notes that monsoon months are generally unsuitable for coastal water sports.

 

2) Kaas Plateau

Source: flickr.com/photos/abhijittembhekar/8011625858

Kaas is situated in the Sahyadri range and is part of the serial UNESCO Western Ghats property. Also called Kaas Pathar, the plateau is known for seasonal flowers, including rare plants. Botanists, naturalists and travellers visit for the changing display, usually around the late monsoon, but flowering varies with the rains. Check the Kaas Plateau Committee’s current season, slots and booking information before travelling; keep to marked paths and leave flowers undisturbed.

 

3) Amboli

Source: flickr.com/photos/adityo/6024404801

Amboli is a hill station in South of Maharashtra, a quaint place snuggled in the plateaus just before the state of Goa begins. Sunset Point is a nice spot to get views of the surrounding area. Other spots like Mahadev Garh, that overlook the Konkan, and Shirgaonkar Point also provide breath-taking views of the fertile plain. The Amboli waterfall, just 3 km from the town, is a nice option to spend a day. Amboli is a good escape for a few days; it is quiet and secluded and it can be busy around popular viewpoints and waterfalls.

 

4) Harihareshwar

Source: flickr.com/photos/strikevenom/393223399

Harihareshwar is located in Raigad district, about four hours from Mumbai. A town surrounded by four hills- Harshinachal, Harihareshwar, Bramhadri and Pushpadri, which represent four deities, Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma and Parvati. The town is bordered by the Bankot creek on one side, which is where the river Savitri flows into the ocean and on the other side of the town is the Arabian Sea. To the north of the town, enveloped in greenery, lies a temple of Shiva called the Harihareshwar Temple. While the exact date of the temple being built is unknown, it draws pilgrims from nearby towns especially during the Kalbhairav Jayanti Utsav.

 

5) Malshej Ghat

Source: flickr.com/photos/43727061@N02/8090953513

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass and scenic region in the Sahyadris, known for valley views, reservoirs and monsoon waterfalls. Hikers use the area as a base for nearby routes, but a roadside viewpoint and a fort trek require different preparation. The rains make the landscape lush while increasing the risk of landslides, slippery paths and temporary closures. Check the forecast and local restrictions. Birds may be seen, but flamingos or any other species should not be treated as a guaranteed attraction.

 

6) Palu

A small hamlet near Murbad, Palu packs a lot of nature in its small area. About 3 hours from Mumbai, the place is like a different world altogether. Frequent waterfalls and lush green carpets surround you and sunrise and sunset are two things you don’t want to miss. The village is sparsely inhabited, but is quiet and interesting. Palu is a good option for a weekend getaway, the weather, often rainy, and the presence of pristine nature is a welcoming change from busy cities.

 

7) Thoseghar Waterfall

Thoseghar waterfalls is the name given to a group of waterfalls in Thoseghar village, near Satara. The waterfalls vary in height, the largest forming a dramatic drop into the gorge, while the others are usually 15 to 20 metres tall. Monsoon is when the waterfalls are most spectacular, while the surrounding ambiance is dark and quiet. The place is a nice picnic spot, with some restaurants nearby to enjoy meals.

 

8) Nagaon Beach

Source: flickr.com/photos/anildigital/8278073764

This beach in Alibaug is known for its cleanliness and fine white sand that contrasts beautifully with the blue of the Arabian Sea. Nagaon beach is centrally located, around it are other beaches- Murud, Kashid, Akshi, Mandwa, Kihim etc. A number of water sports, like the water scooter, parasailing, jet-ski, and kayaking among others have attracted tourists from Pune and Mumbai. A shallow-looking beach is not a guarantee of safe swimming. Follow lifeguard advice, tide and weather warnings, and keep children closely supervised. Apart from this, local seafood is a delight; it is freshly prepared at many local eateries, and usually nicely prepared. Coconut and Suru trees line the beaches and find a way in local cuisines.

 

9) Malhargad

Source: flickr.com/photos/draconianrain/3535825238

Malhargad is a hill fort 30 km from Pune. It derives its name from Lord Malhari, an incarnation of Shiva. Also known as Sonori Fort, after a small village Sonori located at its base, the fort was built by Panse, a Peshwa Sardar and was the last fort built by the Peshwas. Built in the eighteenth century, the fort was built to keep watch on Dive Ghat. Its strategic location helped keep an eye on the surrounding ranges. Its last inhabitants were the British, who won it from the Peshwas in the 19th century.

Two temples lie inside the fort, one of Lord Khandoba and one for Lord Mahadev. It takes about time to explore the complex, depending on your pace and conditions. An interesting aspect of the fort’s architecture is the fact that there is another smaller fort within the main one, built to offer protection against enemies who forced their way through the outer walls.
One can look around Malhargad for some time, and the hills around are equally alluring. Malhargad offers a nice weekend trek for history buffs.

 

10) Morachi Chincholi

Morachi Chincholi, near Pune, is known for the peafowl associated with its rural landscape. A village stay can be relaxing, with walks and farm activities offered by individual hosts. Ask what is actually included and whether meals, accessible facilities and transport are available. Bird sightings and numbers vary; watch quietly, do not chase or feed wildlife, and ask before entering fields or photographing residents.

 

Also Read: 10 Offbeat Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

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Meghana

Meghana is an avid reader, metalhead and foodie who spends her time following politics, working at animal shelters, advocating feminism and atheism and watching Anime, among other things. She has too many aspirations to list in one go.

When to go and how to group your trip

For beach activities, favour calmer non-monsoon conditions and reconfirm operations. For Kaas and waterfalls, the rains determine the display, but heavy rain can also close access. Thoseghar is best enjoyed from its designated viewpoints; do not enter the gorge or cross barriers. See Maharashtra Tourism’s Thoseghar guide and IMD forecasts before leaving.

Group Tarkarli with the southern Konkan, Nagaon with Alibaug, Kaas with Satara and Thoseghar, and Malhargad or Morachi Chincholi with a Pune stay. For a longer circuit, use our Mumbai road-trip guide; for shorter hill breaks compare hill stations near Mumbai.

Frequently asked questions

Credits and last update

This post was originally published on Trodly travel blog. 

Featured image by Suyash Sonawane

 

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Last updated: 17 October 2026. Seasonal access, wildlife and beach claims reviewed; planning sections added and original photographs and author credit retained.