It is crucial for our physical and mental welfare to take a vacation from situations and activities that are frequently accompanied by stress and anxiety. The city of Pune is one where you might have similar feelings. And you can’t help but bring up the hill stations nearby Pune while picking a spot for that much-needed getaway. These tranquil locations in the Western Ghats provide a sweeping view of lush vegetation and azure lakes. Additionally, the tranquilly and quiet of these hill towns will entice you to return again and again. In conclusion, hill towns are perfect for folks seeking a change from their routine life. Having saying that, below is a quick list of some of the most well-known hills, here is the Stunning Hill Stations Near Pune.
Hill Stations within 100 km of Pune
- Lonavala
Lonavala is one of the most popular hill towns in the Pune district, located in the Sahyadri Ranges that divide the Deccan Plateau from the West Coast. In fact, Lonavala must be included on any list of the most incredible hill towns nearby Pune. The majority of buses going through Lonavala, which is on the Pune-Mumbai Motorway, stop here. That’s also one of the key factors contributing to this area’s rising fame.
The abundance of pompously illuminated chikki stores is the first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Lonavala, aside from its stunning natural surroundings. This area is known for its “Chikki,” a traditional confection composed of groundnuts and jaggery. You might find it hard to believe that some residents of Mumbai and Pune will go to Lonavala specifically to purchase this confection during the holiday season. Remember to stop by Lonavala Lake, Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Point, and Della Adventure Park while you’re in the area.
Approximately 67 kilometres (through the Mumbai-Pune Motorway) separate Pune.
- Khandala
Another magnificent hill station close to Pune is Khandala, which is just 3 km from Lonavala. Given their many similarities, Khandala and Lonavala are together referred to as “Twin Hill Stations,” and most tourists who visit one of them also go to the other. You must walk to Duke’s Nose if you want to see Khandala from all angles. Along with trekking, Khandala and the surrounding area offer opportunities for rock climbing, rappelling, and valley-crossing. Visit the famous Karla and Bhaja caves if you enjoy history. These ancient Buddhist caves are located about 16 kilometres from Khandala.
Approximately 71 kilometres (through the Mumbai-Pune Motorway) separate Pune.
- Panchgani
Another hill town in the Sahyadri Ranges is called Panchgani. Locals think that Panchgani’s air has therapeutic properties that might help one recover their physical and mental health.
The hill station had no name when it was initially found by the British. The five nearby villages (Amral, Dhandeghar, Khingar, Godavli, and Taighat) are the reason the hill station was given the name Panchgani. The British built it so they could use it as their official summer vacation because the area provides beautiful weather all year.
You can engage in a variety of activities here, including go-karting, horseback riding, and paragliding. In addition to these, there are numerous other tourist attractions you can visit.
Distance via NH 48 from Pune is around 102 kilometres.
- Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, one of the most well-known hill towns close to Pune, is situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra at a height of about 4440 metres. The sheer variety of hotels in Mahabaleshwar, which range from luxurious and upscale to budget and cottages, serves as an excellent illustration of this reality.
River Krishna originates in this place and travels through four important states: Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The Koyna and Venna, two of the river’s tributaries, are said to represent Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, respectively. According to legend, the river originated from the mouth of a statue of a cow.
Mahabaleshwar contributes roughly 85% of the country’s total strawberry production, which is an interesting fact. If you enjoy strawberries, you should consider visiting Mahabaleshwar during the renowned Strawberry Festival, which is held there each year in the spring.
In and around Mahabaleshwar, there are several tourist attractions to discover, such as the Dhobi Waterfall, Babington Point, Arthur’s Seat, Falkland Point, Venna Lake, Connaught Peak, and Roman Catholic Church.
Distance via NH 48 from Pune is about 120 kilometres.
- Matheran
Matheran is one of the most visited hill stations in India while being one of the smallest. It has a chilly climate because it is located at a height of around 2,600 feet above sea level. The hill station is unique in Asia as the only one without automobiles, which adds to its appeal. Visitors to Matheran must park their cars a few kilometres from the main site and then walk there; they can alternatively rent a pony to take them there. Another well-liked way to get here is the toy train that whirrs over hills.
There are 38 viewing sites in total at this location, with Panorama Point being the most well-known due to the 360-degree panorama it provides. If you’re ever in Matheran, you must stop by this location at dusk or dawn to witness one of the most breathtaking sights you’ve ever seen.
There are numerous more points in addition to Panorama Point, including Heart Point, Porcupine Point, Monkey Point, One Tree Hill Point, and Rambagh Point. You can stay in a hotel or a Parsi bungalow-turned-guest home if you want to spend the night in Matheran.
120 kilometres (along the Mumbai-Pune Motorway) from Pune.
