Life in Pune is not as easy as people make it out to be. Pune might be better compared to its big brother Mumbai, but like any metro city, Pune is exhausting in its own way. You might find yourself getting tired of the grind soon, at which point a vacation is the only thing that can help you de-stress; and there is nothing as L rejuvenating as a trip to a hill station.
Pune is surrounded by many great hill stations, all of which helps you reconnect with nature and relax amidst a tranquil atmosphere. Here, let us take a look at three of the best hill stations near Pune, all of which are highly regarded among vacationers.
Lonavala
At a distance of 67 km from Pune lies the twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandela, which are very popular monsoon destinations for the people of Maharashtra. The best way to reach there is to avail Pune to Lonavala cabs, as it is the most convenient mode of transport.
Lonavala lies at an altitude of 622 metres from sea level in the Sahyadri mountain range which separates the Deccan Plateau from the Konkan coast. Lord Elphinstone developed the hill station in 1871, before which it played an important role in the Maratha and Peshwa empires. The town still has many remnants from the era, and other tourist spots including Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Point, Karla Caves, Valvan Dam and Lonavala Lake.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is another stunning hill station slightly farther than Lonavala, at a distance of 123 km from Pune. It is also at a higher altitude of around 1353 metres, in the Western Ghats range of India. Known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ in Maharashtra, the easiest way to get there is via the many Pune to Mahabaleshwar cabs.
The town offers a panoramic view of the surrounding woods and mountain peaks, and served as the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj. There is a variety of tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar, including forts, temples, lakes and such. Some of the major tourist attractions in Mahabaleshwar are Pratapgarh Fort, VEnna Lake, Lingamala Falls, Tapola and Panchgani.
Bhimashankar
At a distance of 100 km from Pune lies Bhimashankar, a traditional pilgrimage town now attracting hordes of tourists owing to its pleasant climate and stunning vistas. Bhimashankar is located in the village Bhorgiri in the ghat region of the Sahyadri Range, at an altitude of around 975 m from sea level.
It is surrounded by lush foliage and thick green rainforests, offering a refreshing experience to visitors. Bhimashankar also houses one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, which is among the most important temples in India. Other tourist attractions in Bhimashankar include Hanuman Lake and Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary; get to these places with ease, using Pune to Bhimashankar cabs!
These are only a few of the many hill stations that surround Pune; so start packing for that trip and prepare to breathe in the cool mountain air!
