Situated on the Deccan Plateau in the shadow of the Sahyadri Mountains, Pune is an ideal location for weekend getaways. Whether it’s a hill station, beach resort, historic site or an adventurous trek, there are many interesting destinations within a radius of 250 km which are easily accessible from Pune by regular bus and train services. Cities like Aurangabad are connected by air.
Places like Lavasa, Khandala, Lonavla and Kolad are ideal for weekend getaways in Pune. Adventure sports enthusiasts can indulge in different activities like trekking, river rafting, rock climbing, parasailing, paragliding, horse riding and golf. Pilgrims and devotees won’t be disappointed either and can visit renowned temple towns like Shirdi.
Comfortable and affordable accommodation makes for a pleasant stay at all destinations. Cities and towns offer a variety of hotels and guesthouses to suit the budgets. At hill stations and beaches near Pune, visitors can enjoy their stay in resorts, bungalows and homestays.
Ajanta & Ellora, Aurangabad
Ajanta and Ellora Caves, the World Heritage Sites, are some of the most sublime examples of classical Indian art. Created over a span of 250 years, from 2nd century onwards, Ajanta consists of 300 rock-cut Buddhist caves decorated with magnificent frescoes depicting the life during that period. The Ajanta Caves are also the splendid examples of sculpture and architecture. The Caves are cut into the side of a horseshoe-shaped cliff on the banks of the River Waghora. Buddhist monks lived and worshipped here. After being lost to history for many centuries, a British Army officer rediscovered the caves in 1819.Ellora is famous for its rock-cut Kailasanatha Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cave monuments. Its 34 caves were created between 5-7 centuries AD by the Rashtrakuta, Chalukya and Kalachuri dynasties. The Buddhist monks lived and worshipped here in pillared halls called chaityas.
Aurangabad, a place near Pune, offers several other attractions which include Bibi Ka Maqbara, Panchakki, Aurangabad Gates, Shahganj Masjid and Salim Ali Lake and Bird Sanctuary.
How to get there
Aurangabad is 236 km from Pune and easily accessible by bus (from Rs 220), train (from Rs 250) and air (Rs 4,800-10,000). Ajanta Caves is 104 km and Ellora is 29 km from Aurangabad.
Accommodation: One can stay at the luxury and budget hotels, resorts and guesthouses at Aurangabad.
Things to do: Sightseeing, parasailing, cycling trips and shopping.
Helpline: Police Station – 0240 2380808
Alibaug
A quiet fishing village that has been transformed into a much sought after beach resort, Alibaug offers the weary city dweller a welcome respite with its sandy beaches, quaint historic sights and delicious seafood. Other attractions include a synagogue, a magnetic observatory and Kolaba Fort. Beaches close to Alibaug, a city near Pune, include Varsoli, Kihim, Kashid, Nagaon, Mandwa and Akshi.How to get there
Alibaug is 142 km from Pune and easily accessible by bus (from Rs 150).
Accommodation: Resorts, bungalows and homestays.
Things to do: Beach volleyball, sightseeing, picnics and water sports.
Helpline: Shree Ambulance Service – 02141 224515, Police Station – 02141 222098
Bhandardara near Pune
Nestled in the heart of the Sahyadris amidst abundant greenery, lakes and waterfalls, Bhandardara presents a picture of tranquility. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views and follow trekking trails. The 1,600-metre Mount Kalsubai is in the vicinity while the Pravara River flows close by. Attractions include Ratangad Fort, Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Wilson Dam and Amriteshwar Temple.
How to get there
Bhandardara is 191km from Pune and is easily reached by bus (from Rs 155).
Accommodation: Budget resorts and hotels in Bhandardara.
Things to do: Trekking, angling and sightseeing.
Diveagar
Amidst banana and beetlenut plantations in the rustic surroundings of a fishing village, the unspoilt beach resort of Diveagar is ideal for a quiet weekend near Pune. It is famous for the fact that a golden mask of Lord Ganesh was found here in 1997. Visitors can see it at the Suvarnaganesh Temple.How to get there: Diveagar is 160 km from Pune and is easily accessible by bus (from Rs 134).
Accommodation: Budget resorts and hotels.
Things to do: Sightseeing.
Karjat near Pune
Karjat, a fast developing town in the Sahyadris, makes for a pleasant weekend getaway in Pune. Situated at 194 metres above sea-level, it is popular with picnic goers, trekking enthusiasts and film buffs. Karjat is a popular destination for film shoots. Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire was shot at the ND Studio in Karjat. The tourists can also visit Kondana Caves, Peth Fort and Ulhas Valley in Karjat.How to get there
Karjat is 106 km from Pune and easily accessible by bus (from Rs 55) and train (from Rs 135).
Accommodation: A variety of hotels and resorts.
Things to do: Trekking, river rafting, golf, picnics and sightseeing.
Helpline: Police Station – 02148 222100
Khandala and Lonavla
Khandala, a hill station near Pune, is popular with visitors for a relaxing weekend. It offers a number of panoramic views of the Western Ghats. Khandala is close to Lonavala, an equally popular hill station near Pune.How to get there
Khandala is 70 km from Pune and is easily reached by bus (from Rs 40) and train (from Rs 44).
Accommodation: A range of hotels, resorts and bungalows.
Things to do: Sightseeing, picnics, trekking and rock climbing.
Helpline: Highway emergency service – 02114 73822, Police Station –02169 252133; Lonavla Police Station – 02114 273033
Kolad
Situated on the banks of the Kundalika River, Kolad is ideal for white water rafting. Other attractions in the vicinity include Raigad Fort, Kuda Caves, Sutarwadi Lake and Tamhini Falls.
How to get there
Kolad is 133 km from Pune and easily reached by bus (from Rs 110).
