Pune residents enjoy the special benefit of being only a few hours away from the Sahyadri Hills, beaches, historic forts, wineries, and vibrant metropolises. There are many and varied possibilities in the Pune area, whether you’re looking for a peaceful natural retreat, a historic excursion, or an exciting family vacation.
This is a carefully compiled list of the top weekend trips from Pune, replete with travel details, must-see sights, and suggested hotels.
1. The hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala Delight is 65 kilometers from Pune.
Time Spent Traveling: 1.5 to 2 hours
How to Get There: It is conveniently reachable by automobile or train (Deccan Express, Intercity Express) via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Must-See Locations: Rajmachi Fort
Dam Bhushi
The Leap of the Tiger
Caves of Karla and Bhaja
The Duke’s Nose
Where to Stay: Della Resorts offers opulent lodgings along with adventurous pursuits.
Fariyas Resort is a great place for couples and families.
Cloud 9 Hills Resort offers cozy comforts together with picturesque vistas.
2. Strawberry Paradise in Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar
It’s 120 kilometers from Pune.
Time Spent Traveling: 3–4 hours
How to Get There: Take NH 48 by car. Private taxis and buses are also accessible.
Must-See Locations: Mapro Garden
Lake Venna (boating)
Arthur’s Chair
Panchgani’s Table Land
Fort Pratapgad
Where to Stay: Sterling’s Evershine Resort
The Ravine Hotel Panchgani is a great place to see the valley.
For an opulent getaway, consider the Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa.
3. The Maximum City: Mumbai
150 kilometers from Pune
Three to four hours for travel
How to Get There:
Take the Deccan Queen or Intercity Express train or drive on a highway.
Must-See Locations: India’s Gateway
The Marine Drive
Colaba Causeway for retail
Temple of Siddhivinayak
Elephanta Caves
Where to Stay: Luxurious legacy at Taj Mahal Palace.
Sea vistas from Trident and Nariman Point are iconic.
Abode Bombay: Colaba boutique lodging.
4. India’s Wine Capital, Nashik
210 kilometers from Pune
Five hours for travel
How to Get There: Take the bus to Nashik or drive along NH 60.
Must-See Locations: Sula Vineyards (tours and wine tasting)
Temple of Trimbakeshwar
Caves of Pandavleni
Dudhsagar Falls (not in Goa, but in Nashik)
Accommodations: Sula Beyond, a stunning vineyard vacation.
Families will love the Express Inn Nashik.
Sula’s boutique luxury experience is called The Source.
5. The Valley of Flowers on the Satara and Kaas Plateau
It’s 120 kilometers from Pune.
Three hours for travel
How to Get There: Take NH 48 by car. There are buses to Satara as well.
Must-See Locations: UNESCO-designated Kaas Plateau (best visited August–October)
The waterfalls at Thoseghar
Fort Sajjangad
Fort Ajinkyatara
Accommodations: Hotel Radhika Palace
Resort at Nivant Hill
Satara’s Fern Residency
6. Beachside Bliss in Alibaug
145 miles away from Pune; 4–5 hours for travel
Driving or taking a bus or rail to Mumbai and then a ferry to Alibaug are the two ways to get there.
Must-See Locations: Alibaug Beach
Kolaba Fort, which is reachable at low tide
Varsoli and Kihim Beach
Janjira Fort to Murud (by boat)
The Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is where to stay.
Shambhala Coco
The Mango Beach House
7. Near Pune, Lavasa is a little Italy.
57 kilometers from Pune
Time Spent Traveling: 1.5 to 2 hours
Drive down the picturesque Temghar Dam route or take a private taxi to get there.
Places You Must See: Lavasa Promenade
Boating and riding by lakes
On the way, Temghar Dam
Accommodations: The Waterfront Shaw
Lavasa Mercure
Retreat at Ekaant
8. Adventure River Rafting in Kolad
It’s 120 kilometers from Pune.
3.5 hours for the trip
Driving across Tamhini Ghat is the way to get there. There are buses as well.
Activities You Must Do: Whitewater Rafting on the Kundalika River
Kayaking and camping
Nearby Tamhini Waterfalls
Accommodations: Z BAC Adventure Camp
Let’s Camp Out’s Jungle Camping
The Resort at Doctor’s Farm
9. The historic one-day trek to Sinhagad Fort and Khadakwasla is 35 kilometers from Pune and takes one to one and a half hours.
How to Get There: Take a local taxi or drive there yourself.
Must-See Locations: The Trek to Sinhagad Fort
Khadakwasla Dam (ideal for outdoor gatherings)
Nearby Panshet Dam
Accommodations: Whistling Winds Resort
The Ambrosia Resort
The Fort Heritage Hotel in Jadhavgarh (for a royal experience close)
10. Igatpuri: A Verdant Retreat
245 miles away from Pune; travel time: 5.5–6 hours
How to Get There: Take the train through Nashik or drive along NH 60.
Places You Must See: Vipassana Meditation Center
Valley of the Bhatsa River
Point in Camel Valley
Maharashtra’s highest point is Kalsubai Peak.
Accommodations: Rainforest Resort
Spa Resort in Mystic Valley
The Manas Lifestyle Resort
11. Matheran: Hill Station Without Cars
120 miles away from Pune; travel time: 3.5–4 hours
How to Get There: Walk or ride a horse to Matheran, drive to Neral, or take a toy train.
Points You Must See: Panorama Point
Lake Charlotte
The Echo Point
Market Street (no cars permitted)
Where to Stay: The Forest Verandah
Adamo The Resort
The Westend Hotel
Advice on Organizing the Ideal Weekend Escape from Pune:
Plan Ahead: Particularly on weekends and during the monsoon season.
Verify the weather: While the monsoon season brings beautiful scenery, it can sometimes make travel difficult.
Pack wisely by include power banks, hiking shoes, and rain gear (June to September).
Start Early: Avoid traffic and spend more time where you’re going.
Pune-based car rental services
Renting a car from Pune is a great way to experience weekend trips at your own leisure if you’re a flexible and comfortable traveler.
From hatchbacks to luxury SUVs, a number of reputable car rental companies, like Zoomcar, Revv, and Savaari, provide self-drive or chauffeur-driven automobiles.
These services let you plan your trip, make stops at beautiful locations, and go at your own pace, whether you’re going to the beaches of Alibaug or the highlands of Mahabaleshwar. Weekend road trips are made hassle-free and pleasurable by the several providers who additionally offer pick-up and drop-off services across Pune city.
Concluding remarks
Because of its ideal position, Pune offers a wealth of weekend getaway options for all types of tourists, including history buffs, wine connoisseurs, adventurers, and those who simply want to relax by the sea.
Every place on this list gives a different perspective of Maharashtra and beyond, from calm vineyards and immaculate beaches to imposing forts and foggy mountains.
Therefore, the next time the bustle of the city becomes too much to handle, pack your backpack, fill up your car, and go to one of these restorative getaways that are only a few hours away from Pune!
