Pune not only has incredible locations on the interiors but also breathtaking destinations on the exteriors. With that, I mean, Pune is surrounded by several places that are both soothing to the eyes and are perfect for a weekend escape. Amongst them all, the hill stations are surely the most captivating places in and around Deccan city. With green hills and blue lakes in the surrounding, the hill stations near Pune will give you a calm vibe and will transport you back to the early days when nature predominantly ruled the beauty of a place. Today, when there are all artificial things around us, the hill stations near Pune exhibits true wonders of nature. According to my past experience, I had a great time sitting by the hill stations and capturing snaps from the hilltops to cherish forever. If you too want to experience the same, book your tickets and head to these hill stations without any delay. Having said that, plan your trip at these charming hill stations that are given below.
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Lonavala
One of the amazing hill stations near Pune, Lonavala is located on the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges. Situated at an altitude of 624 metres above sea level, Lonavla with its greens and lakes is an ideal place to admire nature. In fact, this hill station is so beautiful that the list of the top hill stations in Pune remains incomplete without mentioning this place. Lonavala has some popular tourist attractions like Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Fort, Bushi Dam and Reywood Lake. In addition to that. if you are an adventure enthusiast then you will definitely love this place as it is a popular destination for trekking and camping.
Panchgani
Located in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Panchgani is one of the most beautiful hill towns near Maharastra known for its remarkable sunset point. Situated at a height of 1334 metres, the hill station derives its name from the five villages (Dhandeghar, Amral, Godavli, Taighat and Khinghar) located in the area. The scenic backdrop of green hills on one side and coastal plains on another side gives it a breathtaking view. During the colonial era, this place was treated by the British as a summer retreat due to the pleasant weather throughout the year. Moreover, in Panchgani, you can indulge in a lot of outdoor activities like paragliding and horseriding.
Mahabaleshwar
Popularly called the ‘land of strawberries’, Mahabaleshwar near Pune is a famous hill station known for producing the highest number of strawberries in India. But that’s not the only thing about it as with majestic peaks, magnificent cascades and numerous rivers, it is also the most desired destination in Mumbai. Situated at an altitude of 4440 metres above sea level, it is located in the Satara district of Maharastra. Due to this place being the source of the river Krishna, it is considered the sacred pilgrimage of Hindus. Earlier being the summer capital during the colonial rule, Mahabaleshwar has ample tourist spots to explore like Venna Lake, Arthur’s Seat, Dhobi Waterfall and Falkland Point.
Tapola
Also known as the ‘Mini Kashmir,’ Tapola is a quiet hill station near Pune where tranquillity can be achieved. With a lovely scenic beauty, Tapola is an ideal place to interact with nature in close proximity. Situated at the merging point of the Koyna and Solshi river, the hill station is filled with unknown forts like Jaygad and Vasota which makes it a perfect place for adventure. Besides, due to the Shivsagar Lake being located beside the hill, you can also indulge in various watersport activities like boating, kayaking and swimming. With all of this and much more things to do, Tapola is simply one of the best places to spend your weekend.
Matheran
Considered as one of India’s smallest hill stations, Matheran near Pune stands at a height of 2600 feet above sea level. Literally meaning ‘overhead forest,’ Matheran is an extremely popular tourist spot for its serene beauty and tranquillity. In fact, what makes this place so interesting is the fact of being Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. If you visit this place, then you need to park your vehicle a few kilometres away from the main spot and have to cover the rest of the distance by walking. It is an ideal place for watching sunrise and sunset. Besides, adventure enthusiasts prefer this place for it being one of the best places for trekking.
Bhandardara
Famous for being home to Mt Kalsubai, Bhandardara in Pune has the highest peak in the city. Besides, this place is also known for having the largest lakes (Arthus Lake) and the oldest dams (Wilson Dam) in the region. It is located in the Ahmednagar District and at a distance of 117 km away from Mumbai. Bhandardara which literally means ‘the valley of treasures’ lives up to its name as with its lush green surrounding and beautiful mountains this place is a perfect weekend gateway for relaxing.
Whether you want to take a break from your cosmopolitan city life or want to rejuvenate in the lap of nature, the hill stations near Pune are perfect for all your desires. So, without delaying any further, visit these hill stations and have a wondrous time in the lap of nature.
