10 Exciting Weekend Getaways from Pune for the Budget Traveller

It’s the middle of the week and you’re sitting in your cubicle bored to death counting the days to the weekend. Instead of the usual predictable weekends how about you take off for a relaxing weekend getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated? So, Punekars here are ten of the best weekend getaways for the budget travellers. Thank us later.

Aurangabad

Famous for the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad makes for a great weekend escape from Pune. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are home to ancient sculptures and paintings from different Indian religions, like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. If you’re a history buff you’ll love these ancient caves that were constructed between 600 CE and 1000 CE and offer a glimpse into India’s rich history. Another popular attraction in the city remains the Bibi Ka Maqbara (a replica of the Taj Mahal). If you love shopping, don’t forget to buy silks, especially Himroo silk sarees. Hungry? Grab a bite at Tandoor (known for its sizzler kebabs and Chinese dishes), or Bhoj (popular for its pure vegetarian Gujarati and Rajasthani thalis).

How to Get There: Take Express No 12729 which will take around seven hours, or if you’re driving take the MH SH 10 highway, which will take you around four and a half hours.

Where to Stay: Hotel Vijay Residency (Rs. 1699 per night) and The Manor (Rs. 1899 per night).

Mumbai

A city for everyone, Mumbai rarely disappoints. With a plethora of choices, the Maximum City is an obvious choice for a weekend getaway and rightly so. Spend the day admiring the grandeur of the colonial era buildings, or take in the magnificence of the Gateway of India and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (bang opposite). If being touristy has made you tired then head to Café Mondegar for a chilled beer and some delicious Fish and Chips (look out for the elderly Parsi gentleman who owns the place, he’s a delight to chat with). Stroll through the Colaba market and pick up trinkets and souvenirs for a bargain. In the evening head to Marine Drive and watch the sun slip beneath the Arabian Sea. Definitely a weekend well spent.

How to Get There:  Take Express No 11028 towards Mumbai CST which will take you three and a half hours to reach Mumbai. If you’re driving take the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway which will take you around three hours to reach. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Everest (Rs. 1600 per night), Hotel Sion Residency (Rs. 1900 per night), Hotel Marol Residency Inn (Rs. 2000 per night).

Goa

Goa is always a good idea! And when it comes to a weekend getaway there has never been a better idea. Be it lounging at the sun kissed beaches, partying the night away at a night club, exploring the Portuguese churches of Old Goa, or feasting on Goan delicacies like Chicken Vindaloo and Xacuti, this little tropical paradise is truly a delight. If you’re an adventure junkie you can enjoy a varity of water sports like Jet Sky, Para Gliding, or Banana Boat Rides. If it’s shopping you’re after then head to the Anjuna flea market for trinkets, accessories, footwear and gift items.

How to Get There: There are many private bus operators that ply buses from Pune to Goa. A bus journey from Pune to Goa takes around eleven hours. If you choose to drive, take the Phule Nagar - Akluj Rd, which will take you around ten hours.

Where to Stay: New Ginger Tree Beach Resort (Rs. 2200 per night), The Byke Old Anchor (Rs. 1925 per night) and New Image Inn (Rs. 1650 per night)

Gokarna

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A sleepy little beach town in Karnataka, Gokarna is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing and quiet weekend getaway. Not much of a party destination, Gokarana is perfect if you’re looking at chilling at the beach and unwinding after a long week. Since the place is an important centre of Hindu pilgrimage, there are many temples one can visit as well, the most popular being the Mahabaleshwara Temple. Some of the popular beaches in Gokarna include Kurdle Beach, Om Beach and the Paradise Beach. Spend the weekend admiring the beaches and feasting on seafood at the beach shacks. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it!

How to Get There: If you’re driving take the NH 48 which will take you around nine hours to reach. You could also take a private bus which will take twelve hours to reach Gokarana.

Where to Stay: Makara Village (Rs. 1350 per night), Paradise Holiday Cottages ( Rs. 1980 per night) and Hotel Gokarana International (Rs. 840 per night).

