10 Beautiful Monsoon Getaways Near Pune & Mumbai

Courtesy: http://traveltriangle.com/blog/monsoon-getaways-near-pune-and-mumbai/

Pune, which is also known as the twin city of Mumbai is a perfect gateway from the maddening rush of Mumbai. Pune not only have loads of places to relax but also have many monsoon destination just a drive away. You would be flabbergasted how nature has blessed this coastal city with so many vivid landscapes.

So, call your friends, ‘cause here’s a list of 10 fascinating places to visit near Pune and Mumbai in monsoons:

1. Thosegar Falls, Near Satara

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One of the most beautiful places to visit near Pune and Mumbai, the roaring waterfall is in close vicinity to Satara, the valley of flowers in Maharashtra. Kaaswhic is the home to the Thosegar falls. Escalate the picturesque plateau of Kas which is blossomed by diverse types of flowers to enjoy the majestic views.

Distance:

From Pune to Thosegar Falls: 134.7Kms

From Mumbai to Thosegar Falls: 277.5Kms

Things to do:

• Enjoy the stimulating view of the Kaas Lake where several migratory birds often visit
• Admire the breath-taking views of flower covered Kaas plateau – one of the best places to visit near Pune or Mumbai during rainy season
• Relish the roaring Thosegar falls
• Stopover at the Samahdi site of Samarth Ramdas swami, the spiritual guru of Shivaji at Sajjangad
• Trek to the top of Sajjangad to view the beautiful flower laden valley.

Must Read: 10 Waterfalls in India You Need to Explore This Summer

2. Tapola

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Tapola is proudly known as the Kashmir of the western coast. It is a pastoral settlement characterized by a splendid lake – Shivsagar. The drive from Mahabaleshwar to Tapola is scenic, fresh and provides a galore of panorama. This serene place around Pune and Mumbai in monsoon, is an amazing getaway to relax and unwind.

Distance:

From Pune to Tapola: 150 Kms

From Mumbai to Tapola: 300 Kms

Things to do:

• Paradise for trekkers ,Tapola offers a great trekking opportunity across thickly forested hills
• Enjoy the marvelous views of the dam built on river Koyana and Solshi
• Enjoy a bicycle ride from satara pass to Bamnoli to the final destination at the amazing monsoon getaway from Pune and Mumbai – Tapola
• Hire a speedboat and enjoy a ride on Tapola’s Shivsagar Lake

Must Read: The Definitive Weekend Getaway Destinations for Mumbaikars

3. Bhimshankar

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Though a religious destination, it is frequented by road trip lovers for its scenic and most gorgeous routes. Bhimashankar which is the home to one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Lord Shiva. Other than Bhimashankar being a pilgrim center, it is also bestowed by breath-taking natural beauty making it a popular monsoon getaway from Pune and Mumbai.

Distance:

From Pune to Bhimashankar: 127 Kms

From Mumbai to Bhimashankar: 213 Kms

Things to do:

• Pay homage to the Bhimashankar temple dedicated to the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples of Lord Shiva.
• Visit the Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary to witness some of the most endangered species such as the Giant Indian Squirrel. This is amongst the best monsoon picnic spots near Mumbai and Pune.
• Plan a trek from the Shidi ghat to Ganesh ghat which is most enjoyable and adventurous during monsoon season
• Relish the most spectacular waterfalls and the spouting streams

Must Read: 17 Best One Day Picnic Spots Near Pune In Summer

4. Karnala

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Take some time out to experience the refreshing and invigorating monsoon destination near Mumbai and Pune. The city of Karnala is characterized by the sweet melody of bird chirping. Relish the views of natural habitat of enrich flora and fauna. Karnala is amongst the best places to visit during monsoon in Maharashtra.

Distance:

From Pune to Karnala: 124 Kms

From Mumbai to Karnala: 87 Kms

Things to do:

• Explore the ruins of the Karnala fort, which was once a part of Maratha bastion. It went through a mass change of hands during the medieval times.
• Engage yourself in a trek to the famous Karnala Pinnacle which is a well maintained refuge for birds like eagles, vultures and several endangered species.
• Adore the bird’s eye view of the coastline of Mumbai from the Pinnacle across the dense forest on the Sahyadri hills.
• Intersected by the Mumbai-Goa Highway is the Karnala bird Sanctuary is the home to more than 40 species of migratory birds.

5. Kamshet

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If you wish to stop over and enjoy the beautiful melody of migratory birds amidst the beautiful nature especially during the monsoon months then Kamshet without a doubt is a perfect getaway. Not too far away from Mumbai and Pune, it would definitely freshen you up.

