Escape to Paradise Unwind in Nature’s Embrace Holiday Destinations Near Pune
Whether you want to spend a day out with your kids or enjoy a weekend partying with friends, Pune has plenty of fun places. With malls, theme parks and much more, this city is brimming with entertainment for all age groups.
A picturesque village on the banks of the gurgling Kundalika River, Kolad is one of the best holiday destinations near Pune. This peaceful hamlet offers a plethora of water sports such as boating, kayaking and swimming. It is also home to a beautiful waterfall and scenic sandbanks. Moreover, the village is known for its rich culture and historic landmarks that are worth a visit.
Holiday Destinations Near Pune
1. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Karnala Bird Sanctuary provides an ideal way to escape city life and experience nature at its finest, offering stunning sights, sounds and chirps of its beauty. A popular spot among ornithologists and picnickers alike, this sanctuary houses over 150 species of resident birds as well as 37 migratory ones – alongside wild boar, four-horned deer and langur that may also be seen here.
This sanctuary rests atop an idyllic hill with lush forests and an ancient fort perched atop its summit, creating an idyllic atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The forest here features numerous flowers and shrubs that attract butterflies; additionally, endangered birds such as Three Toed Kingfisher, Rufous Bellied Eagle, Ashi Minivet can also be found.
Monsoon season is an ideal time to visit this bird sanctuary, when its lush greenery and bird sightings reach their highest. If rains don’t appeal, winter offers comfortable sightseeing conditions. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport lies approximately 60 km away, while Panvel railway station provides numerous buses and autorickshaws (6 seater vehicles). From here you can access Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
2. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, known for its tranquil lakes and breathtaking vistas of hills, valleys, and cascading waterfalls is home to many scenic spots and popular with nature lovers, adventure seekers, families, and adventure seekers. This hill station provides activities like hiking, trekking, riding horses and camels, and admiring the splendid Sahyadri mountain range – as well as numerous hotels and holiday resorts that provide modern amenities.
Arthur’s Seat and Wilson Point are among the prime tourist spots where visitors can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, while visitors also flock to Kate’s Point and Elephant’s Head Point. Kate’s Point, Elephant’s Head Point and Venna Lake all offer scenic vantage points where guests can indulge in boat rides or laze about on its shores in the evenings.
Mahabaleshwar offers many places of interest for visitors of all ages, with one such attraction being the Wax Museum with over 30 life-sized wax replicas of famous personalities on display. A must see for adults and kids alike, this museum provides an unforgettable experience while contributing to charitable causes while satisfying hungry stomachs at nearby eateries or restaurants.
3. Matheran
Matheran, widely considered Asia’s smallest hill station, provides a relaxing retreat ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking respite in nature’s embrace. From forests and lakes to historical viewpoints and verdant trails – Matheran offers something fun for everyone looking for peace and solitude in nature.
Visitors to this region can explore its striking natural landscape by hiking along picturesque trails. Some of the more popular hiking routes are One Tree Hill Point trek which provides panoramic views of Western Ghats, and Rambagh trek which leads to ancient Chanderi Caves.
Matheran offers more than just trekking – try your hand at waterfall rappelling! Enjoy this thrilling activity near Dodhani Waterfalls, which also host numerous water-sport activities and adventures.
Matheran is a beloved picnic spot among both locals and visitors, famed for its serene natural beauty and numerous picturesque vantage points. Beyond its stunning surroundings, this town is also famed for its delicious Maharashtrian cuisine – serving delicious dishes such as vada pav, Pav bhaji, poha and chikki from local chefs.
Also, check out more holiday destinations near Pune
4. Appu Ghar Amusement Park
Appu Ghar Amusement Park is an attractive venue for Punekars looking to spend their day off-grid. Boasting thrilling water slides and rides that cater to visitors of all ages, Appu Ghar offers different packages based on visitor preferences as well as providing ample parking facilities for maximum convenience.
This attraction was constructed to commemorate India’s victory at the 1982 Asian Games and was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The name ‘Appu’ derives from one of the elephants which participated in this event and its participation is what inspired its name.
Appu Ghar Amusement Park features numerous attractions for visitors of all ages at its Appu Ghar Amusement Park: Merry-go-round, Columbus Jhoola, Giant Wheel and Roller Coaster are some of the mainstays. In addition, children will love a balloon ride with its fun frog-shaped seat; Big Roller Coaster with high speed loops is sure to thrill thrill-seekers; all rides imported from Italy meet the highest safety standards with clear instructions provided for every ride and their age limits for every age category of participant!
5. Empress Garden
Empress Garden, situated at the heart of Pune, offers an incredible variety of flowers and trees – from tropical plants to rare orchids – making this garden an incredible visual feast. Additionally, bonsai specimens and medicinal herbs add even further beauty. Take a stroll through this peaceful sanctuary, enjoy fresh air and serene beauty as you stroll its pathways!
The garden features benches for seating, making it a wonderful setting for family picnics. Plus, its recreational amenities for children – framed bridges, ropeways, slides and carousels – make for great entertainment and relaxation. There is also an impressive water fountain here which makes this garden even more ideal.
One of the best activities at Empress Garden is visiting its nursery during their annual flower show. Here you can witness and learn more about sapling preparation while simultaneously purchasing plants to bring back home with you – this makes an excellent opportunity to introduce children to nature while simultaneously developing environmentally responsible attitudes in them.
More Places to Visit Near Pune
Pune is a multifaceted city with a unique blend of modern and ancient India. It is home to many interesting tourist places and offers a perfect weekend getaway. These places are secluded and free from the hustle and bustle of Pune making them ideal for tourists who want to explore them in solitude. From the Aga Khan Palace to the 8th century Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Pune is an enchanting destination with something for everyone.
If you are a history enthusiast, then there is no better place to visit than the eminent Aga Khan Palace. It was the residence of the famous social reformer and his family and is an important historical landmark that is spread over a vast area of 19 acres. The unique architecture, carved sculptures, and the serene ambiance of this temple makes it an attractive destination for spiritual seekers.
The Shaniwar Wada is another renowned heritage site in Pune that stands as an epitome of India’s rich cultural heritage. The massive fortification consists of several stunning buildings including the Thora Rayancha Diwankhana, Juna Arsa Mahal and more. It is one of the major attractions to visit near Pune and offers a spectacular view from the top.
Peacock Bay is a mesmerising lake that allures the visitors to indulge into activities like windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and water skiing. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is an excellent spot to visit for the nature lovers.
Khadakwasla Dam is another picturesque location in Pune that is a perfect weekend getaway for the people who are fond of outdoor adventure. The dam is the biggest source of water for the city and its suburbs. The picturesque beauty of the place along with the Sinhagad Fort nearby makes it a great sightseeing location in Pune.
