
If you’re planning a break from Mumbai and looking at the hills, chances are Malshej Ghat is already on your list. Monsoon clouds rolling over the Sahyadris, waterfalls along the highway, cool air, and a slower pace — it’s one of the easiest weekend escapes from the city. But a good Malshej Ghat trip needs two things sorted: a comfortable place to stay, and a rough plan for what to actually see once you’re there.
Here’s a complete weekend guide — where to base yourself, what’s worth visiting nearby, and how to structure your two days so you’re not just driving back and forth.
Malshej Ghat sits in the Western Ghats and is a popular getaway for people travelling out of Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan. It’s known for its viewpoints, seasonal waterfalls, forts, and temples scattered across the surrounding hills — enough to fill a two-day itinerary without needing to venture too far from your stay.
The key to enjoying it properly is choosing a base that lets you explore during the day and genuinely relax in the evening — which is where the right resort matters more than people expect.
Rather than staying inside the ghat itself, many travellers prefer basing themselves at a resort near Mumbai on the way to Malshej Ghat — close enough for day trips into the ghat, but comfortable enough to unwind properly at night. Birds Nest Resort, set among trees at Kinhavali in Shahapur, is built around exactly this idea: stay surrounded by nature, and use it as your base to explore Malshej Ghat and the surrounding attractions.
A few things make this kind of stay different from a standard hotel:
If you want the full backstory on how the property was designed around its trees instead of clearing them, the our story and concept pages go into it, and the about us page covers the resort’s overall approach to hospitality.
Not every Malshej Ghat trip looks the same, and the right cottage or package depends on who’s travelling:
Posted on Google Maclin Pinto Beautiful place surrounded with serenity & the staff too is very welcoming.Posted on Google Pallavi Ghodvaidya Rooms are decently spacious and loft is nifty idea for kids. Property is surrounded by trees and neatly kept. They have welcoming staff & food is good too.Posted on Google Ankur Khemka Nice places close to naturePosted on Google Devansh Vats Amazing experience came back with family to celebrate parents anniversary totally worth it they loved it very muchPosted on Google Rashi Shinde My recent stay at The Bird Nest in Shahpur was a truly refreshing escape from city life. Located just about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Mumbai, the journey itself felt like a gradual transition from chaos to calm. Although the drive was a bit tiring, it was absolutely worth it once we arrived. The property genuinely lives up to its name — it feels like a peaceful nest tucked away in nature. Surrounded by greenery and serenity, it offers a rare chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life. There’s no TV or typical urban distractions, just pure natural beauty and quiet moments to enjoy with your partner. It’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind and reconnect. What stood out the most was the hospitality. The staff were extremely polite, kind, and attentive throughout our stay. Their warm and respectful service made the experience even more comfortable and welcoming. Despite being so close to nature, the property maintained excellent hygiene standards. Everything was clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully managed — not a single moment felt unhygienic or uncomfortable. It struck a perfect balance between rustic charm and cleanliness. Overall, The Bird Nest is an ideal getaway if you’re looking for peace, simplicity, and a break from the fast-paced city lifestyle. The calm atmosphere, scenic views, and genuine hospitality make it a place worth visiting.Posted on Google Dipesh Gupta Had the best time over here the staff was so supportive and helpful from check in to check out everything was hassle free I had came here with my friends they also love the vibe of here so peaceful and fun we played log of games over here snooker badminton and eventually this break was much needed for us as most of our time is in office so thank you bird nest for giving this memorable experiencePosted on Google Shrutesh Dumbre I recently stayed at Birds Nest Resort for a weekend getaway, and honestly, it felt like a perfect escape from Mumbai chaos. The property is surrounded by greenery, and you can literally hear birds all day, it lives up to its name. The cottages are spacious and clean, with nice sit-out areas to just relax. The highlight for me was the peaceful vibe and the pool area. The food was yummy and the staff were polite and helpful throughout. