Pune is one of the popular metropolitan cities of Maharashtra that lies near the eastern slope of the Western Ghats at the juncture where the Deccan Plateau meets it. Every year, thousands of travellers and tourists alike plan their trip to Pune and its nearby areas as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The city is famous for its ancient forts, glass and steel towers and a multifaceted experience that could be lifelong for most of the visitors.
Profoundly known as the “Oxford of the East” for its prestigious educational institutions, Pune is also surrounded by several world-renowned hill stations, spiritual sites and historical monuments. You can easily explore them by planning a road trip from Pune. Whether you are looking for a short drive near Pune or a perfect weekend getaway from Pune, you have enough options. In this travel guide, you will get wide information about the places to visit near Pune by road.
Why Take a Road Trip from Pune?
Pune is located on the major highway that connects all the nearby cities, making Pune a central city from where you can easily plan several road trips. A Pune road trip is more than just a journey. If you plan road trips from Pune, they offer an experience filled with scenic drives, fresh air, and endless discoveries. Pune’s strategic location makes it a gateway to some of the most exciting destinations in Maharashtra, such as Lonavala, Khandala, Satara, Mahabaleshwar and many others. That includes from misty hill stations to serene beaches and historic forts.
From Pune, you have ample options to plan quick weekend escapes; the open highways promise relaxation, adventure, and flexibility that no other travel mode can match. Unlike fixed itineraries, road trips from Pune let you set your own pace, stop for chai breaks, click stunning pictures, and explore hidden gems along the way. Whether it’s the charm of the Western Ghats or the calm of the Konkan coast, every road trip feels like a new story waiting to unfold.
Best Places to Visit Near Pune by Road (Under 300 km)
Pune itself is one of the major tourist attractions among the travellers; however, if you are looking for a short drive destination from Pune. These are the popular places to visit near Pune within a 300 km radius. That offers you from natural wonders to the historical sites of the great Maratha velour, visiting them will make your trip a wonderful experience.
Kolad: It is a scenic village near Pune at a distance of 116km only. It is one of the adventure hubs and scenic sites among the travellers and people of Pune. They went there to enjoy the thrilling river rafting, strolling in the lush green landscape and witness the rural charm of Kolad. Tourists will also enjoy beautiful waterfalls and stunning forest trails.
Lavasa: The next beautiful places to visit near Pune within 300 km distance are Lavasa. It is a beautifully planned city nestled amid the stunning Western Ghats. It offers a sense of peace and tranquility to the travellers as it is away from the chaotic metro cities and offers mesmerizing views of surrounding hills, valleys and lakes, making it a perfect holiday destination.
Alibaug: It's one of the perfect coastal destinations that is perfect for road trips from Pune. Travellers come here to enjoy the wonderful beach stretches along the giggling waves of the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect weekend escape that offers several adventurous and entertaining activities. Along the scenic beaches, Khaderi Fort and Revdanda Fort are also other attractions here.
Mumbai: It is also one of the major attractions from Pune; travelling to Mumbai from Pune is very easy and convenient by road. You can easily book a Pune to Mumbai cab for your trip. Mumbai, which is famous as the financial capital and Bollywood hub, also offers world-famous tourist attractions. There are several major temples, beaches, historical places and modern entertainment sites that we are waiting for you.
Rajmachi Fort: It is one of the popular historical sites near Pune. Travellers not only visit here to witness the magnificent fort, but it is also one of the renowned trekking sites near Pune. Travellers come here for trekking and enjoy some time in nature. But during the monsoon, when trekking is off, the site becomes a major attraction for its cascading Kataldhar waterfall
Tamhini Ghat: It is one of the mountain passes that you will come across when you travel 55 km west of Pune, and it becomes one of the key tourist attractions during the monsoon season. The ghat offers wonderful views of the beautiful waterfalls, sprawling green vistas and pristine rivers. It is one of the perfect natural retreats from Pune during the monsoon.
For more places read article: Best Tourist places near Pune
Hill Stations Near Pune by Road
Apart from tourist attractions, Pune also offers a gateway to the major hill station nearby. These hill stations are ideal summer escapes from Pune, offering cool weather and mountain charm. The best part is that you can easily travel to them by just taking a cab from Pune. They are easy to reach by road, and the roads are like a fairy tale come true.
Lonavala and Khandala: These twin hill stations of Maharashtra attract travellers from across the world and are a perfect summer gateway from Pune. They are situated atop the Sahyadri range of Western Ghats and offer a true essence of nature’s beauty by offering views of dense forests, waterfalls and majestic hills. They are one of the most popular sites near Pune during the monsoon, when the lush greenery and cascading waterfalls captivate the eyes of everyone.
Mahabaleshwar: Another great hill station near Pune is Mahabaleshwar. It is a natural escape that is located amid the surrounding gigantic peaks of the Western Ghats, lush green forests and picturesque vistas. Along with that, it is also one of the great spiritual sites that is famous for its Mahabaleshwar Temple, which stands still amidst the cascading waterfalls and soul-soothing breeze and attracts thousands of devotees.
