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Places to Visit Near Pune in December

Lonavala city is one of the most beautiful retreats, that takes you away from the maddening rush of the metropolises. It is located in the western part of India in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This hill station lies 96 kilometres east of the metropolitan city of Mumbai and 64 kilometres west of modern-day Pune city. Therefore, a profound location on the Mumbai-Pune expressway makes Lonavala cater to both cities with the smoothest connectivity through roads.

Lonavala City is popularly called the “city of caves' and the “Jewel of Sahyadri”. That is because the hill station boasts some of the most spectacular settings, including luxuriant green valleys, remarkable caves, serene lakes and stunning waterfalls. The spectacular rock-cut Bhaja and Karla caves in Lonavala have been notable tourists with their old beams, motifs and inscriptions.

The surrounding regions of Lonavala are blessed with an unbeatable collection of waterfalls that include the Kune waterfall, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath and Jummapatti waterfalls. The refreshing ambience of the postcard-perfect landscape of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake and Lonavala Lake is bound to impress you. Lonavala is famous for its natural wonders, religious attractions, and historical sites. These include the Tikona Fort, Duke’s Nose, Lohagad and Rajmachi fort.

Lonavala hosts an array of fun activities for tourists and these include rappelling, camping at the Pawna Lake, hiking to the Tikona Fort, trekking to the Rajmachi fort and riding at Wet and joy water slides.

Lonavala has a tropical climate but the weather is an all-time maritime one. However, all the stunning places and sites of Lonavala come alive during the winter and monsoon seasons. Thus, pack your bags and come here because Lonavala has something for everyone, from quiet time to adventure.

Located around 110 kilometres from Mumbai, Kolad is a small hamlet in the beautiful Raigad district of Maharashtra. Often called the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, the village boasts of numerous scenic valleys, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mist-laden hills and dense evergreen forests. The verdant greenery, clear streams and a peaceful ambience add to the beauty of this quaint hamlet.

Kolad is a treasure trove of sightseeing attractions, and caters to all kinds of tourists. Some of the best attractions in Kolad City include the Kundalika River, which is the hub of white water rafting in the region. You can also visit the serene Tamhini Ghat, and soak in picturesque views of the surrounding hills. Or you can enjoy a fun-filled and memorable picnic at the Bhira Dam, while enjoying views of the gorgeous Devkund Waterfalls. Other famous attractions of Kolad include the ancient Ghosala Fort and the Kuda Caves. You can also enjoy camping and bird watching at the tranquil Sutarwadi Lake, or enjoy the history at the Talgad Fort. For adventure sports lovers, you can go trekking at the Plus Valley, or hike to the Devkund Waterfalls.

From water sports like white water rafting and boating, to adventure activities like hiking, camping, nature walks and trekking, Kolad has a lot of thrilling activities for travellers. Due to its advantageous location, you can also enjoy paragliding in Kolad when the day is clear.

Kolad experiences a typical tropical climate, with pleasant weather throughout the year. While the summers here are a little humid as compared to the other seasons, the monsoons are the best time to enjoy a river rafting experience in Kolad. Furthermore, the rains during this time make the entire region come to life, with the waterfalls and rivers flowing at their full speed, the forests and valleys experiencing the blooming of flowers and plants and an overall soothing and calm atmosphere. The months from November to February make up the cold winter season in Kolad, when the village transforms into a winter wonderland with dipping temperatures and beautiful sceneries. This is also a great time for sightseeing, hiking and other activities.

Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats, tourist places in Mahabaleshwar will captivate your imagination with their natural splendor. Mahabaleshwar is well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades, and majestic peaks. The city comprises of ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys that will take your breath away on your visit. The city is definitely among the most sought-after weekend getaways from metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune. Once, a summer capital of Bombay during the British Raj, the city has British influence of in its architecture. It is a very popular hill station that offers a plethora of tourist activities and attractions to avid travelers and nature lovers.

