Pune serves as an excellent starting point for some unforgettable journeys; here’s the list of 10 beautiful nearest destinations from this city for your most awaited Pune road trip:
1. Shirdi | 208 km
A pilgrimage journey to Shirdi, home to the revered Sai Baba, is one of the best road trips from Pune for those seeking spiritual solace. The 5-hour drive is smooth and takes you through quaint villages and green fields.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Popularity: Sai Baba Temple.
- Activities to do: Temple visits, museum exploration, theme park and garden.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Ahmednagar - Shirdi.
2. Bhandardara | 206 km
Nestled in the Sahyadri mountains, Bhandardara is a paradise for nature lovers, offering serene landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. The 5-hour road trip to this hill station is as mesmerising as the destination.
- Best Time to Visit: June to March.
- Popularity: Randha waterfall, Arthur lakes, Mount Kalsubai, and forts.
- Activities to do: Camping, trekking, boating, and sightseeing.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Sangamner - Bhandardara.
3. Matheran | 195 km
Asia's only automobile-free hill station, Matheran exudes old-world charm with its narrow-gauge toy train and lush greenery. The 4-and-a-half-hour drive to Matheran is scenic and filled with panoramic views.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Popularity: Lookout points, waterfalls.
- Activities to do: Horse riding, toy train, rock climbing, and trekking.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Nerul - Matheran.
4. Alibaug | 171 km
The coastal town of Alibaug offers a refreshing escape with its beautiful beaches. The 4-hour drive from Pune to Alibaug takes you through scenic landscapes and coastal routes. You can enjoy delectable local seafood and relax at beaches.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Popularity: Beaches, water sports, and ancient forts.
- Activities to do: Jet skiing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, boating, fort exploration.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Mumbai-Pune Expressway - Pen - Alibaug.
5. Malshej Ghat | 122 km
A road trip to Malshej Ghat is a journey through mountains and lush greenery, making it one of the best short road trips from Pune. It is a paradise for nature enthusiasts; It is adorned with valleys and diverse flora and fauna.
- Best Time to Visit: July to September.
- Popularity: Waterfalls and mountains.
- Activities to do: Trekking, visiting caves and bird watching.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Narayangaon - Malshej Ghat.
6. Mahabaleshwar | 122 km
Famous for its strawberry farms, lush forests, serene lakes, breathtaking viewpoints and ancient temples, Mahabaleshwar presents a refreshing 3-hour short road trip from Pune, surrounded by hills and waterfalls.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Popularity: Strawberry farms, strawberry festivals, forts and viewpoints.
- Activities to do: Boating, horse riding, trekking, Mapro garden and visiting forts.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Wai - Mahabaleshwar.
7. Panchgani | 102 km
The 2-hour journey to Panchgani is as delightful as the destination itself, known for its scenic beauty and colonial charm. It's a favoured spot for paragliding and offers a serene getaway. Panchgani is a popular hill station adorned with lush green valleys.
- Best Time to Visit: September to May.
- Popularity: Table Land or Asia Plateau, adventure sports and cultural attractions.
- Activities to do: Paragliding, visiting devrai art village and sightseeing.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Wai - Panchgani.
8. Lohagad Fort | 79 km
A historical marvel nestled amidst the Sahyadri hills, Lohagadh Fort offers panoramic views, intriguing architecture, and a glimpse into Maharashtra's rich heritage. A Pune road trip to Lohagad Fort provides a blend of adventure and scenic views.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September.
- Popularity: Trekking and ancient fort history.
- Activities to do: Trekking and photography.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Lonavala - Lohagad Fort.
9. Rajgad Fort | 75 km
Rajgad Fort, with its imposing structure, historical significance, breathtaking views, and challenging trekking trails, provides a glimpse into the Maratha empire. The drive is scenic, offering views of lush landscapes.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Popularity: Trekking, Padmavati temple, and Maratha Empire history.
- Activities to do: Trekking, camping, exploration and photography
- Ideal Route: Pune - Varasgaon - Rajgarh Fort.
10. Pawna Lake | 63 km
A short road trip from Pune to Pawna Lake is perfect for relaxing beside tranquil waters and enjoying camping under the stars. The journey is short and sweet, ideal for a quick getaway. Majestic Sahyadri mountains surround this lake.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
- Popularity: Camping and lake views.
- Activities to do: Camping, paragliding and boating.
- Ideal Route: Pune - Kamshet - Pawna Lake.
From the divine calls of Shirdi to the serene waters of Pawna Lake, each road trip destination from Pune offers a unique experience. Whether it's a spiritual journey, an adventure trek, or a peaceful getaway, the roads leading from Pune unfold into beautiful landscapes and experiences, promising memories that last a lifetime.
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