10 New Places Near Pune to Visit During Monsoon With Family and Friends

Though delayed but now the monsoon is around the corner, bringing much relief from blistering heat. The weather has already become cooler and the breeze is blowing, making it a perfect time of the year to explore breathtaking places near Pune with family and friends.

We all are used to visiting Lonavala, Khandala and Mahabaleshwar during monsoons to enjoy the weather and views. But these places generally get very crowded during monsoon so lets explore some new, offbeat places this year to visit during the rainy season.

10 New Places Near Pune to Visiting During Monsoon

1. Jagtap Waterfalls – Located at about 45 minutes drive from Pune towards Mumbai on the old Pune-Mumbai highway, this waterfall is bound to take your breath away. Milky white water falling from a cliff into a specially created pool below to stand below the waterfall and enjoy the gushing water, gently falling over you. It is a privately owned resort with the waterfall, restaurant and rooms to stay if you prefer.
2. Andharban Forest – As the name suggests, the forest is so lush and dense, the light also finds it difficult to reach the forest floor, giving you an opportunity to trek through the dense forest and enjoy birdwatching and day picnic. Located at about 70 km from Pune towards Mulshi.
3. Phopsundi Village – If you want an undiscovered place where there is no tourism yet, visit this village. It is located at 160 km from Pune on Pune-Ahmednagar border. Serene waterfalls, grassy meadows, gentle streams and gushing rivers – all are present here and this place transforms into a paradise in monsoons, away from the crowds.
4. Tapola – Though Tapola needs no introduction, yet everyone generally misses this place during their visit to Mahabaleshwar. If you cross Mahabaleshwar and drive further, you will reach this village in about 45 minutes from Mahabaleshwar. This village is surrounded on three sides by the backwaters of Koyna dam and you can enjoy water sports, local cuisine and lush green surroundings. Many private sites offer overnight camping experience as well.
5. Lavhalwadi – The road from Pune Lavhalwadi crosses the Bhandardara backwaters, it is surrounded by water on both sides, giving an illusion of driving over water. It is one of the most scenic drives in Maharashtra, especially during monsoons. You can enjoy the drive, calm lakeside views and offbeat activities here.
6. Sandhan Valley – Also called the valley of shadows, the 200 ft deep gorge offers perfect blend of thrill and adventure. It is located near the Bhandardara dam and is 2.5 km long. It is a perfect spot for monsoon trekking, rappelling, rock climbing, river crossing and witnessing hidden waterfalls.
7. Malshej Ghat – It is a picturesque mountain pass located on Kalyan-Nagar Road. It is famous for its lush greenery, majestic waterfalls and peaceful lakes. It is a popular migration site for Flamingos during the winter. Pimplegaon Joga Dam offers a beautiful view of the backwaters stretching across till where you can see.
8. Bhandardara – A quaint monsoon village located near Igatpuri on the banks of Pravara River. It is famous for its lush landscapes, waterfalls and Arthur lake. It is a magnet for trekkers and nature lovers.
9. Kondeshwar and Uksan – Located in Khuntavali village, near Badlapur railway station, this is a scenic serene spot famous for its ancient Lord Shiva temple. You can also vist Bhoj dam, located at just 5-minute drive from the temple. You can also visit Uksan lake during the same itinerary.
10. Malavli – Malavli is a quite but very beautiful village located between Pune and Mumbai and is about 45 km from Pune. Lush green surroundings, nature walks and spiritual ashrams are the main attractions of this place. This place can also be accessed by Pune-Lonavala local trains. You can also visit Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves that are located nearby, in the same trip.

These places have abundant natural beauty, easy access and away from the usual crowds during monsoon, making them ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful, yet memorable weekend excursion during the rainy season.

The details provided in the article are for initial information only. The exact locations, timings, safety precautions and tourist attractions must be found out before planning a trip to any of the places mentioned above to ensure your trip is worthwhile and safe for you and the people accompanying you.