Most tourists go to Mumbai but often skip a nearby city that is just as great. Pune’s infrastructure, communication, and facilities are improving, and it’s a very peaceful city to visit and explore. We picked out some of the best places to visit in Pune in May.
If you want to take a trip in May, Pune can be a great place to relax when school is out for the summer. Even though it’s not a well-known place to go on vacation, you’d be surprised by all the nearby places you can visit and explore.
You can learn about several places around Pune because of their historical or cultural significance. Pune has something for everyone.
Best Places To Visit In Pune In May
1. Lavasa
Lavasa is a scenic hill station located in the Western Ghats of India. Located near Pune, this beautiful city was built on the banks of the Baji Pasalkar Reservoir in the Sahyadri Mountains.
It is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists worldwide. The city was designed as an integrated “planned city” with stunning landscapes and architectural masterpieces.
Lavasa has rich green parks, curving walks, cobbled streets, and Varasgaon Dam, Temghar Dam, and other lakes. The gorgeously planned grounds provide a peaceful retreat from daily life.
People can take slow boat rides on Lake Warasgaon or use the trekking trails that connect the villages of Lavasa to see more of the area.
2. Lonavala – Places To Visit In Pune In May
Lonavala is a popular hill station located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Its scenic beauty makes it an excellent romantic retreat or family vacation spot.
Its rich green hills, lakes, and cascades make this area magical. Visitors can tour Lonavala’s rich cultural legacy at its old castles, shrines, and caves.
Hiking, rock climbing, flying, and water sports amuse visitors in addition to tourism. Shopping at local bazaars and eating local delicacies like Modak or Khandeshi Chicken Stew is also fun.
3. Khandala
Khandala, a hill town in Maharashtra, is a favorite weekend getaway. Nature fans will love Khandala’s rich foliage and pure air.
Khandala is 625 meters above sea level and has steep valleys on either side. You can see beautiful hills and valleys from its many vantage points.
It is known for its breathtaking waterfalls like Bhushi Dam and Kataldhara, which are great spots to take incredible photos. There are also plenty of trekking trails in the area, which you can explore here.
Apart from being a great destination to relax amidst nature, there are plenty of other attractions, such as temples like Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, carved out of rocks by Buddhist monks centuries ago.
4. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Located in Maharashtra, it is known for its picturesque landscapes and breathtaking views.
Its 1372-meter elevation and nice year-round air make it a popular tourist location. Five rivers—Koyna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri, and Krishna—flow from Panchaganga Shrine in Mahabaleshwar.
The area is also full of lush greenery due to its abundant rainfall during the monsoon season from June to September each year. Popular attractions here include Wilson Point, Venna Lake, and Pratapgad Fort.
Besides sightseeing spots, tourists can enjoy trekking, paragliding, and horse riding!
5. Panchgani – Places To Visit In Pune In May
Panchgani is a hill station in the Satara district of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Krishna and Koyna Valleys and the soaring Sahyadri Mountains surrounding it.
Nature fans will love the rich hills, rivers, and woods. In addition, Panchgani’s year-round 15–25 degrees Celsius climate makes it great for hiking and rock climbing.
In addition to adventure sports, visitors can enjoy exploring local markets or visiting Parsi Point – a popular viewing point where one can enjoy all the beauty of Panchgani’s majestic landscape.
6. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is a small town situated in the state of Maharashtra, India. It has some of India’s most beautiful natural scenery and is a great place to escape.
There are many attractions to explore here, including picturesque valleys, lush green hills, and breathtaking waterfalls. The area around Igatpuri also has a lot of exciting things to do, like trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling.
It also has a lot of different plants and animals, which makes it a popular place for people who love nature. Visitors can also watch birds or wander around the many old temples that dot the landscape.
The nearby Vaitarna Lake allows visitors to relax and enjoy some peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Igatpuri also serves as a base for exploring Nashik, which lies just 65 km away from this hill station paradise!
7. Bhandardara – Places To Visit In Pune In May
Bhandardara is an enchanting hill station located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is surrounded by lush green hills, crystal blue lakes, and cascading waterfalls, making it an excellent place for tourists to explore nature’s beauty.
Bhandardara has something for everyone – from adventure seekers to those looking for a relaxed break from city life. The region has various attractions, such as Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Mount Kalsubai Peak, Amruteshwar Temple, and Ratangad Fort.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake or trek up the mountain peak with spectacular views. For those seeking peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bhandardara offers plenty of opportunities for rest amidst its natural splendor.
8. Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is a mountain range in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is in the Western Ghats range. It is on the border between the districts of Thane and Pune, about 700 km from Mumbai.
The area is known for its fabulous scenery, which includes lush greenery, rugged hills, and breathtaking waterfalls. It also offers many adventure activities, such as trekking and bird watching.
The pass has recently gained popularity among tourists due to its beautiful landscapes and scenic views. In addition to its natural beauty, Malshej Ghat also attracts visitors with its rich cultural history.
In ancient times it was a major trading route between the Khandesh region (now Jalgaon) and the Pune district. The road was used for centuries by traders transporting goods from one area to another until rail transport came along in 1858.
9. Karjat
Karjat is an ancient city located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Situated along River Ulhas, it is an ideal weekend getaway for those exploring its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s fort at Talya Wadi, Kanheri caves, Kondana Caves, and Mahalaxmi shrine is among the historical landmarks in this tiny town. In addition, Karjat’s Sahyadri Hills views make it a famous hiking, rock climbing, and camping spot.
Moreover, it is well-connected by train and road networks, making it easily accessible from major cities like Mumbai and Pune.
10. Panhala
Panhala, a fortress in Maharashtra, India, is an incredible historical monument steeped in beauty and culture. It was built in 1178 AD by the Kalyani Chalukyas, part of the Deccan Plateau.
Panhala offers visitors breathtaking views of valleys and hills from its elevated position. It is known to be the largest fort in the entire Deccan region and stretches over about 13 kilometers long.
The Kalyani Chalukyas fortified it with four massive walls at varying heights across three mountains, which protected its inhabitants against invaders. The entrance gate features beautiful carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses.
At the same time, several temples are also present within this fort complex, and natural springs still provide water today!
11. Saputara
Saputara is a beautiful hill station located in the Dangs district of Gujarat. It is 875 meters above sea level and provides stunning views of the Sahyadri mountain pass.
Saputara is Gujarat’s only mountain range, making it a unique place to go if you want to get away from the city’s noise. Saputara means ‘abode of serpents’ and is rooted in Indian mythology.
According to legend, Lord Rama came here with his wife Sita during their exile from Ayodhya. This adds to the mystique surrounding Saputara and makes it an ideal place for sightseeing and exploration.
Whether you want to explore the dense forests or enjoy some peaceful time surrounded by nature, Saputara offers something for everyone.
12. Kaas Plateau
The Kaas Plateau, located in India’s beautiful Sahyadri mountain range, is a mesmerizing and unique plateau. One of India’s most biodiverse regions, its lively vistas contain over 600 floral and plant types.
The Kaas Plateau is also known as the Valley of Flowers due to its abundant blooming wildflowers. The plateau was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 because of its incredible biodiversity.
It spans 12 km at 1,060 to 1,200m above sea level. From August to October every year, the Kaas Plateau becomes a beautiful sight with a wide range of unique wildflowers that bloom in bright colors throughout the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pune is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty of India in May.
Whether exploring the many hill stations, lake-side views, and waterfalls or visiting the many historical sites and monuments, there is something for everyone in Pune.
With its warm weather and lush greenery, May is a perfect time to plan a trip to this vibrant city.
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.