Hiking In Pune: Your Guide To Best Trails And Nature Walks

A picture of Taljai hike, surrounded by the Western Ghats, one of the best place to experience hiking in Pune

Inherited with a great view of the Western Ghats, the city of Pune incorporates countless trekking routes for both the beginners and the experienced ones. These routes, which bring sightseeing to tranquil woods, offer a break to nature while stepping out of the city isn’t necessary. Whether you are looking for peace or it involves a family, these trails guarantee a fun-filled adventure. From the thrilling trails of Pashan hilltop to the vibrant valleys of Taljai hike, all these trails offer something to all tourists.

Hiking In Pune: Top 10 Scenic Trails

Some of the most amazing trails for hiking in Pune offering your the perfect adventure for your next expedition:

1. Katraj Trek

A picture of Katraj trail with greenery and distant hills, one of the best trails for  hiking in Pune

Photo: Arjun Singh Kulkarni / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Katraj Trek, located adjacent to Katraj Lake, is pretty calm and has beautiful hills all around. This moderate hike of about four kilometres stretches through bushes; hence, it is also recommended for family outings or even nature lovers. The way ahead is well-defined, and a few breaks can be taken at the seated structures on the way for this gracious journey. The picturesque views and cool blue vibe throughout Katraj are a common sight, especially on day hikes during the winter months.

Location: Katraj Lake area, Pune
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

2. Baker And Pashan Hill

A picture of the Baner and Pashan Hill trails surrounded by lush green mountains

Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Baner and Pashan Hill trail is a beautiful blend of settings with some city and some nature. This loop is roughly 5 km long and has breathtaking views of the city of Pune and the surrounding regions. The path is easy to navigate along with the diverse paths that are present within the green cover forest, making it accessible to people of all fitness levels. This region is also diverse in terms of flora and fauna.

Location: Baner-Pashan Link Road, Pune
Difficulty Level: Easy

3. Vetal Tekdi Hike

An image showing Vetal Tekdi summit, showcasing Pune's skyline and greenery

Photo: Brazzy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Vetal Hill, which is one of the highest hills in Pune, is a perfect location for experiencing the picturesque view at the top after a rewarding hike. The trail is approximately 3 kilometres and passes through heavy woods, which is a perfect relief from the busy city. There will be different types of plants and animals as you continue going up, which is good for people who appreciate nature.

Location: Vetal Tekdi, near Pune University
Difficulty Level: Moderate

4. Taljai Hike

An image of lush greenery along the Taljai hike trail with a group of people walking through.

Photo: Tuor / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

The Taljai hike, in the Taljai Hills, is a moderate route that is around 3 kilometres long, making it a popular choice for Pune hiking trails. It is a pleasant walk in a calm forest. The route is frequented by joggers and walkers and has several routes that branch out towards various locations. Bird watchers and animal lovers will find different kinds of birds and animals. The tranquillity and greenery offered at Taljai make it an ideal location for an early morning or evening walk.

Location: Taljai Hill, near Pune
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

5. Pashan Hill Loop

Pashan Hill trail surrounded by green hills, one of the thrilling trails for hiking in Pune

Photo: Rishu Bhosale / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Pashan Hill Loop is a nice hike with a few challenging sections, and it is perfect for those who enjoy hiking peacefully. The hike is approximately around four kilometres and is a loop that leads you to some woods and remarkable sights of the surrounding terrain. This is an excellent trail for families with children or novice hikers because there are clear pathways and several benches for relaxation.

Location: Pashan Hill, Pune
Difficulty Level: Easy

6. Taljai Forest Loop

An image of a dense forest along the Taljai Forest Loop trail, ideal for nature lovers

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Taljai Forest Loop is a beautiful trail that allows one to enjoy the beauty of nature. This loop is approximately 5 kilometres in size and goes through thick woods, making it ideal for anyone wanting to escape the noisy city. The trail is home to a variety of plants and animals, making it especially good for close-to-nature activities and bird-watching. There is proper signage along the trails, making it easy for people of all ages; hence, a popular place for family outings and walks with friends.

Location: Taljai Hills, Pune
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

7. Khandoba Temple Trail

An image of Khandoba Temple atop the hill, one of the amazing paths for hiking in Pune

Photo: Swapniliscreative / Wikimedia Commons

Khandoba Gallery It is a culinary and geographical journey that ends at the famous Khandoba Temple. This 4 km trail offers a moderately refreshing excursion-summer cum rainy season through green trees and rocky trails. The views become lovely as one goes higher with hills and valleys around. After the trek, the temple serves as a quiet place for relaxation and contemplation, making this trek both adventurous and spiritual at the same time.

Location: Khandoba Temple, near Saswad, Pune
Difficulty Level: Moderate

8. Chaturshringi Hill Trail

An image of the hikers on the Chaturshringi Hill trail, with the clear blue sky in the background

Photo: MIRTO KON / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Chaturshringi Hill trek culminates at the age-old Chaturshringi Temple, which is devoted to the Chaturshringi Goddess. This neat and short hike, which is approximately 1.5 kilometres in length, contains a combination of steps and rocky pathways, thus making it suitable for families and beginners. This trek is one of the most ideal options for people looking for hiking trails in Pune.

Location: Chaturshringi Hill, Pune
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

9. Vetal Tekdi Quarry Loop

Rocky terrain of Vetal Tekdi Quarry Loop, with a group of tourists hiking

Photo: Eric Sanman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Vetal Tekdi Quarry Loop is a thrilling adaptation of the usual Vetal Tekdi treks. The loop, which is roughly 5 kilometres long, consists of rocky woods and enhances the beauty of the region to its natural glory. This loop tends to be more for adventurous hikers who seek a little bit of a challenge, as it offers great views and a variety of ecosystems to experience in between. The addition of the quarry makes this hike more interesting, which is one reason many local adventurers love it.

Location: Vetal Tekdi, near Pune University
Difficulty Level: Moderate

10. Taljai Forest Hike

View  of Taljai Forest Hike Trail surrounded by tall trees and greenery

Photo: Toby Dagenhart / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The hike in Taljai Forest is a peaceful trail that helps you connect with nature. Approximately 4 kilometres in length, the hike leads one into a tranquil wooded landscape accompanied by the chirping of birds and swaying of trees which makes it more fascinating. This is a perfect place for early morning or late evening walks, providing relaxation away from the urban environment. The clearly defined trails allow everyone to enjoy them, making it easy and fun to spend time outdoors.

Location: Taljai Forest, near Pune
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

The city of Pune has a range of hiking trails for all age groups and abilities, with short family-friendly loops or steep climbs for the more adventurous. Whether you want to be surrounded by forests or see beautiful views of the city, hiking in Pune will leave you with cherished memories. So plan your next vacation with Trip XL to traverse these scenic routes and have fun outdoors in Pune!

Cover Photo: Hristofor Stoyanov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Some trails, for example, Vetal Tekdi, are well known for evening ambles, yet it is advised to hike during the day before dark.
Pune has several hiking trails enriched with various forms of wildlife—birds, monkeys, and sometimes deer or foxes.
Yes! There are trails, like Bhamburda Plateau and Panshet Hills, for instance, which are beautiful and less explored.
A lot of the trails, for instance, Sinhagad, also provide a glimpse of history as they are lined with ancient forts and ruins. There may also be interest in the local plants and animals, the local food, and photography that exhibits images of the place and its culture.
Of course. There are many trekking clubs and organisations in Pune that cater to such needs, so you can join them for group hikes.

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