12 Best Places to Visit Near Pune in Monsoon: An Extensive Guidebook

Whether you are a nature lover, an adventure seeker or simply looking to relax, there are places to visit during monsoon. Get ready to indulge yourself in the green landscapes, dewy mountains, and streaming waterfalls that make these places truly magical during monsoon.

1. Lonavla
2. Mahabaleshwar
3. Khandala
4. Mulshi Lake
5. Pawna Lake
6. Shivsagar Lake
7. Lohagad Fort
8. Rajmachi Fort
9. Torna Fort
10. Thoseghar
11. Tamhini Ghat
12. Devkund

Hill Stations for Monsoon Trip Near Pune

1. Lonavla

For those who are interested in places to go near Pune in monsoon and history or architecture, this hill station comprises several forts, such as Lohagarh or Visapur, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the region and also opportunities for trekking. The Karla and Bhaja Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with intricate carvings and historical significance could also be added to the list of top places to visit near Pune in monsoon.

While you’re at Lonavla, don’t miss the fact that it is also home to beautiful waterfalls like Kune Falls and Bhushi Dam, which become livelier and more intense with the monsoon rains.

2. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar, a monsoon destination near Pune is often the talk of the town for its strawberry farms. Tourists can savor these strawberries fresh from the farms, especially during the strawberry season. The Mapro Garden is a must-visit spot for its delicious fruit products and garden settings.

Mahabaleshwar, among other places to visit near Pune in the rainy season, is also believed to be a sacred pilgrimage spot for Hindus as the Krishna River originates from here. Then there is Mahabaleshwar temple and Pratapgad Fort which add depth to the significance of their cultural heritage and makes it one of family-friendly monsoon destinations in India. Moreover, many viewpoints here are surrounded by valleys, mountains, and greenery, such as Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point, and Elephant’s Head Point, which paints a charming scenery for visitors. It is even more magical and one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Pune when the atmosphere becomes dewy.

3. Khandala

The town is famous for its viewpoints like the Khandala Ghat viewpoint or Duke’s Nose starting point which offers a stunning outlook of the waterfalls and landscapes that are surrounded with greenery. It is one of the best tourist places near Pune in monsoon to take strolls and plan picnics.

Adventure enthusiasts run to Khandala for its trekking trails and opportunities for exciting outdoor activities like rappelling and rock climbing.  Khandala, among other monsoon destinations near Pune, is also famous for its Maharashtrian food and snacks like vada pav, bhajiva, dabeli and so much more. These dishes become even tastier when combined with the rain.

With its breathtaking scenery, pleasant atmosphere, and range of outdoor activities, Khandala offers a memorable visit to the tourist places near Pune in monsoon who are seeking adventure along with serenity.

Lakes for Monsoon Getaways from Pune

4. Mulshi Lake

A diverse range of bird species flies around the lake making it a picturesque spot for bird watching, and famous in tourist places near Pune in monsoon as well. The area around Mulshi Lake is also ideal for various outdoor activities such as boating, camping, and trekking. Visitors can enjoy lazy boat rides on the calm waters of the lake, take nature walks on the lakeside, or simply relax. For people who await adventure activities, the nearby Sahyadri hills provide them with trails for trekking that lead to stunning viewpoints and breathtaking waterfalls, specifically during the monsoon season.

5. Pawna Lake

For people who are looking for places to go near Pune in monsoon, Pawna Lake is a popular spot, situated amidst the green hills of the western ghats, and a perfect stay for nature enthusiasts. One of the main attractions at Pawna Lake is the setting for Camping. There are a number of campsites including the shore of the lake that offer a unique experience by allowing travelers to stay in tents, and enjoy bonfires, kayaking, and fishing.

There are also opportunities for trekking that come along with the striking setting of the forts like Lohagad, Tikona, and Tung. The presence of these historical structures elevates the value of visiting Pawan Lake and also makes it a popular destination among the places to go near Pune in monsoon for trekkers.

