Pune can be a handful and even if not, at times you want to break free from the shackles of professional environment and the concrete walls of home… Here are top 5 getaways that are sure to recharge you.
For a holy weekend Shirdi/ Shani Shingnapur Temple –
Though one can make a trip from Pune to Shirdi, Shani Shingnapur and back in a day’s time but to truly experience these holy places, you must consider spending at least a weekend here.
Just about 5 hours away from Pune is Shirdi, a town known as the home of the mysterious saint Shri Sai Baba. Book top-rated cabs from Pune to Shirdi with Savaari and spend a relaxed time here. Experience chants surrounding you during the aarti, while throughout the day you would be able to hear melodious hymns that make your soul feel at peace.
Further on, about 60kms away from Shirdi is the seat of Lord Shaneshwar at Shani Shingnapur. It is known as a Jeet Devasthan, which means that people believe that Lord Shani resides in the black stone even now. The temple has no roof or walls but just a black stone that’s five and a half feet tall on a platform. What’s interesting is that the faith of people here is so strong that no one locks their valuables. They believe the lord looks after them and so far, their faith has never let them down.
Even if you’re not a believer, these places are an excellent choice for a getaway because at Shirdi you can experience how one man brought the entire town together irrespective of caste and creed; and even today people here continue to live by those beliefs setting an example of how we all should be with each other. While at Shani Shingnapur you get to experience undying and unflinching faith. If you think about it, these opens doors and no locks make you realize how freeing your life can be if you don’t hold on to the materialistic elements in life.
For adventure and more Lonavala/Khandala/Kamshet
Lonavala is about 60kms from Pune while Kanshet is about 11kms from the former. You can have individual getaways from Pune to Lonavala and Khandala where you spend a nice day or an evening before heading back to the city life; while Kamshet is a great option for those seeking some adventure.
After a tiring adventurous day at Kamshet, most like to stay at Lonavala and unwind before heading back home. Book reliable and licensed cabs from Pune to Lonavala with Savaari and the same car can take you to Kamshet. Trek and scale the hill or soar over the stunning countryside choosing your choice of flying adventure sport, Kamshet will treat you well. You do have a choice of staying at some dorms and tents if you wish to take the adventure a little further.
Lonvala and Khandala on the other hand are slightly more laid back in comparison to their adventurous cousin, Kamshet. Though you can visit the Karla caves, Bushi Dam, Lion’s point and so on and so forth, but on the other hand you can also just do nothing and take nature walks, munch on chikkis and chocolate walnut fudge as well. Choices here are plenty; your getaway, you choose how you want to spend it!
Getaway to the lesser known! Malshej Gaht
The unspoilt Malshej Ghat is the lesser known mountain pass in Western Ghats. You can bird watch at Pimpalgaon Joga Dam where if you’re lucky you might spot Quail, Purple Moorhen, pink flamingo, whistling thrush etc. You can also trek to Harishchandragad fort or to Ajoba hill fort, Darkoba Peak, Jivdhan Chawand fort and more… Take your pick! While you’re here make sure you take out time for the cascading waterfalls.
Malshej Ghats are about 118kms away from Pune and if you travel by road, you’ll witness breathtaking and picturesque sceneries with twists and turns along the road and views that take your breath away. When misty white clouds surround you, a sense of joy will subdue all your tiredness and fill you with serenity and peace.
Off to India’s first hill station since independence Lavasa
Lying approximately 65kms away from Pune is India’s first private planned hill station, Lavasa. Though it’s quite crowded on weekends but there is something about this getaway that refreshes you. There isn’t much to do here currently apart from some adventure sports, cycling or strolling around Lakeside Promenade and the Temghar Dam, which is a beautiful picnic site but the weather and view makes up for all of the shortcomings. If you’re in Pune, Lavasa at times will prove to be the much required recoup that you need.
The overhead forest Matheran
This is the smallest of hill stations in India, standing tall just about 100kms away from Pune. Matheran is a place where you can go to just breathe! No vehicles are allowed here and you’ve to walk on the red soil roads that take you back in time. From the stunning Echo Point, Panorama Point and Charlotte lake etc. there is much for you to explore. With plunging cliffs and gushing waterfalls that immerse from the forest covers, Matheran offers a paranomic view that just makes you want to stop and relax. When in Matheran, be sure to experience the toy train that travels through the mountainside giving you a glimpse of the bounty of Mother Nature.