Check Out The Best Places To Visit Near Pune For A Weekend Getaway!

Are you looking to unwind over a weekend getaway? A mini-vacation of sorts where you can soak in the great outdoors, discover hidden gems, tour historic forts, and forget the stress of daily life for a bit? Well, we’ve got you covered on all of the above-mentioned grounds! Pune’s location is such that there are options suitable for stay-cations and one-day visits, so you can pick and choose accordingly. Moreover, we’ve tried to cover both budget-friendly and more indulgent places! Also, this list doesn’t include Goa and Mumbai because those are the most obvious options and you can head over to our respective city pages for a MUCH more detailed view on them. So with that in mind, read on for a list of the best places to visit near Pune, and start shortlisting and planning your next mini-vacation!

Read On For The Best Places To Visit Near Pune You Ought To Be Checking Out! 

1. Lonavala

best places to visit near pune
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We said we wouldn’t be basic with our recommendations, but Lonavala isn't as basic as Mumbai and Goa, so there’s that! One of the most well-known hill stations in Maharashtra, this picturesque locale is perfect for a mini-vacation and is definitely one of the best places to visit near Pune. With rolling green hills, stunning waterfalls, and an old-world charm, this hill station is perfect for a retreat from the city life. As for things to do here, do visit the Rajmachi Fort & Point - from where you can view Shivaji Maharaj’s Fort, Valvan Dam (which is home to a picturesque garden), and the Lonavala Lake. 

Given Lonavala’s location, there are also myriad caves, forts, and villages to visit near it, which we will expand on below as they do deserve a more detailed mention. 

2. Tapola

Tapola
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With rolling hills, calm waters, and a serene ambiance, Tapola should be your go-to relaxation spot after a long, hectic week at work. Moreover, as it is located near Mahabaleshwar, you can explore both locales if you’re planning an extended vacation. The Shiv Sagar Lake is a major attraction here, along with strawberry farms, and the Vasota trek. As such, this locale is a nature lover’s paradise and definitely one of the best places to visit near Pune. 

3. Kaas Plateau

Tapola
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Located near Satara, Kaas Plateau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to more than 800 species of flowering plants. It is one of most picturesque and splendid sights in the region, with an endless array of blooming flowers in pink and green hues. The plateau is also unique in that the flower growth is restricted to it thanks to its distinctive soil formation. As such, it is one of the best places to visit near Pune, whether you happen to be visiting Satara, or are planning a day trip to the locale to take in the natural wonder. Also, do note that Kaas Plateau can be visited only from September to October as the flowers bloom only at that time. They also have an online booking system that will help in planning your visit. 

4. Bhimashankar

Tapola
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Best known for the Bhimashankar Temple, this location is great for both pilgrimage and leisure activities. Located deep in the Sahyadri Range, there are obviously spectacular views of hills, greenery, and diverse flora and fauna all around if you’re here just for the sights. However, you should definitely visit the Hanuman Lake, Bhimashankar Trek, Ahupe Waterfalls, and Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary if you’re in the mood to explore nature and the diverse surroundings. 

5. Kamshet

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
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The perfect place for people interested in adventure activities, Kamshet is a village located in the Pune district, about 45 kilometres away from the city. The most visited attraction here is Pavana Lake that offers amazing camping experiences. There are also the Bedsa and Bhairi caves, along with the Kondeshwar Temple, for those interested in exploring the village. 

The locale is definitely beautiful, with clear skies, calming waters, and not-so-dense vegetation. Therefore, it makes sense that paragliding is a popular adventure sport here thanks to the panoramic views it offers. However, do make sure not to litter when you’re here, as the spot has gained traction over the years - after all, we do not want to disturb this wondrous locale!

6. Alibaug

Alibaug
Pic credits: Wikimedia Commons

Some of you may know Alibaug from that one photo from Shah Rukh Khan’s farmhouse, or from that one photo from Salman Khan’s farmhouse, but this destination is great for a quick retreat, especially if you are stopping at Mumbai along the way! Apart from being a celeb haunt, Alibaug is famous for its pristine beaches, stunning sunsets from the Kolaba Fort, and just a general sense of calm. As such, if you’re planning a quick trip for some much needed R&R and are more of a beach person, then this locale should be your go-to!

7. Harishchandragad Fort

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
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One of the more ancient forts in Maharashtra, the Harishchandragad hill-fort is a must-visit for history buffs, nature-lovers, and leaving-the-city-for-a-bit enthusiasts alike! There are various routes through which you can hike to the fort, including Khireshwar, Belpada, and Pachnai. However, irrespective of the route you choose, do take extra care during monsoons! 

Now coming to the structure itself, it houses and is in proximity to a lot of interesting sites - the Sapta Tirtha Pushkarini is a small lake that trekkers may come across; the Taramati peak is the pinnacle of the fort and you can get a stunning bird’s-eye view of the surrounding area; the Nageshwar and Harishchandreshwar temples are a must-visit for religious purposes, the former holds a unique statue of Vishnu in the sleeping form, while the latter is an architectural marvel; and the fort also has prominent caves including Kedareshwar, which has a Shiva Linga surrounded by water and is the subject of legends. To sum it up, this fort is definitely one of the best places to visit near Pune and worth a trip!

