7 Amazing Places to Visit Near Pune
Pune is a wonderful city in Maharashtra that offers a lot in terms of culture, history, and natural beauty. But there are also many fantastic places located just outside the city that are well worth taking the time to visit. Whether you want to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle, get closer to nature, or explore some fascinating historical sites, the areas surrounding Pune have something for everyone. Here are 7 great places to visit near Pune on your next trip:
Places to Visit Near Pune
Pune, a bustling city in India, is surrounded by beautiful places perfect for a quick getaway. Just a short drive away, you can explore hill stations like Lonavala and Khandala, enjoy the scenic beauty of Lavasa, or visit historic forts like Sinhagad. Nature lovers can relax at Mulshi Dam or trek through the lush Western Ghats. These destinations offer a mix of adventure, history, and tranquility, making them ideal for a refreshing escape from city life.
These two popular hill stations are located just a couple hours’ drive from Pune. They are famous for their beautiful green hills, pleasant climate, and impressive forts and caves. Some of the biggest draws are the Lohagad Fort, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Point scenic viewpoint, and Pawna Lake. You can go trekking, have a picnic by the lake, visit the Buddhist carvings in the ancient rock-cut caves, and learn about the history of the grand forts. Many resorts and hotels make it easy to spend a night or two in Lonavala or Khandala.
How to Reach: Drive for around 2-2.5 hours from Pune via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway
Nearby Places: Karla Caves, Rajmachi Fort, Tungarli Lake
Entry Fees: Most sites under Rs. 100, Lohagad Fort Rs. 35, Pawna Lake Rs. 30
Opening Times: 6 am to 6 pm typically
Sinhagad Fort
One of the most famous and largest forts in the region, Sinhagad is an incredible historical place around 30km from Pune. It sits atop a hill offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas. You can explore the fort walls, gateways, caves, and other historic structures while learning about the battles that took place there centuries ago between the Marathas and Mughals. The fort is also an excellent spot for trekking, photography, and witnessing beautiful sunsets.
How to Reach: Drive for around 1 hour from Pune
Nearby Places: Torna Fort, Lohagad Fort
Entry Fee: Rs. 35
Opening Time: 5 am to 7 pm
Mahabaleshwar
This is one of the most famous hill stations in Maharashtra, located around 120km from Pune. Mahabaleshwar is known for its cool climate, breathtaking viewpoints, ancient temples, and strawberry farms. Major attractions include the Elephant’s Head Point, Lingmala Falls, Old Mahabaleshwar Temple, and delicious strawberries which you can even pick yourself. It’s a wonderful place to escape the heat and soak in the fresh mountain air and beautiful vistas.
How to Reach: Drive for around 3 hours from Pune
Nearby Places: Panchgani Hill Station, Mapro Garden, Pratapgad Fort
Entry Fees: Many sites are free, fees for places like Mapro Garden
Opening Times: Early morning until evening for most attractions
Bhigwan
If you want to spend time surrounded by nature and observing incredible birds, then make your way to the bird sanctuary at Bhigwan around 100km from Pune. This is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the region, home to well over 200 species of birds including flamingos, painted storks, and more. You can go on a boat safari through the lake and marshlands to try to spot as many birds as possible in their natural habitats. It’s a remarkable experience for bird watchers and nature lovers.
How to Reach: Drive for around 2 hours from Pune
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 for adults, discounted for children
Opening Times: 6 am to 6 pm, boat rides available in the morning and evening
Mulshi
Located less than an hour and a half from Pune, Mulshi is a beautiful area centered around a large lake and dam. It offers a peaceful escape into nature with opportunities for boating, fishing, bird watching, garden visits, and just relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Some of the top attractions include Mulshi Lake, the Landscape Garden, and Malhargad Fort. You can easily spend a day here picnicking, swimming in the lake, and soaking in the fresh air and greenery.
How to Reach: Drive for around 1 to 1.5 hours from Pune
Entry Fees: Free to visit the lake, minimal fees for gardens and forts
Opening Times: 6 am to 6 pm typically
Narayangaon
This small town is home to the incredible Lena Caves, which are over 2 billion years old and believed to be among the longest cave systems in the world. Inside these dark, winding caverns you’ll find spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as ancient Buddhist carvings and inscriptions on the walls. Exploring the caves is an adventurous and memorable experience, though you’ll need to go with an experienced guide.
How to Reach: Around 2 hours drive from Pune
Entry Fees: Rs. 500 for the full cave experience
Opening Times: 7 am to 6 pm
Jejuri
This village located around 50km from Pune is famous for being home to one of the most sacred and prominent Hindu temples in Maharashtra, the Khandobachi Jejuri. This ancient temple is dedicated to the Lord Khandoba, an avatar of Lord Shiva, and has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries. In addition to the remarkable temple architecture and shrines, Jejuri also offers opportunities to visit historic forts and caves in the surrounding hills.
How to Reach: Drive for around 1 to 1.5 hours from Pune
Entry Fee: Free for the temple, minimal fees for forts/caves
Opening Times: The Temple is open from morning until night
No matter what kind of experiences you enjoy, there are so many incredible places surrounding Pune where you can immerse yourself in nature, history, culture, and outdoor adventures. From ancient caves and forts to serene lakes and hill stations, these destinations offer a welcome break from the city while allowing you to discover the unique heritage and beauty of the region. Just pick a few of these special places to add to your travel plans and create wonderful memories.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best time to visit places near Pune?
The best time to visit places near Pune is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Q2. What are the best places to visit near Pune?
The best places to visit near Pune include Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, and Sinhagad Fort.
Q3. What adventure activities can we do near Pune?
Adventure activities near Pune include trekking, rock climbing, camping, rappelling, and paragliding in places like Lonavala and Khandala.
Q4. What is the approximate cost of visiting places near Pune?
The approximate cost of visiting places near Pune for a 3-day trip can range from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per person, depending on accommodation and activities.
Q5. What can we do in a 3-day visit near Pune?
In a 3-day visit near Pune, you can explore the hill stations of Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, visit forts like Sinhagad, get in adventure activities like trekking or rock climbing, and enjoy the beautiful scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.
Also Read:
A Journey Through the 7 Best Places to Visit in Pune
7 Amazing Places to Visit in Nashik
7 Must Places to Visit in Lonavala- The Unforgettable Destinations
References:
https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tourist_attractions_in_Pune
https://www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredible-india-v2/en.html
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information on popular destinations near Pune. Visitors should verify details like entry fees, timings, and accessibility beforehand, as these may vary with seasons or local policies.
