Places to Visit Near Pune | Weekend Getaways from Pune

An excellent weekend escape, Pawna Lake, lying 62 Kms from Pune is a popular picnic and camping site. A surreal destination among the many places to visit near Pune, the lakeside is quite popular among young adults who come to camp for the weekends. Lying in close proximity to Lonavala, the lake also get many visitors among those who visit the hill station as well. Visitors here can also indulge in some photography and light boating as well. 

Entry Fee : No entry fee

Distance from Pune: 52 km

Known For : Tiger's Leap Rajmachi Fort Imagicaa

Lonavala is a popular hill station close to Pune and an excellent destination during Monsoon. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, Lonavala is frequented by families, large groups of friends and especially hikers and trekkers. The road to Lonavala from Pune is in excellent condition and the drive is very scenic making a car the best medium of transport.

Distance from Pune: 69 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Lonavala Attractions

Known For : Sightseeing in Lavasa Lakeside Promenade Bamboosa

Modelled after the Italian town of Portofino, Lavasa is one of India's youngest hill stations. A privately planned city, the Lavasa Corporation is responsible for its construction and maintenance. Spreading across 7 hills, covering an area of 25000 acres, Lavasa is a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure. A favourite activity for visitors here is to take photographs and walks in the city premises. Lavasa can be reached from Pune by car via the Temghar-Lavasa Rd.

Distance from Pune: 57 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Lavasa Attractions

Known For : Tringalwadi Fort Vihigaon Waterfall Kalsubai Peak

Igatpuri is a hill station primarily known for the Vipassana International Academy, the headquarters of the world's largest Vipassana meditation institute. A popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, Igatpuri is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra in monsoon. Apart from old forts, majestic waterfalls, and tall mountains, Igatpuri is also a great place to indulge in activities like rock climbing and trekking. For photographers and nature lovers, Igatpuri offers Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Konkankada valley and the Randha falls. 

Distance from Pune: 248 km

Best Time: July to September

14 Igatpuri Attractions

Known For : Kolad River Rafting Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls Bhira Dam

Famous for white water rafting, Kolad is a thriving tiny village in the Raigad district in Maharashtra. Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is gaining traction as an adventure sports destination with provisions for rafting, rappelling, and kayaking. Kolad is best reached from Pune by private vehicle or a hired taxi. 

Distance from Pune: 146 km

Best Time: June to March

11 Kolad Attractions

Known For : Rajmachi Fort Visapur Fort Bedsa caves

The twin sister of Lonavala, Khandala hill station is one of the popular places to visit near Pune during the weekends. Khandala is resplendent with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes and misty waterfalls. Hiking and rock climbing are two of the popular activities here. Made famous by the Bollywood song, 'Aati Kya Khandala', this little hill station is quite popular among families and friends as a picnic spot. Khandala can easily be reached from Pune by car. 

Distance from Pune: 71 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Khandala Attractions

Known For : Elephant's Head Point Chinaman's Falls Dhobi Waterfall

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in Satara district of Maharashtra. Apart from its famous strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. Young working people generally choose to go to Mahabaleshwar for a weekend trip from Pune. With the road connectivity in great condition, one can easily take a car from Pune to Mahabaleshwar. 

Distance from Pune: 130 km

Best Time: October to June

31 Mahabaleshwar Attractions

Known For : Gateway of India Juhu Beach

When looking for a wild and fun weekend away from Pune, few other destinations can top Mumbai. Aptly named the 'City of Dreams' in India, Mumbai is frequented by families and young adults from Pune over weekends. The exotic eateries, the monuments and buildings with an old-world charm and the beaches are thronged by daily visitors. One can take the train from Pune to Mumbai, although buses and taxis can also be chosen. 

Distance from Pune: 150 km

Best Time: October to February

120 Mumbai Attractions

Known For : Louisa point Charlotte lake Monkey Point Matheran

Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level. It is around 120 kilometres away from Pune, making it the perfect weekend getaway, especially in summers. Being the smallest hill station in all of India, vehicles are strictly forbidden entry inside the town. The excellent viewpoints offering panoramic views and the trekking trails are what attract road trippers and picnickers from Pune. 

Best Time: Throughout the year

29 Matheran Attractions

Known For : Kaas Plateau Table Land Mahabaleshwar

Sandwiched by rolling hills on one side and the coastal plain on the other, Panchgani is a quaint hill station near Pune. Known for its rich strawberry gardens, Panchgani is dotted with many colonial buildings. The viewpoints offering panoramic views of the valley and excellent sunrise and sunset views are what attracts many visitors. Panchgani can be reached from Pune by private vehicle or a hired taxi. 

