With history, culture and fun; add adventure to the mix and you get the perfect vacations around Pune. Explore these amazing trekking spots for a weekend getaway or even an fun adventure!
Sinhagad - 32 Kms
Make your way to the ‘Lion Fort’, only a mere 32 km from Pune. It was earlier known as Kondana, being named after the Sage Kaundinya about 2000 years ago and is known for the Battle of Sinhagad. Don’t miss your chance to see this unique historical structure.
Distance from Pune - 32 km
Difficulty Level - Easy
Trekking Time - 2 hours
Altitude - 4320 ft
Best Season - monsoon
Kamshet - 45 Kms
Another picturesque spot for your vacation could be this hill station, Kamshet. With numerous small villages, it is a cultural hub. But mainly it is a trekker’s and paragliders paradise. The paragliding spots here including Shinde Wadi Hills, Kondeshwar Cliff, Tower Hill and Shelar. It is the perfect place to learn as well as explore the new sport. The height and free space makes it ideal for Paragliding. There are many caves as well as nature’s own variety of flora, making this trek abundantly enjoyable. Located about a 45 km from Pune, it’s the ideal spot for a fun holiday.
Distance from Pune - 45 km
Difficulty Level - Easy
Altitude - 2200 ft
Best Season - monsoon
Rajgad -54 Kms
One of the grand forts of the Sahyadris is the Rajgad fort, formerly named Murumdev. It was the capital of the Maratha Empire during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji. This was the location of birth of Shivaji’s son. The fort is in four parts and 1400 m high. A short drive of about 54 km from Pune.
Distance from Pune - 54 km
Difficulty Level - Moderate
Trekking Distance - 2.5 km
Altitude - 4250 ft
Best Season - Monsoon and winter
Tikona - 6 Kms
This is the Triangle Fort, a dominant hill fort located in the Maval region at 3633 feet, trek up this monstrous gift of nature and enjoy the view of the historic structures.
Distance from Pune - 60 km
Difficulty Level - Easy
Trekking Distance - 2 km
Altitude - 3633 ft
Best Season - Winter/ Monsoon
Lohaghad - 66 Kms
The ‘Iron Fort’ is a must visit given its natural beauty in the form of caves, waterfalls and greenery like never seen before, located just a mere 66 km from Pune, in the famous Sahyadri hills, known for its lush green foliage and trek routes. At 1050 m this fort separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin.
Distance from Pune - 66 km
Difficulty Level - easy
Trekking Time - 2 to 3 hours
Altitude - 3389 ft
Best Season - Monsoon
Tung Fort - 67 Kms
Located near Pawna dam at a distance of about 67 km from Pune, is one of the most challenging climbs in this region. Though only 1075 m, it is very difficult to reach the fort.This hill is also referred to as Kathin Gad, Kathin meaning hard. If you’re looking for extreme sports then here is where you should be.From the base village of TungWadi, the Pawana Dam is not too far away. This allows for the magnificent backwater view, from three sides of the fort.
Distance from Pune - 67 km
Difficulty Level - Difficult
Altitude - 1075 m
Best Season - Monsoon
Dukes Nose - 75 Kms
Another one of nature’s splendour is this cliff, named after the Duke of Wellington and his nose shape.
The cliff is pointed like a snake’s hood and hence locally named Nagphani. This is one of the most scenic vantage point. And a hub for adventurers looking to participate in thrilling activities like trekking, hiking and rock climbing. The trek up is steep climb through rocky outcrops.
Distance from Pune - 75 km
Difficulty Level - Medium
Altitude - 1800 ft
Best Season - June to February
Check for Treks near Dukes Nose
Garbett Point - 80 Kms
80 km from Pune is a view of heaven from up in the clouds. Have your dose of adventure, climb to the top and be rewarded with the grand view of the plateau below along with various waterfalls on the neighboring mountains. Be mesmerized by the sunrise and sunset from up here!
The region is known for its lush fields and the biodiversity that enthralls here.
Distance from Pune - 80 km
Difficulty Level - medium
Trekking Time - five hours
Altitude - 2625 feet
Best Season - Monsoon, Winter
Shivneri Fort - 94 Kms
Another one of MAharashtra’s pride lies here at junnar. About 94 kms from Pune and built during the time of Satavahanas here is a triangular shape hill fort also the birthplace of one of the most famous rulers, Shivaji. Cross the 7 doors on your way to the top of the fort and explore the temples, the reservoir, spring and the criminal's execution spot!
Distance from Pune - 94 km
Difficulty Level - moderate
Trekking Distance - 2 to 3 km from Junnar
Altitude - 4671 ft
Best Season - December and February
Irshalgad - 115 Kms
Another one of Maharashtra’s Fortress’, here is the twin fort to Prabalgad located 115 km from Pune. Begin your trek at Karja village and make your way through a 3 km trek to Irshalgad. Enjoy the enchanting views of the Morbe reservoir, Prabalgad and Matheran plateaus.
Distance from Pune - 115 km
Difficulty Level - Easy to Moderate
Trekking Distance - 3.4 km
Altitude - 1673 feet
Best Season - Monsoon
Check for Treks near Irshalgad
Vikatgad - 117 Kms
This is the perfect location to have a one day trek this monsoon. 117 km from Pune near Matheran hill station lies 2100 feet fort named after the Goddess Pebi as well as the Lord Ganesha given its Elephant Headed shape. Be sure to visit one of the many caves which are now maintained by disciples of Swami Samartha.
