Looking for an escape from the hustle-bustle of city life? After a long work week or after a marathon study session, you definitely need a weekend break. Wondering which magnificent places can you explore around Pune? Searching for last minute weekend getaways ideas? Pack your bags and head over to these top 15 getaways handpicked for you by our travel experts.
1. Aurangabad- historically inclined
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A perfect weekend getaway near Pune, Aurangabad is surrounded by historical and archaeological monuments. This ‘City of Gates’ would be a delight to visit for every history and architecture buff.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 235 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between October to February
What to see:
– Ajanta Caves
– Ellora Caves and Temples
– Bibi Ka Maqbara
– Panchakki
What to do:
– Historical tours
– Hog on finger licking good street food at Buddi Galli
2. Mahabaleshwar – famous hill station near Pune
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One of the best known hill stations near Pune, Mahabaleshwar needs no introduction! Surrounded by valleys on all sides, this popular weekend getaway near Mumbai as well as Pune offers stunning panoramic views of the forested hilly region.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 120 kilometres
Best time to visit: August to April
What to see:
– Arthur’s Seat
– Wilson Point
– Kate’s Point
– 3 Monkey Point
– Sunset Point
– Needle Hole Point
What to do:
– Hike up the nearby Pratapgadh
– Go boating on Venna Lake
– Binge on scrumptious snacks from Mapro
3. Wai – the town of temples
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Sitting prettily on the banks of the Krishna River, the quaint town of Wai in Satara district is fondly called ‘Dakshin Kashi’ due to the presence of over 100 temples. But, Wai is not just a temple town. Picturesque and charming, the town has been used as a backdrop in many Bollywood as well as regional language movies.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 86 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between September to February
What to see:
– Wai Caves
– Dholya Ganpati Mandir
– Krishna Ghat
– Palace of Nana
What to do:
– Explore Kamalgad
– Visit the Ghats and Temples at Menawali
– If you are lucky, you might catch a film shooting in action! How about you volunteer as an extra?
4. Kolad – river rafting destination
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One of the places to visit near Pune for water sports enthusiasts is Kolad. With an enthralling Kundalika River gushing through the area, white water rafting is a popular activity visitors take up at Kolad. This place is the perfect weekend getaway from Pune in the monsoon.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 145 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between July to October
What to see:
– Gaimukh
– Sutarwadi Lake
– Kolad Dam
What to do:
– River Rafting
– Adventure sports such as rappelling, kayaking, jungle camping and para sailing
– Book your accommodation at one of the many resorts situated within the wilderness of Kolad
5. Raireshwar Fort – for the trekking enthusiast
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Historically significant, Raireshwar is located near Bhor. Ideal for a one day trek, if you intend on spending your entire weekend over here, you can camp overnight at the top and then proceed to hike up the nearby forts of Rohida and Kenjalgad the next day.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 100 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between July to December
What to see:
– Raireshwar Mandir (the place where Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Swarajya)
– Pandav Leni
– Gomukh Lake
What to do:
– Camp under the stars during the winters
– Trekking
6. Lavasa – a slice of Europe
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Searching for a romantic weekend getaway from Pune? It does not get better than Lavasa. Step into a world that looks like a picturesque European town when you visit this well planned and well developed private city near Pune.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 57 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between August to March
What to see:
– The entire city is an attraction in itself. Explore the serene alleys and the bustling city centre while on your visit.
What to do:
– Try your hand at Indoor Golf
– Enjoy thrilling watersports
– Zip lining, archery, trekking, rappelling and paint ball are some other activities you can undertake.
7. Fort Jadhavgadh- royal getaway
An opulent weekend destination in India, Fort Jadhavgadh in Saswad is the only Fort Heritage Hotel in Maharashtra. Experience unparalleled luxury and friendly service at Fort Jadhavgadh while on your weekend escapade.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 30 kilometres
Best time to visit: All year round
What to see:
– Explore the fort and its lush green lawns
– The Aai Museum
What to do:
– Take a dip into the temperature controlled swimming pool
– Bird watching around the fort
– Bullock cart riding
– A relaxing massage at their in-house spa
8. Igatpuri – for some serenity
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One of the coveted hill stations in India, Igatpuri is located near Nashik. Boasting of bustling waterfalls during the monsoons, Igatpuri is also known for being home to the Vipassana International Academy, a place where ancient meditation techniques are taught.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 230 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between August to April
What to see:
– The many waterfalls located around the town
– Amruteshwar Temple
– Arthur Lake
– Bhatsa River Valley
What to do:
– Connect with yourself at the Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre (Vipassana)
– Munch on delicious snacks at Igatpuri’s famous Baba Ji’s restaurant.