Plan your visit with Mahabaleshwar tour packages and witness the alluring dawns and dusks from the slope, in the midst of the rich green vista. Located about 120 kilometers southwest of Pune and 285 kilometers from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a vast plateau measuring 150 kilometers, bound by valleys on all sides. The hill station in the Western Ghats is the source of the Krishna River that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Known for its captivating beauty and the stunning strawberry farms, Mahabaleshwar boasts of zigzagging roads, a calm breeze at all times, vantage points offering stunning views of hills and valleys, plenty of strawberries to gorge on and the main street full of shops offering all kinds of curios and snacks.

There are numerous enchanting tourist places in Mahabaleshwar exuding charm and elegance. Bordered by a few murmuring waterways, evergreen timberlands, captivating slopes and mountains there are some mesmerizing tourist places in Mahabaleshwar. Arranged in the Satara region in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing tours will get you near the captivating excellence of nature. The wonderful hill retreat brags of being one of the most splendid evergreen slope stations in India.

Mumbai, the city of dreams. Mumbai, the city that never sleeps. Mumbai, the old world charm and fast pace of the modern life. There is so much that one can say in the praise of the one city in India that everyone wants to visit at least once in their life. That maybe because of the grandeur of this city or because of the history it has seen. Nonetheless, this city has a lot in store for everyone who visits. The USP of places to visit in Mumbai is that they are all iconic and all you need is a picture to recognize them, that is the charm of this city. Some places here are pieces of history, some are spiritual hotspots, and others are mesmerizing places to relax, chill or munch on the famous streets of Mumbai, like the ever famous Chowpatty Beach.

You can see the Gateway of India, Marine drive or the film city of Goregaon, or visit the Siddhivinayak temple and Haji Ali Mosque for your fill of the spiritual. You can even get to see the new addition to the roster of mesmerizing and intimidating places in Mumbai, the Bandra Worli Sealink. And be it a group hangout, a solo search of solace or just a couple's getaway, Chowpatty, Juhu, and Aksa Beach are names that almost everyone in the city knows and crowds on various occasions. They are equally coveted by the many who come to Mumbai from outside for the frolicking and snacking experiences that are available at these locations. One more thing that Mumbai is famous for is the shopping district at Colaba, where you can get everything from high brand store clothes to cheap knock-offs to add to your wardrobe as part of your fashion statement.

 Always bustling with energy, a trip to Mumbai should be on your travel list to understand the best way of how India portrays unity in diversity. Visit the hidden temples or pay a visit to famous monuments to explore the most cosmopolitan city in India. Enjoy the perfect blend of festivities, religions, music, food, music and theatres with a trip to Mumbai. Some of the best places to visit in Mumbai are the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Girgaum Cave, Siddhivinayak Temple, Essel world, Elephanta Island etc. 

While you are in this amazing city you can also visit the Kanheri Caves, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mount Mary Church, Banganga Tank etc. Make a stop at the Marina Beach in the evening and have lip-smacking street food while you witness the best sunset being greeted by splashing waves of the sea. Find out all you need to know about the best places to visit in Mumbai on your vacation here.

And that is not just it. If you are looking for things to do and places outside the city, there is a lot of scope to plan weekend getaways near Mumbai. At just a small drive away from the city is the favourite picnic and night stay spots of Lonavala and Khandala. You can even visit the famous Sai Baba temple in Shirdi. With so much to offer, there is no wonder why Mumbai has been a favourite of everyone in the country for so many decades.

Khandala City is a hill station that is located on the Western Ghats Mountain Range of Maharashtra. It is about 3 km from Lonavala, 12 km from Khopoli and about 33.4 km from Karjat region. Located at the top of Bhor Ghat, this place serves as the main link between the major cities of Maharashtra - Mumbai and Pune.

Khandala is a beautiful place and has got a good share of nature’s alluring beauty. As it is surrounded by lush green forest covers, misty valleys, and cascading waterfalls, this place serves as a great weekend getaway as well as adventure hotspot for travellers from various parts of the country. Khandala is mainly famous for hiking tours to sight panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges in Western Ghats.

