Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Pune for a One-Day Trip

Pune, known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is surrounded by scenic landscapes, historical forts, serene hill stations, and spiritual retreats. These destinations offer the perfect escape for a one-day trip. Here’s a comprehensive list of the Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Pune, with detailed reasons to visit, major attractions, best times, and dining recommendations.

1. Lonavala and Khandala

Why You Should Visit:

Located 65 km from Pune, Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations known for their lush greenery, waterfalls, and forts.

Major Attractions:

Tiger’s Leap: A viewpoint offering breathtaking valley views.
Bhushi Dam: A serene spot for relaxation during monsoons.
Rajmachi Fort: A historic fort accessible via a trek.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Golden Vada Pav: Known for its iconic Maharashtrian snack.
Rama Krishna Restaurant: Offers vegetarian meals.

2. Sinhagad Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 35 km from Pune, Sinhagad Fort is a historic hill fort known for its Maratha legacy and panoramic views.

Major Attractions:

Historic Fortifications: Learn about the fort’s role in Shivaji Maharaj’s battles.
Khadakwasla Dam: A peaceful spot en route.
Local Delicacies: Enjoy pithla bhakri and kanda bhaji at the fort.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Fortside Snacks: Known for local Maharashtrian food.
Sunny Da Dhaba: Serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

3. Lavasa

Why You Should Visit:

Located 60 km from Pune, Lavasa is a planned city offering picturesque lakes and hills.

Major Attractions:

Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking and boating on Dasve Lake.
Nature Walks: Explore scenic trails.
Photography: Capture the European-inspired architecture.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

The All American Diner: Known for breakfast and continental meals.
Orient 8: Offers Asian and Indian cuisine.

4. Rajgad Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 40 km from Pune, Rajgad Fort is the former capital of the Maratha Empire and offers stunning trekking routes.

Major Attractions:

Trekking Trails: Suitable for beginner to intermediate trekkers.
Historic Significance: Explore palaces and bastions.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning (6:00 AM departure recommended).

Restaurants Nearby:

Fortside Dhaba: Serves simple Maharashtrian meals.
Rajgad Food Point: Known for snacks and refreshments.

5. Mulshi Dam and Lake

Why You Should Visit:

Located 45 km from Pune, Mulshi Dam is a tranquil getaway surrounded by hills and greenery.

Major Attractions:

Lake Views: Ideal for photography and relaxation.
Nature Walks: Explore the surrounding Sahyadri ranges.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Quick Bites Café: Offers snacks and beverages.
Lake View Restaurant: Known for fresh fish and vegetarian meals.

6. Mahabaleshwar

Why You Should Visit:

Located 120 km from Pune, Mahabaleshwar is a famous hill station with stunning viewpoints and strawberry farms.

Major Attractions:

Venna Lake: Enjoy boating and horse riding.
Arthur’s Seat: Known as the “Queen of Points” for its views.
Strawberry Farms: Taste fresh strawberries and cream.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning (6:00 AM departure).

Restaurants Nearby:

Mapro Garden Café: Known for strawberry-based treats.
Bagicha Corner: Offers local snacks and beverages.

7. Alibaug

Why You Should Visit:

Located 140 km from Pune, Alibaug is a coastal town famous for its pristine beaches and forts.

Major Attractions:

Alibaug Beach: Perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Kolaba Fort: A historic fort accessible during low tide.
Varsoli Beach: A less-crowded beach for relaxation.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Sanman Restaurant: Famous for seafood thalis.
Patil Khanaval: Offers authentic Konkani cuisine.

8. Pawna Lake

Why You Should Visit:

Located 60 km from Pune, Pawna Lake is a serene spot for picnics and camping.

Major Attractions:

Lakeside Activities: Ideal for photography and nature walks.
Nearby Forts: Visit Lohagad, Tikona, or Tung forts.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Lakeside Dhaba: Offers Maharashtrian meals.
Fort View Café: Known for light snacks and tea.

9. Kamshet (Paragliding)

Why You Should Visit:

Located 50 km from Pune, Kamshet is a hub for paragliding enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Major Attractions:

Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying over scenic valleys.
Shinde Wadi Hills: A popular spot for adventure activities.

Best Time to Visit:

Winter mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Paragliders Café: Known for quick meals and drinks.
Sunny Dhaba: Offers North Indian and Maharashtrian food.

10. Jejuri Temple

Why You Should Visit:

Located 50 km from Pune, Jejuri is a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Khandoba.

Major Attractions:

Spiritual Ambiance: A revered site for pilgrims.
Hilltop Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding region.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Jejuri Bhojanalaya: Known for vegetarian meals.
Temple Dhaba: Offers light snacks.

Continuing with the remaining destinations to complete the Top 21 Weekend Getaways from Pune:

11. Bhimashankar Temple

Why You Should Visit:

Located 110 km from Pune, Bhimashankar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a popular trekking destination.