Distance from Pune: 112 km

Best Time: September to May

13 Panchgani Attractions

Known For : Trekking in Rajmachi

The fort of Rajmachi is famous among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. To experience a full-fledged trek, one can start from the side of the Kondhane cave which will take 3-4 hours of climbing, otherwise, one can drive right upto Udhewadi village (from the Lonavala side) and then trek for  20-30 minutes to the top of the fort. The simple and clearly marked trail on both the paths make Rajmachi a very popular beginner's trek. The view at the top of the fort is fantastic with its peak during the Monsoon season. 

Distance from Pune: 84 km

Best Time: June to September

1 Rajmachi Attractions

Known For : Alibaug Beach Kolaba Fort Water Sports in Alibaug

A little coastal town tucked away in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibag or Alibaug is a very popular weekend getaway and has earned itself the name of 'mini-Goa', owing to the high tourist footfall all year round. Steeped in colonial history, Alibaug is located 150 km from Pune, and is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty of forts and temples, ensuring that despite being a small town, you never run out of activities to do.

Distance from Pune: 144 km

Best Time: November to March

29 Alibag Attractions

Located in the Sahyadri Mountains, Sinhagad Fort is an ancient fortress known for its historical significance and architecture. The name, “Sinhagad”, literally means Lion’s Fort signifying its strength and brilliance. Today, the structure is a perfect landmark for trekkers as it is located at a height of over 750 metres in the Sahyadri Mountains. The place is also famous among photographers and nature lovers. Located at the short drive's distance from Pune, it is a popular picnic spot for families and friends. 

Timings: 24 hrs
Time Required: 2 - 3 hrs
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Distance from Pune: 29 km

Known For : Ajanta Caves Grishneshwar Temple, Ellora The Buddhist Caves, Ellora

Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings and frescoes, the caves are an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments as the complex includes both Buddhist monasteries as well as Hindu and Jain temples. The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built in the period between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD whereas the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and dates to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD.

Distance from Pune: 256 km

Best Time: June to March

12 Ajanta Caves Attractions

Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak

Bhandardara is a small hilly village near Mahabaleshwar. Home to several waterfalls and peaks, it is bountiful with natural sites which attract nature enthusiasts who shy away from crowded destinations. 

Distance from Pune: 172 km

Best Time: June to March

7 Bhandardara Attractions

Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik

Nashik (Nasik), named after a relic associated with Ramayana, is a city in Maharashtra located on the banks of river Godavari. Nashik plays host to the famous Kumbh Mela every 12 years. The city is home to plenty of exotic temples, waterfalls, trails and vineyards. The many wellness resorts of Nashik are frequented by tourists every weekend making it an all round excellent weekend getaway from Pune. One can reach Nashik from Pune by road via national highway 60.

Distance from Pune: 212 km

Best Time: July to March

39 Nasik Attractions

Situated at the height of 3400 feet, Lohagad Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and formidable fort about 52 kilometres away from Pune. Perched atop an impressive hill near Malavali, this destination is the perfect amalgam of ancient architecture and natural beauty. Lohagad Fort was built in the 18th century and is an ideal destination for trekking and nature lovers, especially from Pune and Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to keep his treasury in this fort.

Distance from Pune: 65 km

Known For : Raigad Fort Diveagar Beach Jagadishwar Temple

Raigad, is a historically rich district is situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Located at 2,851mts, it is surrounded by Mumbai Harbour, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri and the Arabian Sea.

Distance from Pune: 128 km

Best Time: November to March

5 Raigad Attractions

The Durshet Forest Lodge is set amid 35 acres of private teak forest, against the magnificent Sahyadhri Range. The River Amba presents a sanctuary for trekkers and birdwatchers. The gardens and lawns in the place magically come alive with a natural waterfall during the monsoon season. Go rafting on the River Kundalika, or scout the Umbarkhind battlefield or go mountain biking in this place as the options are unlimited.

Distance from Pune: 101 km

Known For : Murud Janjira Fort Murud Beach Garambi Falls

Murud is known for it widespread sandy beaches adorned with majestic forts and outlined by palms and coconut trees, creating a perfect holiday scenery.

