A very nice weekend trip is to go to Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, both Hill Stations from British times. There is a great view like the Grand Canyon and clean mountain air. We stayed at Mount View heritage hotel, est.1923 and liked it very much.
— a student
A lovely place to stay is Mount View Heritage Hotel in Panchgani. Regular buses for Mahabaleshwar leave Swargate bus station, and takes 2 hours. The hotel is lovely and very peaceful. It is a nice overnight or weekend place to stay if you need fresh air and the sound of nature.
They are only about an hour and half from Pune, in Lonavla, off the Mumbai-Pune Highway. Though not as spectacular as the Ajanta and Ellora caves, they are very interesting. To reduce the cost for all, a day trip for four with an air-conditioned car is recommended. Weekends at the Karla caves are crowded with Hindu devotees—it's frantic but fun, if that's your cup of tea. The Bhaja caves are more serene. Both require a 20-minute steep uphill hike, so dress appropriately.
A pilgrimage site, one hour from Pune.
There is a new luxury Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa up in the Lonavala hills area (about midway between Pune and Mumbai):
“Scenery, food and service were all excellent. It was quiet and relaxing. Just what we wanted during the noise of Diwali in the city. We hired a driver and it took about 2 hours on the way up and 1.5 hours on the way back. You stay in villas which are spread out over huge acreage so it is very private. I would definitely go back again if the opportunity arises.”
— a student
This incredible place to visit is only three hours from Pune. No cars are allowed in Matheran. Walking, horseback riding and man powered rickshaws are the only modes of transportation. The views here rival Hawaii's. There is a 900-foot zip line crossing over a 1000 foot valley — a must try.
“The air is good but on the weekends the pathways get extremely dusty from all the visitors. When going riding or walking, go early or late in the day. Get back before nightfall as the pathways are not lit. The views are only OK during the dry season due to pollution but still it was a lovely visit. The miniature train to the top is fun although slow, it is just as nice to walk. There is a barrage of drivers and guides waiting for you at the entrance/exit to Matheran, best to book your needs in advance.”
— a student
Laxman Nagu Akhade, and his brother, Naresh Akhade are reliable horse guides, and their horses are well taken care of.
30 Event Center, At Post: Dasve Lavasa, Taluka Mulshi, Pune 412 112
Situated on the banks of the Warasgaon lake in Dasve, Lavasa is a planned hill city. 1 ½ hrs drive from Pune, come for the day to unwind, swim, sun-bathe and eat.
Know a place that should be here, or something that has changed? Suggest an addition.