Major Attractions:

Bhimashankar Temple: A revered spiritual site set amidst lush greenery.
Trekking Trails: Scenic forest paths for nature enthusiasts.
Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot rare species like the Malabar Giant Squirrel.

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Temple Canteen: Serves simple vegetarian meals.
Hilltop Dhaba: Offers snacks and tea.

12. Malshej Ghat

Why You Should Visit:

Located 120 km from Pune, Malshej Ghat is a monsoon paradise with waterfalls, misty roads, and lush greenery.

Major Attractions:

Waterfalls: Perfect for photography and picnics.
Flamingo Spotting: Migratory flamingos can be seen during the monsoon.
Trekking and Hiking: Explore the scenic hills and valleys.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

MTDC Resort Restaurant: Known for simple, homely meals.
Ghat View Dhaba: Offers Maharashtrian thalis.

13. Wai (Dhom Dam and Temples)

Why You Should Visit:

Located 90 km from Pune, Wai is a historical town famous for its ghats, temples, and proximity to Dhom Dam.

Major Attractions:

Dhom Dam: A serene spot for boating and picnics.
Ghats and Temples: Visit the iconic Menavali Ghat and Maha Ganpati Temple.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Wai Food Court: Offers vegetarian snacks and meals.
Krishna Riverside Café: Known for local delicacies.

14. Panchgani

Why You Should Visit:

Located 102 km from Pune, Panchgani is a scenic hill station known for its viewpoints and strawberry farms.

Major Attractions:

Table Land: A flat plateau offering panoramic views.
Sydney Point: A famous spot for photography and sunrise views.
Strawberry Farms: Sample fresh strawberries and jams.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (6:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Mapro Garden Café: Known for strawberry desserts.
Purohit’s Garden Restaurant: Serves vegetarian meals.

15. Panshet Dam

Why You Should Visit:

Located 40 km from Pune, Panshet Dam is a tranquil retreat surrounded by hills and water.

Major Attractions:

Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking, boating, and jet skiing.
Picnic Spots: Ideal for family outings and photography.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Panshet Lake View Café: Offers light snacks and tea.
Village Retreat Dhaba: Serves traditional Maharashtrian meals.

16. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

Why You Should Visit:

Located 120 km from Pune, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Major Attractions:

Trekking and Wildlife Spotting: Spot tigers, leopards, and exotic birds.
Shiv Sagar Lake: A serene location for boating.

Best Time to Visit:

Winter mornings (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Sanctuary Dhaba: Offers local Maharashtrian cuisine.
Hilltop Retreat Café: Known for light snacks.

17. Tikona Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 60 km from Pune, Tikona Fort is a triangular-shaped fort ideal for beginner trekkers.

Major Attractions:

Fort Ruins: Explore ancient gates, water tanks, and caves.
Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pawna Lake.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to noon (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Fort View Dhaba: Serves simple Maharashtrian meals.
Pawna Lake Café: Offers snacks and beverages.

18. Revdanda Beach

Why You Should Visit:

Located 150 km from Pune, Revdanda Beach is a secluded coastline known for its peaceful ambiance.

Major Attractions:

Beach Walks: Enjoy the tranquility and clean surroundings.
Revdanda Fort: Explore the historic Portuguese fort near the beach.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to evening (7:00 AM – 6:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Beachside Café: Offers seafood and snacks.
Fort View Dhaba: Known for vegetarian meals.

19. Ranjangaon (Ashtavinayak Temple)

Why You Should Visit:

Located 50 km from Pune, Ranjangaon is home to one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Major Attractions:

Mahaganapati Temple: Known for its spiritual ambiance and intricate carvings.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to afternoon (7:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Temple Bhojanalaya: Offers simple vegetarian meals.
Shivam Snacks: Known for light refreshments.

20. Kune Waterfalls

Why You Should Visit:

Located 75 km from Pune, Kune Waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra and a scenic monsoon destination.

Major Attractions:

Waterfalls: Perfect for photography and picnics.
Nature Walks: Explore the surrounding greenery.

Best Time to Visit:

Monsoon mornings (6:00 AM – 11:00 AM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Waterfall Café: Known for tea and snacks.
Hill View Dhaba: Offers Maharashtrian meals.

21. Visapur Fort

Why You Should Visit:

Located 65 km from Pune, Visapur Fort is a historic site with thrilling trekking routes.

Major Attractions:

Trekking Trails: Explore caves, water tanks, and ancient ruins.
Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Sahyadri ranges.

Best Time to Visit:

Morning to early afternoon (6:00 AM – 1:00 PM).

Restaurants Nearby:

Fort Dhaba: Known for traditional meals.
Lonavala Café: Offers light refreshments.

Conclusion

Pune’s central location offers easy access to diverse destinations, from serene beaches and forts to vibrant hill stations and spiritual sites. These 21 weekend getaways provide the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Use this guide to plan your trips efficiently and enjoy the recommended dining options for a fulfilling experience. Happy traveling!