Matheran: A short drive of 122km to the hinterland of Maharashtra takes you to the world's only hill station where automobiles are banned. You read right, you only have options like a horse ride and a hand-pulled rickshaw as your vehicle option in the hill station. The popular places to visit in the serene surroundings of Matheran are Panorama Point, Echo Point and Louisa Point, etc.
Bhandardara: It is also one of the popular cool places to visit from Pune when you are planning a hill station trip with family and friends. Bhandardara is a small hill station 164 km away from Pune, near Nashik. Tourists visit this to enjoy its enchanting vistas of waterfalls and lakes. Also, it is one of the perfect hill stations that offers verdant trails and scenic views, and is ideal for camping enthusiasts and trekkers.
Panchgani: This is the last hill station in the list, but not the least. Nestled amidst the rolling landscape of the Sahyadri Mountains, Panchagni is a verdant hill station near Pune, adjacent to Mahabaleshwar. It is perfect for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in the tranquil charm of breathtaking vistas and lush green valleys.
Offbeat & Less-Crowded Escapes Near Pune
From Pune, you can also explore some of the hidden gems of Indian heritage and adventure. They are the perfect location for those who always look for something unique and offbeat. These beautiful yet hidden places near Pune are the best destinations that you can easily travel to by booking a cab from Pune. It is one of the safest and fastest ways to reach those gems.
Rajmachi Village & Fort: It is one of the most visited historical forts near Pune that is nestled in the Sahyadri mountains slope and is famous for its twin fortresses named Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. From Pune, you will reach there after completing a short drive of 84.7 Km. But the best part is that you can only reach the fort after completing a sort of trekking route that is full of adventure and fun.
Malshej Ghat: It is another beautiful mountain pass that is located near Pune. The Ghat is nestled in the Western Ghats, surrounded by lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, beautiful lakes, and wonderful, picturesque scenery. Also that this ghat has historical significance. All this makes it one of the perfect offbeat places near Pune for locals and tourists alike.
Chikhaldara: It is another must-visit place near Pune that is famous for its rich biodiversity, lavish greenery and serene landscape. It is known as the only hill station of the Vidarbha region. Tourists and locals of Pune often plan their trip to Chikhaldara during the weekend and vacation to indulge in nature.
Lonere: It is a small town located in the Raigad district that is rarely well-known among tourists. Its peaceful, serene ambience and tranquil environment make it a peaceful delight for weekend trips from Pune. It offers you a close look at the regional life of the region.
Adventure & Wildlife Getaways Near Pune
Amid the hustle and bustle of city life, Pune also has several adventure and wildlife gateways in its vicinity. You can easily plan your weekend drive and family picnic to them for fun and adventure. There are numerous options to you, but the most popular are given in the article, which surely make your trip a wonderful experience.
Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary: It is one of the popular wildlife places near Pune, which is home to incredible biodiversity that amazes you. The sanctuary is adorned with dense forests and lets you see the unique fauna, including the Malabar Giant Squirrel, which is native to the Western Ghats. The centre of the sanctuary lies the ancient Bhimashakar temple, which is also another great attraction here.
Chandoli National Park: It is another biodiversity oasis near Pune that lies in the hinterland of the vast ghats landscapes. A trip to this lets you get close to Mother Nature and its tranquil wilderness. It is one of the perfect adventure gateways from Pune. Here you will see some rare animals like the Indian leopard, Bengal Tiger and Indian bison along with vibrant floral diversity.
Kamshet: A short drive of 45 Km from Pune takes you to the paragliding capital of India - Kamshet. It is one of the favorite destinations for paragliding lovers. It offers one of the fairest experiences due to its location amid the Western Ghats and Sahyadri Ranges. Apart from adventure activity, Kamshet also has some gurgling waterfalls, monasteries, temples and Buddhist caves.
Imagicca Theme Park: It is one of the world-class theme parks located in Khopoli city near Pune. It is not only heaven for the children, but its thrilling rides and adventures also attract elders. It's one of the ideal weekend destinations from Pune. It takes only 2 to 2.5 hours to reach there by cab. The park has high-octane rides, real snowfall, DJ music, a waterpark and many others.
Tadoba National Park: It is one of the oldest and largest national parks of the state, which is famous for its safari experience. If you are looking for a perfect road trip from Pune with a safari experience, visiting this is the best choice. It is a paradise for wildlife lovers and nature admirers, as you can easily spot Tigers and other wildlife during your safari drive.
Spiritual Places Near Pune
If you are looking for something spiritual and mythological near Pune, don't lose hope. There are ample spiritual places and ancient temples near Pune that are perfect for road trips. You can easily travel to them from Pune, as they are well-connected by road and are easily accessible year-round. Some of the most popular destinations for religious road trips from Pune are as follows:
Nashik: It is one of the perfect spiritual places near Pune that lets travellers to a deep dive into Indian Mythology. It is one of the Kumbh Mela destinations and a site associated with Lord Ram. Located on the holy bank of the river Godavari on one site, and with the verdant beauty of the surrounding hills, Nashik attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists every year. From Pune also one can also easily book Pune to Nashik cab to reach there. Another great side of the city is the thriving wine industry, which marks this holy city, also known as the wine capital of India.
