Top 5 Hill Stations Near Pune – My Favorite Quick Getaways
Living in Pune is really nice, but sometimes city life gets on the nerves, and I crave the fresh mountain air, green sceneries, and a calm vibe. Luckily, there are some excellent hill stations near Pune, and I find myself escaping to them quite often. Each has its own personality, and over the years, I have had some great experiences there. Before heading for the hills, I sometimes enjoy go-karting in Pune for a fun day out – a fantastic way to kick off the weekend!
1. Lonavala - My Evergreen Weekend Spots
If you ask me for advice regarding hill stations, the first name that pops to my mind is Lonavala. It lies at about 65 kilometres from Pune; for me, this is the easiest getaway.
I always come to this place during monsoon when the whole town gets drenched in lush green and there is a waterfall around every corner. I just love relishing tiger point with hot chai and pakoras just enjoying the mist and the cool breeze. The caves like Karla and Bhaja also give you a glimpse into history, which makes the trip even more interesting.
2. Khandala – Natural Beauty with a Dash of Adventure
It is Khandala, right next to Lonavala and another one I am combining often in the same trip. The valleys here are beautiful, especially from Rajmachi Point. I can’t forget my first trek here – the views took every step worth it. I'm also known to make stops at a one-day picnic resort near Pune on my way which makes the trip even more enjoyable.
Road trips in Khandala are really superb as well. Driving through the Ghats, with greenery on both sides, always gives me refreshing breaks from city chaos.
3. Matheran - A Town Without Vehicles
Matheran is definitely one of the most unique hill stations I've ever been to. With the non-availability of vehicles, this place gets more peaceful. Some of my best experiences include: walking down red mud paths, horse riding, and trekking the viewpoints such as Panorama Point and Echo Point.
For a plush stay nearby, I also check out wedding resorts in Lonavala. But whether or not there is a wedding taking place, these resorts are just the kind of place to chill after a long day of sightseeing.
4. Panchgani – My Favorite Strawberry Paradise
Just think of strawberries and you think of Panchgani. This hill station is at a distance of about 100 km from Pune and surrounded by five mountains, hence the name is Panchgani.
The scenery at Table Land is beautiful. I always take long walks here during the evenings. Once, I visited during the time when the festival for strawberries took place and this was one such delightful experience-freshly picked strawberries and jams, and even strawberry cream! Panchgani feels cool and soothing-perfect for a weekend getaway.
5. Mahabaleshwar – The Queen of Hill Stations
Of all, Mahabaleshwar feels the largest. The distance of about 120 km takes one to the valleys near rivers and waterfalls and all beautiful viewpoints and mouth-watering dishes.
I still cherish boating in Venna Lake under sunset-it was so peaceful. The viewpoint like Arthur's Seat as well as Wilson point are breathtaking especially if caught during sunrise or sunset. And of course, I can't leave without enjoying the famous strawberry cream here.
Comparison Table – Best Hill Stations Near Pune
| Hill Station |
Distance from Pune |
Best Time to Visit |
Highlights |
My Favorite Thing |
| Lonavala |
~65 km |
Monsoon & Winter |
Waterfalls, Caves, Tiger Point |
Chai & pakoras at Tiger Point |
| Khandala |
~70 km |
Monsoon |
Valleys, Rajmachi Point, Trekking |
Scenic road trip through Ghats |
| Matheran |
~120 km |
Oct – May |
Vehicle-free hill station, Echo Point |
Horse rides & red mud paths |
| Panchgani |
~100 km |
Winter & Strawberry Season |
Table Land, Strawberry farms |
Strawberry cream & evening walks |
| Mahabaleshwar |
~120 km |
Winter & Early Summer |
Venna Lake, Viewpoints, Strawberries |
Boating & stunning sunsets |
FAQs About Hill Stations Near Pune
Q1: Which is the nearest hill station to Pune?
The nearest and most popular hill station is Lonavala, just 65 km away.
Q2: Which hill stations are best for strawberries?
Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar are the famous hill stations for strawberries and strawberry-based desserts.
Q3: Which is the most peaceful hill station near Pune?
If you are looking for total isolation, Matheran is the best option as it is vehicle-free, surrounded by natural beauty.
Q4. Which should be the preferred hill station for trekking near Pune?
Khandala and the surrounding areas, particularly the Rajmachi trek, are a trekker's paradise.
Q5: How many days are sufficient for these trips?
Most of these hill stations can be covered in 1-2 days as weekend getaways from Pune.
Final Thoughts
All these hill stations around Pune have some special memory attached to them, like sipping chai in Lonavala, trekking in Khandala, walking car-free streets in Matheran, tasting strawberries in Panchgani, or watching sunsets in Mahabaleshwar-every trip seems rejuvenating in and of itself.
These hill tops are perfect for a weekend escape from Pune, especially when considering short breaks. I have been to most of them multiple times and to be honest, they never get old.
