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Pune, situated in the foothills of the Sahyadri ranges, is the best base to explore the beauty of Maharashtra. The places to visit near Pune for 2 days will appeal to every traveller, whether you want to visit misty hill stations, peaceful lakes, historic forts, or have an adventure. Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape from the city or a bit of excitement, these destinations offer a mix of history, nature, and leisure. You can go camping at Pawna Lake, trek to Lohagad Fort, or paraglide in Kamshet.
10 Beautiful Places To Visit Near Pune For 2 Days
All of these places to visit near Pune for 2 days are a perfect combination of adventure and culture that would be ideal to do together as an extended weekend getaway or fun short trip.
1. Lonavala And Khandala
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash
Lonavala and Khandala are 65 km from Pune, and both are immensely popular weekend escapes. Known for mist-covered hills, crashing waterfalls, and sprawling valleys, these twin hill stations are incredibly popular with all kinds of travellers and are easily found on any list of the best places to visit near Pune for 2 days. Adventure enthusiasts will seek thrills on a hike at Duke’s Nose or climb the twin hills of Rajmachi Fort. Plentiful streams at Bhushi Dam are great for families; find some hot chai and fresh-made chikki from local shops or simply watch the sprouting rapids.
Distance From Pune: 70.7 km
Highlights: Misty hills, Bhushi Dam waterfalls, Rajmachi Fort trek, Duke’s Nose viewpoint, local chikki shops
2. Lavasa
Photo: Omkar Jadhav / Unsplash
Lavasa is a hill city that was built with Italian architecture in mind. Lavasa is a site of multi-coloured buildings that sit along the lake; it is very pleasant to promenade beside the water, and, in the background, the Sahyadri ranges are spectacular. For those who wish to spend time in nature, the surrounding hills and forests have superb trails to explore. The best part of the day for people-watching and sipping coffee is in the morning, where early bird guests are best able to experience the relaxed ambiance. At night, you get several hours of a peaceful ambiance while the city lights reflect off the water.
Distance From Pune: 66.6 km
Highlights: Lakeside promenade, colorful Italian-inspired town, Sahyadri views, forest trails, peaceful sunsets
3. Sinhagad Fort
Photo: Roman Saienko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sinhagad Fort is a mecca of history and adventure. This fort is known for the notorious Battle of Sinhagad. Perched on a hill, the fort has stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges, and, as a trekker, you have a moderately sized trek that is beautiful during the monsoon months when the slopes turn green and clouds swirl over the fort walls. When you reach the top, the ruins, old gates, and bastions truly feel like stepping back in time. Eating food is another key part of your experience, and you should try the pithla-bhakri, kanda bhaji, and buttermilk at the small food stalls at the fort.
Distance From Pune: 37.8 km
Highlights: Hilltop Maratha fort, monsoon treks, historic ruins, panoramic views, pithla-bhakri stalls
4. Mahabaleshwar
Photo: Raj Vachhani / Unsplash
Mahabaleshwar is the most popular hill station in Maharashtra. The hill station is most known for its strawberry farms, beautiful forested areas, and vast geography. Start the trip with boating on Venna Lake, then explore Arthur’s Seat or Wilson Point, where you can appreciate the view of the Krishna Valley. You can even challenge yourself to horse riding or a trek across the nearby hills if you are more adventurous! You can also enjoy fresh strawberries or mulberries, or cream desserts. You can also check out the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built long ago.
Distance From Pune: 119.7 km
Highlights: Strawberry farms, Venna Lake boating, Arthur’s Seat, forested hills, Shiva temple
5. Pawna Lake
Photo: Sharadsy / Wikimedia Commons
Pawna Lake is a beautiful camping site that is a go-to place for people who love nature. The campgrounds near the lake are flanked by historical forts, such as Lohagad, Tikona, and Tung, and the scenery is a wonderful complement for outdoor activities. The lake has glassy blue water, and the Sahyadri hills reflect off of it. Camping is the best part of the trip because of the tents, bonfires, stargazing, and BBQ dinners in the open. The sunrise and sunset cast the lake in shades of orange and bright pink, and are best captured early or late in the day.
