Pune is the second largest city in the Maharashtra State, and also the second major IT and manufacturing Hub. The city is also known to be the Cultural, Industrial, and Educational Capital of Maharashtra. The widely spoken language of the city is Marathi.
Pune has many places to visit, as the city has preserved historical and architectural monuments and museums. Pune consists the famous historical landmarks including the Lal Mahal, the Sinhagad Fort, the Ganapati temple, and Shaniwar Wada.
The fast-evolving city, Pune, enjoys a moderate climate all around the year. The climate usually is cool and breezy, which makes people visit the city repeatedly. Pune has a lot to offer, not only in terms of tourist landmarks but also the variety of food. Whether you want to go to an exclusion restaurant or roadside eateries, whether you want non-vegetarian food or authentic vegetarian food.
What is the best way to spend the weekend around Pune?
The best way to spend the weekends is to go for a one-day trip with your friend, or family or why not a solo trip exploring places around Pune?
The neighboring Places from Pune could be the perfect destination for people searching for peace and natural beauty. Some famous Hill stations include Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Wai, Mumbai, Lonavala, Khandala, Lohagadh, Sinhagad, Rajmachi, Karnala, and many more.
Explore Weekend Gateways near Pune:
1. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, famous for its delicious strawberries and raspberries. This is a beautiful scenic hill town to reconnect with nature’s beauty. Mahabaleshwar is also a pilgrimage place for Hindus comprising ancient temples. Watching a beautiful sunrise or sunset is a prime thing to do in the town.
You can trek the jungles, climb the peaks, visit Mahabaleshwar Temple, Krishnabai Temple, Lodwick Point, Lingmala Waterfall, and Arthur’s seat for fascinating views, browse the markets and go boating at Venna lake.
- Distance from Pune: 120 Km via NH 48
- Duration to reach: Approx 3 hrs
- Best Time to Visit: December to January
- Things to do: Trekking, Horse riding, boating, leisure stay
- Trip Duration: 2 Days
2. Panchgani
A popular hill Station near Mahabaleshwar is famous for its green valleys and pleasant environment. The place gives a scenic view of its various sunrise and sunsets.
The top attractions to visit in Panchgani are Table Land, Sydney Point, Kate’s Point, Dhom Dam, Rajpuri Caves, and Parsi Point. Tableland gives a large expanse of land with lovely views and you can do horse riding there. Paragliding is the must-do fun activity in Panchgani.
- Distance from Pune: 101 Km
- Duration to reach: Approx 2 hrs
- Best Time to Visit: September to May
- Things to do: Trekking, Hiking, Sightseeing
- Duration: 1-2 Days
Panchgani Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Panchgani Trip Itinerary
3. Wai
Have a long drive ride to the beautiful hill station near Pune, Wai, 66 Km from Pune. It is a small city near Panchgani. Dholya Ganapati Temple is a well-known pilgrim on the bank of the Krishna River. Film shooting is also quite popular, at Wai, the monsoon spot near Pune. Weekend Gateway, Wai has its own culture and history.
Rajpuri and Wai Caves, the Kashi Vishweshwar Temple, Nana Phadnavis Wada, Mapro Food Park, etc are the main tourist attraction.
Moreover, the place offers an enchanting one-day experience.
- Distance from Pune: 87 Km
- Duration to reach: 2 hrs
- Best Time to Visit: January to May
- Things to do: Explore ancient temples, long drives, sightseeing
- Duration: 1 Day
4. Lonavala and Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are the twin hill stations, a trip can be combined. Lonavala also called the city of Caves, is one of the popular weekend gateways to make a quick escape from Pune. The place is known for its natural wonders, religious attractions, and historical sites.
Trek to Canyon Valley, Camp at Pawna Lake or Aundoli, Hot air balloon Safari, explore Bhaja and Karla Caves, Visit Khune Waterfalls, and many more adventures. The waterfalls include Kune waterfall, Bhivpuri, Jummapatti waterfall, etc.
Lonavala is famous for its hard candy chikki made from nuts mixed with jaggery.
- Distance from Pune: 67.4 Km
- Duration to reach: 1-2 hr
- Best Time to Visit: June to September (Monsoon season)
- Things to do: Trekking, Hiking, Camping, Adventure sports
- Trip Duration: 2 Days
Lonavala and Khandala Package: 2 Nights 3 Days Lonavala Khandala Tour Itinerary from Mumbai
5. Mumbai
The city of dreams has much more to offer including architecture, art, culture, history, food, theatre, cinema, nightlife, etc.
The chaotic city offers magical beaches, driveways, and classical monuments. Some of the must-see tourist spots are Siddhivinayak Temple, Marine Drive, The Gateway of India, The Prince of Wales Museum, The High Court, Bombay University, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Rajabai clock tower.
