15 Cool Places To Visit Near Pune In Summer For 1-Day & 2-Day Trips

Summer in Pune often brings soaring temperatures and the constant urge to escape into cooler surroundings. Thankfully, the city is surrounded by scenic hill stations, peaceful lakes, waterfalls, forests, and adventure spots that make for perfect summer getaways. Whether you are planning a quick one-day road trip or a relaxing two-day vacation, there are plenty of refreshing destinations within a few hours of Pune.

From the misty valleys of Lonavala and Khandala to the lakeside calm of Mulshi and the cool weather of Mahabaleshwar, these places offer the perfect break from city life. Here are 15 of the best cool places near Pune to visit during summer.

Best Places Near Pune For A 1-Day Summer Trip

1. Panshet

Panshet is one of the most popular quick summer escapes near Pune. Surrounded by hills and backwaters, the destination is perfect for water sports, relaxing evenings, and scenic drives. Visitors can enjoy jet skiing, kayaking, boating, and peaceful sunset views by the dam.

Distance from Pune: Around 40 km
Best For: One-day trip
Best Experience: Water sports and lakeside relaxation

2. Mulshi

Mulshi is known for its peaceful lake views, green surroundings, and refreshing atmosphere. The destination attracts couples, bikers, photographers, and families looking for a calm weekend away from the city rush. The scenic drive itself becomes a major highlight during summer mornings.

Distance from Pune: Around 44 km
Best For: One-day trip
Best Experience: Scenic drives and lakeside cafes

3. Kamshet

Kamshet is a paradise for adventure lovers and paragliding enthusiasts. The open valleys, smooth winds, and panoramic views make it one of the best places near Pune for thrill-seekers. Apart from paragliding, visitors also enjoy camping and exploring nearby caves and villages.

Distance from Pune: Around 45 km
Best For: One-day trip
Best Experience: Paragliding and adventure activities

4. Tamhini Ghat

Tamhini Ghat is famous for its dense forests, winding roads, hidden waterfalls, and mountain scenery. Although it becomes most beautiful during monsoon, the destination remains pleasant during summer mornings and evenings. It is among the most scenic road trip routes near Pune.

Distance from Pune: Around 53 km
Best For: One-day road trip
Best Experience: Nature drives and photography

5. Lavasa

Lavasa offers a refreshing European-style lakeside atmosphere close to Pune. Surrounded by hills and colourful buildings, the planned hill city is ideal for boating, cycling, nature walks, and relaxing weekends by the water.

Distance from Pune: Around 57 km
Best For: One-day trip
Best Experience: Boating and lakeside views

6. Lonavala

Lonavala remains one of the most loved summer destinations near Pune. Famous for its cool breeze, valleys, waterfalls, viewpoints, and chikki, the hill station attracts tourists throughout the year. Bhushi Dam, Tiger Point, Lion’s Point, and Karla Caves are among its major attractions.

Distance from Pune: Around 66 km
Best For: One-day or overnight trip
Best Experience: Trekking and scenic viewpoints

7. Khandala

Located next to Lonavala, Khandala offers a quieter and more peaceful hill station experience. Surrounded by valleys, caves, and greenery, it is ideal for travellers looking to unwind in nature away from heavy crowds.

Distance from Pune: Around 70 km
Best For: One-day trip
Best Experience: Duke’s Nose viewpoint and scenic drives

8. Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi is among the best trekking destinations near Pune. The historic fort surrounded by rugged mountains and forests offers breathtaking sunrise views and exciting trekking trails. Camping and night treks are especially popular among adventure lovers.

Distance from Pune: Around 82 km
Best For: One-day adventure trip
Best Experience: Trekking and camping

Best Places Near Pune For A 2-Day Summer Trip

9. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is one of Maharashtra’s most famous hill stations and a favourite summer destination for Punekars. Known for cool weather, strawberry farms, forest roads, and scenic viewpoints, the town offers the perfect mountain retreat.

Distance from Pune: Around 120 km
Best For: Two-day trip
Best Experience: Strawberry farms and Venna Lake boating

10. Matheran

Matheran is India’s famous no-vehicle hill station where visitors explore the town on foot, horseback, or by toy train. The peaceful environment, clean air, and forest pathways make it one of the most refreshing places to visit near Pune during summer.

Distance from Pune: Around 120 km
Best For: Two-day trip
Best Experience: Toy train rides and panoramic viewpoints

11. Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar beautifully combines spirituality and nature. Home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the destination is surrounded by dense forests, trekking trails, and wildlife sanctuary areas. The cooler temperatures make it a pleasant summer getaway.

Distance from Pune: Around 110 km
Best For: One-day or overnight trip
Best Experience: Temple visit and forest trekking

12. Panchgani

Panchgani offers calm surroundings, valley views, strawberry farms, and beautiful sunset points. Compared to Mahabaleshwar, it is quieter and ideal for travellers looking for a peaceful hill station vacation.

Distance from Pune: Around 101 km
Best For: Two-day trip
Best Experience: Table Land and paragliding

13. Bhandardara

Bhandardara is a hidden gem known for camping, stargazing, waterfalls, and lakeside stays. The peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it perfect for travellers who want to disconnect from crowded tourist spots.

Distance from Pune: Around 162 km
Best For: Two-day trip
Best Experience: Camping near Arthur Lake

14. Kaas Plateau

Known as Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers, Kaas Plateau is a UNESCO-recognised biodiversity hotspot famous for scenic landscapes and seasonal wildflowers. Even during summer, the surrounding Satara region remains pleasant and ideal for nature drives.

Distance from Pune: Around 136 km
Best For: Two-day trip
Best Experience: Nature photography and sightseeing

15. Devkund Waterfall

Devkund Waterfall is one of Maharashtra’s most scenic hidden trekking spots. The trek passes through forests, rivers, and rocky pathways before reaching the crystal-clear natural pool beneath the waterfall.

Distance from Pune: Around 110 km
Best For: Adventure day trip or overnight stay
Best Experience: Waterfall trekking and photography

Whether you are looking for waterfalls, adventure sports, mountain views, peaceful lakes, or simply cooler weather, these destinations near Pune offer the perfect summer escape. From quick one-day drives to relaxing weekend holidays, every location promises a refreshing break from the city heat and a memorable travel experience.