Khandala is home to some of the wonderful tourist attractions in Western India. You can visit the vantage spots like Rajmachi Point and Sunset Point, dramatic three tiered Kune waterfalls, serene Tamhini ghat mountain pass, and ancient caves of Bhaja and Karla which are adorned with the etchings of Buddhist religion. You can also visit Lohagad which is known for its serene environs, Bhushi Lake for its peaceful ambience, Duke’s Nose for its impeccable beauty and many other brilliant attractions.

Khandala is also a dream destination for adventure lovers. You can trek to the summit of the Tiger’s leap to sight pristine sunrise and sunset views, trek to the top of the Rajmachi fort to sight alluring natural beauty, relish the mesmerizing ambience at the reversing station, and trek up to the Shrivardhan Fort to glance the beautiful Sahyadri Mountain ranges.

As Khandala lies about 571 meters above sea level, the climatic condition here remains tropical. Khandala receives significant rainfall in most months with a very short dry season. The average temperature of this place is 24.3 degree celsius and the annual rainfall is recorded at 4541 mm per year.

A pocket-sized paradise located on the west coast of India, Goa is a kaleidoscopic blend of Portuguese-Indian heritage, delicious delicacies, and of course the serene beaches. With its Susegad philosophy of living, this sunshine state has gained a lot of fame all over the world. With such easy -going vibes, this little state makes you carefree and lets you take your time to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle. 

Boasting a 100-kilometer long coastline, Goa is home to a string of uninterrupted golden sand beaches that propel many tourists all year round. These beaches cater to every tropical whim- choose from the backpackers’ favourite Arambol or the bolder Baga beach; laidback Mandrem or the palm-fringed Palolem or maybe enjoy the blissful hippie market of Anjuna beach. There are also the private beaches groomed by the five-star properties to appreciate or the hidden coves for you to discover. 

Needless to say, Goa is recognized across the globe for its tempting seafood and bustling nightlife. With a rich collection of beach shacks, trendy bars, lively clubs, splendid casinos, and elegant cafes, the state boasts the most amazing nightlife one can experience in India. 

Known to be a Portuguese colony in the times bygone, Goa also flaunts the baroque architecture back from the colonial times. It is quite evident in the old-style bungalows, ancient forts, and the white-washed churches.

The colourful catholic ceremonies and the stunning cathedrals also give you an insight into the Goan culture. With all of these and a lot more to experience, Goa truly has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday recipe.

Named after the five majestic hills enclosing it, Panchgani makes for a renowned hill station in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Perched at an elevation of around 1,334 meters above sea level, this hill town is packed with towering mountains, serene valleys, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests.

Overlooked by the Sahyadri mountains, this town served as a beautiful summer retreat for the British officials in the bygone times. At the present day, Panchgani is visited by a plethora of tourists seeking peace, romance, nature, and adventure. Enthralling local destinations such as Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam form the major attractions of Panchgani and add to the beauty and charm of the place. Panchgani is not limited just to a few picturesque sights, but also goes beyond to offer its visitors a plethora of mind-boggling activities.

From shopping at Shivaji Circle to admiring nature at Wai and from exploring history at Kamalgad Fort to boating at Venna Lake, this place has everything to let you experience an action-packed holiday. If you are a daredevil and seeking adventure activities, Panchgani can offer you a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled sports including paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, speed boating, and horse riding.

One of the top aspects that adds to the pleasurable vacation at Panchgani is the availability of top-class accommodation facilities in this town. Panchgani is bestowed with a plethora of budget-friendly as well as luxury resorts and hotels that are suitable for families, couples, and friends. These hotels are well-equipped with modern amenities and offer amazing facilities including thrilling outdoor activities. Furthermore, packed with many nature-friendly camping destinations, this place also allows the travelers to enjoy surreal night camping opportunities.

So, no matter the kind of traveler you are, pack your bags to Panchgani and discover an exquisite holiday brimming with history, adventure, nature, and a lot more.

