There is nothing more exciting than long holidays from work and other obligations. To help you make the most of upcoming long weekends, we’ve compiled a list of getaways only three hours away from Pune. From strawberry picking at a farm and exploring an art village to climbing historical forts and camping in the wild, there is a lot to do.
Visit The Plateau Of Million Flowers
Spend A Peaceful Weekend At Kaas Plateau Amidst Exotic Flora, Just Three Hours From Pune
What Is It?
Located at Satara in the western Maharastrian region, Kaas, the plateau of million flowers, is the perfect weekend getaway if you’re looking for a peaceful time in the lap of nature, surrounded by colourful exotic flora, fresh air and a magnificent cool-blue lake to the north of the plateau. Heavenly, isn’t it?
How Do I Get There?
Kaas Plateau is 136km from Pune. If you’re driving, take the road towards Satara via NH48. If you want to take public transport, there are a number of trains that run from Pune to Satara station. Kaas is almost 30km from the Satara station.
What Is So Awesome About It?
Known as the valley of flowers, Kaas Plateau comes to life during monsoon, especially between August and October. What makes it awesome, you ask? Kaas has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing thousands of lesser-known exotic wild flora and endemic life forms. A biodiversity hotspot, Kaas is home to 850 different species of plants, out of which 624 species are on the Red Data Book {IUCN list of threatened species in the world}.
Untapped and unspoilt, this picturesque plateau drapes itself in yellow, pink, blue and purple flowers with trees standing tall and strong at various corners. Kaas is beyond words! If you know your flowers well, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find shrubs such as the karvy and drosera indica in their full bloom. Also look out for carnivorous plants such as the sundew, pitcher and the Venus fly trap.
We highly recommend you to visit the Thoseghar waterfall, just an hour drive from Kaas.
So We’re Saying…
Take a break from the city! Spend some quiet time with your significant other at this breathtaking plateau, nestled in the Sahyadris, blanketed with colourful flora and nothing else. Got a proposal in mind? We think Kaas would make for a perfect spot!
Spend A Day At A Chocolate Factory
Did You Know There’s A Huge Chocolate Factory Just 3 Hours Away From Pune?
What Is It?
Relive your Charlie and The Chocolate Factory moment at Maazana in Panchgani, about two and a half to three hours from Pune.
How Do I Get There?
If you’re heading to Mazaana Chocolate Factory, we recommend you drive down. The roads are smooth, don’t have traffic and the views are breathtaking. Leave early and take NH48 to Panchgani – Mahabaleswar Road in Gureghar, to cut down your travel time at least by an hour. Check this map for more information.
What Is So Unique About It?
Located inside Mapro, Mazaana Chocolate Factory produces over 11,000 kgs of finished chocolate products every hour. From nutty chocolate pops to decadent dark cocoa bars, they have it all. We were enthralled by the very fragrance of chocolate that greets you.
As we entered Mazaana, we saw the place was neatly divided into different units. Not very overcrowded, every section inside the outlet is impressively synchronised; while at one side we could see the cocoa beans getting sorted, another huge pan-like machine at the further end was dedicated to making and mixing thick chocolate liquid.
If you are a die-hard chocolate fan, Mazaana will be a dream come true! From watching chocolate bars getting made and neatly packaged for final distribution to nuts getting coated and polished in white and milk chocolate inside a huge roller, this one-hour factory walk is definitely worth your time and a must-do when you’re in Panchgani.
The good part is you do not have to pre-register to visit the factory or pay an entry fee. Also, don’t forget to stock up on Mazaana chocolates before you leave the place.
So, We’re Saying…
No plans for the next long weekend? How about the memorable chocolate walk out here?
Check Out This Book Village In Bhilar
Pustakanch Gaav (village of books) in Bhilar is for the bibliophile in you. We hear the government has assigned 25 readers’ hotspots across the village, dedicated to particular genres of literature. While at one spot you may find everything about history and biographies, another spot is dedicated to poetry and fiction. With over 10,000 books, Bhilar is one of the top villages in the country with the highest per capita availability of books.
Stay At A Dreamy Resort In Lonavala
Located at Tungarli in Lonavala, Rhythm is a luxury resort with sprawling green lawns and boutique suites overlooking a swimming pool. 
There are wooden cabanas on each side of the pool, and a golf course too. The resort also features a cocktail bar, a cafe, and a restaurant with a global fare. We loved their quaint studio suite called the Cypress, which is designed as per traditional Balinese artwork.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping At Lavasa
Taking inspiration from the Italian town of Portofino, Lavasa is one of the most sought-after getaways from Pune. Although you can make the trip in a day, if you have the luxury of time, there are a lot of activities to keep you entertained throughout the long weekend. Whether your favourite pastime is going on long walks, enjoying global cuisine, or playing golf, Lavsasa has something for all. We love all the adventure sports the holiday town has to offer.
Drive Down To Panshet Dam
Just an hour and a half ride away from Pune, Panshet is basically the back end of Panshet Dam. The views from here are breathtaking and there is a small eatery on the hillock that serves some delicious food. The best part about Panshet is that it’s fit for off-roading as well. You can also do some water sports over here.
Chill At Kashid
Even if Kashid beach might be a little over three hours away from Pune, it is every bit worth it. The serene beach, clean waters, hammocks, water sport, and all will ensure you have a great time at the beach. You can take your private vehicle (car or bike) or simply a state transport bus till Alibaug and from there you can go by a local bus.
Trek The Historical Rajmachi Fort
Perched on the rugged hills of Sahyadri, Rajmachi has two fortified peaks to climb – Shrivardhan and Manoranjan fort. A popular attraction for adventure enthusiasts, the trek will reward you with a splendid view of verdant mountains, waterfalls, green valleys, and beautiful flora and fauna. You can even camp the night to experience fireflies with bio-luminescent lights.
Experience Devrai Art Village In Panchgani
Just two and a half hours drive from Pune, Devrai Art Village is a creative space where indigenous art and artists thrive. Started by Mandakini Mathur, a filmmaker and poet, the green village offered a safe space to three Dhokra artists from the Naxalite region to come and preserve their traditional art form. Now it has 50+ artisans who work, play, and create together. You can take a tour, learn more about their process and buy their beautiful artwork at the store.
Enjoy The Most Spectacular Sunset At Matheran
Untouched by the bustling city life, Matheran feels like a walk back in time. Located in the Western Ghats, the little hill station has pleasant weather throughout the year, making it perfect for a long weekend. Matheran offers many attractive spots to keep you busy throughout your trip. From spectacular waterfalls, caves, and treks to a toy train ride that you’ll never forget. The best part is the breathtaking sunset view from Porcupine Point.
Go Strawberry Picking In Mahabaleshwar
Known as the best hill station in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar boasts exotic greenery, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking mountains. While there are many famous peaks like Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake, Echo Point and more that are sure to leave you in awe, our favourite thing to do in Mahabaleshwar is strawberry picking. Multiple farms allow you to pick your strawberries and eat them too.
Camp Under A Starry Night At Andharban
If you want that perfect green escape from the city into a dark, dense forest full of majestic waterfalls, enchanting birds, and exotic wildflowers, head to Andharban. The ideal time to visit this forest is in the monsoon, a winter trek is just as rewarding. Trek through the night through paddy fields, water streams, small villages, wide plateaus, exotic flowers, and scenic views of Kundalika Valley. Camp the night at Patnus village for stargazing and bonfires.
