Top 10 Summer Getaways Near Pune
Pune in summer is no joke. With the sweltering heat, the ceiling fan starts to feel useless, and even the evening breeze forgets to show up. While cold drinks and closed curtains may help for a while, a short trip or a weekend in the hills can be a lifesaver. If you’re sweating through your weekends and dreaming of cooler places, we’ve got you covered.
Places to Visit in Summer near Pune
The good news is—Pune is surrounded by hills, lakes, forests, and even the sea, all within a few hours’ drive. There are so many ways to cool off. Visit a dam, climb a fort, or just sit by the beach; there are many places to visit in summer near Pune. Here are the top 10 places near Pune to visit this summer. Each spot is perfect for beating the heat, and most are great, even for a quick weekend break.
1. Lonavala & Khandala
Among the places near Pune to visit in summer, Lonavala and Khandala are the closest hill stations where the temperature actually feels pleasant. As soon as you start climbing the ghats, the warm air turns cool. These twin towns are full of natural beauty—think waterfalls (in pre-monsoon days), green valleys, and old caves like Karla and Bhaja.
You can enjoy the views from Tiger’s Point, visit Bushi Dam (if it has water), or have a small picnic near Pawna Lake. And, of course, don’t forget to munch on some local chikki. If you can, try visiting on a weekday—weekends are crowded.
2. Mahabaleshwar
Located around 120 km from Pune, Mahabaleshwar is one of the best summer escapes in Maharashtra. At over 1,300 meters above sea level, it stays cool even in May. The air smells fresh, the trees are tall and shady, and there are dozens of viewpoints that will take your breath away.
You can go boating on Venna Lake, enjoy thick strawberry cream at Mapro Garden, and visit scenic points like Arthur’s Seat or Wilson Point. Evenings here can get chilly, so keep a light sweater handy. It’s perfect for families, couples, or even a solo trip.
3. Panchgani
On our list of summer places to visit near Pune is the charming hill town of Panchgani. From Pune, it’s about 100 km. Smaller and quieter than its neighbor, Panchgani has a peaceful vibe. The star attraction here is Table Land—a huge flat plateau offering amazing views all around.
You can go horse riding here or just walk around with the wind in your hair. Other beautiful spots include Parsi Point and Sydney Point. For a refreshing break, stop by Mapro for milkshakes or pick up some fresh jam. If you’re looking for a calm, scenic getaway, this one fits the bill.
4. Kamshet
Around 50 km from Pune, Kamshet is known for something different—paragliding. This little town near Lonavala is perfect if you’re looking for a little adventure with your summer break. The winds in summer are just right for flying, especially in the afternoon.
You don’t need experience—just book a tandem flight, and a trained pilot will do the rest while you enjoy the view. Apart from paragliding, you can visit nearby caves like Bedse or just chill by Pawna Lake. It’s exciting, peaceful, and close enough for a day trip.
5. Lavasa
Lavasa is about 60 km from Pune and feels like a slice of Europe in the Western Ghats. Consider booking a reliable car rental in Pune and driving down to Lavasa. Take in the vibrant, colorful buildings, neat roads, and beautiful mountain views. Summer mornings here are pleasant and perfect for cycling.
You can go kayaking, take a boat ride, or just sit by the water with a cold drink. There are cozy cafés and some fun adventure activities too. While it doesn’t get as cool as Mahabaleshwar, Lavasa still offers a peaceful break from Pune’s heat and noise.
6. Matheran
One of the popular places near Pune to visit in summer, Matheran, is about 110 km from Pune. This is one of the few hill stations in India where cars are not allowed. You’ll need to park your vehicle at Dasturi Naka and either walk, take a toy train orgo for a horse ride into the main town. So it’s a unique experience – peaceful, green, and super refreshing.
There are many viewpoints, like Panorama Point and Echo Point, that offer gorgeous views. The red soil paths are lined with trees, and the silence (no honking cars!) is magical. Grab a glass of chilled kokum juice, breathe in the cool forest air, and just slow down for a bit.
7. Bhandardara
Bhandardara is about 165 km from Pune, and it’s perfect if you love nature. Surrounded by green hills, lakes, and waterfalls (in early monsoon), it is surely one of the places to visit in summer near Pune. The main attractions are Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, and the famous Kalsubai peak. And the best part is that the weather is lovely, even in May.
You can go boating, do some light trekking, or even camp by the lake under a sky full of stars. Nights here are quiet and cool—perfect for a summer escape. Local food is simple and tasty, especially the spicy fish curry served at home stays.
8. Mulshi
If you don’t want to travel too far, Mulshi is just 45 km from Pune. This area is known for its beautiful dam and the lush green hills surrounding it. While it doesn’t get very cold, the breeze from the lake and the quiet surroundings make it a peaceful getaway.
Many resorts and farm stays offer day packages, including lunch and high tea. It’s ideal for couples or families who want a short, relaxing break without spending hours on the road. You can just sit by the water, read a book, or enjoy a quiet nap.
9. Alibaug
We’ve all heard of Alibaug. This charming beach town, around 140 km from Pune, is one of the top summer places to visit near Pune. It gets a bit warm during the day, but the sea breeze makes it bearable. If you leave early in the morning, you can reach before noon and enjoy lunch by the sea. The beaches—like Varsoli, Nagaon, and Kihim—are clean and not too crowded during weekdays.
Kolaba Fort, just off the coast, is worth a visit when the tide is low. You can walk or take a boat to reach it. Alibaug is also famous for seafood—try fried fish, prawns, and sol kadhi for a perfect summer meal.
10. Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi is a favorite among trekkers and adventure lovers. It’s about 80 km from Pune, near Lonavala, and the trek starts from a small village called Udhewadi. The route is around 8 km one way, mostly through forest paths that stay shady even in summer.
The best time to start the trek is early morning. The fort offers a stunning view of the valley and nearby waterfalls. If you’re up for it, spend the night camping under the stars. Just carry water, snacks, and wear comfortable shoes.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t want to drive your own car or need a bigger one for the trip, you could choose a self drive car rental in Pune. Revv offers clean, well-maintained cars with flexible rental plans. You can choose a car for a few hours, a full day, or even for a longer road trip. The booking process is simple and fast. Cars can be delivered to your doorstep. There’s no hidden cost, and fuel plans are flexible too. If you are looking for comfort, safety, and freedom to travel at your own pace, renting your ride is always a sensible idea.