Nashik is a holy site seated in Maharashtra that is known for its religious importance for Hindu temples. This ancient holy site is of great religious importance in Hindu religion. It is also one of the all 4 locations where Kumbh Mela, every 12 years is organised. Nasik is adorned with a number of natural sites that will blow your mind from its beauty. From the sprawling beauty of Sahyadri range giving rise to streams of Western Ghat to lovely vineyards spread over the hills, Nashik’s beauty is unbeatable and offers relaxation of mind. The Anjneri Hill, Pandavleni Caves and others are some of the main attractions to visit for sighting natural beauty.

This holy location resides on temple trails, caves, waterfalls and more to make a complete bucket list for you. Some of the renowned attractions to visit in Nasik are Sula Vineyards, Coin Museum, Dudhsagar waterfall, Ram kund, Soma Vine village and many more. From shopaholics to adventure and history lovers, Nasik has an array of attractions for all tastes of tourists. Apart from exploration, you can also indulge into various adrenaline rushing activities to tick off every item in your bucket list. 

Plan your itinerary with Nasik tour package with thrilling activities like rafting, cliff jumping, go karting, temple visits, cave exploration and more. Nasik experiences pleasant weather in winters that makes it an ideal time to visit and explore it. Summers experience scorching heat with temperature shooting high up to 40 degree Celsius. During monsoons, this destination receives heavy rainfall thus making it the least ideal time to plan your visits.

Located just below the border of Mumbai, Alibag is a little coastal town in the state of Maharashtra. The name of the town literally means “The Gardens of Ali” and refers to the fruit orchards that were planted by Ali, an Israelite who used to live in the town during its earliest days. Owing to its convenient location by the sea, the town was regarded as an important strategic port during the British reign in India.  Being a coastal town, the beauty of Alibaug derives largely from the various beaches here. With its glittering golden black sands and clear blue waves, the clean and sparkling beaches of the town are a sight to behold. The brilliance of the beaches is often complemented by the historical fort ruins and ancient temples that can often be found scattered around the place.

Whether you’re a lover of the sea or a history buff looking for an insightful vacation, Alibaug is just the place for you. The excellent beaches here, such as the Alibaug Beach, Mandwa Beach or Nagaon Beach, among others, offer a happening day out for the entire family. Apart from the regular swimming and sunbathing, some of these beaches offer a marvelous variety of watersports as well.T hose with a penchant for the past can also spend a happening day touring all the historical attractions here, such as the Brahma Kund or the Kolaba Fort. One of the best ways to spend your time while in Alibaug is to try your hand at the watersports offered by the beach here.

Sports like parasailing, jet skiing and banana boating can be done by beginners as well as experts, and promise a fun experience for all. While in Alibaug, you can also try your hand at camping, with the several beachside campsites here offering perfect locations for the activity. Summers in Alibaug are generally hot and humid, winter months tend to be cooler and pleasant. Winter here lasts between November and February, and is generally considered to be the best time to visit. Rainfall in Alibaug generally concentrates between the months of July and September, while the winter months remain dry.

Perched beautifully amidst the Sahyadri ranges in the state of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is a wonderful hill station for nature lovers. It is often called the Queen of Sahyadri ranges for its lush green natural landscapes. The name Bhandardara literally translates to valley of treasures and it is not a doubt to say that the natural beauty of this place certainly justifies the name. It is a picturesque retreat for the backpackers in Ahmednagar district and boasts of some scintillating natural attractions for those who are fond of raw beauty of nature.

The village has prominent places like Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls and Arthur Lake where you can plan a picnic with your loved ones. The village is also a delight for history lovers as there are places like Ratangad and Harishchandragad Fort. Another famous tourist attraction of Bhandardara is Mount Kalsubai which is also hailed as the highest peak in Maharashtra. There are also many local villages where one can visit to relax and enjoy the pleasant weather of this scenic hill station in Maharashtra.  

For the adventure lovers, there are some enthralling activities where you can explore Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks to soak in the serenity of nature with the views offered by Sahyadri ranges. 

