Hill Station near Pune

Bris-Vegas

Hi,
Myself and a work colleague will be in Pune conducting nursing education (24th Nov to 5th Dec). We would like to visit a hill station for a couple of days between programs, does anyone have any suggestions of where, how to get there and costs. Thanks.

praks

You have a choice between Lonavala/Khandala(which are an hour's drive) and Panchgani/Mahabaleshwar(about two hours' drive) of which, IMHO, Mahabaleshwar is more scenic and beautiful. Getting to Lonavala/Khandala can be done by taxi, bus or a local train whereas Panchgani/Mahabaleshwar can be reached by bus or taxi. In all four places, accommodation is available from very low range to top range but in high season, you have to take what is available.

rckp

You could consider Matheran as well. It is very beautiful. Also there is Toy train service from Neral to Matheran and any Train which goes to Mumbai from Pune touches Neral.

yaron

Hi,
Just came back from 4 loveley days in Matheran.
The place is the essence of tranquility and peace.
One of the best places i visited in India.
Fun Fun and Fun.
The food is good and so is everything else.
Just carry a stick for the monkeys they can get aggressive if you are walking alone especially near the largest view points as echo and sunset points.

Indizen

There's a new hill station near Pune that goes by the name of Lavasa
See http://www.lavasa.com/what_is_lavasa/location.html

pallavipd

Have u ever been to Lavasa

yaron

Not yet.
I was spending 4 days in matheran.
and it was great.
maybe next time that I will travel to puna
I hope it will be soon

ganeshs_16

I'd say, save some time and money.
Lavasa i feel should strictly be avoided by those who wish to get closer to nature, as it's the right opposite.
Its a mammoth township and the only place you can visit is a lake side restaurant that charges exorbitant rates. I'm told grass seeds are embedded on surrounding hills using choppers - this technology from Europe costs millions!
There's nothing to see or do except eat in the restaurant and come back. All forests are fenced and no way to actually go into them.
The drive to the place is good, nonetheless.

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yaron

Ganesh16 thanks for the info.
I will certainly aoid it now.

pallavipd

Ganesh16 really thanks a lot for the facts

ashwinnaagar

The pavana backwater area is amazing( go to paud village, take a right turn and go towards pavana, otherwise go to lonavala and take a left turn before lonavala towards pvananagar). There's a beautiful trail leading towards tikona fort.
Mulshi is the best among all of them.