Hit The Road: Weekend Getaways From Pune

Your Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways is Here. Check it Out!

Plan to hit the road this weekend for that much needed break that you’ve been planning for a while. A couple of hours of driving and you can end up at a number of destinations that offer all that you need to recharge your batteries. Here are some weekend getaways from Pune that also make great road trips to take off to. 

1. Mulshi

​
The Mulshi Dam over the Mula River is surrounding by the dense foliage of the Sahayadri forests. Downstream from the dam, the Mulshi Lake is a popular spot to just sit back and soak in the views. Trekking is big in this area with trails that take you to the forts, Dhangad and Koraigad. Boating in Mulshi is another fun activity to indulge in.  Several resorts and home stays are cropping up in Mulshi so you have your pick of accommodation options. 

Distance from Pune: 44 kilometres

Book Your Stay at St Laurn Business Hotel

2. Kamshet

​The hill hamlet of Kamshet has fast become a popular weekend destination owing to its cool temperatures and scenic beauty. Here, you can be adventurous and go paragliding over Pawna Lake or leisurely trek up Tower Hill and Bhandar Dongar. From Kamshet, also visit the Kondeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Kondeshwar Waterfalls in nearby Badlapur. 

Distance from Pune: 51 kilometres

Book Your Stay at Hotel Aristo

3. Lavasa

​
India’s first planed hill city styled on the Italian town Portofino, Lavasa is nestled amidst the Sahyadri range. The cool and calm surroundings make it an enticing weekend getaway amidst beautiful environs. While in Lavasa, tour the city in an open-air bus, visit parks and gardens, walk on nature trails and indulge in adventure sports. 

Distance from Pune: 57 kilometres

Book Your Stay at Mercure Lavasa

4. Lonavala

​Along with its twin hill station Khandala, Lonavala offers soothing views of the Sahayadri range. While on your weekend getaway to Lonavala, visit the historic Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves and the forts of Lohagad and Visapur. Relax and unwind by exploring the topography of Lonavala while taking leisurely strolls amidst the lush green hills. 

Distance from Pune: 65 kilometres

Book Your Stay at The Dukes Retreat

5. Khandala

​
Made iconic by Aamir Khan in the movie Ghulam, Khandala is a hill station tucked away in the Western Ghats. While here, trek up to Khandala’s most famous peak, Duke’s Nose to feast on panoramic views of lush green hills in all directions. Other points of interest in Khandala include Tiger’s Leap and the rock cut Bhaja Caves that symbolise Buddhist architecture.

Distance from Pune: 69 kilometres

Book Your Stay at Clouds 9 Resort

6. Panchgani

​At an altitude of 4,242 feet, the hills station of Panchgani dates back to the days of the British Raj. Panchgani’s many vantage points offer panoramic glimpses of the fertile region. Popular attractions in Panchgani include the Rajpuri Caves with their healing kunds and the Lord Karthikeya Temple. 

Distance from Pune: 98 kilometres

Book Your Stay at Panchgani Tent House

7. Kolad

​Calling all adrenaline junkies! If you love the water then head to Kolad, where you can go whitewater rafting on the Kundalika River. With Grade 1 to 3 rapids, Kolad ranks amongst the top destinations in India where you can get your thrills. Other adventure activities in Kolad are kayaking, canoeing and river crossing. While in Kolad, explore the nearby Tamhini Falls, Kuda Caves and Bhira Dam. 

Distance from Pune: 113 kilometres

Book Your Stay at Z Bac Adventures

8. Matheran

​
No hill station comes close to quaint and charming Matheran. Along with spectacular scenery, what makes Matheran inviting is the fact that it’s an eco-sensitive area and a ‘no automobiles’ zone. So, how does one make a road trip here, you ask? It’s easy. Drive up to Dasturi Car Park, about a 40 minute walk from Matheran and park your car there. If you’re not in the mood to walk, go horse-back to Matheran. You can also take the toy train from Neral Junction station to Matheran.

Distance from Pune: 117 kilometres

Book Your Stay at Hotel Paramount

9. Mahabaleshwar

​
Forests, valleys, peaks, waterfalls and lakes, Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats is scenically blessed. Smatterings of its colonial past can be seen in its old mansions and heritage bungalows. Several vantage points like Arthur's Seat and Sunset Point give you panoramic views of the hills of Mahabaleshwar.

Distance from Pune: 125 kilometres

Book Your Stay at Hotel Millennium Park

10. Alibaug

​
With a vast stretch of shoreline, Alibaug is a popular coastal town. Stroll down the Alibaug beach or take a short walk from Akshi beach to Nagaon beach. Spend some time exploring the historic Kolaba Fort and at a little distance from Alibaug, the Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple with its 54-feet statue of Lord Shiva. 

Distance from Pune: 141 kilometres

Book Your Stay at U Tropicana