1. Mulshi Lake and Dam
- Distance: About 40 km from Pune
- Highlights: Known for its scenic beauty, Mulshi Lake offers a peaceful environment surrounded by dense forests and waterfalls. It’s a great spot for picnicking, photography, and enjoying nature. The area is also popular for trekking, bird watching, and exploring nearby villages.
2. Lavasa
- Distance: About 60 km from Pune
- Highlights: Lavasa is a planned hill city that mimics the style of an Italian town. It offers beautiful views, a serene lake, and various recreational activities like boating, water sports, and cycling. The place is perfect for a day picnic with its cafes, restaurants, and scenic spots.
3. Lonavala and Khandala
- Distance: About 65 km from Pune
- Highlights: These twin hill stations are very popular for their cool climate and scenic vistas. With attractions like Tiger’s Leap, Bhushi Dam, Karla Caves, and various viewpoints, Lonavala and Khandala offer a range of options for a perfect picnic day.
4. Pawna Lake
- Distance: About 50 km from Pune
- Highlights: A beautiful artificial lake surrounded by the Western Ghats, Pawna Lake is a popular camping and picnic spot. Visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, and camping by the lakeside, making it a great place for both relaxation and adventure.
5. Sinhagad Fort
- Distance: About 30 km from Pune
- Highlights: Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Sinhagad Fort offers a mix of trekking and picnicking. The fort provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and you can explore historical ruins while enjoying local snacks like kanda bhaji and pithla bhakri from nearby stalls.
6. Panshet Dam
- Distance: About 40 km from Pune
- Highlights: Panshet Dam is an excellent spot for water sports, including kayaking, speed boating, and water scooters. The lush green surroundings and the serene lake make it a perfect picnic destination. It’s also great for a relaxed day by the water, enjoying nature.
7. Rajmachi Fort
- Distance: About 80 km from Pune
- Highlights: Rajmachi Fort is a popular trekking destination surrounded by lush green hills. The trek to the fort is relatively easy, making it suitable for families and beginners. The fort offers a great spot for picnicking, with stunning views of the Sahyadri mountains.
8. Khadakwasla Dam
- Distance: About 20 km from Pune
- Highlights: Close to the city, Khadakwasla Dam is a favorite picnic spot among locals. The dam provides a calm and scenic environment, ideal for a relaxed day out. The area is known for its local street food stalls, where you can enjoy snacks like corn on the cob and bhutta.
9. Tikona Fort
- Distance: About 60 km from Pune
- Highlights: Known for its triangular shape, Tikona Fort is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts. The trek is moderately easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. At the top, there are ruins to explore and ample space for a picnic with breathtaking views.
10. Baneshwar Temple and Waterfall
- Distance: About 40 km from Pune
- Highlights: Baneshwar Temple is surrounded by a forest area with a small waterfall and a well-maintained garden, making it an ideal spot for a quiet picnic. The temple itself adds a spiritual touch to the picnic experience, and the surrounding area is perfect for a nature walk.
These picnic spots around Pune offer a variety of experiences, whether you’re interested in nature, history, adventure, or relaxation. Each location provides a unique atmosphere to enjoy with friends and family.