- Tapola
Tapola, sometimes known as “Mini Kashmir,” is a sleepy little tourist town close to Mahabaleshwar. It is situated where the Solshi and Koyna rivers meet.
The 90 km (or 50 km, according to other estimates) long Shiv Sagar Lake, one of the main tourist destinations in the area, must be visited while you are in Tapola. If you love water sports, you can go kayaking, swimming, boating, and taking rides on water scooters. You can hike up to Vasota Fort in addition to participating in water sports. You must first request permission from the forest authorities due to the trek’s level of difficulty.
Distance via NH 48 from Pune is around 147 kilometres.
- Bhandardara
The tallest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai, is found in Bhandardara, a neighbourhood in Ahmednagar. In addition, the area’s biggest lake (Arthus Lake) and one of the oldest dams (Wilson Dam) are both located here. It makes sense that Bhandardara’s literal meaning is “the valley of treasures.”
One of the undeveloped and unspoilt tourist attractions that captures the laid-back way of life and rural allure of Maharashtra is Bhandardara. For those looking for a holiday where they can relax in a setting where nature is at its most pristine, it is the ideal destination thanks to its clean air and lovely weather throughout the year.
Aproximately 173 kilometres via NH 60 from Pune
- Panhala
Panhala, in the Maharashtra province of Kolhapur, is a fantastic weekend escape for city dwellers. It’s a stunning location with a hilltop that provides a sweeping view of forts and lush green valleys. Even if one is not particularly interested in history, a journey to Panhala would not be complete without paying a visit to Panhala Fort, which is a tribute to the valour of the Maratha kingdom. The Parashar Caves, Sambhaji Temple, and the Botanical Garden, which boasts a wide variety of flowering plants, are a few more must-see locations in Panhala.
Distance through AH 47 from Pune is about 240 kilometres.
- Jawhar
Jawhar is a stunning hill town in the Western Ghats located in the Palghar district. One of Maharashtra’s oldest municipal councils is renowned for its rich cultural history. The Warli tribe’s artworks made of mud and charcoal offer a glimpse into the long-standing local traditions.
One of the most well-known tourist sites in Jawhar is Jai Vilas Palace, which all visitors must see. It is encircled by lovely, lush gardens, and the greatest thing is that because it sits on top of a hill, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas. In addition to the palace, you can visit Khadkhad Dam, Dabhosa Waterfall, Hanuman Point, and Sunset Point.
The Mumbai-Pune Motorway and NH 48, the distance from Pune is about 270 kilometres.
- Amboli
Amboli, a well-known hill station close to Pune, is located at a height of 2260 feet above sea level. The area is bordered on three sides by valleys, offering a dreamy combination of serene surroundings, unusual views, and a plenty of touring possibilities. Amboli Ghat Falls, Shirgaonkar Point, Hiranyakeshi Temple, Madhavgad Fort, and the renowned Sunset Point are a few of the key attractions.
The hill station is a fantastic refuge for people wishing for a tranquil and calm vacation with their loved ones since despite its recent popularity and growing tourist numbers, it is still unspoiled by commercialization.
Approximately 346 kilometres via AH 47 from Pune
- Toranmal
Toranmal is a well-known hill station close to Pune that is tucked away in the Satpura Range. It is well-known for the Gorakhnath Temple, to which tens of thousands of worshippers travel from all across the nation. If you are a fervent follower of Lord Shiva, you must go to this location during the Mahashivratri festival in order to take part in the large fair that is held during it.
To answer your question, “Does Toranmal have anything for nature lovers, too?” the answer is “Yes.” Yashwant Lake and Lotus Lake are two of the area’s most well-known lakes. For the majority of the year, the Lotus Lake is covered in lotus blossoms. This lake’s water flows over a cliff and into Sita Khai, creating a stunning cascade. Toranmal also has Coffee Garden, Aawashbari Point, Sunset Point, and Check Dam as notable attractions.
Distance through NH 60 from Pune is approximately 471 kilometres.
- Chikhaldara
The hill station of Chikhaldara is the same location where Bhima killed Keechaka and tossed her into a valley. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, blue bulls, sloth bears, barking deer, wild boars, panthers, and several bird species. The area is a blessing for those who enjoy the outdoors because it is full with tranquil areas like lakes, coffee farms, and immaculate waterfalls. Trekking is possible to the Chikhaldara peaks of Prospect Point, Long Point, Devi Point, Monkey Point, and Hurricane Point for those who enjoy exploring new places.
By way of NH 753, Pune is about 610 kilometres away.
It is advised to reserve a hotel in Pune if you enjoyed any of the intriguing hill stations mentioned in the post and would like to visit them, since the city provides simple and hassle-free access to all of these locations.