Satpura

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Situates 1000 metres above sea level is located in the forests of the Sayadari range. Since it is a hill station, the weather in Satpura remains cool and pleasant most of the year. Some of the popular attractions in Satpura include the Pandava Caves, Echo Point, Sunset Point and Satpura Lake among others. Some of the Gujarati delicacies you can feast on here include Dhokla, Thepla, Khandvi and Dal Vada. With the right assortment of hills, forests, lakes and gardens, Satpura makes for that perfect weekend getaway.

How to Get There: If you’re driving take the NH 60 which will take you around six hours to reach Satpura. There are many private buses that ply between Pune and Satpura and take around seven hours to reach.

Where to Stay: Accommodation is available from Rs. 2500 per night.

Tarkarli

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that is a combination of untouched beaches, forts and temples then Tarkarli is the place for you. Known for its peace and tranquility with a dash of history and spirituality, this tucked away little beach town is popular among families and couples both. Spend the day relaxing by the beach, exploring the forts and temples and savouring delicious Malvani dishes like Murg Malvani, Bangda Fry and Ghavan.

How to Get There:  If you’re driving take the NH 48 which will take you around eight hours to reach Tarkarli. A bus journey will take you around the same time as well.

Where to Stay: Blue Sea Beach Homes (Rs. 5148 per night) and Kinara Niwas Nyahari (Rs. 5398 per night)

Lavasa

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A relaxing stay in a hill station or an action-packed trip with adventure sports – a tough choice, isn’t it? In Lavasa, you can do both! A popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune, Lavasa is a unique hill station cum city. A few things you can enjoy in Lavasa are nature walks, adventure sports like rappeling, rock climbing and paint ball. Visit Bamboosa, a bamboo factory and watch the craftsmen at work. You can also buy artefacts like wall clocks, furniture and gift items from there as well.

How to Get There:  If you’re driving take the Temghar-Lavasa Rd which will take you around two hours to reach Lavasa.

Where to Stay: The Picnic House (Rs. 3800 per night)

Alibaug

One of the most popular getaways from Pune, Alibaug is a favourite and for a reason. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Alinaugh is a perfect spot for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. Some of the popular places to check out in Alibaug are the Alibugh Beach, Kolaba Fort and the Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple. There are many café’s near the beach where you can enjoy fresh seafood and other Maharashtrian delicacies.

How to Get There: If you’re driving take the Mumbai-Bengaluru Hwy/Mumbai - Pune Expy which will take you around three hours to reach Alibaug from Pune.

Where to Stay:  Aarhaah Resort (Rs. 1883 per night)

Karjat

Mountains, forts, rock-cut churches and the famous ND Studios film set are just some of the reasons to visit the sleepy town of Karjat. Tucked away in the Western Ghats, this popular weekend holiday destination is a major draw for adventure seekers as well as the laid-back tourist. Some of the attractions you can enjoy in Karjat include ND Studios, Kondana Caves and the waterfalls at Bhivpuri. Adventure enthusiasts can take part in activities like rappelling, para sailing and hiking.  

How to Get There: Take the Mumbai-Bengaluru Hwy or Mumbai - Pune Expressway which will take you around two hours to reach Karjat.

Where to Stay: Paradise Bunglow (Rs. 1800 per night)

Matheran

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If you are a person for whom the hills is home then you need a weekend in Matheran. Driving away from the madness of Pune, Matheran is a town that you will find comforting. There may not be plenty of landmarks but the beauty of this town is enough to charm anyone. Apart from taking long walks you can enjoy zip lining. Other attractions in Matheran include Little Chowk Point, Paymaster Park and Charlotte Lake (perfect for a picnic). Before you leave, don’t forget to buy yourself some Chikki (a local specialty).  

How to Get There: Take the Mumbai-Bengaluru Highway or the Mumbai - Pune Expressway which will take you around two and a half hours to reach Matheran from Pune.

Where to Stay: Hotel Royal (Rs. 2749 per night)

Inspired much. Time to step out of that cubicle and start planning that holiday. Happy Travels!