While Pune is regarded as one of India’s best places to live in, Maharashtra has much more to offer. There are numerous sites to explore near Pune that make for wonderful weekend escapes. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it’s picturesque hill stations, picnic sites, cultural towns and temples, or historical landmarks, you’ll find it. The great road and railway accessibility enhances a short vacation or weekend getaway. When planning a trip to the city, you must book your rooms in Pune JW Marriott luxury hotel. 

Pawna

Pawna Lake, located 62 kilometres from Pune, is a popular picnic and camping destination. The lakeside is a surreal destination among the many sites to visit around Pune, and it is particularly popular with young adults who come to camp on weekends. The lake, which is adjacent to Lonavala, attracts a large number of visitors who come to see the hill station. Visitors can also do some photography and light boating while they’re here.

Lonavala

Lonavala is a prominent hill station near Pune that is a great place to visit during the monsoon season. Lonavala is a popular destination for families, large groups of friends, and hikers and trekkers due to the abundance of waterfalls, lakes, and hills in the area. The route from Pune to Lonavala is in fantastic shape, and the drive is incredibly scenic, thus driving is the ideal mode of transportation.

Lavasa

Lavasa is one of India’s newest hill stations, modelled after the Italian town of Portofino. The Lavasa Corporation is in charge of the building and maintenance of this privately built metropolis. Lavasa is a beautiful blend of beauty and infrastructure, spanning seven hills and encompassing a total area of 25000 acres. Taking photographs and going on walks throughout the city is a popular pastime for visitors. The Temghar-Lavasa Rd can be used to get to Lavasa from Pune.

Igatpuri

Igatpuri is best known for the Vipassana International Academy, which is home to the world’s largest Vipassana meditation institute. Igatpuri, a popular weekend retreat from Mumbai and Pune, is one of Maharashtra’s top monsoon destinations. Igatpuri is an excellent spot to go rock climbing and trekking, in addition to seeing old forts, gorgeous waterfalls, and lofty mountains. Igatpuri has the Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley, Konkankada Valley, and the Randha Falls for photographers and environment lovers.

Khandala

Khandala hill station, the twin sister of Lonavala, is one of the most popular weekend destinations near Pune. With its picturesque valleys, grassy hills, calm lakes, and misty waterfalls, Khandala is a sight to behold. Two of the most popular activities here are hiking and rock climbing. This small hill station, made famous by the Bollywood song ‘Aati Kya Khandala,’ is a favorite picnic location for families and friends. By automobile, Khandala is easily accessible from Pune. Book your rooms in Pune JW Marriott luxury hoteland enjoy a great traveling experience. 

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in Maharashtra’s Satara district, located in the Western Ghats. Mahabaleshwar is noted for its various rivers, stunning cascades, and majestic peaks, in addition to its famed strawberries. Mahabaleshwar is a popular weekend destination for young working people from Pune. With excellent road infrastructure, it is simple to go from Pune to Mahabaleshwar by automobile.

Matheran

At an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, Matheran is a charming little hill station. It’s only 120 kilometres from Pune, making it an ideal weekend retreat, especially during the summer. Because it is India’s tiniest hill station, cars are strictly prohibited from entering the town. Road trippers and picnickers from Pune are drawn to the great vistas with panoramic views and the hiking routes.

Rajmachi

Rajmachi Fort is well-known among trekkers and adventure seekers. To do a full-fledged hike, start from the side of the Kondhane cave, which would take 3-4 hours, or drive straight up to Udhewadi village (on the Lonavala side) and then trek for 20-30 minutes to the top of the fort. Rajmachi is a popular beginner’s hike due to its straightforward and well-marked track on both paths. The view from the top of the fort is spectacular, especially during the rainy season.

Ajanta and Ellora caves

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, and are considered one of the best examples of ancient rock-cut caves. The caverns are a combination of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu buildings, as the complex comprises both Buddhist monasteries and Hindu and Jain temples. They are adorned with exquisite sculptures, paintings, and frescoes. The Ajanta Caves are 29 in number and were constructed between the 2nd century BC and the 6th century AD, whilst the Ellora Caves are 34 in number and date from the 6th to 11th centuries AD.

Nashik

Nashik (Nasik) is a Maharashtra city on the banks of the Godavari River, named after a relic related with the Ramayana. Every 12 years, Nashik hosts the legendary Kumbh Mela. Exotic temples, waterfalls, hikes, and vineyards abound in the city. Tourists flock to Nashik’s many wellness resorts every weekend, making it an all-around good weekend getaway from Pune. Nashik is accessible by road from Pune through National Highway 60.

Lohagad

Lohagad Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and imposing fort around 52 kilometres from Pune, is located at a height of 3400 feet. Lohagad Fort, erected in the 18th century, is a popular trekking and natural destination for visitors from Pune and Mumbai. This is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj kept his treasury.

Conclusion 

The Singhagad fort is a must-see tourist site for anyone interested in Maratha architecture and spectacular vistas of the Sahyadris. It offers great walking trails to the top of the cliffs due to its enticing location on the Bhuleshwar Range of the Sahyadri Mountains.

Pune is known for its bakery items, while having a diverse range of dining alternatives ranging from street food to high-end restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Don’t miss out on Pune’s delectable sweets, which include a wide range of biscuits, pastries, and even cakes.