The best thing about living in or travelling to Pune is that you can break the monotony of life by heading to any of the nearby scenic hill stations during weekends. And trust us, there are many! Within a short drive of this âOxford of the Eastâ are numerous holiday destinations of the Western Ghats that are bestowed with captivating natural beauty. You can travel to any of these for a revitalising vacation that will bring you a new life. This blog will tell you about the best hill stations near Pune, so you can plan a trip and unwind at the best place. Check these out:
Widely famous as âIndiaâs first planned hill cityâ, Lavasa resembles the Portofino town in Italy. It is a unique place in the country, where everything has been meticulously planned out, including its many tourist attractions. The village of Dasve, which the establishment of Lavasa has replaced, is now known as Dasve Boulevard. Scenic views, a laid-back environment, adventure opportunities and world-class amenities, Lavasa offers you all. And thus, it is among the best hill stations near Pune.
Distance from Pune: 60 km
Points of interest in and around Lavasa: Lakeside Promenade, Bamboosa, Temghar Dam
Ask people of Mumbai or Pune about their favourite hangout spot during weekends, and most of them would say it is Lonavala. Nestled amidst lush valleys, it provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and takes you a step closer to nature. Numerous waterfalls and lakes in the vicinity of the hill station add to its beauty. Abundant adventure opportunities beckoning people to Lonavala from near and far make it one of the most sought-after hill stations near Pune.
Distance from Pune: 66 km
Points of interest in and around Lonavala: Tiger’s Leap, Bushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Imagica, Rajmachi Fort, Celebrity Wax Museum
Khandala is perhaps the most popular hill station near Pune. The place remains swamped with holidaymakers between October and May. Since Khandala receives heavy rainfall during the remaining four months, most travellers avoid visiting during this time. However, the monsoon can also be a magical time as this is when the waterfalls in the region are truly spectacular. Planning a romantic trip or family getaway, Khandala is a great pick.
Distance from Pune: 71 km
Points of interest in and around Khandala: Karla Caves, Imagica, Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort
Panchgani is a famous hill station near Pune and Mumbai in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is roosted at an elevation of around 1350 metres amidst five hills of the Sahyadri Mountains of the Western Ghats. Hence, the name Panchgani. Home to several vantage points, the place is known for bewitching sunsets and sunrises. With a stunning backdrop of hills, it presents a perfect place to click cool pics for your social media accounts.
Distance from Pune: 101 km
Points of interest in and around Panchgani: Parsi Point, Sydney Point, Table Land, Dhom Dam, Rajpuri Caves, Devil’s Kitchen
Click to learn about other well-known hill stations near Mumbai.
Although the list of picturesque hill stations around Pune is quite long, Malshej Ghat has built a good reputation among adventurers and nature lovers. Malshej Ghat’s map and its surroundings are spotted with lakes and waterfalls. Besides going on a sightseeing tour to explore the local attractions, you can also partake in adventure activities like trekking, camping and more. That’s what makes it one of the popular hill stations near Pune.
Distance from Pune: 120 km
Points of interest in and around Panchgani: Malshej Falls, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Ajoba Hill Fort, Harishchandragad Fort, Konkan Kada, Sindola Fort
Check any list of the best hill stations near Pune and Mumbai, and you will find the mention of Matheran; such is the beauty and tranquillity of this place. It is also among the smallest hill stations in India. Vehicles are not allowed in and around Matheran, so you get an environment that is the epitome of serenity. It is Asia’s only automobile free hill station.
Distance from Pune: 120 km
Points of interest in and around Matheran: Alexander Point, Louisa Point, Echo Point, One Tree Hill Point, Shivaji’s Ladder, Charlotte Lake
Mahabaleshwar served as Bombay’s summer capital during British rule. The British reign may have been over a long time ago, but the fame of this hill station has not subsided. It is home to many vantage points that offer awe-inspiring vistas of the Western Ghats. Numerous strawberry farms in the area also tempt people to plan a trip to this hill station near Pune.
Distance from Pune: 120 km
Points of interest in and around Mahabaleshwar: Elephant’s Head Point, Chinaman’s Falls, Vienna Lake, Dhobi Waterfall, Pratapgad Fort, Lodwick Point, Arthur’s Seat, Sunset Point, Kate’s Point
Bhandardara has everything one looks for in a hill station â natural beauty, pristine waterfalls, undisturbed tranquillity, lush greenery and crisp air. And thus, it is our pick for the top hill stations near Pune. As per local legend, sage Agastya meditated here for a year, and in his penance, he was blessed with a stream of the Ganga River by the gods. It is known as the Pravara River today. A day or two spent in the soothing environs of Bhandardara is everything you need to forget the hassles of everyday life.
Distance from Pune: 172 km
Points of interest in and around Bhandardara: Arthur Lake, Amruteshwar Temple, Randha Fall, Bhandardara Dam, Umbrella Falls
Panhala is shrouded in the history of Maharashtra. It is one of the few places in the region where Chhatrapati Shivaji spent significant time. Panhala Fort, perhaps the biggest draw of this hill station near Pune, served as the capital of the Marathas for several decades. Plan a trip during the monsoon season and treat yourself to incredible sights.
Distance from Pune: 238 km
Points of interest in and around Panhala: Panhala Fort, Sajja Kothi, Sambhaji Temple, Nayakini Sajja, Someshwar Tank
Situated in the Nashik district, Igatpuri is a small town among the most visited hill stations near Pune. A vast number of tourists seeking sceneries and peace flock to Igatpuri. It is home to a renowned meditation centre where one can enrol to learn the art. Vipassana Pagoda, a meditation hall dome, is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. This place’s cultural and natural heritage makes it one of the best holiday destinations near Pune.
Distance from Pune: 243 km
Points of interest in and around Igatpuri: Dhamma Giri, Myanmar Gate, Camel Valley, Vihigaon Falls, Thal Ghat, Ghatandevi Mata Temple
Plan a trip to Jawhar to capture the scenic beauty and enjoy the pleasant weather of this place. Jawhar is also a culture enthusiast’s dream where people of different tribes dwell. Next time you make a flight booking to head to Pune or Mumbai, travel to Jawhar and paint yourself in its hues of culture and nature.
Distance from Pune: 258 km
Points of interest in and around Jawhar: Hanuman Point, Jawhar Fort, Jai Vilas Palace, Jawahar Palace, Kalmandavi Waterfall
The small yet breathtaking Tapola is another popular hill station near Pune. The awe-inspiring beauty of the place has earned it the nickname â Mini Switzerland. The town boasts a gorgeous location on the confluence of the Koyna and Solshi Rivers. You can enjoy several water activities like kayaking, water scooter rides, boating and more.
Distance from Pune: 147 km
Points of interest in and around Tapola: Lingmala Waterfalls, Kaas Lake, Wax Museum, Vasota Fort
Nestled at an elevation of about 2200 feet, Amboli is another enchanting hill station near Pune. You can do everything here â capture scenic vistas, enjoy soothing environs and explore sightseeing spots. Amboli is not as popular as other names on this list of hill stations near Pune. Thus, a great destination for those who seek solitude.
Distance from Pune: 346 km
Points of interest in and around Amboli: Amboli Falls, Madhavgad Fort, Sunset Point, Shirgaonkar Point, Hiranyakeshi Temple
These are the best hill stations near Pune. We are sure that a few of these have piqued your curiosity and urged you to plan a trip the next time you book flight tickets to Pune. Book your flights and hotels on HappyEasyGo for the lowest price. Plan a trip today!
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