6. Shivsagar Lake

The visitors in these places near Pune in monsoon can enjoy the calm waters of Shivsagar Lake, making it a popular destination for boating, kayaking, and water scooter riding in the vast expanse of the lake. Shivsagar Lake is also well known for its rich biodiversity as the area is filled with a variety of flora and fauna, making the lake paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Trekking Places near Pune in Monsoon

7. Lohagad Fort

The trek to Lohagad Fort, one of the top places to visit near Pune in monsoon, takes around 2-3 hours from the village of Lohagadwadi. The more you take steps, you will be greeted by the breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the infamous Pawna Lake. The fort is an architectural wonder of the Marathi legacy and has several spots to explore, including its four gates; Ganesh Darwaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja, and Maha Darwaja.

Another highlight of Lohagad Fort is the Vinchu Kata which resembles a scorpion’s tail. Trekking along the fort’s ridges during monsoon is an adventurous experience in places to go near Pune in monsoon.

8. Rajmachi Fort

The trek to Rajmachi is among the best places to visit in monsoon near Pune and can begin from either Lonavala or the base village of Kondhane. The route from Lonavla is longer but less steep, while the Kondhane route is comparatively shorter but more challenging. Both paths take you through dense forests and waterfalls, which makes the trek more exciting.

The trek usually takes 4-5 hours but once you reach Rajmachi, the view is simply magnificent. The two forts combine and provide a scenery of beautiful valleys and backwaters of Shirota Dam. While exploring the ancient structures of the fort, you can witness the historical impression of these forts. With the rainwater surrounding you and letting you feel the crisp and cool air, trekking in the best places near Pune in monsoon season is simply icing on the cake.

9. Torna Fort

In monsoon getaways from Pune, the trek to Torna Fort starts from the base village of Velhe. The trail is moderately difficult, with steep and rocky paths that can become slippery during the rains. However, the monsoon transforms the scenery into a paradise, with the number of waterfalls adding to the charm of this trek. It usually takes up to 3-4 hours to reach the top.

On their way, trekkers are greeted with lovely views of the Sahyadri mountains, valleys, and the backwaters of Bhatghar Dam. The Torna Fort is among other best places to visit in monsoon near Pune, with various points of interest like the Zunjar Machi and Budhla Machi—natural rock formations. The experience of trekking Torna Fort in the monsoon could be challenging but full of adventure and something of interest to trekking enthusiasts.

Waterfalls as Monsoon Destinations Near Pune

10. Thoseghar

This massive waterfall is about 200 meters in height, along with a series of small streams, features dense woods and a clean lake, all packed in a setting of a hilly landscape. Although the area provides a picnic area and a newly constructed platform to offer picturesque views of the waterfall, entering the valley is banned for safety concerns.

Thoseghar Waterfalls is a beautiful monsoon getaway from Pune, drawing the attention of people between July to November in particular as the surroundings become more enchanting and the cascading water becomes more voluminous due to the heavy rainfall during this period.

11. Tamhini Ghat

The region is rich in biodiversity with a variety of flora and fauna and is surrounded by misty hills, green landscapes, and a series of waterfalls, like the Valse and the Kansai pouring down. Tamhini Ghat, in the great list of places to visit near Pune in the rainy season, creates a breathtaking sight with its heavy rainfall, making it one of the perfect monsoon destinations near Pune. The journey to the ghat is an adventure in itself. The sounds of water gushing with strength, combined with the cool and crisp breeze only add magic to these majestic ghats.

12. Devkund

Devkund Waterfalls is famous for its peaceful and clean surroundings, which makes it a reliable spot for swimming or just relaxing in nature. Getting to Devkund Waterfalls involves a trek that takes about 3 hours. The trail is slightly challenging with dense forests, streams, and rocky paths. However, the route is also full of plants and animals of different species which gives you a chance to connect to nature.

When you reach the Devkund waterfalls, among other top places to visit near Pune in monsoon, you can witness the water falling from about 80 feet into a deep blue-green setting of a pool. The cascading water is always impressive with its natural beauty.

Conclusion

The dense forests, cool breezes, and soothing sound of rain create a magical atmosphere that attracts tourists into nature’s embrace. For people who are interested in exploring more and beyond, there are also many places to visit in Rajasthan in monsoon. So, pack your bags, and your camping pieces of equipment, put on your hiking shoes, and take on a journey with us to discover the top places to visit near Pune in monsoon.