Five Fabulous Places To Visit Near Pune!
Charming hill stations, idyllic villages, historic forts, enchanting mountains, serene lakes — Pune has them all in close proximity! Whether you are searching for the best weekend getaways near Pune or you are a first-time visitor to the city, whether you prefer a peaceful laid-back holiday or the one filled with adventure and entertainment, you could simply not afford to miss the following five Pune tourist spots that are perfect for every kind of traveler. Moreover, all of them are situated within a distance of 100 km from the city.
From India’s first planned hill city to India’s largest extreme adventure park, here are the five best places to visit near Pune.
Lavasa:
Lavasa, a planned hill station — the first planned hill city in the country — is increasingly becoming the favorite weekend destination among the locals. Set in the Western Ghats, this newest hill station offers everything you would expect from a perfect holiday destination — nature, architecture, adventure, recreation, and relaxation.
Having drawn inspiration from the Italian hillside town of Portofino, Lavasa features pastel-colored buildings and cobbled streets with lush green hills in the backdrop. It’s an ideal place to visit near Pune for nature lovers as well as outdoor enthusiasts.
Distance from Pune: 58 km (approximately)
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Pawna Lake:
Want to spend a day close to nature? Pack your camping gear and head to Pawna Lake! This popular tourist place near Pune is a camper’s paradise. Youngsters love to camp by the vast lake taking in the breathtaking sights of nature – of majestic sunsets, of shimmering lake surrounded by lofty hills, of starry nights, of delicate rays of the rising sun condensing the morning mist on leaves! What better place to rejuvenate your body and soul than this?
Although this place is blessed with pleasant weather throughout the year, it’s ideal to visit during monsoons as the views of trees sport different shades of green are pleasing to the eye!
Distance from Pune: 64 km (approximately)
Best Time to Visit: November to February; June to September
Karla Caves:
If you are into history and architecture, then this is a must-visit place for you. Karla or Karle or Karli Caves are a group of 16 Buddhist rock-cut caves dating to the 1st and 2nd century BCE. Get a deep insight into the early rock-cut architecture in India by visiting these ancient caves. Although not as sprawling and elaborate as the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Karla cave complex deserves an important spot among the well-known historical places to visit near Pune and Mumbai.
The 8th cave of Karla Caves, called ‘Grand Chaitya’, is the largest and most popular chaitya griha (temple or prayer hall) in India. It features a magnificent facade made of teak wood, 37 octagonal pillars adorned with fine sculptures of men, women, and animals.
Distance from Pune: 59 km (approximately)
Best Time to Visit: July to February
Panchgani:
Situated at the height of around 1,330 m above sea level, Panchgani is a picturesque hill station known for its towering mountains, thick forest cover, gorgeous valleys, serene waterfalls, and soothing ambiance. This heavenly place got its name from the ‘five’ hills that encircle it. Panchgani, which used to be a favorite summer resort for the British, is now a popular weekend getaway near Pune.
Sydney Point, Table Land, Parsi Point, Rajpuri Caves, Dhom Dam, Wai are some of the popular tourist attractions in Panchgani. Not just sightseeing, Panchgani is also the best place for an action-filled holiday. Plenty of adventure sports including paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, and speed boating can be enjoyed here!
Distance from Pune: 59 km (approximately)
Best Time to Visit: September to May
Della Adventure Park:
How about dedicating the whole day to adventure? If a fun-filled holiday is what you are looking for, then Della Adventure Park in Lonavala is one of the best places to visit near Pune. It is India’s largest extreme adventure park boasting a wide array of adventure activities (more than 70 in number) that are sure to trigger an adrenaline rush in you. Paintball, sky cycling, roller zorbing, bungee jumping, buggy ride, rappelling, swoop swing, flying fox, and bubble soccer are a few of the thrilling activities you could enjoy here.
No matter if you are a solo traveler or are traveling to Pune with friends/ family, Della Adventure Park deserves to be a part of your Pune itinerary. On a separate note, check out the best deals at Indian Eagle to save huge on flight tickets to Pune.
Distance from Pune: 72 km (approximately)
Best Time to Visit: All year
