Lonavala and Khandala
Maval taluka
The twin hill stations on the way to Mumbai, with viewpoints, waterfalls, caves, forts and the famous chikki.
Read more about Lonavala and KhandalaPicnic Spots and Forts
Hill stations, dams, lakes, forts and one day trips from Pune.
Pune is surrounded by hills, lakes and valleys, and some of the best weekend getaways in Maharashtra are within two or three hours of the city. In the monsoon the Sahyadri turns green and waterfalls appear on every hill. In winter the dams and backwaters are calm and full of birds.
Here are the favourite picnic spots and one day trips from Pune.
Stay safe
Do not go into dams, lakes or waterfalls in the monsoon. Every year people drown at picnic spots near Pune.
Many places have rules or closures during heavy rain. Check the news before you leave.
Carry your rubbish back with you.
Hill stations
Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani
Satara district
The best-known hill stations of Maharashtra, with viewpoints, Venna lake and strawberries. An easy weekend trip from Pune.
Read more about Mahabaleshwar and PanchganiMalshej Ghat
Near Junnar, on the Thane border
A ghat road on the north edge of Pune district, with clouds and waterfalls all through the monsoon.
Read more about Malshej Ghat
Dams and lakes
Khadakwasla and Panshet
Haveli and Rajgad talukas
Pune's own lakes: Khadakwasla for an evening snack by the water, and Panshet for a quieter day out.
Read more about Khadakwasla and PanshetPawna Lake
Maval taluka
A quiet lake near Lonavala with lakeside camping, surrounded by the forts of Tikona, Tung, Lohagad and Visapur.
Read more about Pawna LakeMulshi and Tamhini Ghat
Mulshi taluka
A big lake surrounded by hills, and a ghat road full of waterfalls in the monsoon. A favourite long drive from Pune.
Read more about Mulshi and Tamhini GhatBhigwan
Indapur taluka
The backwaters of Ujani dam, where flamingos and hundreds of other birds spend the winter. A birdwatcher's favourite.
Read more about Bhigwan
Forts
Sinhagad Fort
Near Donje, Haveli taluka
The fort of Tanaji Malusare, south-west of Pune. The most visited fort near the city, famous for its history, its views and its kanda bhaji.
Read more about Sinhagad FortRajgad Fort
Rajgad (Velhe) taluka
The first capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and one of the biggest hill forts of the Sahyadri. A UNESCO World Heritage fort since 2025.
Read more about Rajgad FortTorna Fort
Near Velhe, Rajgad taluka
The first fort taken by young Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, which gave the Maratha kingdom its start. The highest fort in Pune district.
Read more about Torna FortShivneri Fort
Junnar, Junnar taluka
The birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, above the town of Junnar. A UNESCO World Heritage fort since 2025.
Read more about Shivneri FortPurandar Fort
Near Saswad, Purandar taluka
A large twin fort near Saswad, linked with the birth of Sambhaji Maharaj, the heroism of Murarbaji Deshpande and the Treaty of Purandar.
Read more about Purandar FortLohagad Fort
Near Malavli, Maval taluka
An easy fort trek near Lonavala, with steps all the way and the long "scorpion tail" ridge. A UNESCO World Heritage fort since 2025.
Read more about Lohagad FortVisapur Fort
Near Malavli, Maval taluka
The big twin of Lohagad, with a wide plateau, old cannons and monsoon streams flowing down its steps.
Read more about Visapur FortTikona Fort
Tikona Peth, Maval taluka
A small triangular fort above Pawna lake. A short climb with a big view, good for a half day trip.
Read more about Tikona FortRajmachi Fort
Near Lonavala, Maval taluka
Twin forts and a small village between Lonavala and Karjat, famous for monsoon treks and fireflies before the rains.
Read more about Rajmachi FortKorigad Fort
Near Peth Shahapur, Mulshi taluka
A fort with walls that still run almost all the way round, near Aamby Valley and Lonavala. An easy climb with wide views.
Read more about Korigad Fort
Religious places
Bhimashankar
Ambegaon taluka
A Jyotirlinga temple deep in the forest, and a wildlife sanctuary where the giant Shekru squirrel lives.
Read more about BhimashankarAlandi
Khed taluka
The town on the Indrayani where Sant Dnyaneshwar took samadhi. The Ashadhi wari palkhi to Pandharpur starts here.
Read more about AlandiDehu
Haveli taluka
The village of Sant Tukaram, on the Indrayani river, where the Tukaram palkhi starts every year.
Read more about DehuJejuri Khandoba Temple
Jejuri, Purandar taluka
The hill temple of Khandoba, the family deity of many Maharashtrian families, famous for the yellow bhandara thrown by devotees.
Read more about Jejuri Khandoba TempleAshtavinayak
The eight Ganesh temples around Pune, with the route and what to know before you go.
Read more about Ashtavinayak
