Pune is one of the big cities in Maharashtra. This vibrant city is thriving with young crowd proving themselves in every point of their life. They are also the once who are always on the lookout for Long weekends and new destinations for a quick getaway from the city. Weekend trips play a crucial part in breaking the routine in millennial life. Pune due to its strategic location, it is blessed with a fantastic weekend trip just a couple of hours drive away. These places are blessed with natural surroundings, interesting things to do and luxury resorts to relax.
We have come up with a list of places that can help you plan your next weekend trip from Pune.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a popular weekend trip from Pune. Just at a distance of 120 km from Pune, this beautiful hill station welcomes you with a cool breeze blowing on the face and majestic landscapes spreading to the horizon. There are some mesmerising viewpoints and strawberry farm to experience the beautiful surrounding. Panchgani is another small hill town just 30 min drive from Mahabaleshwar. Panchgani is a small hamlet with beautiful colonial and Parsi bungalows and a huge plateau displaying the wonders of nature. The ideal time to visit this quaint hill town is during the month of September to March. There are beautiful resorts and farmhouses with best of services to make you feel pampered.
Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is a small hamlet with beautiful mountains covered in Lush greenery. This mesmerising place is popular amongst the hikers, trekkers and nature lovers. Located at a distance of 130 km from Pune, this whole region comes to life when the rains arrive. Numerous waterfalls gush through the narrow lane or drop from a humbling height. It is for this view that the majority of nature lovers are attracted to this place during the monsoon. However, there were times when landslides happen during Monsoon. Malshej Ghat although known for the natural surroundings, there is a popular trekking spot near Malshej Ghat. It is called Harishchandragad, this architectural marvel is also popular for ancient temples that are built in the complex, dated back to 6th century. Once you are at the top of the fort, you will find a panoramic view of the entire surrounding and the lush green forest. The best time to trek this fort is during the months of September – February.
Kolad
Are you looking for some adrenaline rush? What do you think of White water rafting? No, you do not have to go to Rishikesh anymore. Maharashtra has its very own River rafting destination in Raigad district. And it is located at a distance of 120 km from Pune. Yes, you heard us right. In just a couple of hours of drive, you will arrive at Adventure Capital of Maharashtra. White water rafting in the waters of Kundalika is dreamy. It is a perfect place to spend a fun weekend with friends. The ideal time to visit Kolad is during the Monsoon and winters.
Pawna Lake
Located at a distance of 60 km from Pune, Pawna Lake is one of the popular places for lakeside camping. It is one of the best places to feel one with nature. Camping by the lake has become a popular thing in recent times and there are many lakes near Lonavala, but nothing as beautiful as Pawna Lake is. This beautiful lake is surrounded by pure nature. The lush green forest covering the ranges of Sahyadri, birds chirping and the rippling lake water just makes you wonder how beautiful the Mother Nature is. Lie down under the starlit sky and fall asleep to the music of nature. Wake up to see the spectacular sunrise. Camping by the lake is truly an exhilarating experience.
Lonavala and Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are the most popular hill stations that are at a spitting distance from Pune. Located at a distance of 60 km from Pune, these beautiful hill stations are a great place for a weekend trip from Pune. There are some amazing farm stays, Homestays and Luxury resorts in this region with breath-taking scenery and picture-perfect frames, that each time you visit, you will find something new to explore. If you haven’t visited Lonavala and Khandala, why not pack your bags today?
Lavasa
Lavasa is a planned Hill city just an hour drive from Pune. This beautifully planned hill city is a perfect blend of picturesque surrounding with modern-day infrastructure. This private city belonging to Lavasa Corporation has become a new hangout spot for city dwellers looking to get a quick escape from the bustling crowd. With well-developed infrastructure including resorts and hotels, educational institutes, residential complexes and IT hub, Lavasa has become a small private city in with luxury. It is a perfect place for people looking to be pampered with world-class facilities near Pune
Wai
Located at a distance of 90 km from Pune, this small hamlet is always under the shadows of the Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. River Krishna beautifully flows through this quaint town. It was called ‘Virat Nagri’ in the ancient days. Known for ancient temples, Wai is also known for several opportunities for trekkers at Pandavgarh fort. The ideal time to visit Wai is during the months of September to March.
Matheran
Matheran is a small eco-hill town located at a distance of 120 km from Pune. This beautiful hill station is a perfect place to find a pollution-free zone. Vehicles are banned to enter this hill station. To all the viewpoints, you will have to trek to the spot or go on horseback. Breathe fresh air and enjoy the spectacular views of numerous lakes and viewpoints. The best time to visit Matheran is from October to March. However, if you do not mind travelling in Monsoon, Matheran looks dreamy during the rains.
Bhandardara
Located at a distance of 160 km from Pune, Bhandardara is the highest peak of Maharashtra. Bhandardara is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Surrounded by mighty mountains of Sahyadri ranges covered in dense forest and humbling waterfalls in the monsoons, this whole region comes to life when the rains arrive. Kalsubai peak, one of the popular treks in Maharashtra is situated at a distance of 14 km from Bhandardara. Best time to visit Bhandardara is in the monsoon. However, if you are planning for Kalsubai trek, the ideal time for the trek is between June to August for Monsoon trek, October for flower trek and November to May for Night treks.