Distance:

From Pune to Kamshet: 48 Kms

From Mumbai to Kamshet: 108 Kms

Things to do:

• Kamshet is a home to several temples such as the Kondeshwar temple which also epitomizes prehistoric Hemadpanthi panache and the Sant Tukaram located on the Bhandar Dongar.
• Visit the Bhairi Cave, Karla, Bhaja and Bhedsa Caves
• Indulge in some activities such as advance kiting and ridge dancing on the Pavana lake (an artificial lake) formed by the Pavana Dam.
• Stroll to the Lohgad, Tikona and Tungi forts is a great way to enjoy the architectural breakthroughs as well as the natural beauty.
• Visit the Shinde Wadi Hills and try your hands on paragliding

Must Read: 10 Best Resorts Near Mumbai For A Quick Relaxing Getaway

6. Sinhagad

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The fort is situated on the Sahyadri Hills provides you all the reasons to visit Sinhagad. It’s one of the best monsoon destinations near Pune and Mumbai for a weekend retreat. What better than planning a trek to the fort during the monsoon months?

Distance:

From Pune to Sinhagad-37.4Kms

From Mumbai to Sinhagad-180.1kms

Things to do:

• A visit to the Sinhagad fort should be a must on your list of places to visit near Pune and Mumbai during monsoons.
• Enjoy the rain and pleasant breeze while trekking from Katraj to Sinhagad.
• Stopover at Panshet which is a pleasant serene lake created by the Pavana dam on river.

7. Mulshi

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Truly Mulshi dam is a hidden gem in luxuriant environs, sited a couple of hours away from Pune. Mulshi Dam is a great destination especially during monsoon months. You would love the scenic beauty and could sit and relax for hours together.

Distance:

From Pune to Mulshi: 35Kms

From Mumbai to Mulshi: 127.1kms

Things to do:

• Circumscribed by the Sahyadri Hills, vast forests and forts like Dhangad and Koraigadh are ideal for trekking.
• Engage in bird sighting in the charming daintiness of the place is conspicuous.
• Pay homage to the ‘Vanjai’ mata temple which is believed to be a century old.
• Go for a drive through the tremendously picturesque valleys and cliffs.
• Mulshi is one of the best tourist spots near Pune in monsoon known for its numerous waterfalls

8. Kolad

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If you are looking for some water sports then Kolad is a perfect escape. It is a perfect idea of a weekend destination as it promises everything from adventure to natural beauty, historic caves and forts, temples and monasteries.

Distance:

From Pune to Kolad: 120Kms

From Mumbai to Kolad: 130Kms

Things to do:

• Kolad is synonymous with a water sports such as rowing, kayaking, rafting, camping, river crossing, rappelling.
• Explore the Tala fort & Ghosala fort, famous for their architecture.
• Visit the Kuda caves which are a group of 13 rock caves built by the Buddhist.
• Bhira dam and the Dholwal dams is a great stopover to spot some migratory birds.
• Tamhini Fall promises a picturesque view, Kansai Waterfalls and hot springs at Uddhar are also located nearby

9. Lonavala-Khandala

Snuggled up in the heart of the Sahyadri hills, the twin hills stations Lonavala and Khandala are synonymous for their scenic beauty and natural inhabitants. You would be awestruck by spectacular views of the mountain range, sparkling water of the lakes and historic significance of caves and forts. Lonavala is a must on your bucket list of places around Pune and Mumbai in monsoon.

Distance:

From Pune to Lonavala-Khandala: 70.1Km

From Mumbai to Lonavala-Khandala: 93.3 Kms

Things to do:

• Escalate the numerous water streams spurting out of the Bushy dam.
• The Duke Nose provides the most astonishing scenic beauty of the hill city of Khandala.
• A must visit destination is the Sausage hills which resembles the shape of a sausage provides many occasions of spotting unusual birds.
• Enjoy some breath-taking views of the Pawna lake which is an artificial lake built by the dam on the river Pawna.
• Trek to the outstanding forts such as Tung Fort and the Tikona fort.

Must Read: 13 Hill Stations Near Mumbai To Soothe Your Senses

10. Malshej Ghat

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If you are interested in adventure activities then Malshej Ghat does not fall short of activities such as camping, trekking, mountain climbing. Do not miss the opportunity to capture the pink flamingos that migrate during the winters. It is one of the best places to visit in monsoon near Pune and Mumbai.

Distance:

Form Pune to Malshej Ghat-119.6kms

From Mumbai to Malshej Ghat-126.6km

Things to see:

• Malshej falls provide a mystic view and are in full swing during the monsoons.
• Engage in some bird watching around the Malshej Ghat.
• Engage in trekking, hiking and camping amidst the mountain range.
• Photograph the striking flamingoes, in the flamingo resort.
• Visit the Shivnero Fort which is the birthplace of the renowned Shivaji Maharaj.

Courtesy: http://traveltriangle.com/blog/monsoon-getaways-near-pune-and-mumbai/