Hill stations near Pune in the Western Ghats are home to the most scenic and spectacularly brilliant hill retreats in India. The rolling green slopes of the district are strewn with brooks and water cascades that can energize even the most discerning traveler. Lonavala and Matheran are well known as weekend getaways, but there are others that are worth visiting.
To help you plan your next vacay to best hill stations you must visit, we at Skyscanner picked a few favourite Hill Stations in Pune for you.
1. Lonavala
A gorgeous hill station near Pune, Lonavala is located at the height of 622 m in the Sahyadri mountain range that separates the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan plain. One of the most visited and favoured weekend getaways for people in Mumbai and Pune, this hill retreat boasts of caves, forts, lakes, and waterfalls amidst dense timberlands and verdant greenery. It’s also known for its variety of ‘Chikki.’
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Base station: Lonavala
Nearest City: Mysore Pune 67 km
Best Time to Visit: July-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept
Weather: Summer: Max – 31°C – Min – 18°C
Winter: Max – 25°C – Min – 12°C
2. Matheran
One of the smallest hill stations and favorite monsoon getaways in Maharashtra, Matheran lies at an altitude of 800 m in the Western Ghats. The place is eco-sensitive and is the only automobile-free hill station in Asia. Offering plenty of panoramic views of the mountain range, you can hike, trek or rock climb. You can even enjoy a toy train ride up the mountains.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Base station: Matheran
Nearest City: Mumbai 94 km
Best Time to Visit: July-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept
Weather: Summer: Max – 38°C – Min – 21°C
Winter: Max – 34°C – Min – 13°C
3. Khandala
If you travel another 5 km from Lonavala station, you will reach Khandala, another popular weekend retreat hill station near Pune. Khandala is known for its exquisite views, deep vales, lush vegetation, waterfalls, and lakes. It is a popular hiking destination where the Rajmachi Fort, Duke’s Nose, Visapur Fort, Korigad Fort, Tung and Tikona Fort are the chief trekking zones in Khandala
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Lonavala Railway Station
Nearest City: Lonavala 5 km
Best Time to Visit: July-Sept
4. Panchgani
With the Wai, Bavdhan, and Nagewadi, Gureghar, Khingar, Rajpuri and Dhom dams surrounding it, Panchgani lies 1334 m high between five hills north in the Sahyadri mountain range. A favoured summer retreat, the Rajpuri Caves, Table Land, Parsi Point, Kamalgadh Fort, Devil’s Kitchen, Sydney Point, Mapro Gardens, and Dhom dam are must-visit attractions.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Panchgani
Nearest City: Mysore Pune 104 km
Best Time to Visit: Sept-Feb
Peak Season: Sept-Dec
Weather: Summer: Max – 31°C – Min – 18°C
Winter: Max – 25°C – Min – 12°C
5. Bhandardara
An enchanting village on the banks of the river Pravara at the height of 750 m in the Western Ghats, Bhandardara is a hill station near Pune. It is famous for its green cover and tranquil environs, stunning waterfalls, and refreshing air. Home to Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, Bhandardara’s rocky landscapes make it a fantastic trekking point.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Bhandardara
Nearest City: Pune 157 km
Best Time to Visit: Sept-Feb
Peak Season: Sept-Nov
Weather: Summer: Max – 41°C – Min – 20°C
Winter: Max – 30°C – Min – 9°C
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6. Mahabaleshwar
One of the most evergreen places in the world, Mahabaleshwar in the Western Ghats lies 1,353m above the sea level. Once the capital of Bombay province, this picturesque hill retreat offers a pleasant climate, captivating views, lush greenery, several tourist attractions you can explore.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Base station: Mahabaleshwar
Nearest City: Pune 123
Best Time to Visit: Jun-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept
Weather: Summer: Max – 31°C – Min – 18°C
Winter: Max – 25°C – Min – 12°C
7. Malshej Ghats
A delightful hill station with its beautiful lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and lofty mountains, Malshej Ghat, is famous among explorers, trekkers, and nature lovers. Malshej Ghat is another hill station near Pune perfect for a weekend away from the crowds and pollution. Harishchandragad, Malshej falls, Pimpalgaon dam and Ajoba Hill are must-visits in Malshej. It’s a trek zone and bird watcher’s paradise.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Base station: Malshej Ghat
Nearest City: Pune 119.7 km
Best Time to Visit: Jun-Oct
Peak Season: Aug-Sept
Read More 10 Places to visit in Pune
How to Reach Pune
Easily accessible through direct flights available from around the world. The nearest airports are Pune or Mumbai. You can then use local transport to visit other places in and around the city. Set up a price alert to get information on new low airfare deals. Know the best places to stay, hire a car and things to do in and around Pune with the Skyscanner App.
