Best One Day Trips from Pune — 25 Places Within 150km
Pune's greatest advantage as a city is its location. The Western Ghats rise just west; the Deccan plateau stretches east; and within 150km in every direction you have forts, waterfalls, hill stations, lakes, beaches, and forests. Here are 25 places you can visit and return from in a single day.
One Day Trips Organized by Distance
Within 50km — Back by Afternoon
1. Sinhagad Fort (30km) A 1.5-hour trek to Pune's most iconic fort. Bhakri-dal-loncha at the fort stalls after the climb is mandatory.
2. Mulshi Lake (45km) A scenic lake drive via Lavale. Walk around the dam, enjoy the view, have lunch at a lakeside restaurant.
3. Purandar Fort (45km) Two forts on a hill. Paved road to Purandar, then a short trek to Vajragad. Relatively quiet.
4. Shivneri Fort (90km, Junnar) Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. A pilgrimage for history lovers. Moderately easy trek.
50–100km — Full Day Trips
5. Lonavala & Khandala (65km) Maharashtra's most visited hill station. Tiger's Leap, Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves, Lohagad Fort — enough for a full day.
6. Lohagad Fort (65km) Easy trek from Malavli or Lohagad village. Combine with Visapur on the same day.
7. Tamhini Ghat (55km) Drive through waterfall country in monsoon. Stop for chai and bhajias at roadside stalls.
8. Lavasa (60km) A planned hill city on a lake. European-style promenade, cafes, and boat rides.
9. Tikona Fort (60km) Triangle-shaped hill with Pawna Lake views. Short, doable climb.
10. Rajmachi Fort (85km) Drive to Udhewadi base, trek through forest to the fort. Pack a lunch.
11. Kolad River Rafting (110km) 3-hour rafting on the Kundalika River. Book in advance. Suitable for beginners.
12. Kamshet Paragliding (70km) Maharashtra's paragliding capital. Tandem flights available for beginners. 1–2 hours of flying + ground prep.
100–150km — Earlybird Starts
13. Mahabaleshwar (120km) Strawberry farms, viewpoints (Elephant's Head, Wilson, Lingamala), and cool air. Leave by 7 AM.
14. Panchgani (120km) Table Land plateau, Parsi Point, Mapro Garden. Often combined with Mahabaleshwar.
15. Bhandardara (165km) Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, optional Kalsubai base or Randha Falls. Full day needed.
16. Bhimashankar (110km) Jyotirlinga temple + dense shola forest trek. Sacred and scenic.
17. Alibaug (150km) Drive via NH66 or take the Mandwa ferry from Mumbai. Kolaba Fort, beaches, fresh seafood.
18. Kashid Beach (185km) White sand beach — longer drive but worth it for a proper beach day. Leave very early.
19. Igatpuri (155km) Waterfall drive, Bhatsa River Valley, Vaitarna Lake. Best in monsoon.
20. Devkund Waterfall (110km) The best day trip for waterfall lovers. 2km forest trek from Bhira to the turquoise pool.
Planning Your Day Trip from Pune
Early start is everything. Leave before 7 AM for distances over 80km to avoid Pune outskirts traffic and reach the destination fresh.
Weekday vs Weekend. Popular spots like Lonavala and Bhushi Dam are extremely crowded on weekends in season. Weekday trips are 3x more peaceful.
Monsoon timing. July–September are ideal for waterfall and greenery destinations. October–February for trekking, forts, and hill stations. Check rain forecasts before heading to ghat areas.
Find Day Trip Travel Companions
Weekend Wander has groups for all these one-day destinations leaving from Pune every weekend. Browse destinations to find a day trip that excites you and join a group.
