7 Picnic Spots Near Pune for A Short Holiday

The ‘Heart of Maharashtra’, Pune is arguably the most liveable city in India. It is a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition. Behind the urban façade there lies the roots of the Maratha Empire. The state’s second-largest city is also home to some of the most renowned educational institutions which earned it the epithet of ‘Oxford of the East.’ While students from all across the country come to Pune, the city also attracts tourists from all around the world to experience the magnificence of the Maratha architecture and the spectacular vistas of the Sahyadris and the Singhagad fort. So, if you wish to extend your trip to Pune, we have a bunch of picnic places in and around Pune that you should not miss out on:

1. Panchgani

Panchgani is your perfect getaway from the monotonous routine. The lush and verdant beauty of the place will leave fresh and rejuvenated. Named after the five majestic hills and the five villages surrounding it, Panchgani is nestled in one of the most magical and alluring spots in Maharashtra. According to the folklore, the Pandavas during their vanvaas, had a brief stay at the caves here, now known as Devil’s Kitchen. This is one of the places that is blessed with pleasant and enjoyable weather all year round. Also, do not miss out on spots like Kamalgadh Fort, Table Land, Mapro Gardens, Sydney Point, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam that offer some of the best one-day picnic spots near Pune.

2. Satara

Home some of the most ancient temples and forts, Satara is not only one of the best 1-day picnic spots near Pune but also a much sought-after travel destination. People from all across the state flock here to witness the river Koyna and Krishna that flow through the hills adding to the glorious beauty of the place. Located at 2320 ft above sea level, you can also witness the confluence of the River Krishna and its tributary, the Venna from here. Named after the ‘seven hills’ surrounding the place, Satara is the old capital of the Maratha Empire and thus considered to be a significant historical site in Maharashtra. Some of the most stunning attractions in and around Satara that one should not miss out on are Ajinkyatara Fort, Koteshwar Mandir, Sajjangadh Fort, Vasota Fort, Kaas Lake, Thosegarh Falls, Koteshwar Mandir, Kaas Plateau, Gare Ganapathi Temple, and the Abhayankar Vishnu Temple.

3. Matheran

Do you ever ask yourself about how life would be without cars and motorbikes? Well, Matheran is not only the answer to this question but also a place that will offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witness yourself being transported to the good old days at Matheran which is an automobile-free area. So, if you are someone who is tired of the Mumbai and Pune traffic, Matheran is your perfect getaway. Plan a weekend retreat to this amazing picnic place near Pune that you can explore inch-by-inch on a toy train. You will be dropped off 2.5 km before Matheran from where you need to hop on horseback or a rickshaw to reach your destination. This way, your adventure starts before you even step into Matheran! Other than this amazing experience, there are some other tourist and picnic spots near Pune like Echo Point, Porcupine Point, Louisa Point, Panorama Point, King George Point, Heart Point, Monkey Point, Paymaster Park, Charlotte Lake, and Panthers’ Caves.

4. Pawna Lake

Situated at just a distance of 67 km from Pune, Pawna Lake is one of the most mesmerising and rejuvenating sights here. If you are planning on a weekend getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city and willing to spend some time in peace, then you should add this place to your Pune tour package. The artificial lake of Pawna offers you a serene charm and utmost solace that you have been craving for. But if you are someone who wants to turn this into an adventure sojourn, you can indulge in activities like camping, live band, BBQ, and boating. No matter what you do, the pristine beauty and the verdant pastures surrounding the lake will definitely make your trip a memorable one.

5. Lonavala

As soon as you think about picnic spots near Pune, you are instantly taken to Lonavala. This is a must-visit place for people looking for an escape from the maddening crowd of metropolitan cities. Also known as the “Jewel of Sahyadri” and the “city of caves,” Lonavala is one of the most popular spots for leisure and retreat. The hilltop also boasts of some of the most alluring sights, cascading waterfalls, verdant lush valleys, and tranquil lakes. One should not miss out on Bhaja and Karla caves that are known for their intricate and antique motifs and inscriptions.

6. Kamshet

Kamshet is another hill station that serves as the perfect picnic spot near Pune and is also a paradise for adventure junkies. Popular among college students, Kamshet is located at an elevation of 5500 ft above the mean sea level offering the perfect spot for activities like paragliding, trekking, and hiking. Other than indulging in such adrenaline-pumping activities, you will also be left mesmerised by the beauty of Kamshet. Boasting of its luscious, verdant pastures and undulating hilly terrains, there is so much to explore here. Surprisingly, the place is also a famous pilgrim spot as it is home to various medieval fortresses and temples.

7. Lavasa

Located at a distance of just 65 km from Pune, Lavasa is yet another spot offering enrapturing beauty of nature and beautifully designed structures. Known for its topographical variations like the gushing rivers, lush green valleys, and the lofty Sahyadri range, there a lot that you can explore here. Spread across 7 hills and sprawling across 25,000 acres of land, Lavasa is an effortless blend of natural beauty and architectural marvel. So, while looking for a one-day picnic spot in and around Pune, Lavasa should definitely be on your list.

What are you waiting for? Pack up your bags, prepare your picnic basket, and get ready to indulge in an amazing experience. Some of the other picturesque locales near Pune that you can cover are Wai, Mulshi Dam, Lohagadh, Kashid, Mahabaleshwar, Malshej Ghat, Nashik, and Alibaug. All these places are dream picnic spots near Pune within 50 km. We hope that you witness all of them in their utmost beauty and weave some amazing moments that you will cherish for years to come.