Distance from Pune - 117 km
Difficulty Level - medium to difficult
Trekking Distance - 3 to 4 km
Altitude - 2100 feet
Prabalgad Fort - 117 Kms
117 km from Pune, lies this historic allure of the Prabalgad Fort.Built during the Bahmani Sultanate period, this is a location for trekking as well as learning. Rising high to about 2300 feet in the Western Ghats, the fort stands tall. It is built on a rocky plateau and has a steep climb from the base village of Shedung.
Distance from Pune - 117 km
Difficulty Level - easy
Trekking Time - one and a half hours
Altitude - 2300 ft
Best Season - October to May
Pratapgad - 140 Kms
Also knowns as Pratapgarh, this is a large hill fort at about 1080 m above sea level in the Satara district 140 km from Pune. Make your way here and enjoy the view as you trek up to this marvellous architectural beauty. This 16th Century hill fort has great historic value owing to the Maratha Warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Battle of Pratapgad. Come here to visit the watch towers, the tomb of Afzal Khan, the Bhavani temple or even the enormous Rahat lake.
Distance from Pune - 140 km
Difficulty Level - Easy to medium
Trekking Time - 4 to 5 hours
Altitude - 3543 ft
Best Season - Winter
Tapola - 148 Kms
At a distance of 148 km from Pune, Tapola is the perfect spot for a vacation with the magnificent Shivsagar Lake and the dense forests around. Given the title “Mini Kashmir of the West”, this is where the two rivers Koyna and Solshi converge to form the lake. Find your time to give boating, water scooter rides, kayaking and swimming a shot right here. Don’t miss out jungle treks from Tapola and discover the unknown forts. This locale is famous for the arduous jungle trek.
Distance from Pune - 148 km
Difficulty Level - Medium
Altitude - 1348 m
Best Season - October to January
Harishchandragad - 166 Kms
The historical hill fort of Harishchandragad is lodged 166 km from Pune in the Ahmednagar district. It is 1,424 m high and was built in the 6th century during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty in Maharashtra. There are numerous caves that can be witnessed during this trek. It is said that the Sage Changdev used to meditate here in 14th century AD. Another interesting fact is that the remnants of Microlithic human inhabitants have been discovered here.
Distance from Pune - 166 km
Difficulty Level - moderate to difficult
Trekking Distance - 4 km
Altitude - 1424 m
Best Season - Winter
Nashik - 167.3 Kms
167.3 Km from Pune, is this ancient holy city with Godavari River and Panchavati, a temple complex, on its bank, it is a must see for hindu devotee’s, given Lord Rama’s moments of life here. The main trekking attraction, is the trek to Harhargad Fort. The way up has a tremendous amount of peculiar steps.
Distance from Pune - 167.3 km
Difficulty Level - medium to difficult
Trekking Distance - varies from 7 to 5 km depending on chosen route
Altitude - 700 m
Best Season - Rainy season
Raigad - 168 Kms
Just about 168 km from Pune is this 2,700 ft tall mountain, amidst the Sahyadri mountain range. There are about 1400–1500 steps leading to the fort, however today a rope-way exists to reach the fort. This is the perfect spot for a family vacation!
Distance from Pune - 168 km
Difficulty Level - medium
Trekking Distance - 1500 steps
Altitude - 2700 ft
Best Season - Monsoon
Kalsubai - 174 Kms
Amidst the Sahyadri Hills, at 5400 ft, is the highest peak in Maharashtra, Kalsubai peak. Situated 174km from the main city of Pune, here is a trek that takes you through the marvellous creations of forts, Bhandardara Dam and Kalsubai Temple - located at the top. It takes you through the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Distance from Pune - 174 km
Difficulty Level - medium
Trekking Distance - 6 km
Altitude - 5400 ft
Best Season - June to December
Ratnagad - 183 Kms
Another ancient hill fort, about 183 km from Pune in Ratanwadi village, attracts its tourists with its rich heritage. The ratangad fort is at 4250 ft and is 400 years old. Come across two old aged caves on your way and the enjoy the view of the cavity at the top, known as Nedhe, Eye of the Needle.
Distance from Pune - 183 km
Difficulty Level - medium
Trekking Time - 3 to 4 hours
Altitude - 4250 feet
Best Season - winter
Mahabaleshwar - 231 Kms
At about elevation of 1340 m high, lies the Arthur's seat. Along with this visit the forts of Pratapgad. Make this a trip of fun and history, all at 231 Km From Pune. There are about two dams and two reservoirs up here, other attractions include Robber’s Cave, Lamington plateau, Hunter point, Kamalgarh, North Pole, Helen’s point and Connaught Peak. The early morning mists, gives a raw charm of the serenity here. The peak was initially known as Mount Olympia.
Distance from Pune - 231 km
Difficulty Level - difficult
Trekking Time - 2 hours
Altitude - 1340 m
Best Season - October to May
Panchgani - 245 Kms
Surrounded by five other hills, Panchgani is one of the most sought out viewpoints. Being a part of one of the longest mountain plateau stretches in Asia,you can spot the famous Devil's Kitchen caves from up here. Look out for Panchgani famous Strawberry farms. Panchgani is 245 km from Pune.
Distance from Pune - 245 km
Difficulty Level - easy
Altitude - 4242 ft
Best Season - September to May