24-Jun-2019
Now clouds & rains are just around the corner in Maharashtra. Pune not only has ample of places to unwind & relax but also has many monsoon gateways just a mere drive away. You would be astonished to feel how nature has blessed Pune & around Pune city with so many bright landscapes. Especially during the monsoons, the entire Western Ghats drapes in green, flaunting the boundless waterfalls, dams and rivers. Around Pune is a very lively fizzing place that arouses excitement, fun, and thrill all at once. Lets’ take a look at some of the astonishingly beautiful monsoon getaways around Pune and make your weekend plans very exciting.
Here are the most exciting monsoon getaways around Pune you will simply fall in love with:
1. Malshej Ghat
Nestled in the Sahyadris, the beautiful mountain pass of Malshej Ghat is a popular destination for a refreshing monsoon getaway around Pune.
Monsoon is the best seasons to witness Malshej Ghat’s beauty in all its glory. It is situated about 122 km away from Pune, 105 km away from Thane and 28 km away from Junnar. During monsoon, the entire locale is covered in vibrant hues of green. Numerous cascading waterfalls and dense grey clouds add to the magical rainy atmosphere. The lakes around Malshej Ghat are absolutely serene and picturesque and ideal spots for a leisurely picnic. Malshej Ghat is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. Birders can look forward to spotting flamingoes, quails, cranes and many other birds in this area. Owing to its perennial pleasant climate and exemplary natural beauty, Malshej Ghat has become a favourite holiday destination over the years, attracting trekkers, hikers, birders and nature-lovers from all over Maharashtra.
Naneghat, Shivneri Fort, Ajoba Hill and Harishchandragad are few of the popular trekking destinations near Malshej Ghat. Another attraction close to Malshej Ghat is the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.
2. Lonavala
Lonavla is a lovely hill station primly located on the Pune-Mumbai expressway at 64km from Pune, which blooms into a magnificent lush green landscape during the monsoons.
Unpolluted and serene, it is a romantic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cool climate throughout the year and panoramic views of the Deccan plateau on one side and the Konkan on the other makes it an unforgettable visit.
Along with the Karla, Bhaja and Bedse caves, the Lohgad and Visapur forts, Lonavla comes in an adventurous and scenic package. Packed with people during the monsoons, is it ideal for a one-day trip.
3. Matheran
Matheran is a popular monsoon hill station around Pune, famous for its pleasant climate, picturesque hills, cascading waterfalls, amazing vantage points and the impressive Matheran Toy Train.
Just 120 Kms from Pune, Matheran sprawls at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level offering mesmerizing viewing points of the plains below. There are around 30 points to gaze at the beautiful lush plains dotted with villages. Not only is the destination lovely, the journey to reach is as exciting! The mountain train from Neral to Matheran(8 km) is an outstanding opportunity to soak in rains.
4. Tamhini Ghat
Tamhini Ghat is one of the best scenic spot in monsoon time when every down-slope has water flowing around Pune. A mountain passage merely 52 KMs from Pune, is nestled in the Sahyadris blessed with an abundance of lush greenery and cascading waterfalls during monsoon making it the perfect destination for a fun weekend getaway near Pune.
Plan your trip during a weekday if you want to avoid crowds. The entire stretch of Tamhini Ghat is immensely beautiful and awe-inspiring. The roads may not always be in a good condition, but the natural splendor of this place makes up for it. When there is plentiful rainfall, you will spot anywhere between 50-70 amazing waterfalls at Tamhini Ghat. The bigger waterfalls are simply mesmerizing and you can spend hours soaking in their grandeur.
One of the major attractions along the Tamhini Ghat is the serene Mulshi Lake or the Mulshi Dam backwaters. The road near Mulshi Lake will take you further ahead to the massive and spectacular waterfall at Palse. This route further leads you to the village of Kolad, which has become popular for its offering of white water rafting on Kundalika River. The famous Devkund Waterfall is also close to Tamhini Ghat.
5. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar…Where nature reigns supreme! Set amidst the breathtaking landscape of the spectacular Sahyadri Mountains around Pune in Maharashtra, is a heaven in the monsoons.
The beautiful hill station is situated about 121 km away from Pune. Mahabaleshwar’s all-year round pleasant climate, lush green valleys, majestic peaks, cascading Waterfalls and numerous other fun activities and delightful attractions make it the ultimate destination for a fun family holiday, a romantic honeymoon or a memorable weekend trip with friends.
There are numerous viewpoints spread across the Mahabaleshwar from where you can enjoy the panoramic beauty of the Western Ghats. The mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises at Kate’s Point, Arthur’s Seat, Lodwick Point, Wilson Point, Elephant Point, Helen’s Point, Babington Point and Bombay Point are bound to leave you spellbound. Each viewpoint paints a unique picture of the glorious Sahyadris and you can look forward to capturing stunning photographs of the mountains and greenery.
6. Thoseghar Waterfalls
Situated about 26 km away from Satara, the spectacular Thoseghar Waterfalls around Pune is the highest waterfall in Maharashtra and the 4th highest waterfall in India.
Driving from from Satara to Thoseghar is truly enjoyable because the road in a great condition, and the views along the way are absolutely beautiful. The waterfalls are active throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is between July and November, when the waterfalls are at their glorious best.
There are two waterfalls in Thoseghar, one is comparatively bigger than the other. One has to climb down a few steps at both places to get a good view of the waterfalls. Sturdy railings around the area ensure the safety of visitors. The stunning sight of the cascading white waterfalls emerging from lush green hills is absolutely breathtaking. One feels refreshed when the cool water sprays over you face and the gentle wind caresses your hair. The panoramic view near the bigger waterfall is especially magical. Also, do visit the wonderful cave situated near the smaller waterfall.
Thoseghar Waterfalls are a must visit if you are seeking some peace of mind and wish to relax in the lap of nature. The waterfalls are open to public between 8 am and 6 pm. Entry is available at a nominal fee. One cannot get down near any of the waterfalls. It is better to avoid going during weekends or public holidays as the place is very crowded on those days. Instead, visit on a weekday to fully soak up the beautiful natural splendor of Thoseghar Waterfalls.
