Monsoon in Pune is not just a season, it’s a whole mood. As the city gets drenched, the nearby ghats, forts, waterfalls, and forests come alive with a magic you won’t find any other time of year. If you’re craving weekend getaways, scenic drives, or spontaneous road trips, we’ve rounded up 10 surreal places near Pune that are absolutely stunning during the rains.
Whether you’re a photographer, a trekking enthusiast, a biker, or just someone who wants to sip chai while soaking in misty views, this list is for you. ShopisthanX brings you some exotic places to visit near Pune in monsoon.
1. Malshej Ghat – The Misty Marvel
Distance from Pune: ~120 km
Travel Time: 3–3.5 hours
Why Go:
Imagine waterfalls cascading from cliffs, mist swirling through lush valleys, and flamingos chilling in the rain, Malshej Ghat is a monsoon paradise. The ghat transforms into a green dream, with clouds literally drifting through your car windows.
Don’t Miss:
- Small hikes around Harishchandragad
- Waterfalls en route (some right beside the road!)
- Flamingo sightings at Pimpalgaon Joga Dam
Perfect For: Couples, bikers, solo nature therapy
2. Tamhini Ghat – The Monsoon Drive of Dreams
Distance from Pune: ~70 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Why Go:
Tamhini is a symphony of rain, waterfalls, and winding roads. The drive itself is the highlight, flanked by thick forests and valley views. Monsoon turns every corner into an Insta-worthy stop. It is one of the perfect monsoon getaways near Pune.
Don’t Miss:
- Sudhagad Fort nearby
- Mulshi Lake reflections
- Street-side vada pavs in the mist
Perfect For: Road trippers, couples, offbeat photographers
3. Lavasa – Italy Vibes, Maharashtra Roots
Distance from Pune: ~60 km
Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours
Why Go:
This planned hill city may have had its controversies, but in the monsoon, Lavasa looks like a slice of Lake Como with an Indian twist. Mist-covered hills and lake promenades make it a cozy escape.
ShopisthanX Recommends:
Rent a cycle and explore the waterfront. The rain makes it cinematic.
Perfect For: Families, couples, digital detox weekends
4. Kaas Plateau – Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers
Distance from Pune: ~140 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Why Go:
Come August–September, the Kaas Plateau bursts into a riot of pinks, yellows, and purples. Recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it’s a floral carpet you must see once in your life.
Pro Tip:
Pre-book your visit online. They cap the number of tourists daily to protect the ecosystem.
Perfect For: Nature lovers, macro photographers, rare plant geeks
5. Sinhagad Fort – Clouds at Your Feet
Distance from Pune: ~35 km
Travel Time: 1 hour
Why Go:
For Punekars, Sinhagad is a nostalgic monsoon ritual. The short trek is scenic, and once you’re atop, it’s like standing above the clouds. Add hot kanda bhaji and pithla-bhakri at the summit, and you’ve got yourself a classic monsoon fix.
Don’t Miss:
- Sunrise trek for misty golden hours
- Exploring the fort ruins in the fog
Perfect For: Trekkers, history buffs, chai-lovers with a view
6. Bhigwan – Flamingos, Rains & Raw Beauty
Distance from Pune: ~105 km
Travel Time: 2.5–3 hours
Why Go:
Not your typical monsoon destination, but Bhigwan’s wetland charm is magnetic in the rains. The misty lake, rustic backdrops, and migratory birds give you serious slow-travel feels.
Ideal For:
Bird watchers, photographers, weekend explorers
Hidden Gem:
Hire a local boat ride around dawn for surreal bird sightings.
Also Read: The Most Underrated Travel Destinations in India
7. Rajmachi Fort – Trek Through the Clouds
Distance from Pune: ~80 km
Travel Time: 2.5 hours + 2–3 hr trek
Why Go:
Trekking to Rajmachi during monsoon feels like stepping into a Tolkien novel. Verdant trails, waterfalls, foggy fort views, and shepherd trails make it unforgettable.
Stay Tip:
Local villagers offer homestays—basic but warm and memorable.
Perfect For: Adventure seekers, trekkers, nature groups
8. Bhimashankar – Sacred, Serene & Soaked in Green
Distance from Pune: ~110 km
Travel Time: 3–4 hours
Why Go:
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Bhimashankar combines spiritual vibes with breathtaking monsoon landscapes. The surrounding forest (a wildlife sanctuary) gets draped in green, and the temple shrouded in mist is pure magic.
Ideal For:
Devotees, photographers, forest explorers
Bonus:
You might spot the rare Giant Indian Squirrel!
9. Kundalika Valley – Hidden Monsoon Wonderland
Distance from Pune: ~95 km
Travel Time: 2.5 hours
Why Go:
Not as commercial as other spots, Kundalika Valley near Tamhini is a lesser-known treasure. Come monsoon, it boasts over 10+ waterfalls, surreal cloud play, and zero crowds.
ShopisthanX Tip:
Carry your own snacks. There are barely any stalls here—which is part of the charm.
Perfect For: Offbeat explorers, solo travelers, hidden-spot chasers
10. Lohagad Fort – Rainy Day Trek & Timeless Views
Distance from Pune: ~65 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Why Go:
Lohagad is one of the best beginner treks near Pune, especially during monsoon. The trail is scenic, the fort is historic, and the views from “Vinchu Kata” (scorpion’s tail point) are out of this world when clouds clear momentarily.
Pro Tip:
Start early to avoid slippery steps and crowd bottlenecks.
Perfect For: Beginners, history lovers, monsoon group treks
Bonus Tips for Monsoon Travel Near Pune
- Always check weather and road conditions before heading out.
- Wear proper trekking shoes, monsoon trails can get slippery.
- Carry a waterproof jacket, power bank, and some dry snacks.
Support local stalls and homestays, it adds to the experience!
Final Thoughts: Pune’s Rain Radius is Pure Gold
In monsoon, Pune transforms into a launchpad for some of Maharashtra’s most scenic and soul-soothing getaways. From foggy forts to flower plateaus, there’s a rain-soaked spot for every kind of traveler within 2–4 hours.
So don’t wait, grab that raincoat, fuel up, and chase the clouds. Let your weekends be stories you’ll tell long after the monsoon ends. You can share your monsoon stories on Insta and mention ShopisthanX.