Distance From Pune: 57 km
Highlights: Lakeside camping, bonfires under stars, nearby forts (Lohagad, Tikona), sunrise & sunset views
6. Matheran
Photo: Satish Dharmavarapu / Unsplash
Matheran is India’s only automobile-free hill station, which makes it a rare find. Surrounded by dense forests and red-soil paths, it feels like you have arrived in another time. The toy train ride through meandering hill sections is not unique, but the scenery offers amazing views of valleys and waterfalls. Echo Point and Panorama Point are the best places to watch a spectacular sunset, while Charlotte Lake is a pleasant place to relax. The only way to explore this quaint hill station is by walking or poring your character onto a horse, which gives it more of an old-world charm you have not experienced before.
Distance From Pune: 118.9 km
Highlights: Car-free hill station, red-soil forest trails, toy train, Echo & Panorama Points, colonial charm
7. Mulshi Dam
Photo: Avi Richards / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Mulshi Dam is a serene nature wonderland for nature seekers. Located in the Sahyadri ranges, it’s well known for its backwoods, thick timber, hills covered in mist on a cloudy day, creating a scenic atmosphere, especially during thunderstorms. It is one of the most peaceful places to see near Pune for 2 days, where you can fluently spend hours appreciating the geography, filming locations of migrant catcalls in the area, or picnicking with family beside the lakeshore. A short drive down is Tamhini Ghat, which is another awful area lined with aqueducts and falls, to hike or take a weekend road trip in a thunderstorm.
Distance From Pune: 46.4 km
Highlights: Scenic lake, misty hills, forested picnic spots, birdwatching, Tamhini Ghat waterfalls
8. Kamshet
Photo: Pratik Patil / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Kamshet is referred to as the paragliding capital, making it perfect for adventure lovers. Kamshet’s rolling hills, clear skies, and wind conditions ensure it is one of the best tourist attractions near Pune for 2 days. In tandem paragliding, you can sit in a harness under the wing of a paraglider and fly through the sky. Check out the Bedse Caves and Karla Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves that contain stunning examples of craftsmanship and spirituality dating back centuries. Pawna Lake is close to Kamshet and includes overnight camping and boating options.
Distance From Pune: 46.9 km
Highlights: Paragliding hub, Sahyadri landscapes, Bedse & Karla Caves, Pawna Lake access
9. Panchgani
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bbalaji/ / Wikimedia Commons
Panchgani is a picturesque hill station that uniquely combines classic colonial architecture and nature. Famous for its Tableland, the second-largest volcanic plateau in Asia. If you are looking for serenity, visit Sydney Point or Parsi Point to watch the stunning sunsets and sunrises perched over the Krishna Valley and catch those photo ops. Panchgani is also synonymous with strawberries, so visiting during strawberry season, you’ll be able to enjoy strawberry picking experiences. Panchgani is home to several colonial-era schools and bungalows, so there is some historical context that gives the town a vintage feel.
Distance From Pune: 100.5 km
Highlights: Tableland plateau, sunset points, strawberry picking, vintage architecture, peaceful climate
10. Lohagad Fort
Photo: Ramji R / Wikimedia Commons
Lohagad Fort is one of the most notorious castles in Maharashtra, with a mix of history, nature, and adventure. Understandably, the name Lohagad, which means “Iron Fort”, signifies its strength and position during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. In the thunderstorm, it’ll not be a magnification to say it looks like a “paradise of green”, and aqueducts fresh from the mountains slinging across the trail. At the top, you have ancient gates and ramparts, and the notorious “Vinchu Kata” with its scorpion shape. This lovely structure allows you to take in 180-degree views of Pawana Lake and the surrounding valley.
Distance From Pune: 61 km
Highlights: Historic hill fort, lush green trails, Vinchu Kata ridge, panoramic valley & Pawna views
Looking for a quick and refreshing weekend escape? From serene lakes and misty hill stations to ancient forts and thrilling adventures, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy camping by Pawna Lake, trekking to Lohagad Fort, or paragliding over Kamshet. These getaways offer the perfect mix of nature and culture. Discover the best places to visit near Pune for 2 days. Plan your weekend escape with TripXL and explore more.
Cover Photo: rahul singh / Unsplash
