If you are looking for relaxing after having a tiring long week, then this emerging Indian silicon valley is the best pace to be. Besides its reputation of being the Oxford of the East and the cultural capital of the Maharashtra state, Pune offers excellent opportunities to wind down and relax in some short and memorable trips in the scenic locations in its close vicinity.
Pune is one of the major Indian cities that is thriving at a rapid rate due to its strategic location, excellent communication facilities, connectivity by road, rail, and air, along with booming industries in its suburbs. Boasting itself to be a pensioner’s paradise, Pune has witnessed tremendous changes and emerged into a fast-evolving modern sister city of Mumbai. With immense historic importance, let’s explore some of the best places to visit near Pune to make the weekend interesting.
Lonavala
This hill station located between Pune and Mumbai is known for its pleasing climate and attractions, makes it one of the prominent places to visit near Pune. This Lonavala visit will be one of the most satisfying journeys if one covers various scenic spots including Duke’s Nose Trail, Lion’s Point, Karla Buddhist caves, Bhushi Dam, Wax museum, and Manashakti Kendra, among others.
The mountain ranges of lonavala, while having the shape as if someone is sleeping in the forward lying position. This range was discovered by English adventurer Duke, hence got its name as Duke’s Nose Mountain Trail. Similarly Lion’s Point is a remarkable tourist destination in Lonavala and provides very good views of the valley. The imprint of a tiger trying to jump across the valley can be seen. There is, therefore, a reason why this place has been named by a vantage. Karla Cave is considered the biggest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya in India. Of the 15 caves, it is one among the famous Buddhist rock-cut cave sites of India. The chief Chaityagriha is in reality one of the largest in India. It presents points of importance from architectural, sculptural, and inscriptional points of view.
The wax museum at Lonavala is a unique collection of was statues of famous Hollywood, bollywood, and other celebrities in almost real look. This is an excellent ad engaging museum giving us a nostalgic visit down the memory lane.
Manashakti Kendra is one of the prominent places to visit near Pune. It is a modern center of mind mapping, mind games, brain teasers with creative and empowering full-day and 3-day workshops for students and adults. A fusion of our culture brings a meaning to present-day life. Students are taught with basic exercises for physical as well as for mind-empowering activities with moral values and traditional scientific applications.
Sinhagad Fort
Built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sinhagad fort is located just 40 kms from Pune and considered in the important places to visit near Pune.
This historic place is the location where Maratha Subhedar Tanaji Malusare fought bravely with Mughal killedar Udaybhan Rathod, in which both died. This fort was earlier known as Kondhana was renamed as Sinhagad as Tanaji referred to as Sinha i.e. Lion by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was lost after the victory in the battle. There are two main gates at the Sinhagad fort namely Kalyan Darwaja towards southeast and Pune darwaja opens towards northeast. It has a memorial of Tanaji and a tomb of Rajaram. Along with a TV tower, there is a bungalow of Bal Gangadhar Tilak wherein he had a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi.
Pavana Lake
Pavana Lake is a reservoir turned artificial lake in the Indian state of Maharashtra, created by the Pavana Dam over the Pavana River in Pune district.
This dam serves to provide water for irrigation purposes and generate hydroelectric power. Another beauty of Pawna Lake is the beautifully placed Wagheshwar Temple, located in an island in the lake. Pawna Lake is one of the beautiful places to visit near Pune, undoubtedly the best spot to have a camp and picnic under an enchanting sceneries. It is one of the most celebrated hills Lonavala has, and it’s a most sought-after weekend destination for anybody near Mumbai or Pune. Hence, so many adventurous activities like camping, horseback riding, bicycling, camping, and boating keep the person engaged in this picturesque place.
Kolad
Kolad is a village in Raigad district, its also connected to Pune via Kolad Pune- Kolad state highway. Located on the banks of beautiful Kundalika river which offers excellent opportunities in White water rafting underscoring its importance as key places to visit near Pune.
White water river rafting is one of the most sought after adventure water sport for the people from Mumbai and Pune. As there is a huge amount of water released from the local dam in every morning, there is still scope for some good rafting opportunities. Official website of tourism department of Maharashtra government also promotes river rafting.
Kamshet
Emerging as a tourist attraction, the Shinde wadi hills at Kamshet are most preferred take-off location for paragliding. Kamshet is a well-known paragliding and is also very commonly referred to as the heaven of paragliders, making it as vital places to visit in Pune. There are many schools of paragliding too where novices can learn how to do paragliding.
Baneshwar
Well-known spiritual places to visit near Pune, Baneshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the famous ancient medieval temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Nasarpur village on the Pune-Bangalore highway. Baneshwar Shiva Temple is headed by Lord Shiva. Nanasaheb Peshwa also known as Balaji Bajirao built the Baneshwar temple in 1749. It has beautiful forest with streams that make it an excellent weekend gateway.
Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar Temple is one of the Hindu Shiva temples located in its eponymous village, Bhimashankar, in Pune district in Maharashtra. It is one of the most prominent centers of pilgrimage and has one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The Shiva lingam of the temple is counted among the three of Maharashtra’s Jyotirlingas. This sacred temple is worshipped by thousands of people and is an important places to visit near Pune.
A satisfying gateway
The city has the advantage of having a one-day tour for different places to visit near Pune with interesting, thought-provoking, and refreshing location in nature as well as historic and cultural importance.
This is a very rare combination wherein a fast-growing urban city still has so much to offer through its beautiful locations. These beautiful places to visit near Pune, are enriching the city’s heritage and boosting the tourism business.
This place to visit near Pune city is opening up a different world of spirituality, culture, and mythological heritage giving an amazing feel to the people.