Best Time: Throughout the year

7 Murud Janjira Attractions

Known For : Malshej Falls Pimpalgaon Joga Dam Harishchandragad

A beautiful hill station with its numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers.

Distance from Pune: 121 km

Best Time: July to March

4 Malshej Ghat Attractions

Known For : Jaigad Fort Water Sports in Ganapatipule Swayambhu Ganpati Temple

Beach town on the Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule has temples of Lord Ganesha as major attractions apart from the beautiful virgin beaches.

Distance from Pune: 348 km

Best Time: November to February

9 Ganapatipule Attractions

Known For : Manori Beach Global Vippasanna Pagoda Beach Parties

Manori beach, along with Gorai beach is a growing favourite among back packers and people who just want to cross over to the peace and quiet of the country side for a while.

Distance from Pune: 195 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

9 Manori Attractions

Located at a distance of 40 kms from Pune, at the crest of Western Ghats, between the villages of Mulshi and Tamhini in the state of Maharashtra, Tamhini Ghat is a gorgeous mountain pass that is lately gaining a lot of popularity among the Punekars and even the Mumbaikars.

Distance from Pune: 53 km

Best Time: July to September

Known For : Vashishti River Marleshwar Temple Guhagar Beach

In the quiet, far away from the city port district of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, lies Chiplun, the city that offers you time among mango groves next to the beautiful lake, Vashishti. This town is most known for its white sand beaches and beautiful mango and cashew groves by the Vashishti river.

Distance from Pune: 201 km

Best Time: July to February

11 Chiplun Attractions

Known For : Jaigad Fort Swayambhu Ganpati Temple Jaigad Lighthouse

Situated in pretty surroundings, Ratnagiri is blessed with hills, sea shores, creeks, beautiful rivers, hot water springs, forests and water falls and offers a rejuvenating experience to travelers.

Distance from Pune: 325 km

Best Time: October to March

29 Ratnagiri Attractions

Phaltan is a town 110km from Pune that is a treasure of Maratha heritage and culture. The quaint city boasts of an experience that is similar to having gone through a time machine. It is also known for serving traditional Maharashtrian thalis that are special to Phaltan.

Distance from Pune: 105 km

Best Time: July-November

Known For : Harnai Port Unhavare - Hot springs Panhalakaji Caves

Dapoli, situated 215km away from Mumbai is popular tourist destination that serves the needs of all kinds of travelers. It is known as mini-Mahabaleshwar of Maharashtra owing to its cool climate throughout the year. It is located in the Ratnagiri district and is a famous Konkan hill station.

Distance from Pune: 186 km

Best Time: June to September

14 Dapoli Attractions

Known For : Devka Beach Mirasol Lake Garden Lighthouse, Daman

The cool beaches, greenery, scenic natural beauty and most of all, its easy availability of cheap liquor makes Daman a popular destination among youths and even as a getaway for those in Gujrat.

Distance from Pune: 313 km

Best Time: October to Apr

18 Daman Attractions

Known For : Dabdaba Falls Jai Vilas Palace Sunset Point, Jawhar

A small hill station located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, Jawhar is a place with abundant nature's beauty and several man made marvels. Preserving numerous picturesque views, this hill town is loaded with tourist attractions and exotic beauty of flora and dense cover of forest.

Distance from Pune: 248 km

Best Time: September to Apr

7 Jawhar Attractions

Known For : Lion Safari Wildlife Park Vanganga Lake Island Garden

With the hills of the Western Ghats and surrounding lush greenery, it is an ideal indulgence into the wild side for a tourist and its Portuguese heritage makes it famous amongst the history enthusiasts as well.

Distance from Pune: 305 km

Best Time: November to June

10 Silvassa Attractions

Known For : Calangute Beach Baga Beach Dudhsagar Falls

Lying on the western coast, Goa is India's smallest state and unlike any other, known for its white-sand beaches, stellar nightlife, eclectic seafood, world-heritage listed architecture. Spread across just 3,702 km, Goa lies in the Konkan region. It is a far cry from the hippie haven or a beach getaway, and one of the only few destinations that is open 24x7. The laid-backness (susegad) of Goa attracts as many international tourists as it does Indians, or even more so.

Distance from Pune: 437 km

Best Time: October to March

198 Goa Attractions

Known For : Pilucha Dhabdhaba Waterfalls Jai Vilas Palace

Vikramgad, situated about 80km from Mumbai is a small village on the Manor - Jwahar road in the Thane District of Maharashtra. It is a nature escapade and blessed with lush vegetation and ample flora and fauna.

