Top 10 Monsoon Getaways Near Pune

Monsoon is about to set in and Pune is all geared up to enjoy every bit of this soothing season! Pune, the twin city of Mumbai, is most active when it comes to exploring and adventures such as trekking, rappelling, nature trails and they love to move out more so during monsoons weekends to refresh after a hectic week. 

Pune is blessed with some of the best weekend destinations close to Pune city. Here are the best of them:

1. Panchgani 

Panchgani is nestled at middle of five hills in the Sahyādri mountain ranges, also there are five villages around the Pachgani are Dandeghar, Khingar, Godwali, Amral & Taighat. The Krishnā River flows nearby which made the lake of Dhom Dam on the Krishna 9 km from Wai.

2. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a small town and a municipal council in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a hill station located in the Sahyadri mountain range. With one of the few evergreen forests of India, it served as the summer capital of Bombay province during the British Raj.

3. Bhimshankar 

Though a religious destination, it is frequented by road trip lovers for its scenic and most gorgeous routes. Bhimashankar which is the home to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Lord Shiva. Other than Bhimashankar being a pilgrim center, it is also bestowed by breath-taking natural beauty making it a popular monsoon getaway from Pune and Mumbai.

4. Malshej Ghats 

Beautiful and adventurous hill roads take you to Malshej Ghat, a foggy hill station with some fantastic waterfalls and splendid valley views. Enjoy the hot corn bhutta as you witness the beauty of the Western Sahyadris.

5. Lonavala

Lonavla and the adjacent Khandala are twin hill stations 622 metres (2,041 ft) above sea level, in the Sahyadri ranges that demarcate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan coast. The hill stations sprawl over an approximate area of 38 square kilometres (15 sq mi). Tourism peaks during the monsoon season. The name Lonavla is derived from the Sanskrit lonavli, which refers to the many caves like Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Bedsa that are close to Lonavla. A trip to Lonavla and Khandala can be combined with sight-seeing visits of Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves and also the two fortresses, Lohagad and Visapur. Another place of interest is the Tungi fort, one of the forts captured by Malik Ahmad near the village of Karjat and was known for its natural strength.The Andharban trek begins from village Pimpri, passses through dense forests, valleys and waterfalls and ends in Bhira..

6. Kolad 

Very popular for river rafting in Kundalika River in Kolad, the destination is usually sold out in almost all seasons. However, river rafting is best enjoyed during monsoons for the rapids created during this season. Booking early is suggested.

7. Pavana 

Pavana / Pawana is an excellent weekend outing destination and is known for Pawana Dam. Placed at a very short distance from Pune, you will enjoy boating and watersports here. Other attractions such as Lohagad fort, Tikona fort, Visapur fort, Hadshi, Prati pandharpur, Tung fort, Bedse caves, Bhaja caves, Chinmay Vibhooti are afew must visit spots at Pavana.

8. Lohagad Fort 

One of the several impressive forts in Maharashtra, Lohagad means ‘iron fort’. Once the bastion of the famous Shivaji, it has another fort, Visapur, close by to which it is connected by a range. Being located on top a hill, the fort overlooks the Pavana River flowing down in the valley.

9. Rajmachi

This small village is another weekend getaway from Pune that is located within the Sahyadri ranges. It has a fort in its vicinity which is quite popular among hikers who trek up to here on routes starting at Lonavala or Kondivade. Come rains and this region attain a lush greenery interspersed with waterfalls and small streams making it a not-to-be-missed holiday spot.

10. Lavasa

The first and only private planned city in India, Lavasa also proves to be a salubrious getaways from Pune. Spreading around 25,000 acres of lush and green pastures, this upcoming destination is getting into the list of the smartest city and has already made its mark as a popular tourist destination in the country.

The nature enthusiasts can roam about the plains of Lavassa on bikes or hike up the different hills while camping with the Xthrill academy. Relax in the Swiss AC tents provided to you with modern, posh bathroom facilities and languish in the comfort of the greenery around you!