Top 15 Hill Stations Near Pune

source: imgstaticcontent

People often require some time off from the stress and anxiety to maintain a healthy mental and physical balance. Thankfully, Pune has many neighbouring hill stations where one can spend some quality time with family, friends or partners. The endless stretches of greens, pleasantly low temperature, and a sense of solace allows you to refresh your mind and enrich your soul.

So, if you are, too, looking for hill stations near Pune, then here are some top suggestions for you! Keep reading to know more.

Below are some of the best hill stations near Pune with abundant scenic beauty and exotic landscapes that will help you heal your soul and get back to your routine. Read along to know about these places in detail and learn about the best time to visit, things to do, average touring cost, etc.

1. Lavasa | Approx. 57.9 kms

source: mmtcdn

Lavasa requires no recognition when it comes to the aesthetic and scenic beauty. It is one of the nearest hill stations from Pune, located at a distance of 58 km. The highlight of this place is that its buildings are colour-coordinated, it has an enchanting nature and serene lakes. Also, you will find many caves, forts and waterfalls amidst verdant greenery to explore.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Top Things to Do: Pedal Boating, Jet Skiing, Luxury Cruising, Trekking, Nature Walking
• Top Places to Visit: Bamboosa, Lakeside Promenade, Temghar Dam
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 11,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road

2. Lonavala | Approx. 67.4 kms

source: wikimedia

Just 67 km away from Pune, this magnificent little town covered with evergreen blankets of greeneries and surrounded by scenic peaks is the perfect destination if you are looking for top hill stations near Pune within 100 km. Situated amidst Sahyadri ranges, this little hamlet is separated by the West Coast and the Deccan Plateau. It is well-connected, and eventually takes less time to reach.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Top Things to Do: Trek to Canyon Valley, Camp, Visit Waterfalls, Explore Caves, Hike, Try Hot Air Balloon Safari, Boat at Lakes
• Top Places to Visit: Pavana Lake, Lohagad Fort, Della Adventure Park, Tikona Fort, Lion’s Point, Shree Narayani Dham Temple, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 9,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road

3. Khandala | Approx. 72 kms

source: wikimedia

Nestled in the foothills of the Sahyadri ranges, Khandala is a weekend retreat for Pune residents. It is located at a distance of 68 km from Pune. Most importantly, it never fails to mesmerise people with its lush slopes, grand valleys, hazy waterfall and tranquil lakes. Beside it is near Lonavala, just 3 km away, and together they are called the ‘Twin Hill Stations.’ So, make sure to cover both.

• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Top Things to Do: Trek to Rajmachi, Admire Kune Falls, Discover Caves and Forts, Witness the Beauty of Tungarli Lake
• Top Places to Visit: Shingroba Temple, Sunil Celebrity Wax Museum, Lion’s Point, Rajmachi Fort, Lohagad Fort, Duke’s Nose, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 13,000 to ₹ 14,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road

4. Panchgani | Approx. 115.4 kms

source: mmtcdn

100 km away from Pune, Panchgani is another good option if you are looking for the best hill stations near Pune. Rooted in the foothills of Sahyadri, there is something unique about this little hamlet. The locals believe that the air of Panchgani has a healing property that helps people restore their psyche and body condition. Besides, here you get to discover flawless nature.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Top Things to Do: Paragliding, City Shopping, Exploring Devrai Art Village, Discovering Garden, Sightseeing, etc
• Top Places to Visit: Dhom Dham, Sydney Point, Table Land, Cheese Factory, Devil’s Kitchen, Parsi Point, Devrai Art Village
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 11,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road, by train, by air

5. Matheran | Approx. 119 kms

source: goibibo

The smallest hill station in India, located at a distance of 123 km from Pune, is another hill station you can take your family, friend or partner for a weekend getaway. Visiting this place will be cost-effective, and you get a chance to witness many breathtaking views. Another interesting thing is that you can record a 360 view of nature here at Panorama Point.

• Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing, Nature Walking, Waterfall Rappelling, Trek to Chanderi Caves, Discover Fort, Rock Climbing, Ride Toy Train
• Top Places to Visit: Porcupine Point or Sunset Point, Charlotte Lake, Louisa Point, Alexander Point, Garbett Point, Vikatgad Peb Fort, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 16,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road, by train

6. Malshej Ghat | Approx. 119.6 kms

source: tripadvisor

A wonderful amalgamation of waterfalls, lakes, slopes and mountains, Malshej Ghat, is one of the top hill stations around Pune to consider if you are a nature lover. It is situated at a distance of 126 km from the city and well blended with natural wonders. Besides, it has something for both thrill-seekers and soul-searchers.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Top Things to Do: Hiking, Trekking, Sightseeing, Camping, Bird Watching, Admiring Cascading Waterfalls, Rappelling
• Top Places to Visit: Ajoba Hill Fort, Malshej Falls, Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Darkoba Peak, Pushpavati River, Harishchandragad Fort
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 6,000 to ₹ 8,000 per person overall (1 Nights/2 Days)
• How to Reach: By road,or train

7. Satara | Approx. 126.8 kms

source: wikimedia

Satara is an idyllic hill station in Maharashtra perfect for vacationers travelling in groups, solo or backpacking. It boasts about its richness in history, archaeology, and natural beauty. Not to mention, many activities are offered here, including both that give you an adrenaline rush and an internal peace. Also, if you visit during spring, you can attend the strawberry festival.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Admiring Nature Abode, Nature Walking
• Top Places to Visit: Pratapgarh Fort, Mayani Bird Sanctuary, Lingmala Falls, Kaas Lake, Kaas Pathar, Sajjangad, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 14,000 to ₹ 15,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road

8. Mahabaleshwar | Approx. 126.9 kms

source: onacheaptrip

Credited as one of the evergreen spots of the world, people come to Mahabaleshwar to witness the breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. It is 120 km away from Pune and blessed with abundant nature and captivating hills surrounding it. Apart from that, this town is also famous for its charm, thanks to plenty of gorges, slopes, and peaks.

• Best Time to Visit: March to June & December to February
• Top Things to Do: Ride a Shikara, Jungle Trekking, Unveil Forts, Explore History, Bird Watch, Dip at Lingmala Falls
• Top Places to Visit: Dhobi Waterfall, Connaught Peak, Venna Lake, Mapro Garden, Elephant’s Head Point, Pratapgad
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 11,000 to ₹ 12,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road

9. Tapola | Approx. 147.7 kms

source: blogspot

Nothing can beat Tapola, the ‘Mini-Kashmir’ of Maharashtra, if you need a therapeutic travel for the weekend. It is just 133 km away from the city and a prominent tourist attraction. This little hamlet is blessed with vast stretches of untamed natural beauty, deep blue waters and green valleys. Additionally, you also get to stay at the traditional cottages and homestays.

• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Top Things to Do: Kayaking, Boating, Riding Water Scooter, Swimming, Sightseeing, Light Trekking, Discovering Sanctuary
• Top Places to Visit: Tapola Lake, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Bamnoli Range
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 8,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road, by train

10. Bhandardara | Approx. 161.9 kms

source: agoda

Located 162 km from Pune, if you are a big fan of nature and untamed beauty, you are sure to go Ga-Ga over this little hamlet. Bhandardara is one of the top hill stations to visit near Pune for a tranquil weekend. It is home to the oldest dam Wilson Dam and the largest lake Arthur Lake. Not to mention this ‘Valley of Treasures’ has lots to discover.