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a calm, nature-focused stay rather than a party place.Posted on Google Richa Thakur Stayed at Birds Nest Resort recently and it turned out to be exactly what a weekend getaway should feel like, calm, slow, and genuinely refreshing. What really stood out to me was how the entire experience is built around time slowing down, not rushing through activities, but actually enjoying moments. 🌲 The Machan – The Best Spot on the Property The machan is easily the highlight of the resort. It’s a simple elevated sit-out, but the experience it offers is something else. Sitting there early morning with chai, surrounded by greenery and complete silence, feels like you’ve paused life for a bit. Evenings here hit differently too, with soft light, breeze, and that peaceful vibe you don’t get in the city. It’s not just a structure, it becomes your go-to space to just exist and unwind. 🍽️ Ghosla Restaurant – Comfort Over Fancy The in-house Ghosla Restaurant keeps things simple and that works in its favour. The food is fresh, comforting, and suits the overall vibe of the resort. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it feels like homely meals rather than heavy hotel food. It’s not positioned as fine dining, but honestly, that’s not what you come here for. You come here for good food that complements a peaceful stay, and it delivers that well. 🕒 The “Time” Experience – What Makes It Special What makes Birds Nest different is how it changes your sense of time. Mornings start slow, with birds and fresh air. Afternoons are easy, maybe a swim or just doing nothing. Evenings are for walks, conversations, or just sitting quietly. You don’t feel the need to check your phone or rush anywhere. That’s the real luxury here, having time to yourself without distractions. 🏡 Overall Stay The cottages are cozy, private, and surrounded by greenery, giving you that perfect mix of comfort and nature. The staff is warm and helpful, and the property is well maintained. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone looking to disconnect from city chaos. ⭐ Final Thoughts If you’re expecting a high-energy resort, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for peace, slow living, and meaningful downtime, this place delivers beautifully. Would definitely visit again, especially for the machan moments and the calm it offers.Posted on Google Rimsha Really enjoyed our stay here. The property is calm, well maintained, and perfect for a quiet break. The food was consistently good and the staff was very helpful. We also enjoyed the trek and exploring around. Great place to unwind. Would visit again.
Once you’re based nearby, here’s what’s worth building your two days around:
Malshej Ghat itself — the ghat road and its viewpoints are the main draw, especially during and after monsoon when the hills turn green and waterfalls appear along the route. Early morning or late afternoon light is generally the best time to visit, and it’s worth checking road and weather conditions before you go, since the ghat can get crowded and slippery in heavy rain.
Gorakhgad Fort — one of the notable forts in the region, popular with trekkers looking for a half-day or full-day climb with views over the surrounding valley.
Manas Mandir — a temple in the area that’s often visited alongside a Malshej Ghat trip, particularly by families and groups looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of spiritual detour.
Sangameshwar Temple — another nearby temple worth factoring into your route if you’re covering the region’s religious and heritage spots.
For all of the above, distances and accessibility can vary depending on the season and road conditions, so it’s worth confirming current routes locally or with your resort before finalizing your plan.
Day 1: Arrive at your resort by early afternoon, settle into your cottage, and spend the rest of the day around the property — the pool, a walk among the trees, or simply sitting somewhere quiet with the birds around you. Dinner at Ghosla Restaurant is a good way to end the first day without rushing anywhere.
Day 2: Head out early for Malshej Ghat while the light and weather are usually at their best, cover the viewpoints, and factor in a stop at Gorakhgad Fort, Manas Mandir, or Sangameshwar Temple depending on how much time and energy you have. If trekking is part of your trip, ask about the resort’s owner-led trekking before you arrive — it’s one of the more personal touches you can build a whole day around instead of hiring an outside guide. Head back to the resort by evening for a swim or games before dinner, and start the drive back to the city the next morning.
Before you lock in dates, it’s worth checking the resort’s exclusive offers page in case there’s a package that fits your dates better than a standard booking. If you have questions about routes, current attraction accessibility, or which cottage suits your group, the contact us page is the fastest way to get accurate, up-to-date answers rather than relying on guesswork.
And if this is your first time planning a trip like this, the Birds Nest Resort homepage and blog are good starting points for more travel guides and property details before you book.