Pune is a developing model city located in Maharashtra. Pune enjoyed the status of being a historic city and the hub of the Maratha Empire. Due to its proximity to the financial capital of India, Mumbai; Pune is being developed today as an educational, tourist, financial and IT hub of India. The city, though small in size has sprawling spaces that encourage development. If you are in Mumbai and looking for a weekend getaway from Mumbai, then Pune will definitely feature in your top favorites.
As a city, Pune has a mix of young and old in its cultural offerings and hence has diversity when it comes to tourism. With a number of educational institutes and colleges being a part of Pune, there is no dearth of shopping and food in the city. From Maharashtrian delicacies to Bakeries and to International flavors, there is something for every food lover’s palette. Pune in itself is a complete package for the tourists. It has a great city life and also a vibrant nightlife. There are iconic restaurants that are a must visit when in Pune.
If you are planning a visit to Pune or living in the city, then there are also a number of places to visit near Pune that will keep your excitement levels going. There are a mix of attractions near Pune that have historic, adventure and scenic significance for tourists and adventure seekers alike. Some of the must visit places around Pune are:
1. Lonavala
Located at a road distance of about 68kms, Lonavala is known as a misty hill station where the clouds descend on to the earth. With a number of waterfalls, lakes and scenic points; the hill station of Lonavala is a popular getaway near Pune. During the monsoons Lonavala is soaked in hues of green making it an absolutely blissful sight for the visitors. Lonavala also is a great destination for trekkers and adventure seekers. There are adventure parks in Lonavala that attract tourists from not just around Pune but from all over the country. Read More..
2. Kamshet
Kamshet is situated at a road distance of approximately ~50kms from Pune. It is a scenic hill station that is famous for its paragliding and flying schools. The area is a beautiful insight into the rural life of the Maharashtra region and is much visited by tourists from different parts of the country. There are some of the major attractions like Bhairi caves, Bhedsa caves, Kondeshwar temple, Pavana lake and Shinde wadi hills that make it a must visit from Pune. Read More..
3. Alibagh:
Alibagh is a beach destination located at a road distance of about ~140kms from Pune. Alibagh is one of the best getaways from Pune if you are looking at indulging in some beach fun and water sports. While winters are most preferred for an Alibagh visit, summers and monsoons also hold their own charm for the tourists and travellers. Read More..
4. Panchagani
Panchagani is a famous tourist hot spot located a drive away distance from Pune. It is a table landed surrounded by five hills from the Sahyadari range. The beautiful backdrop of the hills and greenery around it make Panchagani one of the most popular destination getaway from Pune. Apart from a number of Bollywood movies being shot here, Panchagani also attracts honeymooners all through the year. Read More..
5. Rajmachi
A small dainty village located amongst the Sahyadari mountains, Rajmachi is a famous adventure destination near Pune known for its history and adventurous trekking trails. It has one of the most beautiful trekking stretches right up to the Rajmachi fort. Read More..
6. Murud Janjira
Murud Janjira located in the Raigad district is a beaches and fort destination located at a road distance of ~180kms from Pune. Murud is a tourist destination near Pune known for its beautiful beaches and the spirituality that echoes in its natural surroundings. There are a number of historic forts that have their own tale from the history. There is also a beautiful temple that is visited by devotees all through the year. Read More..
7. Mahabaleshwar
Located at a road distance of about ~115kms from Pune, Mahabaleshwar is a very popular hill station town that offers the best of Maharashtra to its visitors. The hill station is particularly famous for its Strawberry farms that are an absolute delight during the harvest season. The hills, valleys and the beautiful points all around the city make it one of the most sought-after getaway destinations from Pune. Read More..
8. Igatpuri
Located at a road distance of about ~240kms, Igatpuri is a perfect holiday getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Known for some of its highest peak, Igatpuri has a beautiful climate that is an absolute delight for tourists visiting it. Read More..
9. Harihareshwar
Surrounded by four beautiful hills and with the river Savitri flowing through the dainty town, Harihareshwar is a destination of divine beauty. It is a very popular weekend beach destination from Pune and Mumbai. There are exotic woods that make the place all the more attractive and beautiful. Read More..
10. Bhimashankar
Located at a road distance of about ~110kms from Pune, Bhimashankar is situated in Bhorgiri village of the Sahyadari range. Covered with thick green forests and the hills, Bhimashankar is a destination of great significance among the Hindus. Known as one of the abodes of Lord Shiva, Bhimashankar is today a popular destination for trekking and picnics. The Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another reason that travelers make it a point to visit this destination especially when they are around in cities like Pune and Mumbai. Read More..
11. Bandardhara
A hill station and a perfect holiday spot, Bhandardhara is known for its iconic mountain ranges, lush green forests and beautiful waterfalls. It is surrounded by high mountains and is easily accessible from the neighboring cities of Pune and Mumbai. It also has a little village that is a treat for the city dwellers. With all its scenic beauty and adventure calling, it certainly is one of the must-visit destinations from Pune.
With so many beautiful places to visit around Pune, there are ample opportunities for one to plan small getaways. While short trips like these can be planned anytime of the year, the ideal time to make the most of the scenic beauty is during the monsoons and winters.