Bhimashankar Temple: It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga associated with Lord Shiva. For devotees and tourists from Pune, it is one of the nearby Jyotirlingas that they can visit by planning a short road trip. The temple is nestled in the lap of the Sahayadri hills, 124 km away from Pune city center, surrounded by Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, near the temple lies the origin point of the river Bhima, which you can also visit during your road trip.
Shirdi: Shirdi is one of the most travelled destinations from Pune, as it is the only place that is highly revered and associated with Sai Baba. Every year, thousands of devotees plan their trip to Shirdi from Pune as Pune offers a gateway to the divine land of Lord Sai. In Shirdi, they explore the sacred Samadhi place of Sai Baba, a beautiful temple, a hall that houses numerous articles, which once belonged to Sai Baba and other spiritual sites.
Harihareshwar Temple: It is one of the beautiful coastal temples of India that is nestled on the western coast along the charm of the Arabian Sea. The temple is one of the revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. And is famous as the “Dakshin Kashi”. But that's not all about this beautiful site, as there are several beaches near the temple that are perfect for sunbathing and adventure activities.
Trimbakeshwar Temple: Another great spiritual destination from Pune is the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga. This is perfect for the weekend and vacation as the distance is 243 Km, perfect for long trip planning. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. But it is located near Nashik on the bank of the Godavari River. It is a perfect sacred sanctuary dedicated to the divine in the tranquil landscape of the region.
Shani Shingnapur: It is a small village in Maharashtra near Ahmadnagar, but that is not the only introduction to this incredible destination. This site is famous for its century-old Shani Dev Temple, which is widely recognized for its divine aura. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to get blessings from the god. Another unique feature about the village is that there are no doors in the houses. It is believed that lord Shani himself protects the village.
Travel Tips for Road Trips from Pune
If you are planning a road trip from Pune, keeping some precautions and tips will make your travel experience more fun. It is essential to be well-prepared. Here are some handy Pune road trip tips to make your journey smoother:
- Always try to start your trip early in the morning, especially at weekends, to avoid traffic and enjoy a peaceful road journey.
- Carrying some snacks, a water bottle, and power banks is good during the road trip from Pune.
- It is always advised to check the weather and road conditions before planning a trip, especially during the monsoon season.
- Evan online and UPI are widely used over the region, but it is also good to keep some cash, as some tool booths and small shops may not receive online payments.
- The best way to travel from Pune is hassle-free cab booking through CabBazar, ensuring a comfortable and safe ride
Best Time to Visit These Places from Pune
Pune offers a year-round travel opportunity to those nearby, but when planning a trip from Pune, paying a little attention to the seasons and months of the year will make your travel an exceptional experience. By knowing the suitable timing for planning is best. The best time to travel from Pune depends on the season and the experience you seek. Here’s a quick breakdown of the ideal travel windows:
- Summer (Mar–Jun): Hill stations near Pune are the perfect spot during the scorching summer. You can plan your vacation and weekend holiday trip to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, etc, to enjoy pleasant weather. These places offer cool mountain air, lush green landscape, making them refreshing escapes.
- Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Pune offers the gateway to the very wonderful monsoon retreat of Maharashtra. Top monsoon destinations include Malshej Ghat, Rajmachi Fort, Chikaldhara, etc. They are full of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls and misty ghats, creating unforgettable seasonal travel near Pune experiences, ideal for short scenic drives.
- Winter (Oct–Feb): Winter is perfect for the long road trip from Pune, as it is the most comfortable weather condition. You can plan your spiritual drives, cultural circuits, forts and nearby city trails during this time, as it is often considered the best time to travel from Pune.
FAQs
- What are the best weekend getaways near Pune by car?
Some of the best weekend gateways near Pune by car include Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Lavasa, and Matheran. These destinations are within driving distance and perfect for a quick weekend escape.
- Can I take a one-day road trip from Pune?
Yes! You can easily plan One-day trips from Pune. Places like Lonavala, Mulshi Dam, Pawna Lake, and Sinhagad Fort can be easily covered in a single day.
- What are some good family-friendly destinations from Pune?
Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Lavasa, and Alibaug are excellent for families. They offer comfortable stays, safe roads, and plenty of activities for kids as well.
- How can I book a cab for a road trip near Pune?
Booking a cab is simple. Many platforms like CabBazar, Ola Outstation, or Savaari allow you to reserve cars for round trips, one-way travel, or weekend tours.
- Are there hill stations within 300 km of Pune?
Yes! Popular hill stations like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Matheran, and even Amboli fall within 300 km, making them ideal road trip destinations.
