Blog
One Day Trip Near Pune: 8 Places to Plan Your Next Weekend
Maharashtra, as a whole, is a state filled with cities deeply rooted in history and culture, such as Aurangabad, Raigad, Mumbai, Nashik, and others. However, Pune deserves special mention because its history is not only deep but also intriguing. Home to the famous Shaniwar Vada and Aga Khan Palace, Pune is called the cultural and historical capital of Maharashtra. You may be visiting the city for any reason or moving here permanently, but Pune is a place that leaves a lasting impression.
If you have already explored all the places, staple and underrated, in Pune and want to unravel more about this stunning city, then you should plan a one day trip near Pune. There are numerous places located at some distance that enhance the historical significance of Pune and provide a deeper insight into what the city was like in its prime. Though you will find innumerable places near Pune for the weekend, we are sharing the must-visit ones here:
1. Lonavala
Let’s start the list with the most obvious and a staple one, Lonavala. Standing at an altitude of 625 meters, this beauty-stricken hill station is located in the Western Ghats and offers viewers the most stunning side of nature. It is covered in lush greenery, misty hills, and paddy fields, and the climate it gets during the monsoon and winter seasons adds more charm to the place, and the summer season remains pleasant throughout.
Apart from nature’s delight, Lonavala also has some major key attractions for tourists, such as Tiger Point and Lion Point, both of which offer a bird’s view of the hill station, and the views are enjoyed best during sunrise and sunset. You can also learn about the history of Lonavala by visiting Karla and Bhaja Caves, which display the ancient architecture featuring rock cut.
Don’t forget to unravel the history of the Maratha Empire at Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, and Visapur Fort. There is no scarcity of tourist attractions in Lonavala, but as a one day trip near Pune with family, be mindful about how you want to approach the hill stations and your idea behind the perfect trip.
Distance from Pune: 69 Km
2. Khandala
Another tranquil hill station nestled in the Western Ghats is Khandala, which is a great one day trip destination from Pune because it has every element of a perfect trip. Sitting at an altitude of 550 meters, Khandala is famous for its soothing ambiance, lush greenery, paddy fields, and mesmerizing scenic valleys. When you are tired of living in a city life and its chaos, Khandala is a great escape to nature, as it experiences amazing weather all year round.
It reaches its prime in the monsoon season because the whole town bathes in vibrancy. Even on a one day trip, you can explore a lot of major attractions to get a glimpse of the city. The iconic Duke’s Nose is the mandatory place where you will witness how nature has blessed Khandala with the dramatic cliff formation, and you also get trekking opportunities here.
Do not miss visiting Kune Falls, which is one of the highest waterfalls in the region, and to see the town in a panoramic view, visit Amrutanjan Point and Shooting Point. As it is located near Lonavala, you can explore some common places like Karla and Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, and Visapur Fort.
Distance from Pune: 73 Km
3. Lavasa
Another charming hill station located about 60 km from Pune is Lavasa, situated in the Western Ghats. Set along the banks of the mesmerising Warasgaon Lake, Lavasa is not only blessed with abundant natural beauty, but it also has an old-world charm because of the architecture influenced by the Italian town of Portofino. It is a planned town and not a naturally evolved hill station.
The town is filled with pastel-coloured establishments, sloping roofs, and arched windows, typical of Italian architecture, and faces the waterfront. Throughout the year, the town experiences pleasant weather and cool breezes, and with the rainy season hitting, the town bathes in its peak beauty with hills covered in mist and cascading waterfalls. The town’s iconic attraction is the Lavasa promenade, which is again inspired by European architecture and is an ideal place to spend an hour or two to have a calm and pleasing time.
Other key attractions you must cover when visiting as a day trip from Pune are Dasve Viewpoint, Tikona Fort, and Temghar Dam. The overall old-world charm of the town makes it an ideal destination if you don’t want to do much place-hopping.
Distance from Pune: 62 Km
4. Kamshet
As Pune itself sits on the Western Ghats and at an elevation of 560 meters, most of the nearby destinations to cover in a day trip are hill stations, and Kamshet too is a quaint hill town located in the Western Ghats at a distance of 45 km. It sits at an altitude of 670 meters and is covered in lush greenery, rolling hills, green valleys, and beautiful water bodies.
The town still feels more like a village because of the farms stretching far, quieter roads, and less urban development compared to other popular hill stations near Pune. Like all hill stations, Kamshet’s charm multiplies in the rainy season, but it doesn’t get in minus in other seasons and continues to stay pleasant throughout the year.
If you are an adventurous soul, then you must visit Kamshet as a one day trip from Pune because it is famous for its paragliding, and for a history lover, it offers ancient sites Karla, Bhaja, and Bedse caves, and historical sites like Tikona and Tung Forts that also serve as the trekking trails. Other attractions that you can visit to explore the laidback vibe of the town are Pawna Lake, Uksan Lake, and Tower Hill.
Distance from Pune: 50 Km
5. Sinhagad Fort
If you have already explored all the mentioned hill stations or just want something different, like adventurous and historical, then you will definitely love a one day trip to Sinhagad Fort. A historic hill, Sinhagad Fort, is located in the Southwest of Pune and sits on the Western Ghats at a height of 1312 meters. It is covered by lush valleys and dramatic cliffs and offers a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.