Distance from Pune: 232 km

Best Time: June to January

2 Vikramgad Attractions

Known For : Artist Village Hatgadh Fort Vansda National park

Snuggled in the Sahyadris or the Western Ghats, Saputara is a quaint little hill station in the Dang district of Gujarat. Popular for lush green forests, undulating mountains, dazzling waterfalls, dreamy winding roads, livid landscapes and plenty of charming cubbyholes to spend time with your loved ones, the town is the first favourite among tourists. It is located at a height of 875 metres above sea level and is a perfect getaway for eco-lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and people who love adventure sports.

Distance from Pune: 289 km

Best Time: Mid March to mid November

20 Saputara Attractions

Known For : Amboli Falls Madhavgad Fort Shirgaonkar Point

Amboli lies in the Sahyadri hills in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is the last hill station of Maharashtra before the plains of Goa begin and is a relatively unexplored one.

Distance from Pune: 357 km

Best Time: June to September

6 Amboli Attractions

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elephanta Caves is a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the times of medieval India. The caves are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from the city of Mumbai. Natively known as Gharapurichi Leni, the Elephanta Caves that exist today are ruins of what were once elaborately painted artworks. It also provides an amazing view of the Mumbai skyline. You can reach the Elephanta Caves via a ferry ride from Gateway of India. This collection of cave temples dates back to 5th to 7th centuries and most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Distance from Pune: 175 km

Perched upon a lush green plateau, the Visapur Fort is a very popular excursion destination for adventure mongers as well as nature lovers. The fort stands majestically tall and ruggedly firm at the height of 1084 meters above sea level offering a panoramic view of a wide range of hills covered in a thick blanket of green. The majestic fort is a very popular destination for trekking activities. With an eventfully historic backstory and an unmatched view of nature at its best, the Visapur fort is indeed a treat for all- history buffs, adventure mongers and nature enthusiasts.

Distance from Pune: 59 km

Known For : Panhala Fort Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum (New Palace)

Kolhapur is situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga in the south-west region of Maharashtra.  Situated 230 kilometres away from Pune, Kolhapur is one of the princely states and boasts of a rich legacy dating back to the times of the Marathas. Presently, Kolhapur is known for Kolhapuri sandals and necklaces that are sold worldwide.

Distance from Pune: 246 km

Best Time: July to February

30 Kolhapur Attractions

The Karla and Bhaja caves are among the oldest caves in India and date back all the way to 160 B.C. and are situated near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The Bhaja caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves which are believed to have existed from the times of Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. Karla Cave is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India Travel back in time on this trip to ancient Indian rock-cut caves with the best rock-cut architecture of all times. The ancient caves are protected as Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Distance from Pune: 62 km

Counted as the holiest temple of India, the Trimbakeshwar Temple houses one of the most important twelve Jyotirlingas, a form of Lord Shiva. Perched on the foot of Brahmagiri Hills, the temple is situated in the pious city of Trimbak (Dist Nashik in Maharashtra) which finds its mention in the powerful Mrityunjaya Mantra that bestows immortality and longevity. Built in the 18th century by Maratha ruler, Peshwa Nana Saheb, the temple is a perfect epitome of classic architecture. The sacred river Godavari originates near Trimbak. There is a kunda in temple premises that is considered to be the source of river Godavari

Distance from Pune: 242 km

Adlabs Imagica, opened in April 2013, is one of the most popular entertainment theme parks that is often referred to as a one-stop recreation centre. It is located on Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khopoli and is one of the latest additions to getaways from Pune and Mumbai. The park is divided into three entertainment zones namely Theme Park, Snow Park and Water Park with a plethora of entertainment options that include live shows, roller coasters, water park, themed entertainment shows, and even a refreshing water park.

Distance from Pune: 93 km

Karla caves, carved from a rocky hillside, are among the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in India. It is located on the Pune-Mumbai highway at Karla, and if sources are to be believed, these are only a few among scores of other caves unearthed in Sahyadri Hills. Carved almost 2000 years ago around the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD, this place constitutes an extensive collection of beautiful Chaityas (halls) and Viharas (monasteries) reflecting upon a journey of the past, narrating some amusing stories. A temple made of pillars from the Buddhist period has also been built recently at the entrance of the caves.

