Top Hill Stations Near Pune for a Blissful Vacation

Even though western and eastern ghats border the southern part of India along the coastline, hills are seldom seen on the central peninsula. So, if you are living in Pune or want to explore some other places from this city, there are numerous hill stations in close vicinity. These are mainly located in the western ghats, so the views are breathtaking. Besides, most places have amicable weather throughout the year, with the mercury levels below the normal value.

However, not all locations can be targeted at once. If you want to visit a couple of hill stations in Pune in one trip, you need an appropriate itinerary. Plus, the distances between two consecutive locations shouldn’t be much. To help you with this, we have prepared a complete list of the best hill stations near Pune you can visit for a peaceful retreat from Pune.

Mahabaleshwar is supposedly the most visited hill station near Pune. Located at 120 Km from the central city, you can easily reach here by a rental or private car. The best time to visit is from March to June or December to February since monsoon often causes floods and blocks the roads. Mahabaleshwar has some of the most captivating views, leaving you in awe. The steep western ghat slopes are covered with vibrant, dense green forests. You can also see a couple of waterfalls along your way, creating a misty fog in the nearby areas. It’s one of the popular tourist destinations offering the mesmerizing sunrise view.

Another famous Pune hill station that should be on your travel bucket list is Panchgani. It is located at a distance of 103 Km from Pune, so you can reach here after traveling for an hour or so. Cradled in the laps of steep, dense forest-covered western ghats, the city has some of the most enchanting valleys worth exploring. September to May is the ideal time to explore this scenic paradise in Maharashtra. The best locations you can include in your itinerary are Parsi Point, Kates Point, Harrisons Folly, Pratapgad Fort, and the Rajpuri Caves.

If you want a vacation retreat from Pune, no other place will be as suitable as Lonavala. The weather here remains soothing for most of the year, and best during anytime from October to May. The city has breathtaking scenic views of the mountains, dense green covers, and waterfalls and houses some of the best tourist spots. Karla Caves, Visapur Fort, Lions Point, and Bhushi Dam are the best offbeat locations you can visit while staying at Lonavala. For funky experiences, visit the Della Adventures Park, Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum, and Imagicaa. The Lohagad Fort and Bhaja Caves are the ideal destinations to explore some pages down the history book of Maharashtra.

Karjat is the best hill station near Pune if you want to stay at an offbeat location with less crowd. To attain the most adventurous experience, the best time to visit this hill station is from March to June. Here, the climate remains colder than other hill stations, so don't forget to pack light winter clothes with you. Known to be a picture-perfect location, Karjat houses some of the best views of the western ghats, including the dense green covers, waterfalls, lookout points, and forts. The Canyon Valley is an ideal destination to explore the plains and marvel at the picturesque backdrop of high mountain ranges. If you are good at trekking, visit the Sondai Fort, Kothaligad, Dhak Bahiri Caves, and the Lords Point.

If you are a nature lover, Malshej Ghat is an ideal hill station that you can visit from Pune. It is located 120 Km from the city, so availing the local train or a private rental car is the best option. The location is enchanting, with high lookout points, avalanches from waterfalls, and so on. Also, Malshej Ghat is known for some of the most adventurous trekking points, including Malshej Waterfalls, Chavand Fort, Reverse Waterfall, Harishchandragad, and Nimgiri Fort. You can also trek through the Adarai Jungle trail and explore the wildlife and forest covers.

Located 238 km from Pune, Panhala is a small city in the western Ghats. Surrounded by steep mountain ranges, the city has numerous sightseeing points that will let you bask in the natural magnificence. This awesome destination has become a favorite spot for the travelers. It speaks about the historic relevance of great king Shivaji. Due to the soothing weather and no rain, October to May is the ideal time to explore Panhala. Some of the best historical places you can explore here are the Pusati Buruj, Chhatrapati Shahu Palace, Teen Darwaja, Sajja Kothi, and Pawangad. Pay your devotion and seek blessings at the Shree Jyotiba Devasthan and Shri Mahalaxmi Ambabai Temple.

One of the best hills near Pune, where you can experience the never-ending thrill and exhilaration of wilderness, is Amboli. The best time to visit this city is from October to February. Pack your warm clothes properly since the weather here will be a little colder. It is located in the famous Sahyadri Hills, so you can revel in some of the most enchanting sights, including the Amboli waterfalls, Amboli Forest Park, Kavala Saeed Point, and Shirgaonkar Point. Amboli is famous for housing 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, but only twelve can be visited in person. Surrounded by dense forest, waterfalls & beautiful landscapes, Amboli is a perfect embodiment of a nature inspired destination.

With the best hills in Pune listed here, you won't have much difficulty making plans and setting the itinerary for the upcoming vacation retreat. All these locations are ideal for a small family trip, a solo trip, or when it comes to having fun time with your friends. Book the hotel rooms and transportation ahead of schedule to avoid further problems once you reach the hill station. While staying in the city, you can consider staying in the Bloom Hotels in Pune since it is closest to the most famous tourist spots.