• Best Time to Visit: August to December
• Top Things to Do: Boating, Lakeside Camping, Trekking, Attending Fireflies Festivals, Discovering Fort, Photography, Sightseeing
• Top Places to Visit: Arthur Hill Lake, Umbrella Fall Bhandardara, Wilson Dam, Kalsubai, Amruteshwar Temple, Randha Falls
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 6,000 per person overall (1 Nights/2 Days)
• How to Reach: By road, by train

11. Rajmachi | Approx. 171 kms

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Rajmachi is another gem of Maharashtra containing two famous fortresses, Manaranjan Balekilla and Shrivardhan Balekilla. It is cradled amidst the Sahyadri ranges and offers an adventurous uphill trek to adrenaline seekers. Moreover, the enchanting views up from the top never miss a chance to surprise. So, it is a paradise for backpackers and photographers.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Top Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Exploring Kondana Caves, Discovering Shrivardhan Fort, Photography, etc.
• Top Places to Visit: Kondana Caves, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kataldhar Waterfalls, Bhairavnath Temple, Shrivardhan Fort
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 1,500 per person for trekking (1 Nights/2 Day)
• How to Reach: By road

12. Panhala | Approx. 226.7 kms

source: blogspot

Pahala is a small hill station located in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra and only 227 km away from Pune. This little hamlet is famous for its haunting and daunting stories attracting people who seek adventure and risks. Apart from this, it is also an ideal destination for historians and city dwellers. It was the capital of the Maratha Empire during Chatrapati Shivaji’s rule.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Top Things to Do: Trekking to Forts, Strolling the Garden, Admiring Lake, Discovering History
• Top Places to Visit: Panhala Fort, Parashar Caves, Jyotiba Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Sajja Kothi, Sunset Point, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 4,000 to ₹ 5,000 per person overall (1 Nights/2 Days)
• How to Reach: By road

13. Igatpuri | Approx. 247.7 kms

source travelxp

Igatpuri, 248 km from Pune, lets you quench your wanderlust thirst by offering you a closer view of the magical western ghats. In addition, since it is replete with enthralling hilly terrains, there is no shortage of action-packed activities. Moreover, this little hamlet receives rainfall all year round, so you can always expect pleasant weather throughout.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Top Things to Do: Rock Climbing, Trekking, Rappelling, Photography, Sightseeing
• Top Places to Visit: Bhavali Dam, Vihigaon Waterfall, Tringalwadi Fort, Kalsubai Peak, Thal Ghat, Bhatsa River Valley, Kasara Ghat
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 9,000 per person overall (2 Nights/3 Days)
• How to Reach: By road, by train

14. Jawhar | Approx. 270 kms

source: aroundpune

Famous for its vibrant cultural heritage Jawhar is another top hill station located 270 km from Pune. Lying at the core of the Western Ghats, it is one of the tribal regions where you can find famous Warli paintings. In addition, the serene setting, pristine waterfalls, and 360 views of the lush greenery make it an ideal destination for couples.

• Best Time to Visit: July to September
• Top Things to Do: Hike up to the Fort, Visit the Palace, Watch Sunset, Try Local Delicacies, Admire Waterfall, Try Light Trek
• Top Places to Visit: Jai Vilas Palace, Dabdaba Falls, Shirpamal, Sunset Point, Hanuman Point, Kal Mahadevi Waterfalls, Jai Sagar Dam, etc.
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 2,000 to ₹ 3,000 per person overall (Day tour)
• How to Reach: By road, by train

15. Amboli | Approx. 345.9 kms

source: aroundpune

A pictorial hill station standing at an elevation of 690 m, Amboli is famous for its exotic range of flora and fauna. It is only 346 km from Pune, lying at the foothills of the Sahyadri ranges. This little hamlet has a calm and eco-friendly vibe, thus offering a full-scale rejuvenation to people yearning for some time off from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing, River Rafting, Trekking, Photography, Offering Prayers at Temples, Exploring Verdant Forest, etc
• Top Places to Visit: Amboli Forest Park, Amboli Ghat Waterfall, Nagartas Waterfalls, Mahadev Gad, Shirgaonkar Point
• Average Cost of the Vacation: ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 8,000 per person overall (1 Nights/2 Days)
• How to Reach: By road