Exciting Road Trips From Pune For The Adventurous Explorer In You

A picture of Aga Khan Bridge over the Mula-Mutha River, one of the common routes used from Pune.

When it comes to road trips, Pune is a road-trippers dream because it is close to hill stations, coastal towns, and cultural sites. There are a lot of different kinds of road trips from Pune, so you can choose from a beautiful drive through the Western Ghats to a quiet getaway near the coast. These well-known road trips from Pune are great for a short weekend trip or a longer vacation. Check out some of the best road trips from Pune that offer both excitement and peace, with beautiful scenery and interesting historical places.

10 Exciting Road Trips From Pune For The Adventurous Explorer In You

Some of the most popular road trips from Pune include:

1. Pune To Lonavala

A picture of Lonavala Tiger Point, which you can watch on the way to your road trip.

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons

One of the most frequent road trips out of Pune, Lonavala is bound to be swarming with people during the monsoon season. The short drive of 1.5 hours boasts mind-blowing views of the Sahyadri mountain range, with several waterfalls cascading down the hillsides. You can visit famous tourist attractions in Lonavala, including Bhushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, and ancient Karla Caves. Lonavala is one of Pune’s most famous road trips, with fantastic weather and beautiful scenic places. Whether you’re a nature lover or just someone pursuing a quick escape, this critical road trip from Pune has everything for you.

Best Time To Visit: June to September
Trip Duration: 1.5 hours

2. Pune To Mahabaleshwar

A picture of misty mountain roads that you can see during one of your road trips from Pune.

Photo: Pratishkhedekar / Wikimedia Commons

Mahabaleshwar is another fantastic road trip from Pune. It will take about three hours. The scenic route takes you through lush greenery and cool mountain air. All nature lovers would love Mahabaleshwar, which has strawberry farms, lakes, and viewpoints like Arthur’s Seat. This place is also a historical landmark with places like Pratapgad Fort. The monsoons give this place a charm. So this is one of the most sought-after road trips from Pune. Whether you are an adventurer or a fan of relaxation, Mahabaleshwar has both adventure and relaxation in store for you as one of Pune’s most crucial road trips.

Best Time To Visit: October to June
Trip Duration: 3 hours

3. Pune To Alibaug

A picture of a beach and coastal roads on the scenic road trip from Pune to Alibaug.

Photo: Alosh Bennett / Wikimedia Commons

The distance and drive from Pune to Alibaug are perfect for a coastal retreat on a road trip. The scenic view of the Western Ghats and the plains along the coastal path is exceptional and forms a good, memorable journey that takes approximately 4 hours. Serene beaches in Alibaug offer ample water sports opportunities, and the Kolaba Fort is an actual historical wonder. This beach town gives you the best relaxing getaway from city life, which is why it is one of Pune’s most famous road trips.

Best Time To Visit: November to March
Trip Duration: 4 hours

4. Pune To Matheran

A picture of green hills and foggy paths on a road trip from Pune to Matheran.

Photo: Le Priyavrat / Wikimedia Commons

Matheran is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station, giving it a path from Pune. The green hill town is about 3 hours from here, where forests cover the landscape, and both Panorama Point and Louisa Point offer breathtaking views. The drive ends at Dasturi, where you can walk or ride horses to trek into the town. With its misty climate and untrodden beauty, Matheran is one of Pune’s most famous road trips, especially among nature lovers. The peaceful and pollution-free atmosphere makes it one of Pune’s most important road trips towards a refreshing escape from the bustling urban life.

Best Time To Visit: October to May
Trip Duration: 3 hours

5. Pune To Goa

A picture of a beach with Palm trees that is great for a stop between road trips from Pune.

Photo: Hemant meena / Wikimedia Commons

The road trip from Pune to Goa is a long yet memorable journey, an all-time favourite of many. The drive takes around 8-9 hours and is studded with beautiful coastal roads, palm-fringed beaches, and quaint villages. Goa boasts beaches, lively nightlife, and Portuguese architecture; this is why it’s a popular road trip from Pune to the country. The NH66 route is perfect, and you will cross some of the most fabulous landmarks, such as the Sahyadri ranges. Goa is one of the critical road trip routes from Pune, regardless of the quest for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of those.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Trip Duration: 8 – 9 hours

6. Pune To Nashik

A scenic picture of Ram Ghat, where visitors are taking a spiritual dip in the cold water.