Distance from Pune: 60 km

Shani Shignapur Temple is a Jeet Devasthan (alive temple) in Ahmednagar district, well-known for the magical and powerful Lord Shani, who is believed to reside in a black stone till date. The Hindu God symbolising the planet Saturn is referred to as Swayambhu, which means that he has emerged himself in the form of the black stone that scores lakhs of devotees every year. The trust of people in the lord is so strong that none of the houses in the wondrous village has doors and locks as people believe that Lord Shani is protecting their valuables from thieves.

Distance from Pune: 160 km

Mt. Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges. The view of this majestic mountain is an amazing sight in Bhandardara. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, as it is the highest peak in the state.

Distance from Pune: 189 km

Ratangad is a 400 year old fort, captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his time. It is situated in Ratanwadi which is it's base village and overlooks the Bhandardara.

Distance from Pune: 184 km

Karnala fort also known as the Funnel Hill is a hill fort in Raigad district, about 10 km from Panvel city and 65 km from Mumbai. The fort is a protected property which is situated within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and offers a great opportunity to enjoy a refreshing, easy trek. Karnala fort consists of two forts out of which one is at a higher level and other is at a lower level.

Distance from Pune: 123 km

Prabalgad Fort, also known asÔ_Kalavantin DurgÔ_is situated between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, at a height of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats. The fort built at the peak of a rocky plateau very close to Matheran has become a major tourist attraction. A trek to this place is perfect for those who enjoy adventure and the way to the fort is a dangerously steep climb. The steps leading up to the fort are cut into the rock of the hill. Reaching the fort is one of the toughest trekking challenges in Maharashtra and only if you are an experienced trekker should you go for this trek. This trek which commences from base village of Shedung, takes about 3 hours and you need to climb rock-cut stairs through a steep slope.

Distance from Pune: 131 km

Deep and dense rain forests, meadows blooming with flowers, tiny rivulets, ethnic tribal villages or long forgotten temples, the Lonavala - Bhimashankar trail has it all to offer you. This is arguably the best countryside trail, as claimed by many amateurs, and is waiting for you to explore it. The popularity of Lonavala as a hill station only adds to the appeal and makes your experience priceless.

Distance from Pune: 110 km

Harishchandragad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. It is situated at an elevation of about 4670 feet in the district of Ahmednagar. Within the fort there are several temples dedicated to Vishnu and Ganesh. The monument dates back to the 6th century and finds home at an altitude of 1424 meters and more often than not, given its altitude finds itself marked on a number of trekking trails in and around the area.

Distance from Pune: 163 km

40 kms away from Silvassa, the capital of the union territory of Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Dudhni has emerged as a popular tourist attraction in the recent years. The construction of Madhuban dam on the Daman Ganga has resulted in the formation of a water front in Dudhni, taking advantage of which, the tourism department of Dadar and Nagar Haveli has invested in making Dudhni a popular destination for water sports.

Distance from Pune: 303 km

20 kms to the south of Silvassa, Khanvel is a popular tourist destination among nature lovers. It makes for a perfect getaway for those who want to holiday the lazy way, not doing much, just being there, getting lost in the quietness of the valley and in the process relaxing and refreshing themselves with the proximity to nature.

Distance from Pune: 284 km

The Bhatye beach is a lovely, long stretch of a clean beach ideal for a relaxing holiday. Bhatye, a small village close to Ratnagiri city is popular for its generous flat sea showers. The length of the beach is 1.5 kms and it is flat and straight and clear. The Ratnagiri light house and the famous Madavi beach of Ratnagiri city can be seen from Bhatye Beach.

Distance from Pune: 329 km

Located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Velneshwar is a village south of the Guhagar town. Velneshwar is well known for the temple of Lord Shiva and also has a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that is clean, unspoilt and ideal for swimming. Velneshwar gets much of its limelight during the month of March, when the Maha Shivratri Festival is held here, as a tribute to Lord Shiva. If you are seeking an ideal water point where you can relish the beauty of nature while swimming and sunbathing, then the Velneshwar beach in Maharashtra is the perfect place for you.

Distance from Pune: 246 km

Manikgad Fort is located on a hill in Manikgad village of Maharashtra. The fort is about 1,878 feet high and is impregnable from three sides. The upper part can be reached only from the south.

Distance from Pune: 108 km

Chavand (or Prasannagad) is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. Located at an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground in the district of Pune, this fortress is a part of the 'famous five'. The other forts which are included under this category are Hadsar, Shivneri, Jivdhan and Naneghat.

Distance from Pune: 34 km