Imagine that you’ve finally made it big in the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Living the summer aesthetics of Pune in the comfort of your home thinking what could top this? Wait till you experience monsoons in Pune and aesthetics will mean something else entirely! All the hills glee in green, dry streams happily transform into gushing waterfalls, and the scenic routes resemble your Pinterest board now more than ever. If the chronicles of Pune monsoons made you hopeful, it’s only fair to experience it the right way– by taking a road trip. A drive through the picturesque vistas with some slight pitter-patter across your face and your soul will thank you indeed! But where to go? Check out this list of best road trips to take during monsoon from Pune.
Tamhini Ghat
If this is the first time you’re planning a weekend escapade, you should likely go for a place that’s not too far away just like the Tamhini Ghat. The cherry on top? This place is equally gorgeous and might just become your favorite. Nestled quaintly at the crest of the Western Ghats, Tamhini Ghat is a mountain pass that offers some stunning vistas at a glance. If it’s hard to imagine, let’s paint the picture– verdant valleys enveloped in misty clouds that reach so low you can catch them and a clear, curvy path that breaks through the clouds.
During monsoons, this ghat comes to life with multiple cascades slithering down the valley. To add to the charm, travel by bike and feel the soft, slight pitter-patter against your face. Quite the romantic and quiet ambiance you need for a couple’s weekend. The roads are wide and plain so you can even travel by car if you’re a big group. While the route itself is a scenic drive and enough of a getaway, if you’re still looking for things to do, you can head to the Tamhini Waterfall.
This pristine waterfall gushes down from a great height and pools down at the base where you can go swimming. Reaching the waterfall is a quick hike that you’ll enjoy. However, if you’re seeking some solace and quiet, you should head to Mulshi Lake. The water is calmer and has a slower flow because it’s collected from the Mulshi Dam. You can even enjoy a pretty lakeside picnic and bask in a bounteous sunrise/sunset.
Distance from Pune: 53 km
Panshet Dam
Punekars, assemble! If you’re from Pune, you probably have been to this place more times than you’ve heard of it. Panshet Dam is one of the most picturesque weekend getaways you could go to escape the city hustle. This dam is built on the serene Ambi River and is dotted with enchanting waterfalls and lush greenery that surround the dam. You could visit here to sit with your thoughts but if you’ve sat with them too long for them to become intrusive, there are always fun water sports like kayaking and motor boating that you can do.
Monsoons add the Midas’s touch to Panshet Dam as all the waterfalls are fed with heavy showers and the dry hills transform into green landscapes. This place has several small eateries and shops where you can hog on local fast food. However, we’d recommend you enjoy a traditional English picnic with a sheet spread out and a basket of ham and cheese sandwiches for the go. You can also go hiking on the hills nearby and set up camps. Make sure you create fun memories around the bonfire which you can avail upon personal request.
Distance from Pune: 50 km
Lonavala
Every Maharashtrian essentially has heard of this place, been here, and loved it. Lonavala is a charming hamlet situated on the Western Ghats. This chilly, pleasant destination ironically warms your heart with picturesque, tranquil backdrops that alleviate all your tautness. This place is every nature enthusiast and photographer’s paradise because the vistas here are truly like a pretty picture on your Pinterest board.
But why is monsoon the best time for a drive to Lonavala? So you can witness the hamlet in its true spectacle. The cascades come to life and form pools beneath for you to relax in, the misty winds, and verdant valleys create just the right vibe for a romantic date or a cozy unwind. Here, apart from exploring the waterfalls, you can go exploring Bhaja Caves or bask in serene views after hiking Tiger’s Leap. For some adrenaline rush, head to Della Adventure Park where you can participate in rappelling, zorbing, or let out all the rage at paintball.
Distance from Pune: 62 km
Rajmachi
Drive a little further from Lonavala and you’ll reach this quaint village that’s historically significant for Maharashtra. Also called Udhewadi, this village has seen many rulers come and go. From Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to the English white men, Rajmachi has truly endured the change of hands. The Rajmachi Fort is a famous trek that people take during monsoons as the land is enveloped in patches of green and the views are simply breathtaking. Slight drizzle along your trek will only enhance the experience but ensure you’re equipped with raincoats and good boots.
