Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, historic forts, serene lakes, and lush hill stations. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or a history buff, there are plenty of amazing one-day weekend getaways from Pune that promise relaxation and excitement.
In this guide, we’ll explore 40 best short trips from Pune, including the best time to visit, nearby attractions, accommodation options (if you wish to extend your stay), and approximate travel costs.
Table of Contents
1. Lonavala & Khandala (65 km)
Best Time: June-February (Monsoon & Winter)
Highlights:
- Tiger’s Leap – A stunning cliff with a panoramic valley view.
- Bhushi Dam – Famous for monsoon waterfalls.
- Rajmachi Point – Scenic sunset spot.
Fare: ₹500-800 (by bus/train), ₹1,500-2,000 (by cab)
Hotels: Fariyas Resort, Della Resorts
2. Lavasa (65 km)
Best Time: October-March
Highlights:
- Lakeside Promenade – Perfect for boating & cycling.
- Temghar Dam – Scenic views.
Fare: ₹800-1,200 (by cab)
Hotels: Mercure Lavasa, The Waterfront Shaw
3. Mahabaleshwar (120 km)
Best Time: September-May
Highlights:
- Venna Lake – Boating & horse riding.
- Mapro Garden – Famous for strawberry cream.
Fare: ₹1,500-2,000 (by cab)
Hotels: Brightland Resort, Le Méridien
4. Matheran (120 km)
Best Time: June-February
Highlights:
- Echo Point – Famous for natural echoes.
- Charlotte Lake – Peaceful picnic spot.
Fare: ₹1,200-1,800 (by cab)
Hotels: The Byke Heritage, Adamo The Village
5. Panchgani (100 km)
Best Time: September-May
Highlights:
- Table Land – Asia’s second-largest volcanic plateau.
- Sydney Point – Breathtaking valley views.
Fare: ₹1,200-1,500 (by cab)
Hotels: Ravine Hotel, Hotel Mount View
6. Bhandardara (165 km)
Best Time: July-February
Highlights:
- Arthur Lake – Serene boating experience.
- Randha Falls – Beautiful waterfall.
Fare: ₹1,800-2,500 (by cab)
Hotels: MTDC Resort, Anandvan Resort
7. Rajmachi Fort (80 km)
Best Time: June-February
Highlights:
- Trekking – Moderate trek with stunning views.
- Shivaji-era Fort – Historic ruins.
Fare: ₹1,000-1,500 (by cab)
Hotels: Camping options available
8. Sinhagad Fort (30 km)
Best Time: July-March
Highlights:
- Historic Fort – Great for trekking.
- Pune Viewpoint – Stunning cityscape.
Fare: ₹500-800 (by cab)
Hotels: No stay options (day trip only)
9. Tamhini Ghat (60 km)
Best Time: June-September
Highlights:
- Waterfalls – Beautiful monsoon scenery.
- Nature Walks – Lush greenery.
Fare: ₹800-1,200 (by cab)
Hotels: MTDC Resort, nearby homestays
10. Mulshi Dam (50 km)
Best Time: June-February
Highlights:
- Lakeside Camping – Peaceful retreat.
- Sunset Views – Stunning photography spot.
