Mumbai, the city of dreams, is known the world over for its never-ending hustle-bustle. In such a fast-paced lifestyle, everyone needs a break to rejuvenate and relax. The charm of weekend getaways, hence, has increased over the years, more so after the pandemic. Many people have been frequenting weekend home destinations nearby and considering secondary investments due to several benefits such properties assure.
Lonavala, Karjat, Alibaug and Lavasa are popular weekend getaways within 200 km of Mumbai. Providing a pleasant break from the mundane city life, these weekend home destinations near Mumbai are also known to offer excellent Returns on Investment (ROIs) and are equally famous among end-users and investors. Here’s a sneak peek at these popular locations!
Madh Island
30 km, 1.5 hours
Offering great views of the mighty Arabian Sea on the west and Malad Creek towards the east, Madh Island is an ideal weekend destination for people looking for a place away from the city mayhem. Apart from natural beauty, the island also offers wonderful sightseeing spots. Since it caters to people of all age groups throughout the year, buying a weekend home here can double up as an excellent investment option.
Popular tourist attractions on Madh Island
Aksa Beach
Madh Fort
Erangal Beach
St. Bonaventure Church
Silver Beach
The housing inventory here mostly includes apartments, residential land and independent houses. The starting price for a 1 BHK independent builder floor spread across 370 sq ft is around Rs 25 lakh. Madh Island is in proximity to the Malvani Bus Depot, ensuring excellent connectivity to Andheri and Dahisar, the popular micro-markets in Mumbai. This is another reason behind its rising popularity among people looking to buy a weekend home near Mumbai. The area has witnessed nearly a 10 percent YoY rise in property prices averaging around Rs 15,000 per sq ft .
Karjat
60 km, 1.5 hours
A favourite monsoon destination among Mumbaikars, Karjat is easily accessible via Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Pandharpur Road. It is a popular venue for trekkers and nature lovers, with Chanderi Fort Trek, Matheran Trek via Rambagh Point and Peth Fort Trek, all beginning from here. Apart from a dedicated railway station, Karjat is also accessible via Palashar Railway Station, situated roughly 10 km away.
Popular tourist attractions in Karjat
Kondana Caves
Kothaligad Fort
Ulhas Valley
Bahiri Cave
ND Studio
As it mostly caters to the young crowd, budget accommodations are highly preferred here. This is why studio apartments and 1 BHK units from around 40 percent of the total residential supply, followed by 2 BHK developments. The home values for 1 BHK and 2 BHK units in Karjat hover around Rs 20-35 lakh and Rs 40-60 lakh, respectively. Property values in the area have witnessed nearly 12 percent Year on Year growth. The prices are expected to rise further post the upcoming Sea Over Bridge and Trans Harbor Link between Sewri, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Lonavala
85 km, 2 hours
A major station on the Pune Suburban Railway line connecting Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala has always remained one of the most popular weekend home destinations for Mumbai residents. Easily accessible via both Mumbai-Pune Expressway and Mumbai-Bangalore Highway, Lonavala, known for its pleasant weather around the year, offers beautiful views of the Western Ghats.
Popular tourist attractions in Lonavala
Tiger’s Leap
Bhaja Caves
Karla Caves
Bhushi Dam
Duke’s Nose
Since it is quite an established weekend home destination, there is an abundance of residential options such as apartments, villas and independent floors. People often flock to this place in large groups and opt for bigger properties to save costs. Investments in Lonavala have also been viewed to yield high returns. A 3 BHK villa can cost anywhere between Rs 90 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore, which is approximately 10 percent more than the last year . Given its strategic location, the available land parcels in Lonavala are also being sold fast.
Alibaug
95 km, 2.5 hours
Located on the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66), Alibaug is an ideal weekend home destination for beach lovers. Replete with sandy beaches, this coastal town in Raigad, Maharashtra, has a profound mention in colonial history. Jagruti Nagar Metro Station is just seven km away from Alibaug. The area remains a popular weekend getaway destination for people from both Mumbai and Pune.
Popular tourist attractions in Alibaug
Nagaon Beach
Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple
Kolaba Fort
Mandwa Beach
Akshi Beach
While it offers a range of options, such as apartments and villas, residential plots are the most preferred among people looking to invest a big corpus in real estate. Ready inventory is available mostly for 2 BHK apartments, with prices hovering around Rs 30-60 lakh. Various upcoming infrastructural developments like the Virar-Alibaug Multi-Modal Corridor and Navi Mumbai International Airport (70 km) are expected to further boost the property market in Alibaug and attract investors.
Kamshet
100 km, 2.5 hours
Popularly referred to as the paragliding hub of the country, Kamshet is a quaint town near Mumbai offering lush green meadows and panoramic views. Since it is an active tourist spot, both private and state-owned buses service here, providing smooth connectivity to Mumbai and Pune. The region also has a dedicated railway station on the Pune Suburban Railway Line.
Popular tourist attractions in Kamshet
Shinde Wadi Hills
Bedse Caves
Bhairi Caves
Uksan Lake
Kondeshwar Temple
Investors’ interest has grown manifold in Kamshet as more people have started flocking to this place for weekend outings. Priced between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 75 lakh, over half of the inventory available for sale in Kamshet is of 1 BHK and 2 BHK apartments. However, residential land is still the most popular choice amidst seasoned investors owing to higher returns.
Lavasa
190 km, 4 hours
A hill station known for myriad adventure sports activities alongside nature trails, Lavasa is visited by people from far and wide. A private, planned city, Lavasa is an attraction for many as its infrastructure is based on Portofino, an Italian town. Its spellbinding landscape comprises green hills and endless lake views.
Popular tourist attractions in Lavasa
Tikona Fort
Varasgaon Dam
Temghar Dam
Ghangad Fort
The Lake
Buyers can sift through a variety of housing choices, including residential apartments, villas and independent housing units. Dasave, a popular locality in Lavasa, offers a majority of 1 BHK apartments, priced at Rs 35-55 lakh, depending on the amenities included. Large residential land parcels are also available, with prices hovering around Rs 110-230 per sq ft.
Apart from the destinations mentioned above, other regions near Mumbai, such as Matheran, Palghar and Panvel are also popular for mini getaways. Offbeat destinations such as Igatpuri, Dahanu and Boisar can also be considered if budget is a constraint. If you are keen on making a second home investment near Mumbai, buying a weekend home can prove beneficial in the long run.