There are many places to visit near Pune in monsoon for 2 days. However, it is essential to look for ones that can offer you a value-for-money experience. The arrival of the monsoon is both a blessing and a bane for urban dwellers in India.
Unexpected and torrential rains can make city and inter-city commute difficult. However, it also can provide you with the opportunity to head outdoors and enjoy the misty cool weather. Hence, you need to look out for places that can help you take a break for a couple of days.
Not too far from Mumbai, Pune is one of the important cities in Maharashtra. Called the Queen of the Deccan, Pune is the cultural capital of the Maratha Empire. It is also voted highly among the safest cities in India. While Pune is not as huge as Mumbai it certainly has developed immensely in the past few decades.
One of the benefits of being in Pune is that you can head out in all directions, unlike Mumbai where you cannot head west any further. Hence, Punekars have plenty of options when it comes to planning a one day trip near Pune in monsoon.
Here are 11 places best places to visit near Pune during monsoon alone or with your family and friends.
NOTE: All drive distances below are measured from Pune Railway Station.
1. Mulshi
Drive Duration: 110 minutes
Drive Distance: 46 km (28.5 miles)
Known for Mulshi Lake and Mulshi Dam, this is one of the places to visit near Pune in monsoon within 50 km distance. With spectacular views of the Sahyadri Mountains, you can have a great time on weekends or for a couple of days. This is ideal for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
This scenic village on the outskirts of Pune can provide you with all the natural vistas you need to break your routine. You can head to some of the local attractions like the Mulshi Lake, Mulshi Dam, and Palshe Waterfall.
Adventure seekers can put on their hiking shoes and head out to conquer Fort Kailasgad, Ghangad Fort and Sudhagad Fort. Similarly, you can drive through Tamhini Ghat for a memorable one day trip near Pune in monsoon.
2. Lavasa
Drive Duration: 140 minutes
Drive Distance: 60 km (37 miles)
If you have a private vehicle Lavasa can be a great option for places to visit near Pune in monsoon for 2 days. This private-planned city takes inspiration from the Italian town of Portofino. Hence, it is likely that you will find yourself surrounded by buildings and structures that make you feel like you’re in Italy.
While the city is still incomplete, it offers lush green landscape and pleasant hill weather which is just the thing you need for a couple of days. The city has various hotels you can choose from for your stay. You can enjoy some delicious meals at various restaurants and spend a day or two comfortably.
While the city does make you feel like you are in Italy, it is a good thing to not raise your expectations higher. Lavasa is a good destination for those who want to enjoy monsoon getaways from Pune for a day or two.
3. Lonavala
Drive Duration: 90 minutes
Drive Distance: 72 km (44 miles)
One of the most obvious choices one can think of is Lonavala. If you are in Pune, Lonavala should be one of the easiest options on your list. You can either drive to Lonavala or take the local train services that run between Lonavala and Pune. This should bring down your travel costs highly.
Lonavala is one of the popular hill stations in Maharashtra and therefore finding the right accommodation is no big thing. You can choose from a huge list of hotels, resorts, private villas and lodges that are scattered all over this town. Lonavala is known for its scenic valleys, gorgeous hills and cascading waterfalls. You can plan your day at Bhushi Dam or visit other amazing local attractions.
If you are seeking adventure you can head out to Malavli and explore Bhaja Caves and enjoy some Lohagad Fort trekking. When you are done you can enjoy a delicious meal and get your hands on tasty chikkis and fudges that you can buy in Lonavala.
However, there are a few reasons why Lonavala might not be the right destination for you.
4. Khandala
Drive Duration: 105 minutes
Drive Distance: 76 km (47 miles)
While Lonavala is the weekend holiday destination for active people, Khandala is for the ones who want to put up their feet and relax. Khandala is just a few minutes away from Lonavala so it won’t make a big difference. If you are unable to find accommodations in Lonavala you can stay in Khandala and still explore Lonavala at the same time.
Here you can visit the Rajmachi Gardens which offers a spectacular view of the Mumbai Pune Expressway. While Khandala does not have a dam where one can go around splashing water you can still enjoy the panoramic scenic views.
You can find some amazing hilltop resorts and villas that would offer you a spectacular view right from your balcony. This makes Khandala one of the best monsoon getaways from Pune.
5. Karjat
Drive Duration: 160 minutes
Drive Distance: 106 km (66 miles)
As soon as you drive down the Bhor Ghat (Bhor Valley) you reach Karjat which is a great choice for those who want to put up their feet and enjoy the monsoon weather. This is one of the underrated places to visit near Pune in monsoon. However, if you know how to plan it well you can make the most of it.
Karjat might not have the massive reputation that Lonavala enjoys but it is a great monsoon holiday destination close to Mumbai and Pune. In fact, it is much closer to Mumbai than Pune. However, Punekars can still reach Karjat in less than three hours. With plenty of hotels and resorts, Karjat can offer you amazing accommodations to sit back and enjoy the misty monsoon views. It is certainly one of the hidden places to visit near Pune in monsoon season.
However, if you are adventurous you can head out to explore Solanpada Dam, Kothaligad Fort, Bendewadi Waterfall, Kataldhar Falls, Sondai Fort, Irshalgad Fort, and Morbe Dam. You can also hike Prabalgad Fort and Kalavantin Durg if you are up for some serious challenge. If you are a nature person you can look out for various monsoon creatures in India as you hike these places.