9. Gondhalpada, Alibaug – perfect beach destination near Pune
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If you are looking for beaches near Pune, how about you skip these crowded-with-tourists coastal towns and head over to Gondhalpada located in the Alibaug municipal council instead? Serenity, tranquillity and mesmerizing sunrises, that’s what Gondhalpada can offer you.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 139 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between September to January
What to see:
– Pristine, uncrowded beaches
What to do:
– We recommend you book your accommodation at the gorgeous Radisson Resort and Spa
– Indulge in some water sports activities
10. Mumbai – for a quick weekend break
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Mumbai proves to be the best last minute weekend getaway idea from Pune! Want to know what all activities you can undertake in this City of Dreams? Check this out. We wish you a happy weekend.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 148 kilometres
Best time to visit: All year round. However, it is best to avoid monsoon months.
What to see:
– Juhu Beach
– Mahalakshmi Temple
– Gateway of India
– Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
– Shivaji Park
What to do:
– Take a ferry ride down to the Elephanta Caves
– Enjoy thrilling rides and games at Essel World
– Drive down the Bandra – Worli Sea Link as well as Marine Drive
– Shopping!
11. Kalsubai Peak – highest peak in Maharashtra
Photo Credit: Niyati Shinde
If you love trekking, we are sure Kalsubai is on your wishlist. Why not head over to this ‘Everest of Maharashtra’ over the weekend? The highest point in the Sahyadri Mountains, Kalsubai is situated at an elevation of 5,400 feet. From the top, one gets stunning views of the mountain range.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 170 kilometres
Best time to visit: Best visited during the monsoons. Between July to September.
What to see:
– The small Kalsubai temple located at the top
– Panoramic views of the entire region
What to do:
– Hog on hot bhajjis and gulp down steaming cups of tea from the shacks located on the way to the top
12. Kamshet – paragliding destination
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A must visit for adventure enthusiasts, Kamshet is a paragliding hub. Surrounded by small villages, you can opt for a homestay and enjoy traditional cuisine as well as humbling hospitality.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 52 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between October to March
What to see:
– Vidveshwar Temple
– Karla Caves
– Vadivali Lake
– Kondeshwar Temple
– Bhedsa Caves
What to do:
– Enjoy tandem paragliding
– You can also opt for trekking and camping
13. Matheran – hill station getaway near Pune
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One of the most popular tourist places near Pune, Matheran is a hill station located in Raigad district. A no vehicle zone, experience nature at its cleanest on your weekend getaway to this scenic place.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 120 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between August to March
What to see:
– Heart Point
– Alexander Point
– Charlotte Lake
– Shivaji’s Ladder
What to do:
– Enjoy the toy train ride from Neral to the foothills of Matheran
– From there, hire a horse and enjoy the horse ride to the top
– Trek up Prabal Fort
14. Rajmachi – hiking escapade
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A small village located in the Sahyadris, Rajmachi fortification is made up of two forts, givingtrekking enthusiasts twice the joy. Situated near Lonavala, one can also undertake this trek from Kondivade village near Karjat.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 80 kilometres
Best time to visit: July to March
What to see:
– The forts of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan
What to do:
– If possible, opt for a night trek- a unique experience to be had.
– After you are done trekking, head down to Lonavala and explore this popular destination. Don’t forget to buy lots of chikki for your loved ones back home!
15. Morachi Chincholi – for a wholesome village experience
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Planning a weekend getaway with your baby? Morachi Chincholi is a beautiful destination for having a perfect family vacation. With a name that literally translates to ‘village of peacocks and tamarind trees’, head over to this place around Pune to enjoy the joys of simple, technology free life. Wake up to the mewing of the peacocks and indulge in traditional Maharashtrian cuisine.
Distance from Pune: Approximately 55 kilometres
Best time to visit: Between June to December
What to see:
– Dancing peacocks in their natural habitat
– Nakshatra Garden
– Pot holes at Nighoj
What to do:
– Stargazing
– Milking cows and buffaloes
– Go for an early morning walk amidst the peacocks
– Enjoy hurda, chulivarchi bhakhri along with spicy zoonka
All set to have a memorable weekend getaway from Pune? Do let us know which destination you shortlisted and how your experience was.
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