Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Pune (1-Day Trips)
Here are some of the top weekend getaways from Pune that you can explore in a day:
1. Lonavala and Khandala
- Why Visit: Hill stations with stunning views, waterfalls, and forts.
- Major Attractions: Bhushi Dam, Lion’s Point, Karla and Bhaja Caves.
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season for lush greenery and waterfalls.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants and dhabas on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway
2. Mahabaleshwar
- Why Visit: A hill station with stunning views, waterfalls, and strawberry farms.
- Major Attractions: Mapro Garden, Venna Lake, Elephant’s Head Point.
- Best Time to Visit: Monsoon season for lush greenery and waterfalls.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Mahabaleshwar
3. Alibaug
- Why Visit: A coastal town with beautiful beaches, forts, and colonial-era architecture.
- Major Attractions: Alibaug Beach, Kulaba Fort, Korlai Fort.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but the monsoon season can be avoided.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants and seafood shacks in Alibaug
4. Goa
- Why Visit: A coastal state with beautiful beaches, churches, and forts.
- Major Attractions: Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Chapora Fort.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but the monsoon season can be avoided.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Goa
5. Hampi
- Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins, temples, and stunning landscapes.
- Major Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Hemakuta Hill, Vittala Temple, Hazara Rama Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for sunrise at Hemakuta Hill, afternoon for temple exploration.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Hampi
6. Mysore
- Why Visit: A historical city with stunning palaces, lush gardens, and a rich cultural heritage.
- Major Attractions: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hills, Jaganmohan Palace.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for Mysore Palace, evening for Brindavan Gardens.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Mysore
7. Belur and Halebid
- Why Visit: Two historical towns with stunning Hoysala temples.
- Major Attractions: Hoysaleswara Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebid).
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for both temples.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Belur and Halebid
8. Chikmagalur
- Why Visit: A coffee lover’s paradise with scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and historic temples.
- Major Attractions: Mullayyanagiri Peak, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kalhatti Falls, Kemmannugundi.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Mullayyanagiri Peak, afternoon for Kalhatti Falls.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Chikmagalur
9. Coorg
- Why Visit: A hill station known for its coffee plantations, misty mountains, and tranquil ambiance.
- Major Attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Bylakuppe (Tibetan Monastery), Talacauvery.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat, afternoon for Bylakuppe.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Coorg
10. Wayanad
- Why Visit: A hill district with lush greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, and beautiful waterfalls.
- Major Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Edakkal Caves, afternoon for Pookode Lake.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Wayanad
11. Kerala Backwaters
- Why Visit: A network of canals, lakes, and lagoons.
- Major Attractions: Houseboat cruise, backwater tour.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants on the houseboats and resorts
12. Rameshwaram
- Why Visit: A holy pilgrimage site with beautiful temples and beaches.
- Major Attractions: Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for temple visit, evening for beach.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Rameshwaram
13. Madurai
- Why Visit: A historic city with beautiful temples and a rich cultural heritage.
- Major Attractions: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thiruparankundram Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Madurai
14. Thanjavur
- Why Visit: A historic city with beautiful temples and a rich cultural heritage.
- Major Attractions: Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur Palace.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Thanjavur
15. Trichy
- Why Visit: A historic city with beautiful temples and forts.
- Major Attractions: Rock Fort Temple, Srirangam Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Trichy
16. Pondicherry
- Why Visit: A coastal town with a French colonial influence.
- Major Attractions: Promenade Beach, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several restaurants in Pondicherry
17. Mahabalipuram
- Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient temples and sculptures.
- Major Attractions: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Krishna’s Butter Ball.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Mahabalipuram
18. Kanyakumari
- Why Visit: A coastal town with stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
- Major Attractions: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Several local eateries in Kanyakumari
19. Hyderabad
- Why Visit: A bustling city with a rich history, diverse culture, and delicious food.
- Major Attractions: Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for Charminar and Golconda Fort, afternoon for Ramoji Film City.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Numerous options available in Hyderabad
20. Bengaluru
- Why Visit: A bustling city with a vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and modern attractions.
- Major Attractions: UB City, MG Road, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime, depending on your interests.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Numerous options available in Bangalore
21. Mumbai
- Why Visit: A bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and historical sites.
- Major Attractions: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves.
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year, but the monsoon season can be avoided.
- Restaurants on the Way:
- Numerous options available in Mumbai
Note: Always check the weather conditions and road conditions before planning your trip. Carry essential items like water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during the summer months.