Places to visit nearby Pune

Pune is the eighth largest city in India , and the second largest in the state of Maharashtra, after Mumbai.

The name Punna (also transcribed Poona) derives from Punya Nagari (Sanskrit, "City of Virtue").

Pune is located 170 km south of Mumbai.

1) Lonavla & Khandala(Hill Stations)

Distnace: 70 km from Pune,

What to watch:

LonavalaLake, Bushy Dam, Tiger's Leap, RyewoodPark,Tungarli Dam, Barometer Hill.

The place is famous for Chikki (made of jaggery and groundnuts) and also the chocolate fudge

When to visit: Rainy seasons(Around mid june)

How to go:
By Road : Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Highway. Pune-Lonavala, 70 Kms
By air : Nearest airport is Pune, 66 kms and Mumbai is 110 km
By Rail : Lonavala is on the Mumbai Pune Rail line of the central Railway.(Local train from pune)

2) Sinhagad (Earlier known as Kondhana)

Distnace: 25 km from Pune,

What to watch:

Sinhgad Fort,

Famous for: The bhaji's and dahi wati at the top are favorite. Also, pithla-bhakri and the chicken curry

How to go:You can go their by PCMT and ST buses. Buses are available from the Sarasbaug Bus Stand, which drop you till the foothill.

3) Matheran (Hill Station)

Distnace: 120 km from Pune,

What to watch:

Miniature train journey, Panorama Point ,Monkey Point, AlexandraPoint, LouisaPoint and Porcupine Point

When to visit: Visit this place between November to June but the place is worth visiting any time. During the monsoon, the rains can be hammering and the place shuts down

How to go:

To reach Matheran you first go to the small town of Neral, 6.5km away at the base of the hill upon which Matheran is situated.

Vehicle Shared taxis and minivans go between Neral and Matheran for Rs 40 per person. Taxis Rs 200

Miniature train Timing:

Neral to Matheran 8.40 am, 11 am, and 5 pm, 10.20 am (In April and May only)

During monsoon only at 8.40 am.

Matheran to Neral 5.45 am, 1.10 pm, and 2.35 pm, 4.20 pm(in April and May only)

During monsoon only at 1.10 pm. During the peak season, train should be reserved in advance back from Matheran to Neral.

4) Mahableshwar & Panchgani

Distnace: Mahableshwar is 120 kilometers northeast of Pune. Panchgani is 100 km from Pune

What to watch:

The town is full of lookout points (Bombay Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point) that provide fetching views of the plains and the sea hundreds of feet below.There are also some pretty waterfalls to visit. By far the best pastime to engage in -- eating strawberries. Horse riding, photography, walking, bird watching and boating in the famous Venna Lake are various interesting options! With a vast number of points, the famous Wilson's Point, Arthur's Seat, Sunset Point and the Lover's Point remain must visits for the first timers!

Will write soon about remaining places.

Lohagad & Visapur Forts

Rajgad Fort

Pratapgad Fort

Purandar

Torna

BhimashankarTemple

Dehu

KarlaCaves

BhajaCaves

BedsaCaves

Alandi

Jejuri

Ashtavinayaka