08-Jul-2019
Picture this—the heady-earthy smell of wet soil, foggy climate with rains blurring the road ahead, kids splashing around in rainwater, and hot piping tea over scrumptious finger foods aka bhajjis/pakoras. Are you nostalgic already? Awesome! It’s just around that time of the year—when you should start planning your visit to some incredible monsoon getaways around Pune with your besties and family. This monsoon, we want you to make breathtaking memories, so we’ve rounded up a list of monsoon getaways not be missed this season.
Tamhini Ghat
(Approx. 2 hours by car | 53.3 km)
Let us start with a getaway that has a dramatic backdrop—Tamhini Ghat located on the crest of the Sahyadris. The ghat is popular for its pristine beauty, lush green valleys, and mesmerizing waterfalls and is a must-visit monsoon getaway. Get ready to escape into the calming environs and soak up the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountain pass. It is a popular weekend getaway and is easily accessible via road, though you will need to do a quick weather check as the blend of rain and fog could make visibility poor. However, once you visit the valley—you are sure to return every monsoon.
Lonavala-Khandala
(Approx. 1 hrs 22 min by car | 71 km)
If you wish to enjoy the thrills of the rain and don’t wish to make elaborate travel plans, then you cannot miss visiting Lonavala-Khandala. The getaway is just ideal for families, group of friends, and millennials. It’s quite a favorite weekend destination—and why wouldn’t it be?—the amiable green beauty of nature and zigzagging rain creating poodles of water will enthrall your heart. The beauty pulses through the air and you will find plenty of things to do like visiting a celebrity wax museum.
Mahabaleshwar
(Approx. 2 hrs 40 min | 120.3 km)
Next up—head to Mahabaleshwar—the journey to this hill station will keep you glued to your car windows where you can watch hilltops dressed in rains. The whole valley extends a mesmerizing view bursting with wildflowers, which makes it a plodder’s paradise. And, you will not be disappointed with rains at Mahabaleshwar, as the hill station receives some of the highest rainfalls in Maharashtra. We would like to add that this hill station in the Sahyadri Ranges of Maharashtra is one of the most romantic places, especially during the monsoons. On your trip, pit stop at the Mapro Garden, Venna Lake, and Lingamala falls.
Igatpuri
(Approx. 4 hrs 31 min| 247.6 km)
This hill station is getting increasingly popular among monsoon weekend vacation-seekers—Igatpuri, nested ahead of Kasara valley makes a perfect escape away from the hustle bustle of the city. During monsoon, the hill station gets alive with hearty waterfalls and lush greenery. There are plenty of places to visit on your trip like Ashoka Waterfalls, Bhavli Dam & Waterfalls, Camel Valley, and more. So, get ready to soak up some jaw-dropping surrounds and remember to add it to your must-visit getaway-bucket list.
Thosegar Falls
(Approx. 3 hrs | 136.9 km)
Waterfall-lovers this one is for you—Thosegar waterfalls are one of the best waterfalls around Pune. You will fall in love with the thunderous sound of water gushing from the heights. It is like a blissful roar of the waterfalls cutting through the calming environs. The myriad waterfalls at Thoseghar Village in Satara give you plenty of such wonders to be enthralled with.
Mulshi
(Approx. 1 hr 45 min | 44 km)
Here’s another quickie monsoon getaway—head to Mulshi Dam and you’ll instantly fall in love with the hilly region, terrific beauty, shimmering lake, and the gorgeous dam. Popularly known as ‘Lavmal’—Mulshi is a popular hotspot for weekend-getaway-seekers. The dam extends excellent photography opportunities, and birders will love bird-watching, and you can also enjoy boating.
Malshej Ghat
(Approx. 3 hrs | 138.1 km)
The mountains donning fog and myriad waterfalls are calling you—that’s right you must visit Malshej Ghat another mesmerizing monsoon getaway. The awe-inspiring valley bursts with waterfalls, wildlife, and greenery. Birders can enjoy a wonderful opportunity to spot diverse birds inclusive of purple moorhens, flamingos, and more. And, waterfall-lovers would love to soak up the atmosphere in the backdrop of gushing waterfalls. The picturesque ghat is a treat you cannot miss out on.
Panchgani
(Approx. 2 hrs | 101.3 km)
How about reveling in misty weather, rain showers, and lush greenery? You cannot miss visiting Panchgani—nestled in the middle of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the hill station is a perfect monsoon destination. The captivating mountain views attract tourists, especially during monsoon. The hill station is perfect for a family vacation and extends its charm to besties who are looking out for a fun-monsoon-trip.
Amboli Ghat
(Approx 2 hrs | 101.3 km)
Head to the South of Maharashtra to the mountain pass in the Sahyadri to reach this breathtaking monsoon destination—Amboli Ghat. Counted as an eco-sport, the ghat is one of the most beautiful ghats during monsoon. You’ll love the unique flora and fauna in the backdrop of foggy clouds and rain showers. Foodies—look for pakoras, Maggi, and tea—the hot piping food options augment the entire vacay-experience.
Bhimashankar
(Approx. 2 hrs 46 min | 108.4 km)
Are you looking for a wonderful destination that’s perfect to relax and absorb the breathtaking scenery? Head to Bhimashankar—a popular travel destination, which is ideal to enjoy some quality time with your friends and family. Bhimashankar is one of the 12 Jyotirlings of India and is a major attraction. During monsoon, the destination bursts into awe-inspiring scenery—and it makes a fantastic treat for monsoon-lovers.
Get ready for your share of rain showers at a monsoon getaway of your choice. If you haven’t planned one yet, then start planning, the rains are calling and it’s time to make some monsoon memories over a rejuvenating vacation. We recommend you do a weather check and also carry apt rain gear—have a safe and memorable monsoon vacation!
I personally love monsoon season as it the best season to feel the nature and enjoy the hue around. Your post is really good as it has really some great monsoon destinations to explore. I loved your post!!!