There are numerous trekking and hiking places in the Sahyadri ranges where you can savour an adrenaline rush. Bhandardara also has various resorts where one can enjoy the panoramic views and just relax with their loved ones. The gorgeous hill station offers a soothing environment with a cool climate throughout the year where you can refresh yourself and see some of the most eye-catching vistas of the Sahyadri ranges. 

Bhandardara is a small village where the tourists are in for a treat as they are surrounded by mountains and enchanted by gurgling waterfalls away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. The place is a wonderful respite when you are looking for a rejuvenating weekend getaway near the city of Mumbai.

Situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Raigad district is majorly known for its historical significance and awe-inspiring beauty. Earlier, the place was named as Coolaba but with the growing popularity of its Raigad fort, it was renamed to Raigad. Cradled amidst the mesmerizing Sahyadri ranges, this district welcomes you with a unique combination of beaches, religious temples, and historic forts.

On your visit to this beautiful Konkani district, be ready to fall in love with its natural splendour that is second to none. As you will usher into the Raigad city, you will be welcomed by the striking landscapes of the Western Ghats and picturesque verdant beaches where one can unwind and bid farewell to their hectic lives. The city also boasts its diverse flora and fauna that forms the bedrock of its popularity.

From verdant beaches like Alibag, Kihim, and Karnala to the historic forts like Kolaba, Raigad, and Sudhagad- Raigad has everything that makes it the tourist magnet of Maharashtra. With touristy spots like Elephanta Caves and Ashtavinayak Temple in reserve, it also provides you with a sneak peek into the glorious culture of Konkan region. Whether you want to embark on a scenic trip or delve deep into the history of Maharashtra, Raigad has got it all covered for you.

There is a wide range of enthralling activities that one might indulge in here. Whether you are a loner who finds peace in looking out for exotic bird species at the Karnala Bird Sanctuary or the historic landmarks of the district is what that appeals to you the most- there is no dearth of things to do in Raigad.

If you are willing to indulge in some exhilarating sports, set out on a ropeway ride near the Raigad fort and vouch for a fun-filled day. You can also embark on a gastronomic journey by exploring numerous restaurants across the city streets and relishing the taste of delicious Maharashtrian cuisines.

Though the surreal landscapes and historical forts form the major highlights of Raigad, its pleasant weather adds to its existing charm. The city witnesses a pleasant climate during the colder months which makes it a superb winter destination. Hence, if you want to make the most out of your Raigad trip, it is best to visit here between November and March. Raigad experiences reduced tourist activities between March and June, owing to its hot weather during these months.

Located on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Tarkali is a small hamlet in the western part of Maharashtra. This village is renowned for its pristine clear water of the sea and the white sands, which marks the beach.

A newfound weekend getaway from Mumbai and Goa, this place offers a host of adventurous water sports. To the south of this hamlet flows the Tarkarli river lined by dense forest. Take a boat ride in the river to enjoy the serenity of the backwaters where it flows into the Arabian Sea. For a walk through the history, you must visit the Sindhudurg Fort located on the shore of the sea.

A visit to this offbeat destination in Maharashtra ensures that you relax on the beaches lined with suru trees. Other attractions on the beach are scuba diving and snorkeling sessions where you can enjoy the view of the world beneath the sea! What makes this village all more alluring is the tranquil beaches like Kolam, Achara, and Tarkarli where you can watch the sunset down the sea.

The hue of the setting sun will completely enchant your mind and body. In addition to the splendid beauty of the sea, you can also spot dolphins prancing around in the waters. For relishing on some extraordinary seafood and boat rides in the sea, do visit Deobagh, a small fisherman village nearby.

Also, the extensive Dhamapur lake, encircled with lush greenery is ideal for finding solace within nature. Sit and unwind yourself by the lake and enjoy the delicacies from the eateries around. Don’t forget to enjoy the local shark curry and fresh seafood to mingle with the authentic culture of this little beach hamlet!