Pune, the cultural heart of Maharashtra, isn’t just a thriving modern city—it’s a travel hub surrounded by historical forts, lush green getaways, heritage temples, and adventure hotspots. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or an adrenaline junkie, weekend getaways from Pune offer a perfect escape.
1. Shaniwar Wada, Pune – Icon of Maratha Heritage
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What It Is: Built in 1732 by Peshwa Baji Rao I, this majestic palace served as the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. Despite being ravaged by a fire in 1828, its remains still echo the grandeur of its past.
- Specialty: Sound & light show narrating Maratha history, architectural ruins, haunted folklore
- Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM; Light & sound show post-sundown (7:30 PM)
- Tickets: ₹30 (Indians), ₹200 (foreigners); Show charges extra
- Nearby Attractions: Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple, Lal Mahal, Koregaon Park
- Time to Explore: 2–3 hours
- How to Reach:
- From Mumbai: 3 hr via NH48
- From Nagpur: 10–12 hrs by train/road to Pune, then auto/taxi
- Best Season to Visit: October to February
2. Aga Khan Palace – Gandhi Memorial Site
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Historical Significance: Built in 1892, this palace served as a detention center for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai during the Quit India Movement.
- Highlights: Gandhi museum, samadhis, khadi weaving units
- Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹105 (foreigners)
- Travel Time: 1–2 hours
- Distance from Pune: ~6 km
- Nearby: Osho Ashram, Phoenix Marketcity
- Best Season: Winter and spring
🏔️ 3. Sinhagad Fort – Best Fort Trek Near Pune
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One of the most famous forts near Pune, Sinhagad was the site of the legendary Battle of Sinhagad (1670) led by Tanaji Malusare.
- Top Features: Historical monuments, sunrise/sunset points, monsoon trekking
- Timings: Open all day; early morning or evening best
- Budget: ₹20–₹50 (local charges)
- Nearby Attractions: Khadakwasla Dam, Rajgad Fort
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Distance from Pune: 28 km
4. Lohagad Fort & Bhaja Caves – Twin Wonders
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Lohagad Fort:
- Historical Value: 10th-century fort, later fortified by Shivaji Maharaj.
- Attractions: Four imposing gates, “Vinchu Kata” ridge resembling a scorpion’s tail
Bhaja Caves:
- Type: 2nd-century BCE Buddhist caves with intricate sculptures and stupas
- Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Entry Fees: ₹10–₹50
- Ideal For: Monsoon treks, history walks
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Nearby: Karla Caves, Visapur Fort, Rajmachi
- Distance from Pune: 52–68 km
5. Kamshet & Pawna Lake – Adventure and Relaxation
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- Kamshet: One of India’s top paragliding destinations, surrounded by green hills and lakes.
- Pawna Lake: Scenic lakeside escape for camping, kayaking, and stargazing
- Activities: Paragliding (₹2,500–₹3,500), camping (₹500–₹1,500/night)
- Ideal For: Adventure lovers, romantic getaways
- Distance: 47–52 km from Pune
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
6. Lonavala & Khandala – Hill Stations near Pune
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- Popular Spots: Tiger’s Leap, Duke’s Nose, Bhushi Dam, Rajmachi Fort
- Nearby: Karla & Bhaja Caves, wax museum, waterfalls
- Season: Monsoon (July–September) & winter (October–February)
- Budget: ₹200–₹400/day
- Time Needed: 1–2 days
- Distance: ~65–68 km
7. Lavasa – Italy-Inspired Modern Hill City
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- Highlights: Colorful waterfront, cafes, water sports, romantic stays
- Timings: Open year-round
- Budget: ₹300–₹800 for water sports, entry & parking
- Ideal for: Couples, photography, day trips
- Distance: 56 km from Pune
8. Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar & Matheran – Scenic Escapes
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- Panchgani: Table Land plateau, strawberry farms, Sydney Point
- Mahabaleshwar: Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point, boating at Venna Lake
- Matheran: India’s only car-free hill station, toy train, 38 viewpoints
- Distance: 100–120 km
- Budget: ₹500–₹1,500/day (incl. meals, stays)
- Best Season: October to February
9. Mulshi Dam & Bhuleshwar Temple
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- Mulshi Dam: Beautiful for picnics, nature walks, monsoon photos
- Bhuleshwar Temple: Ancient 8th-century Shiva temple with Yadava architecture
- Timings: Temple: 6 AM–6 PM | Dam: Open all day
- Budget: Minimal (₹50)
- Ideal For: Spiritual & nature trips
- Distance: 40–45 km
10. Kaas Plateau & Malshej Ghat – Monsoon Marvels
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- Kaas Plateau: UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot; 850+ flowering plant species
- Malshej Ghat: Monsoon hub with waterfalls, flamingos, trekking trails
- Blooming Season: August–October
- Budget: ₹100–₹300
- Time Required: Day trip
- Distance: 120–135 km from Pune
11. Rajgad & Indori Fort – For Trekking Enthusiasts
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- Rajgad: Former capital of Shivaji Maharaj’s empire (1656–1689)
- Indori: Smaller fort with Maratha-era construction, perfect for half-day treks
- Budget: ₹10–₹50
- Time Required: 5–6 hours
- Distance: 45–65 km from Pune
Quick Travel Reference: Distance & Drive Times
| From City | Destination | Distance | Drive Time |
| Mumbai | Lonavala/Lohagad | 65 km | ~1.5 hr via Expressway |
| Mumbai | Sinhagad/Shaniwar Wada | 160 km | ~3.5 hr |
| Nagpur | Pune | ~800 km | ~13 hr via Solapur |
Travel Tips & Budget Planning
- Best Travel Season: June to February (monsoon & winter)
- Weekend Trip Budget: ₹5,000–₹10,000 (travel, stay, food, entry tickets)
- Transport Options:
- From Mumbai/Nagpur: Trains, buses, flights to Pune
- Local Commute: Ola/Uber, shared autos, MSRTC buses, private cabs
- Upcoming Development: Pune Metro expansion & Navi Mumbai Airport to boost connectivity
Why These Places Stand Out
- Maratha Glory: Forts like Rajgad, Lohagad, Sinhagad reflect Shivaji’s military brilliance.
- Nature’s Wonders: Kaas Plateau, Malshej Ghat, Mulshi – breathtaking during monsoon.
- Ancient Spirituality: From Bhuleshwar Temple to Buddhist caves.
- Adventure Galore: Paragliding in Kamshet, camping at Pawna, trekking Rajgad.
- Perfect for All Travelers: Families, solo travelers, couples, history enthusiasts.
Nearby Highlights Worth Visiting
- Jejuri Temple – Sacred turmeric-smeared shrine of Khandoba
- Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary – Flamingos & migratory birds (near Solapur highway)
- Ajanta & Ellora Caves – UNESCO sites with ancient cave art & architecture
Final Word: Design Your Pune Periphery Travel Itinerary
If you’re looking for places to visit near Pune within 100–150 km, this guide has every gem mapped out—be it historical, spiritual, natural, or adventurous. Choose your theme—trekking, relaxation, history, or wildlife—and curate a 2–4 day itinerary packed with layered experiences.
Pro Tip: Start early mornings for forts and caves, and reserve evenings for lakes, cafés, or scenic drives.
Explore, Experience, and Enjoy the Majestic Surroundings of Pune. Your next weekend adventure awaits!