Once a base for the Maratha Empire Peshwas, Pune is a bustling city in Maharashtra. It has loads to do within and outside city limits due to its location. Additionally, renting a bike in Pune is a fairly simple and effortless process. Anyone who has been on a bike will know that there’s no better feeling than feeling the roar of a bike as it carries you. Pune is a great place to experience this, due to the several options for day trips from Pune. Rent a bike, read all about your destinations, and kickstart your weekends with day trips from Pune.
1. Lavasa
Riding for around 57 kms away from Pune, you can get transported to Italy! Lavasa, a private and planned hilltop city, is quite the sight. Stylistically it is based on the town of Portofino, a town in Italy. The drive to Lavasa is pleasant, and winds through the hills. You have amazing views of the ghats to enjoy. We recommend an early morning ride, to ensure pleasant weather and less traffic. Additionally, you can experience the sunrise hours in Lavasa city itself, over the lake.
Do note that you will have to pay a fee of Rs. 200 for entry with your bikes at the gate of Lavasa.
Distance: 57.5kms
Route: Temghar-Lavasa Road
Time: 2 hours
2. Lonavala/Khandala
These hill stations are frequented by Mumbaikars and Punerkars alike, and for good reason. Both Lonavala and Khandala offer unbeatable views of the rolling hills, with cascading waterfalls and lush greenery to compliment it. There are several resorts as well, offering some luxurious relief for a day or overnight picnic.
Do note that two-wheelers are not allowed on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. However, your journey on the older Mumbai-Pune highway is as pleasant as your destination. On the way you can stop to visit the Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves. You also have food options, but ensure you get your fill before entering the ghats as you won’t find any stops there.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that you cannot undertake this trip until the end of the monsoon in 2020. Routes to Lonavala for recreation have been suspended due to the coronavirus.
Distance: 65 kms
Route: Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH48)
Time: 1.5 hours
3. Mulshi Dam
Looking for an urban escape where you can ease your worries away amidst nature? Head to the Mulshi Dam. Located over the Mula river, the dam is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Sahyadri hills. The Mulshi lake, located downstream from the dam, is a great place to sit on the banks and admire the view. You can also admire the Mulshi waterfall, swollen with water in the monsoons. Your route leads you through the scenic Tamhini ghat, known for the stellar views it offers.
Many people come to ride down the ghat simply because of how beautiful it is. Do note, however, that because of the lives lost due to negligence of some during the monsoon, and due to the Coronavirus, you cannot currently go to Tamhini Ghat or Mulshi Dam. Further updates will be given when the official ban is lifted.
Distance: 83 kms
Route: via Tamhini Ghat
Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
4. Lohagad Fort
Translating to Iron Hills, Lohagad fort boasts a commanding view over the surrounding scenery. Dating back to the 18th century, the fort is at a height of 3,400 mts above sea level. Trekking up to the fort is far from a challenge, yet rewards you with the most amazing views across the lush green hills. It is also linked to the Visapur Fort, and together this mighty duo is a sight to see. The trek up can be completed within a few hours, making this a great destination for day trips from Pune.
Remember to stray away from the Mumbai Pune Expressway, as bikes are not allowed. There is a parking facility available at the base of the fort, for which you will have to pay a small fee of Rs.40.
Distance: 65 kms
Route: Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH48)
Time: 2 hours
5. Junnar Caves
History lovers and nature lovers, and people just looking for a change, will all love this destination. Carved into the hills of the Sahyadri, the Junnar caves are a collection of over 2000 caves and Buddhist rock cut temples. They date back to the 2nd and 3rd century, and are a protected site. Steps carved into the hills gains you access to witness these caves in all their glory. Parking is available at the start of your path to the caves.
Distance: 94 kms
Route: NH 60
Tme: 2 hours 45 minutes
6. Rajmachi Fort
Yet another location for the trek lovers, Rajmachi is a wonderful destination for day trips from Pune. If you’ve already trekked up Lohagad, or you simply want more, head to Rajmachi fort. Along the way up to the fort, you will pass caves and waterfalls galore. It is quite the scenic trek, and quite the scenic ride! You will head down NH 48, the old Mumbai-Pune highway. Make sure you spot the diversion before Khandala that will lead you to the base of the fort.
Distance: 82 kms
Route: NH 48 (Old Mumbai-Pune highway)
Time: 2.5 hours
Conclusion
Remember to check everything before heading out on a road trip, like tyre pressure, headlights and brake lights. Additionally, we know the joys of biking in the monsoon, and most of these locations are at their prime when the rains fall. However, keep in mind that your safety comes above all else. Remember to rent a bike according to the need of the distance and terrain – we can help you out with that!
Related: Rent a Bike in Pune
