Mhaismal Hill Station
A quiet green plateau above Aurangabad, where monsoon clouds walk right across the road and winter evenings turn cold enough for a shawl. This guide covers everything for a well-planned one-day trip.
About Mhaismal Hill Station
Mhaismal Hill Station is located in the Khuldabad taluka of Aurangabad district, on a wide plateau in the Sahyadri ranges. Locals sometimes call it the “Mahabaleshwar of Marathwada,” and once the monsoon fog rolls across the fields below, it’s easy to see why.
It started out as a simple picnic spot for local families back in the 1970s. Today it has quietly grown into one of the region’s favourite offbeat day-trip destinations for travellers from Aurangabad, Pune, and even Mumbai.
The plateau itself is dotted with a handful of viewpoints, a light forest patch, and a few old temples that add a calm, spiritual note to the natural scenery.
Distance and How to Reach Mhaismal
Mhaismal Hill Station sits about 37–40 km from Aurangabad city — roughly an hour and a half by road, depending on traffic and the ghat section near the top.
- By road: the route runs via Daulatabad and Khuldabad, so you can club a couple of stops along the way. The final stretch is a ghat road — scenic but a little rough in patches, so drive slow and steady.
- By rail: Aurangabad railway station is the nearest major station, well connected to Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad.
- By air: Aurangabad Airport (Chikalthana) is the closest airport, with regular domestic flights.
Public transport up the hill itself is limited, so most travellers prefer a private taxi or a self-drive car for a comfortable, flexible trip.
Best Time to Visit Mhaismal
The best time to visit Mhaismal Hill Station is during the monsoon and winter months, roughly June through February.
Monsoon
The plateau turns lush green, dry streams start flowing again, and low clouds often drift right across the viewpoints — a genuine cloud-walk experience.
Winter
Cool, clear, and pleasant — the easiest season for a relaxed day trip with wide, uninterrupted valley views.
Summer
Warmer, but still noticeably cooler than Aurangabad city — works well as a quick escape from the heat.
Top Places to Visit in Mhaismal
A short list of spots that make up a full round of Mhaismal Hill Station in a single visit.
Valley View Point
The main attraction — a wide, uninterrupted view of the valley, best at sunrise or sunset.
Necklace Point
A quieter viewpoint just off the main crowd — good for photography and just sitting with the silence.
Siddheshwar & Rameshwar Temples
A cluster of small, old temples by the lake, adding a spiritual layer to the trip.
The Plateau & Forest Patch
Open bamboo-brown grassland and light forest cover — good for families and unhurried walks.
Nearby Attractions Around Mhaismal
Mhaismal Hill Station works well as part of a bigger day trip, since some of Maharashtra’s most important heritage sites sit close by.
- ~14 kmEllora Caves — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu caves.
- ~18 kmGrishneshwar Temple — home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- ~20 kmDaulatabad Fort — a 12th-century hilltop fort on the way from Aurangabad.
- ~38 kmBibi Ka Maqbara — the Mughal-style mausoleum often called the “Taj of the Deccan.”
Planning a combined trip?
Read our detailed Ellora Caves and Ajanta Caves guides to build a full itinerary around Mhaismal.
Where to Stay Near Mhaismal
Accommodation directly on the Mhaismal plateau is limited, so most visitors either treat it as a day trip from Aurangabad or stay in the city itself, which has everything from budget lodges to well-known hotel chains — all within about an hour and a half of the hill station.
Taxi Service from Aurangabad to Mhaismal
Since local buses to Mhaismal Hill Station are infrequent, hiring a taxi from Aurangabad is by far the easiest way in. A private cab lets you:
- Stop at Daulatabad Fort or Khuldabad on the way up
- Spend as much time as you like at each viewpoint
- Combine Mhaismal with Ellora Caves and Grishneshwar Temple in one single-day loop
Most local taxi operators in Aurangabad, including Siya Travels, offer full-day packages built specifically around this Mhaismal–Ellora–Grishneshwar circuit.
Travel Tips for Mhaismal
- Carry water and snacks — food options on the plateau are limited.
- Start early to catch the sunrise and beat the afternoon crowd.
- Wear proper shoes; some viewpoints involve short, uneven walks.
- The ghat road can get slippery in the monsoon, so drive carefully.
- Basic facilities like toilets are limited at the site, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cover Mhaismal Hill Station along with Ellora Caves in one day?
Yes, most travellers combine Mhaismal, Ellora Caves, and Grishneshwar Temple comfortably in a single day trip from Aurangabad.
Is Mhaismal safe for families and children?
Yes, it’s considered one of the safer and more peaceful hill stations near Aurangabad, and the open plateau suits families well.
What is the ideal duration for a Mhaismal trip?
A half-day to full-day trip is enough to cover the viewpoints, temples, and a stop at nearby Ellora Caves.
Does Mhaismal stay cooler than Aurangabad city?
Yes — sitting on a plateau above 1,000 metres, Mhaismal is noticeably cooler than Aurangabad, especially in the evenings.