Accommodation: Farm stays and camp sites.
Things to do: White water rafting, kayaking, rappelling and trekking.
Helpline: Car breakdown services – 1800 102 4400
Kolhapur
Famous for its cuisine and wrestling, Kolhapur makes for an interesting weekend getaway in Pune. The city has also given its name to Kolhapuri chappals which are actually made in Athani in neighbouring Karnataka. Situated on the banks of Panchaganga River, Kolhapur was the stronghold of the Bhonsle Chhatrapathis for many centuries. Its attractions include New Palace, Mahalakshmi Temple, Rankala Lake, Chandrakant Mandare Museum, Panhala Fort and Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Panhala Fort is close by.Kolhapur is also famous for its spicy mutton dishes such as pandhra rassa, tambada rassa, sukka mutton and lonche.
How to get there
Kolhapur is 237 km from Pune and easily accessible by bus (from Rs 200) and train (from Rs 181).
Accommodation: A variety of mid-range hotels and guesthouses.
Things to do: Sightseeing, shopping and camping.
Helpline: Police Station –0231 522233
Lavasa
Lavasa, a privately planned hill city in the Sahyadris, aims to offer visitors a holiday experience with a difference with its stylish architecture. Spread over 25,000 acres, it includes theme park, arcade, sports facilities and nature trails in addition to luxury hotels, restaurants and a health and wellness centre.How to get there
Lavasa is 58 km from Pune and is easily accessible by road (from Rs 50 by bus and Rs 550 by taxi).
Accommodation: Luxury hotels and serviced apartments.
Things to do: Picnics, trekking, rappelling, water sports and bus and train tours.
Matheran
Matheran, the smallest hill station in India, has been declared an eco-sensitive zone. The hill station near Pune, at an altitude of 800 metres, can be reached only by the heritage Matheran Hill Railway.
How to get there
Matheran is 126 km from Pune with the nearest rail head being Neral. Visitors have to take the Matheran Hill Railway from Neral which is easily accessible from Pune by bus (from Rs 62) and train (from Rs 60).
Accommodation: Hotels, resorts and heritage bungalows.
Things to do: Picnics, sightseeing, trekking and horse riding.
Helpline: Police Station –02148 230300
Mahabaleshwar
Nestled in the lap of the Sahyadris, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar’s wonderful views include Arthur’s Seat, Needle Hole Point and Three Monkey Point. It is also famous for strawberries and mulberries.How to get there
Mahabaleshwar is 120 km from Pune and is easily accessible by bus (from Rs 96).
Helpline: Police Station – 02168 260333
Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is the ideal weekend getaway in Pune for nature lovers. It is also the habitat of tigers and leopards.How to get there
Malshej Ghat is 120 km away from Pune and is easily accessible by bus (from Rs 96).
Accommodation: Resorts.
Things to do: Trekking and bird watching.
Click Here to Read More About Hill Stations Near Pune
Murud
An increasingly popular holiday destination near Pune, Murud is famous for its beach and the majestic fort of Janjira which was once a Siddhi stronghold. Other attractions include Kasa Fort, Sir Sidi Ahmed Khan Palace, Kude Caves, Datta Mandir Temple and Sawat Kada Waterfalls. Visitors can also sample some delicious local seafood. The popular resort of Alibaug is 42 km away from Murud.
How to get there
Murud is 166 km from Pune and easily accessible by bus (from Rs 120).
Accommodation: Hotels and resorts.
Things to do: Sightseeing and picnics.
Helpline: Police Station – 02144 274033
Panchgani
Another popular hill station in Maharashtra, Panchgani, as its name suggests, is nestled in between five hills. One of its attractions is the Table Land, the second longest mountain plateau in Asia.How to get there
Panchgani is 102 km from Pune and easily reached by bus (from Rs 50).
Accommodation: A range of hotels, resorts and bungalows.
Things to do: Picnics, trekking and sightseeing.
Helpline: Police Station –02168 240333
Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort near Pune is famous for its steep ascent and breathtaking panoramas. It’s an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.How to get there
Raigad is 133 km from Pune and can be easily reached by bus (from Rs 110).
Accommodation: Resort.
Things to do: Trekking.
Helpline: Highway emergency – 222100, Police Station –2141 222093
Satara
Surrounded by seven hills, the historical city of Satara stands at the confluence of two rivers, Krishna and Venna, at an altitude of 742 metres. Satara, once the capital of Bhonsle Chhatrapati, is 25 km away from Kaas Plateau. During the monsoon season, the area is covered with a carpet of flowers of more than 150 varieties. Other attractions include Ajinkyatara Fort, Sajjangad Fort, Thoseghar Waterfalls and Pateshwar.
How to get there
Satara is 112 km from Pune and easily accessible by bus (from Rs 95) and train (from Rs 135).
Accommodation: Hotels and guesthouses.
Things to do: Picnics, sightseeing and shopping.
Helpline: Police Station –02162 232225
Shirdi
The bustling pilgrim town of Shirdi is a magnet for devotees of Sai Baba, the popular 19th century saint. The pilgrims make a beeline for the splendid Temple while doing the rounds of other places associated with Sai Baba as well. The Temple was built over the samadhi of Sai Baba in 1922. Visitors can also visit other places close by including Alandi, Trimbak, Sakori, Shanisingnapur and Nashik.How to get there
Shirdi is 183 km from Pune and easily accessible by bus (from Rs 200) and train (from Rs 89). The closest airport is at Aurangabad, 109 km away.
Accommodation: A variety of hotels, resorts and guesthouses.
Things to do: Pilgrimage and sightseeing.
Helpline: Shri Saibaba Sansthan – 02423 258888