8. Kashid

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
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A quaint beach town near Pune, Kashid is perfect for those who are longing for the beach but aren’t too interested in going to the crowded ones in Goa. While we mainly recommend lazing around on Kashid Beach or perhaps indulge in some watersports if you’re with kids or really in the mood, there are also historic forts here, such as Revdanda and Korlai, which history buffs can visit. If you’re looking to get even more enamoured with the flora and fauna of the region, do check out the Phansad Bird Sanctuary. A car ride from Pune is about four hours, so you can either start early and make it a day trip or choose a suitable stay option - there are tourist homes and guesthouses here, but fancier options will be available in Alibaug.  

9. Mulshi

Mulshi
Pic credits: WIkimedia Commons

A picturesque locale perfect for an indulgent mini-vacation, Mulshi is home to luxurious hotels and resorts, along with amazing natural wonders that will make you forget all about city life! If you’re more of a conscious traveler, there are lots of eco-friendly stay options available, so you can both indulge and contribute to environmental efforts. The Tamhini ghat, Mulshi Dam, and Mulshi Lake are great places to visit but we won’t fault you if you end up staying back at the resort/hotels/airbnbs that intersperse with nature and provide stunning views!

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
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One of the most famous beach towns near Pune, Dapoli has served as the backdrop of prominent Marathi novels, and as such, is perfect for a picturesque retreat. With beautiful beaches such as Karde, Ladghar, Murud, and more, along with some great stay options, including Comfort Inn Emerald and The Fern Samali Resort, this is definitely a great place for a staycation with your significant other! Moreover, you can also visit some important landmarks, be it ancient temples and caves such as Ade, Aud, and Panhelekjai, or natural hot springs such as Unhavare. 

11. Igatpuri

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
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A hill station tucked away in the highest peaks of the Sahyadri range, Igatpuri is perfect for a long weekend getaway - it is about 250 kilometres away from Pune, so we won’t recommend a quick weekend trip here as half your time will be spent in travelling to-and-fro. As for things to do here, the Vaitarna Dam and Tringalwadi Fort should be on the top of your must-visit list if you want to soak in the natural beauty of the area. The latter is especially striking - located at an elevation of 3,000 feet, it offers a spectacular, picturesque view of green hills and blue waters. The locale is also home to treks of varying difficulty, including Kalsubai, Karoli Ghat, and more. Budding photographers and those looking to simply bask in the beauty of the area should definitely visit Bhatsa River Valley and Camel Valley.

Igatpuri is also home to famous meditation centres located in Dhammagiri, including the Vipassana International Academy. You can look into residential programmes here if you are interested in the practice and also visit to learn more about the same. As such, this is definitely one of the best places to visit near Pune, and perfect for a longer vacation!

12. Matheran 

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
Pic credits: flickr

One of the smallest hill stations in India, Matheran is popular as a weekend getaway spot and for good reason! If you can, do travel by train as there is nothing quite as romantic or picturesque as entering a hill station through the mist, with hills surrounding you on all sides - yes, we’re thinking of that one song from Parineeta and SRK’s entrance in Main Hoon Na. If you’re here for a leisure trip and looking to indulge, then we recommend staying at the Westend Hotel, Dune Barr House, or Usha Ascot, which are great properties with amazing amenities. 

As for activities, you can visit the various look-out points, such as Louisa Point, One Tree Hill Point, Panorama Point, and more. You can also explore Honeymoon Hill and Charlotte Lake. However, do note that Matheran is an “eco-sensitive” zone, so make sure to not litter and be conscious of not harming the flora and fauna of the region - cars are prohibited here, and walking and horse-riding are the main ways of getting around. 

13. Aurangabad

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
Pic credits: The Gaurdian

Ajanta Caves are a tourist staple of Maharashtra and, as such, if you’re looking to explore them, then you should definitely head over to Aurangabad for a weekend trip! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these are considered “masterpieces of Buddhist religious art”, and the mural wall paintings show important events in the history of the religion. As such, if you’re looking to get a peek into the region’s diverse history and culture, then you definitely need to come here!

14. Kambre

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
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A famous camping destination, Kambre is a beautiful locale, just 55 kilometres away from Pune. Perfect for a camping trip with family, over here you can also explore the vegetation, waterfalls, and lakes dotting the region. As such, this place is perfect for a quick weekend trip as it is located right in the Pune district and you can start your week refreshed after a stay here!

15. Chiplun

Best Places To Visit Near Pune
Pic credits: flickr

Looking to spend time in a beatific locale, surrounded by mangrove trees, on the shores of a lake? Well, then you need to visit Chiplun. Over here you can observe brilliant sunsets from Konya Dam and Vashishti River, and sit through an ideal train ride back and forth. The Guhagar Beach and Sawatsada Waterfalls are also must-visits, meanwhile, the Marleshwar Temple and Lord Parshuram Temple are great for pilgrimage and religious purposes. As such, this is one of the best places to visit near Pune!


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