At night, you can relax at Juhu Beach or Chowpati beach with spicy and delicious street food.
- Distance from Pune: 150.6 Km
- Duration to reach: 3 hrs
- Route: via Mumbai-Pune expressway (Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway)
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Things to do: Explore Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Film City, Dharavi, Photography, and sightseeing.
- Duration: 2-3 Days
Explore Some famous Trekking Spots near Pune
Trekking has become popular these days and most people are opting for it, especially the youth and adults.
Some of the best trekking places near Pune are:
1. Sinhagad Trek
Sinhagad Fort is a famous trekking spot within 30-40 Km of Pune, situated on Kondhana Hill. The best time to visit the fort is either during monsoons or winters.
The Sinhagad trekking adventure can be enjoyed either in groups, couples, or even solo. The key attraction of the place is Khandakwasla Dam, Pune Darwaza, Kalyan, Hanuman Temple, the Statue of Tanaji Malusare, etc. You can explore the Kade Lot, sightseeing at the fort, and do adventurous activities including tent camping.
- Distance from Pune: 37 Km
- Duration to reach: 1-1.5 hrs
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon or Winter months (June to February)
- Things to do: Hiking, Camping, exploring sacred & religious sites
- Trip Duration: 1 Day
2. Rajmachi Fort Trek
The well-known trekking spot is approximately 16 Km distance from Lonavala-Khandala. Trekking the Rajmachi hill is the only way to reach the top. The place has scenic views, with the chirping birds and butterflies, and is also surrounded by green lush grasses. Udhewadi is the base of Rajmachi Trek.
You can group trek with organized trek groups or enjoy the trek with friends or family. Camping out under the stars is a surreal experience. The villagers over there also offer homestays with home-cooked food. During the monsoon, you can also have some good photography near the breathtaking waterfalls.
- Distance from Pune: 202 Km
- Duration to reach: 4-5 Hrs
- Best Time to Visit: June to September
- Things to do: Camping and trekking
- Trip Duration: 1 Day
3. Lohagad Fort Trek
Lohagad Fort is the popular hill station tourist destination of Lonavala. The place is a well-known day trip and trekking destination.
You can admire the sculptures, hike the Vinchu Kata, admire Karla-Bhaja caves, camp near Pawna Dam, visit Mahadev Temple, and can also check out several big or small ponds over there.
- Distance from Pune: 65 Km
- Duration to reach: 2 hr
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon months
- Things to do: Hiking, Boating, Photography walk
- Trip Duration: 1 Day
4. Karnala Fort Trek
Karnala fort is surrounded by green dense forests and high mountains. The fort is well known for its Karnala Bird Sanctuary spread over 12 square kilometers.
You can visit the famous Ambarnath Shiva Temple, explore Matheran Hill Station, and spend time exploring elephant caves.
- Distance from Pune: 122 Km
- Duration to reach: 2-2.5 hr
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Things to do: Trekking, sightseeing
- Duration: 1 Day
Spend Weekend Nightlife in Pune
Pune is a paradise for night freaks. Pune has a vibrant and exciting nightlife that brings life to this busy city. For a party animal, spending time in the clubs and pubs brings the best weekend experience. The best thing to do on weekends in Pune is to visit clubs and pubs and enjoy the music, and restaurants for some great dishes. If you are very enthusiastic about nightlife entertainment, attend a music concert. Pune is a complete party town, one can enjoy.
Some of the best party clubs and pubs in Pune are:
- Miami, Shivajinagar, Pune
- Coco- Sushi & Bar, Koregaon Park, Mundhwa
- Oak Lounge, Oakwood Premier Hotel, Mundhwa
- Penthouze, Onyx Tower, North Main Road
- Unwind, Mundhwa
On the Weekend in Pune go Shopping
Pune is bliss for shopaholics. Pune has a popular street market, furniture, clothing, accessories, jewels, and many more. Paithani Sarees, Kolhapur chappals, Maharashtrian Naths, silver, brassware, clothes, and frills are the key attraction.
For foodies, Bhakarwadi, Puran Poli, Mango Barfi, a variety of Chiwda, and there are much more specialties to adore.
Some of the top street markets to grab some extraordinary merchandise and handicrafts:
- Laxmi Road
- Fergusson College Road
- Hong Kong Lane
- Fashion Street
- Clover Centre
- Koregaon Park
- ABC, Pune
- Tulsi Baug
- Juna Bazaar
- Mahatma Phule Mandai
- Chhatrapati Sambhaji nagar
- Bajirao Road
- Mahatma Gandhi Road
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