Maharashtra: 5 Scenic Spots from Karnala to Malshej Ghat Where Hills, Forests, and Plateaus Burst Into Color

As the monsoon rains fade and the skies begin to clear, Maharashtra changes into a magical garden. From August to October, the land comes alive with colors as flowers bloom everywhere. This is the season when the forests, hills, and valleys burst into life. Every flower that opens brings not just beauty but also food for birds, insects, and animals. If you listen closely, it almost feels like the flowers are calling everyone to come and see their grand show.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary (Raigad)

The flowers of Karnala Bird Sanctuary are the first to whisper their welcome. Just a short drive away from Mumbai, this tiny patch of forest surprises everyone with its bright colors after the rains. The moist trees stretch their arms towards the sky while fresh blooms decorate the trails. Birds come in flocks to sip nectar, and butterflies dance from one blossom to another.

 With more than 150 resident bird species and many migratory guests, the flowers here are never lonely. Their petals almost seem to laugh as picnickers and trekkers stop to admire the forest’s living artwork.

Tungareshwar Sanctuary (Vasai)

Follow the flowers’ trail and you will find yourself at Tungareshwar Sanctuary in Vasai. Here too, August to October turns the forest into a painter’s dream. The flowers spread like tiny splashes of color on the thick green canvas of the Western Ghats. 

As you walk through the forest trails, the air smells fresh and sweet. Every shrub and flowering tree adds to the feeling that the forest is wide awake. The flowers here seem to guide visitors, showing them the quiet power of nature’s beauty.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary  (Pune)

Travel further to the Sahyadri hills, and the flowers of Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary welcome you with open petals. This forest, known as one of the world’s biodiversity treasures, glows in shades of green and bright blossoms once the monsoon ends. Bees and butterflies follow the flowers like loyal friends, helping the forest stay alive and strong. 

Around the flowers, barking deer, wild boar, and playful langurs can be seen moving quietly. It is as if the flowers invite not only humans but every creature to join the season of celebration.

Thoseghar Waterfalls (Satara)

Near Satara, the flowers lead to the sound of rushing water. Thoseghar Waterfalls roar in full force during this time, while the nearby Kaas Plateau, often called the Valley of Flowers, wears its finest dress. From late August to mid-October, flowers of every shade spread across the plateau, turning it into a living carpet. 

The sight of blooms against the mist of the waterfalls is like a storybook painting. The flowers here love the company of the cool spray and the music of falling water, making this a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Malshej Ghat (Thane)

Famous for its misty valleys and flocks of birds, this spot is equally magical during the monsoon flowering season. From July to September, the hillsides are covered with wildflowers that bloom after every shower. The flowers here love the cool breeze and soft drizzle, creating carpets of color that look like nature’s own festival. It feels as though the hills themselves are smiling under their blanket of petals.