Pune is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the 7th largest urban agglomeration in India. Hill stations are the best time to escape the scorching summer heat. Hill stations are also perfect for people who find it difficult to sleep at night due to the heat. Many hill stations around Pune are perfect for a weekend getaway. If you wish to explore more about this hill station. Here’s our list of hill stations near Pune:
Lavasa
One of India’s new world-class and self-sufficient eco-smart cities. Lavasa is an hour and a half drive from Pune and is surrounded by lush green forests. That offer camping opportunities with various options of luxurious tents, cottages and resorts. Lavasa has theme-based zones such as the Sahyadri zone, Dhyanalinga zone and Azad heritage zone. Which offer a range of entertainment, leisure and relaxation activities. Other attractions in Lavasa include the world’s tallest flag post and ‘Go Karting & Adventure Sports Village’.
Matheran
Matheran is one of the most popular getaways near Mumbai. It offers scenic beauty and is only a 2-hour drive from Pune. Some of the fun activities you can enjoy at this place include horse rides, elephant rides and the Auto Rickshaw ride which covers most of the popular points in Matheran.
Located around 72 km from Pune and set in the Western Ghats. Matheran is a hill station you will never forget. Scenes from films such as Kesariya Balam Aave, 3 Idiots and much more films were shot in this beautiful town. The climate here is similar to that of Shimla, except it’s not foggy.
Also Visit: Hill Station Near Bangalore
Lonavala
It is one of India’s most popular hill stations near Pune and Mumbai, it is only a 2-hour drive from Pune. Lonavala has some very beautiful waterfalls spread across its region including Bhushi Dam, Dhondi falls and Fafadungh falls. Lonavala has an enchanting lake, various theme parks and world-class resorts. Don’t forget to visit the Monsoon Palace Restaurant with its amazing view of the lake.
Mahabaleshwar
It is a bustling place in summer but quiet in winters. It has one of the cleanest lakes with lotus flowers all over. Don’t forget to visit Echo Point for a splendid view of the hills. And also Karla Caves which are home to some beautiful carvings. Some other places you should visit are Pratapgad fort, Krushnai waterfall. And Udhewadi Caves where you can find snakes in them.
Panchgani
Located at 80 km from Pune, Panchgani is a perfect hill station to relax after a day’s hard work. It offers panoramic views of the Sahyadri range spread across the valley. There are a lot of waterfalls at Panchgani that you will enjoy camping with. You can go to the best spot in Panchgani namely Sambhaji Cave where there is a statue of Sambhaji. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a temple of Goddess Durga.
Bhandardara
Located at a distance of 135 km from Pune, Bhandardara is a beautiful place near Pune which has an artificial lake. It is also home to the famous Mountain Spring Hotel. Where you can enjoy some delicious food and some wonderful views of the surrounding hills. Some places that you must visit here are the Bakul Tree, Ashoka Vatika and the famous Mahabaleshwar temple. Bhandardara is one of those few hill stations near Pune where you can enjoy a good night out with bars and clubs.
Khandala
Located at a distance of around 80 km from Pune. Khandala is one of the most popular tourist spots in Maharashtra. can experience at point number 5 in Khandala. Places that you must visit in Khandala include Ganesh Talai and Matheran Ghat.
Tapola
Located at a distance of around 50 km from Pune. Tapola is a beautiful hill station near Pune that has pine forests and hilly landscapes. Tourists come here to experience the beauty of nature. You can visit the Raigad fort here where you will find some old cannons that are used to protect the fort. Some other attractions are Tapola waterfalls, Vanjari caves and the temple of Khandoba.
Igatpuri
Located at a distance of around 80 km from Pune, Igatpuri is a beautiful hill station near Pune which has many natural waterfalls and hills all around. Some other attractions in Igatpuri are the Malhari temple, Kaleshwari temple and the tomb of Meher Baba.
Dodamarg
Located at a distance of nearly 140 km from Pune, Dodamarg is one of the most popular hill stations near Mumbai. Places to visit in Dodamarg include Hiranyakeshi dam which offers an amazing view of not only winters but also summers because the water gives out its coolness.
Rajmachi
This place is located at a distance of 90 km from Pune. Rajmachi offers some wonderful views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Places to visit include Rajmachi Fort and Taljai Fort. One of the most convenient places to stay here is Madhav Bungalows which has a very good ambience and a decent restaurant.
Apart from the above-mentioned places, you should also visit the points in Taljai Fort, Murbad and Shilonda as they offer some fascinating views of nature. Some other nearby tourist destinations near Pune, Mumbai and Nashik which you must visit are Lavasa, Mahableshwar, Khandala, Koyana Dam and Ajanta & Ellora Caves which are all famous tourist spots near Pune.