Sinhagad Fort got its fame for serving as the ground of the Battle of Singhad where Maratha warrior Tanaji Malusare fought with the Mughals to take back control of the fort and lost his life. To honour the sacrifice made by him, the fort was renamed as Sinhagad Fort and was earlier known as Kondhana. Apart from the fort, the surrounding area of the fort offers a rustic vibe, and you get the opportunity to indulge in trekking and the rich history.
While exploring the fort, you will come across Pune Darwaza and Kalyan Darwaza, the Tanaji Memorial, and ruins that showcase the rich past of the fort and the glory it once held. Throughout the fort, you will get many viewpoints to look at the breathtaking view of nature.
Distance from Pune: 34 Km
6. Maval
If you are done with visiting all the commercially popular places from Pune, and now looking for a break from crowded destinations, then your hunt will end with Maval. Located on the western part of Pune district, Maval is again nestled in the Western Ghats and sits between Pune and Mumbai. The quaint and quiet town of Maval is known for its untouched nature, lush valleys, rivers, lakes, and hills.
Since it is one of the very few rural landscapes of Maharashtra, you will experience beauty at every step with unspoiled terrain. The town is a semi hill station offering pleasant weather all the time, and gives a needed break from city life and its exhaustion. You can enjoy the authentic rusty vibe and traditional village setup, and despite being a less popular site, there is no scarcity of tourist spots.
To explore the ancient history of Maharashtra, visit Lohagad Fort, Visapur Fort, Tung Fort, and Tikona Fort. You can also explore the ancient sites of Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves and choose to spend some quiet time at Pawna Lake or Tungarli Lake. For an eventful one day trip from Pune, Maval is indeed the right spot.
Distance from Pune: 62 Km
7. Bhaja Caves
If exploring an entire town is too much for you for 1 day trip near pune and you want to visit a dedicated spot, then Bhaja Caves should be your destination. It is an ancient site and group of ancient rock-cut caves located close to Lonavala and several other hill stations. Located on the Western Ghats and standing on the hills, the Bhaja Caves is a time capsule for learning history, which is about 2200 years old.
Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, the Bhaja Caves is one of the oldest Buddhist rock-cut caves in the country and were established during the Hinayana phase of Buddhism for the monks as a retreat. There are about 22 caves consisting of viharas and chaitya, and the chaitya is the most famous because of its unique architecture of a horseshoe-shaped arch and wooden beam like carvings. Throughout the cave, you will explore intricate carvings and stupas that reflect the ancient architecture and craftsmanship.
The major key attraction of the cave is the series of 14 stupas, located away, and is believed to be the memorials of the monks. Due to its location, the cave also offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forts like Lohagad Fort, and to reach the cave, you will have to do a short trekking, adding a touch of adventure to your trip.
Distance from Pune: 83 Km
8. Wai
You most likely have not heard of this small town, Wai, which is located on the Western Ghats and sits between Pune and Mahabaleshwar. The small charming town sits on the banks of the Krishna River and is known for mesmerising nature’s beauty, historical temples, and tranquil vintage charm. As the town is located at the bottom of the Sahayadri ranges, hills, farmlands, lush greenery, and green valleys hug it.
The town experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, but looks its best during the monsoon, and by being located near to the river, its beauty intensifies. Very few people know about this rustic town, and you will get fewer crowds here compared to other hill stations near Pune. Wai is also called the “Dakshin Kashi,” and is filled with ancient temples, and the most legendary one is the Dholya Ganpati Temple, known for its large Ganesh Idol.
Other places and spots that you must visit in Wai are Kashi Visheshwar Temple, Krishna River Ghats, Menavali Ghat, a famous spot for filming Bollywood movies, Nana Phadnavis Wada, a typical Maratha-style Wada showcasing the ancient architecture of those times, and Sydney Point. Panchgani is also located nearby, which you can visit if you have time.
Distance from Pune: 90 Km
Final Words
Pune in itself is a city that has stood the test of time and witnessed empires ruling and falling. It bathes in the glory of ancient history and culture and breathes in nature’s most scenic landscapes. However, if you have explored every corner of the city, there are literally innumerable places to visit as a one day trip near Pune. Out of a lot of options, we have shared the most famous, located at the shortest distance, and a couple of lesser-known ones. With this list, you can cover places that have different auras, offer something unique, and will give you an entire new experience to cherish.
FAQs
Which city is a one day trip near Pune?
Lonavala, Khandala, Lavasa, Kamshet, Maval, and Wai are cities that can be visited as a one day trip near Pune.
How to spend 2 hours in Pune?
If you have 2 hours to spend in Pune, you can explore the most iconic sites that reflect the culture and the history of the city, including Shaniwar Wada. Aga Khan Palace and Lal Mahal.
Where can I visit near Pune within 400 km?
There are plenty of places to visit near Pune within 400 km, such as Lonavala, Khandala, Lavasa, Kamshet, Maval, Wai, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Nashik, and many more.
Which one day resort near Pune for a day outing?
There are plenty of resorts near pune for family one day trip you can visit Wildernest Hilltop Resort, Kunjwan Resort, Vishwasgadh Adventure Resort, and Della Resorts.
How to plan a perfect one day trip?
To plan a perfect one day trip to any destination, start with early hours to have the rest of the day for exploring, use Google maps, choose 4 to 5 major attractions, try local food, interact with locals, and leave the place by evening to reach back home by night.
Which hill station is near Pune?
As Pune is located on the Western Ghats, there are numerous hill stations that are located near the city like Lavasa, Kamshet, Maval, Wai, Panchgani, and Matheran.