If treks aren’t your thing and you like to enjoy the rain with a cup of kulhad chai and kanda bhajji, you’ll find that at almost every shop in this village. Another way to have a great time here is to set up camp a little uphill from the Udhewadi village. It’s a short and quick hike to a plateau between the Shrivardhan and Manaranjan peaks. You can simply set fort and watch as the sky changes its pretty hues with steaming hot cup noodles.
Distance from Pune: 80 km
Pawna Lake
Another amazing destination near Lonavala that you must drive to near Pune is Pawna Lake. By now, you must have figured, there are several routes to Lonavala and each of them is unique and picturesque. Perhaps even more than the destination. Pawna Lake is an offbeat route to Lonavala that treats you to the backwaters of the lake on one side and the sight of the Torna Fort on the other. You’d rather drive here yourself than hire a cab because the local buses and cabs don’t prefer this route as it’s longer. But the longer the route, the merrier your drive is, isn’t it?
You might have heard of camping at Pawna Lake which is a popular activity during winter. Monsoons make this place aloof and scenic, just what you need for a quiet drive. Surrounded by a lot of green pastures, this is truly one place you’d want to go to experience the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara vibe.
Distance from Pune: 55 km
Panchgani
Maharashtra is dotted along the Western Ghats and takes pride in its hills which is why you shouldn’t miss out on the one destination that literally derives its name from the hills– Panchgani. Panch meaning five and gani referring to the hills surrounding it, together give this hillock the name Panchgani. Did you know that the British referred to this place as one of their summer resorts and visited here to escape the scorching heat in the cities?
If spending time with your thoughts is something you look forward to, consider doing it with some jaw-dropping sunrises as your backdrop. The artist in you might just awaken at the thought of green hills and coastal plains on either side of a gorgeous sunset. For some yummy in the tummy, head to the strawberry farms for some of the luscious, juiciest strawberries. Of course, don’t trespass lest you’ll be in a fix! If the gardens are privately owned, seek permission or grab a bunch of strawberries from a store, but ensure you don’t miss out on the experience of tasting the tastiest berries!
Distance from Pune: 101 km
Kamshet
What if we told you your childhood dream of flying will now come true? No, not on the flight, silly! You can actually stretch your arms wide open and fly like a free bird, almost. Almost because you’ll be strapped to an expert so you can thoroughly enjoy your paragliding experience without worrying about safety. Kamshet is a hill station nestled in the Western Ghats and is known for paragliding and flying schools that are in plenty here.
While you may not get to experience paragliding in monsoon, the curvy boulevards that lead up to the hill station more than make up for it. Surrounding the freeway, you’ll traverse through fields of green pastures that soothe the sore eyes. With mud huts, melas, and paddy fields lined along the road, driving through Kamshet is a one-of-a-kind experience. You can either choose to simply drive or explore the Bhairi and Bhedsa Caves or the Khondeshwar Temple. There are several spots here where you can set up camp and enjoy a fun picnic or even some me time.
Distance from Pune: 46 km
Summing Up
The next time you’re paranoid about growing senile without creating some crazy adventure tales to tell to your kids, remember you can always tell them about some amazing weekend getaways. Not only will the little toddlers remember what fun you had, but some beautiful, awe-inspiring vistas will be forever etched in their minds. Perhaps, you can even take them on the same best road trips from Pune for the weekends again and relive memories!
FAQs
What Is Pune Famous For?
Pune is famous for housing some very interesting tourist attractions like:
- Shaniwar Wada
- Karla Caves
- Mulshi Dam
- Lal Mahal
What Kind Of City Is Pune?
Pune is the second largest city in Maharashtra after Mumbai. One can also settle here as it offers great employment opportunities because of the growing IT sector.
What Is The Rainy Season In Pune?
Pune experiences monsoons typically between June and September, with July being the wettest month in the year.
Which Is The Coldest Month In Pune?
The coldest months in Pune would be between December and February. January typically is the coldest month as the temperature ranges between 15°C to 25°C.
Does It Rain A Lot In Pune?
Yes, Pune receives a lot of rainfall. So much so that the roads are often clogged with water. On the flipside, the temperatures go down making it pleasant and the surroundings are lush with greenery.
