Winter Getaways Near Pune: 8 Places Within 100 Km For A Perfect Weekend Trip

Pune’s winter is short, and it is easily the best time to get out of the city. From November to February the air is cool, the skies are clear and the hills still have some green left after the monsoon. Here are eight places within roughly 100 km that work well for a weekend, or even a day trip.

Distances are approximate, from central Pune. Travel time depends a lot on traffic, especially on long weekends.

1. Sinhagad Fort, about 35 km

The default winter trek for half of Pune. The climb from the base village takes one to two hours, or you can drive up. On a clear morning you can see the Khadakwasla backwaters and, further away, Torna and Rajgad. The fort is tied to the story of Tanaji Malusare, and no trip is complete without pithla-bhakri and kanda bhaji at the top. Go for sunrise if you can.

2. Khadakwasla and Panshet, about 25–45 km

Khadakwasla is the easy evening option right outside the city. If you keep driving to Panshet and Varasgaon, it gets much quieter, with lakeside views and village roads. Good for families. Please don’t get into the dam waters; follow whatever local rules are posted.

3. Mulshi, about 45 km

The drive is half the fun here. Mulshi lake and the Tamhini Ghat road are beautiful, and winter mornings often bring mist over the water. Plenty of homestays and resorts are available if you want to stay the night.

4. Kamshet, about 45–50 km

Kamshet on the old Mumbai–Pune highway is one of the better-known paragliding spots in the country, and the season usually runs through the dry winter months. Go with an experienced, certified operator and listen to the safety briefing properly.

5. Pawna Lake, about 55–60 km

Lakeside camping at Pawna has become hugely popular with groups of friends. Tikona and Tung forts are right there, and winter nights are cold and full of stars, which makes for a good bonfire evening. Book only with registered campsites and carry warm clothes.

6. Lohagad Fort, about 60 km

One of the easiest forts near Pune, thanks to proper steps most of the way up. Walk out to the Vinchu Kata ridge for the view, and combine the trip with the old Bhaje caves nearby.

7. Lonavala and Khandala, about 65 km

The classic. Easy to reach by road or local train. Winter mornings at Tiger’s Point are far more pleasant than the monsoon crowds, and you’ll obviously come back with chikki and fudge.

8. Bhigwan, about 100 km

People call it the Bharatpur of Maharashtra. In winter, flamingos and plenty of other migratory birds gather on the Ujani backwaters at Bhigwan, and local boatmen take you out early in the morning. Go early and keep a respectful distance from the birds.

Before you head out

Start early, because the roads and the weather are both kinder in the morning. Check timings and rules for forts and dams, since some have restricted hours. Carry water, a light jacket and decent shoes for treks. Bring your plastic back with you, and please don’t write on fort walls. On long weekends, check traffic before you set off; the ghat roads can get completely jammed.

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