Photo: World8115 / Wikimedia Commons

A must for wine lovers, a drive from Pune to Nashik is an excellent way to indulge in this juice of the gods. Nashik, popularly known as the wine capital of India, is around 5 hours from Pune. The drive has some of the most beautiful vineyards and open fields along the way, so it has emerged as one of the most talked-about drives from Pune. Several vineyards, such as Sula and York, offer wine-tasting tours at Nashik. If you like wine and spiritualism or are a history enthusiast, Nashik is a vital road trip from Pune.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Trip Duration: 5 hours

7. Pune To Lavasa

An amazing picture of Lavasa hills that is a must-see during road trips from Pune.

Photo: Khushi jain12 / Wikimedia Commons

Lavasa is an ultra-modern, planned hill station that takes just 2 hours from Pune. Among the shortest and easiest road trips from Pune, Lavasa offers abundant breathtaking lakeside views cut through and wrapped in lush greenery and hills. Lavasa’s European architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the famous road trips from Pune. Lavasa offers something for everyone if you are looking forward to relaxing by the lake. Smooth roads and beautiful scenes make it a vital road trip from Pune for families or love couples.

Best Time To Visit: All year round
Trip Duration: 2 hours

8. Pune To Bhandardara

A picture of Bhandardara mountains that is a hidden treasure and a great spot for road trips.

Photo: Mahi29 / Wikimedia Commons

Bhandardara is a hidden treasure, 4 hours from Pune, or an excellent place to take a relaxed and scenic road trip from Pune, known for pristine lakes, dense green cover, and towering mountains. The drive is beautiful, with hills and valleys, and one of Pune’s most famous road trips. Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, and the trek to the Kalsubai Peak are popular attractions here. Bhandardara is one of the most crucial road trips from Pune for anyone looking to get away with the peace and wonders of nature.

Best Time To Visit: June to February
Trip Duration: 4 hours

9. Pune To Kamshet

A picture of a road surrounded by the most lush green environment and a clear blue sky.

Photo: Ravikiran Kumbhar / Wikimedia Commons

Kamshet has gained the reputation of being the paragliding capital of Maharashtra. The journey distance is merely an hour and a half from Pune, so this road trip from Pune is fun. This mountain road takes you to the best destinations in India, where you can go paragliding. Adventure sports combined with this laid-back environment make Kamshet one of Pune’s most famous road trips. Apart from paragliding, there are ancient Buddhist cave temples where you can explore breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. So, Kamshet is an essential road trip from Pune for adventure seekers.

Best Time To Visit: October to May
Trip Duration: 1.5 hours

10. Pune To Kolad

A scenic picture of Kolad Lake, which is again a must-see spot during road trips from Pune.

Photo: Naishashetty17 / Wikimedia Commons

Located slightly over 3 hours from Pune, Kolad boasts white-water rafting and adventure activities, some of Pune’s most exciting road trip activities. It takes you over rolling landscapes and brings you to your final destination, where you can engage in outdoor activities like Kundalika, zip-lining, and camping. Kolad is also an adventurous environment, which makes it the most sought-after popular Pune road trip, especially for adventure lovers. This scenic natural beauty and fun-filled activities make Kolad a vital road trip from Pune for any adrenaline-seeker.

Best Time To Visit: June to September
Trip Duration: 3 hours

Pune serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Maharashtra’s stunning landscapes and thrilling adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing hill station, a vibrant beach town, or an adventure-filled trip, these important road trips from Pune offer something for every traveller. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the beauty that lies just a drive away. Experience these famous road trips from Pune and create memories to last a lifetime!

Cover Photo: Mack Male / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time is generally during the cooler months, from October to March, though monsoon trips can be beautiful too.
Yes, many of these destinations, such as Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar, are ideal for solo travellers.
It’s recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability at popular spots like Mahabaleshwar and Alibaug.
Yes, routes like Pune to Matheran and Pune to Bhandardara have multiple scenic stops offering stunning views.
Yes, destinations like Kolad and Kamshet offer thrilling activities like white-water rafting and paragliding.

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