With an array of forts, palaces, museums, temples, churches, food streets, malls, and pubs, Pune is an interesting mix of history, fun, adventure, spirituality, and more. While the city is a sheer delight to explore any time of the year, the months of monsoon weave in a sense of romanticism to the whole experience. A short trip away from many beautiful lakes, waterfalls, hill stations, and hiking trails, Pune is blessed with many monsoon getaways you can explore during your trip.
If you happen to visit the city during the rainy season, don’t keep yourself shut inside your hotels in Pune. Instead, pack your bags and take a trip to one of the many places to visit in Pune in monsoon. Here are our suggestions.
1. Sinhagad, Pune
#1 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
The hill fortress of Sinhagad is believed to be 2000 years old. One of the most famous historical sites to visit in Pune, Sinhagad has remained witness to many episodes in the Maratha history. Standing amidst the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, the fort presents an awe-inspiring sight even today. The best time to plan a trip to this fort is definitely during the monsoons. If you are a thrill-seeker, a trek to the fort while enjoying the rain and the wind is something that you must experience. There’s also a motorable road to the fort, in case you want to skip the trekking part but want to explore the fort.
- Distance from Pune: 38 km (approx.)
2. Mulshi, Pune
Mulshi is a scenic destination in the heart of Mulshi valley near Pune. It is the location of the Mulshi Dam. Built on River Mula, the dam nestles between two verdant hills and lush forests. When the monsoon season is at its peak, the dam water flows in full force and presents a sight to behold. Driving to Mulshi in the monsoons has its own charm as you will be inundated with scenic views along the way and when you reach the site as well. The dam site is ideal for spending some serene moments appreciating the beauty of nature, hiking, and enjoying a picnic with your family or friends.
- Distance from Pune: 44 km (approx.)
3. Kamshet, Pune
#3 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
A drive of around one hour from the city of Pune will take you to Kamshet, a hilly terrain dotted with picturesque lakes, ancient caves, and spectacular temples. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you will love visiting this place as it offers opportunities for various thrilling activities like paragliding, boating, and even trekking. Plan a getaway to this location in the monsoons and you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the area that draws people from far and near.
- Distance from Pune: 47 km (approx.)
4. Lonavala, Pune
#4 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
Nestled in the heart of the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Lonavala is a famous hill station known for its bewitching natural beauty. Blessed with lakes, waterfalls, hills, and dense green forests, the place takes on a new avatar during monsoons, blessed with lush greenery in its best form. Also, it is the best time to indulge in hiking, trekking, and other adventurous activities in Lonavala. The hill station also has several forts, caves, dams, and other landmarks in its kitty of attractions.
- Distance from Pune: 65 km (approx.)
5. Khandala, Pune
#5 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
Not far from Lonavala stands Khandala, another hill station with breath-taking beauty. Its verdant hills, scenic valleys, lush meadows, spellbinding waterfalls, and tranquil lakes create a magical charm. Monsoon is the season when the beauty of Khandala reaches its crescendo, thanks to the lush greenery that envelops the area at that time. If you are a nature lover, it is the perfect place to sit back and soak in the beauty of nature. You can also explore the Karla and Bhaja Caves, which are ancient rock-cut caves situated in the vicinity of Khandala.
- Distance from Pune: 70 km (approx.)
6. Matheran, Pune
#6 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
Matheran may be one of the smallest hill stations in India, but it scores high on natural beauty. Often described as a monsoon-heaven in the region, you can experience here the beauty of green carpets and hills in their most pristine form. There are no less than 38 designated viewpoints from where you can witness the splendour of Matheran. Do not miss visiting the Panorama Point that offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding areas and allows you to get a glimpse of the Neral town as well. Read also about hill stations near Pune
- Distance from Pune: 80 km (approx.)
7. Panchgani, Pune
#7 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
Perched amidst the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Panchgani is a picture-perfect hill station and one of the popular monsoon getaways in Pune. The place boasts of lofty peaks, rolling valleys, dazzling lakes, and scenic landscapes, all of which come together to create a wonderful natural milieu. It derives its names from the five hills that surround it. Compared to some other hill stations in and around Pune, Panchgani does not receive much rainfall. Even then, the place seems to unfurl into a new green avatar when it rains. The place is famous for offering stunning views of sunrises and sunsets, something you shouldn’t miss while you are here.
- Distance from Pune: 100 km (approx.)
8. Bhimshankar, Pune
One of the most popular places to visit in Pune in monsoons, Bhimshankar entices travellers with its scenic routes. The place is famous for the 13th-century Bhimashankar temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. While on the trip, make out time to visit the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a green paradise for trekkers, replete with verdant hills, dense forests, gorgeous waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. All in all, Bhimshankar is an ideal destination for nature lovers, pilgrims, and trekkers to explore.
- Distance from Pune: 110 km (approx.)
9. Karnala, Pune
#9 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
Away from the mad rush of city life, Karnala is the site of the majestic Karnala Fort. Situated atop a hill and within the boundary of the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, the fort site offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas along. While the fort itself is in ruins now, trekking to this hill-fort can be an absolutely delightful experience. It is an easy trek that even inexperienced trekkers can complete with ease. Karnala is also home to a wide range of exotic birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Click to know about places in Pune within 100kms
- Distance from Pune: 123 km (approx.)
10. Thosegar Falls, Pune
Come monsoons and the Thosegar Falls turn into a stimulating sight, making it an ideal location for a one-day picnic. Located near the village of Thoseghar, these are a series of waterfalls ranging from 15 to 200 meters in height. Adding to the spectacular beauty of the waterfalls are the dark woods and a serene lake in the region. There’s only the sound of the gushing waterfalls to disturb the absolute tranquillity of the area. Bird watchers can spot several species near the waterfall.
- Distance from Pune: 140 km (approx.)
11. Tapola, Pune
#11 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
Blessed with pristine natural beauty, the untouched landscape of Tapola presents a treat to the eyes. No wonder, it is often referred to as the Kashmir of the Western Coast. During the monsoons, the entire area is covered in lush greenery, making the place look even more enticing. One of the main attractions here is the Tapola Lake. The drive from Pune to Tapola itself is a scenic ride. Undoubtedly, Tapola is an ideal destination to relax your mind and soul with a daylong picnic.
- Distance from Pune: 145 km (approx.)
12. Kolad, Pune
#12 of 12 Best Places to Visit in Pune in Monsoon
The quaint little village called Kolad is among the go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts in Pune. Blessed with lush meadows, cascading waterfalls, and lofty hills, Kolad is the perfect place to indulge in white water rafting. The Kundalika River flowing through Kolad gushes down with new-found gusto during the monsoons, and that makes it all the more enjoyable for the rafters to unleash their adventurous streak. You can have a great time enjoying white water rafting, trekking in the hills or simply spending time in the tranquil surroundings of Kolad.
- Distance from Pune: 150 km (approx.)
If you love the rains, you must not miss out on exploring these destinations during the monsoon season. While these are just a few spots, you can discover many others once you embark on your journey of discovering Pune during the monsoons. So, go ahead and enjoy your trip.