6. Matheran
Drive Duration: 220 minutes
Drive Distance: 121 km (75 miles)
If you are looking for interesting places to visit near Pune in monsoon you can add Matheran to your list. This is the only automobile-free hill station on this list. Nestled in the Sahyadri Mountains you can have a great time at this tranquil hill station close to Mumbai. During the monsoon season, you can also take the train from Pune and get down at Neral railway station to change for the Matheran toy train.
This narrow gauge train will take you up the mountain and on the way provide you with some stunning misty landscapes. Apart from exploring different points, there is not much to do. Hence, Matheran is a perfect spot for those who want to sit back and relax and enjoy the wet rainy conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for one day trip near Pune in monsoon.
7. Panchgani
Drive Duration: 140 minutes
Drive Distance: 101 km (63 miles)
Known as the Table Land of Maharashtra, Panchgani is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Pune in monsoon. This is where you can have a great time alone, with your friends and family. If you are looking for places to visit near Pune in monsoon around 100 km from the city this would be it.
With ample accommodations, you can have a great time booking the one that meets your needs and budget. You can explore simple points like Parsi Point and Sydney Point that offer you panoramic views of the region. During the rainy weather, you can enjoy the misty environment that makes it a dream-like location. You can also look out for local food choices that would keep you fit and healthy.
8. Mahabaleshwar
Drive Duration: 180 minutes
Drive Distance: 118 km (73 miles)
If you are looking for places to visit near Pune in monsoon for couples Mahabaleshwar is a great choice. With a good elevation, you can have a great time here with your partner, especially during the rainy season.
Mahabaleshwar is one of the top hill stations in Maharashtra for monsoon holidays that you can visit with your loved ones and family.
However, considering the high elevation you also need to know that Mahabaleshwar can witness heavy rainfall. Hence, you must have information about the weather before you head to Mahabaleshwar.
During the rainy season, you can choose from a variety of resorts, hotels and villas that provide you with the right type of accommodation. This would ensure that you can spend quality time alone or with your family in those 2 days that you visit.
9. Satara
Drive Duration: 150 minutes
Drive Distance: 112 km (70 miles)
One of the best locations that Punekars can make the most of is Satara. This would seem like a base location for exploring other local attractions. Satara is one of the underrated destinations for weekend getaways near Pune. From here you can head out to multiple locations that you can enjoy over 2 days.
Satara is close to forts like Ajinkyatara Fort which remains one of the historic Maharashtra forts. You can also head out to Thoseghar Falls, Kaas Plateau, and many local temples. You can also head out as far as Vasota Fort if you are looking for some adventure in those 2 days you got.
10. Alibaug
Drive Duration: 220 minutes
Drive Distance: 143 km (92 miles)
If you are planning to head to the shore, Alibaug remains one of the top monsoon destinations in Konkan. This would allow you to enjoy the beach holidays during the weekend. Hence, this is one of the places to visit near Pune in monsoon for 2 days.
The best part about exploring Alibag is that you can spend time on the beach when it is not raining. However, if it is raining you can still enjoy the chilly monsoon weather from the comfort of your hotel or resort room. You can also explore various heritage sites and temples which would be a nice change from your hectic work schedule.
11. Igatpuri
Drive Duration: 270 minutes
Drive Distance: 243 km (151 miles)
If you love long drives on weekends you can head from Pune to Igatpuri for a lovely 2-day holiday. Igatpuri is often known as one of the best places in Maharashtra where you can meditate and find peace. Hence, this would be one of the top choices for places to visit near Pune in monsoon for 2 days.
Like most hill stations, Igatpuri is also blessed with verdant green valleys and cascading waterfalls that only look better during the rainy season. You can stop and soak in the pristine view before you head out to other local attractions.
Apart from meditation, you can also look out for various adventure activities like zip-lining, hiking, trekking and camping activities.
Conclusion
With the right accommodations, less drive duration and spectacular monsoon landscapes, these places near Pune offer you a great holiday experience for 2 days. However, you must know how to plan a monsoon trip.
While you’re in Pune during the Independence Day weekend you must also visit The National War Memorial and the Southern Command Museum that gives you rare details on the Indo-Pak Wars of 1965, 1971 and the Kargil War. Here you can see captured Pakistani war tanks and the last MiG-23 BN aircraft along with other war memorabilia.
These destinations can provide you with the perfect holiday experiences and panoramic landscapes that would ensure that you can have a great time. However, you must consider all factors before choosing from these places to visit near Pune in monsoon for 2 days trip.
4 comments
Wow, that is some rapidly flowing water in Karjat! You’ve made each place uniquely appealing, Sharukh. Great post. Hugs to you and Sarah.
I believe the rapid flowing effect is caused by fast camera shutterspeed. However, glad that you like my travel posts. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Teagan. Hugs.
My first thought during monsoons would be to hunker down and stay inside. You make getting out for a visit look attractive.
There are people I know who would do the same, they prefer to stay indoors. However, heading outdoors in misty and rainy weather is an experience in itself. I think it also comes to us naturally because we go through some scorching summer months and winter is almost absent in Mumbai, so this is the only time of the year when the weather is cool and pleasant so why not make full use of it. Thanks for commenting and visiting Dan.