Fare: ₹700-1,000 (by cab)
Hotels: Mulshi Camp & Resort
11-20: More One-Day Getaways from Pune
Destination | Distance | Best Time | Highlights | Fare (Approx.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
11. Kamshet | 45 km | Oct-Mar | Paragliding, Pawna Lake | ₹800-1,200 |
12. Panshet | 50 km | June-Feb | Water sports, Dam views | ₹700-1,000 |
13. Bhimashankar | 110 km | July-Feb | Jyotirlinga Temple, Wildlife Sanctuary | ₹1,200-1,800 |
14. Karla Caves | 60 km | Oct-Mar | Ancient Buddhist caves | ₹600-900 |
15. Lohagad Fort | 65 km | July-Mar | Trekking, History | ₹800-1,200 |
16. Tikona Fort | 60 km | July-Mar | Scenic trek, Views | ₹700-1,000 |
17. Visapur Fort | 70 km | July-Mar | Fort trekking | ₹800-1,200 |
18. Korigad Fort | 85 km | July-Mar | Trekking, Lake views | ₹900-1,300 |
19. Malshej Ghat | 130 km | July-Feb | Waterfalls, Flamingo sightings | ₹1,500-2,000 |
20. Kaas Plateau | 140 km | Aug-Sep | Valley of Flowers | ₹1,500-2,200 |

21-30: Nature & Adventure Escapes
Destination | Distance | Best Time | Highlights | Fare (Approx.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
21. Kolad | 150 km | June-Feb | White-water rafting | ₹1,800-2,500 |
22. Durshet | 80 km | Oct-Mar | Forest lodge, Adventure park | ₹1,000-1,500 |
23. Kundalika Valley | 100 km | June-Feb | Rafting, Camping | ₹1,200-1,800 |
24. Vasota Fort | 180 km | Oct-Jun | Jungle trek, boating | ₹2,000-3,000 |
25. Thoseghar Falls | 170 km | July-Oct | Stunning waterfalls | ₹1,800-2,500 |
26. Aamby Valley | 90 km | Oct-Mar | Luxury retreat, Golf course | ₹1,500-2,000 |
27. Diveagar Beach | 170 km | Oct-Mar | Clean beach, Seafood | ₹2,000-2,800 |
28. Harihareshwar | 190 km | Oct-Mar | Beach & temple | ₹2,200-3,000 |
29. Alibaug | 150 km | Oct-Mar | Beaches, Kolaba Fort | ₹1,800-2,500 |
30. Kashid Beach | 160 km | Oct-Mar | White sand beach | ₹2,000-2,800 |
31-40: Offbeat & Cultural Trips
Destination | Distance | Best Time | Highlights | Fare (Approx.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
31. Shirdi | 200 km | All year | Sai Baba Temple | ₹2,500-3,500 |
32. Shaniwar Wada | 170 km | Oct-Mar | Historic fort | ₹1,800-2,500 |
33. Jejuri | 50 km | All year | Khandoba Temple | ₹600-900 |
34. Ozar | 90 km | All year | Vigneshwara Temple | ₹1,000-1,500 |
35. Lenyadri Caves | 95 km | Oct-Mar | Ancient caves | ₹1,200-1,800 |
36. Morgaon | 80 km | All year | Ashtavinayak Temple | ₹1,000-1,500 |
37. Ranjangaon | 85 km | All year | Mahaganapati Temple | ₹1,000-1,500 |
38. Bhuleshwar Temple | 45 km | All year | Unique Shiva temple | ₹700-1,000 |
39. Nighoj Potholes | 90 km | July-Feb | Natural rock formations | ₹1,000-1,500 |
40. Saswad | 35 km | All year | Purandar Fort base | ₹500-800 |
Final Travel Tips for One-Day Trips from Pune
✅ Best Transport Options:
- Self-drive (for flexibility)
- Cabs (Ola/Uber or local taxis)
- Buses (MSRTC & private operators)
- Trains (for nearby destinations like Lonavala)
✅ Packing Essentials:
- Water bottles & snacks
- Comfortable footwear
- Camera/phone for photography
- Light jacket (for hill stations)
✅ Budgeting:
- Economy Trip: ₹1,000-1,500 per person
- Mid-Range Trip: ₹2,000-3,000 per person
- Luxury Trip: ₹4,000+ per person
Conclusion
Pune’s proximity to hill stations, beaches, forts, and temples makes it an ideal base for quick weekend escapes. Whether you want adventure, nature, history, or spirituality, these 40 one-day getaways from Pune offer something for everyone.
Which destination will you explore first? 🚗💨
(Need a custom itinerary? Drop a comment below!)