The city of Pune is the ninth-largest city in India and 2nd largest in Maharashtra after Mumbai. The historic city of Pune has its root dating back to 847 AD when it was called Punawadi. The city holds an important place in Indian history and the Great Shivaji Maharaj conquered and built several forts here including the Rajgadh fort, one of the capitals of The Great Maratha Empire. Pune can definitely be called the cultural capital of Maharashtra owing to its magnificent and glorious past. In the modern context, this city is known for its educational facilities, Automotive manufacturing hub and as an IT centre. Pune can be the perfect destination for love birds. The city is surrounded by some of the best romantic and exquisite places for couples to be. These awe-inspiring getaways will certainly drive the feeling of love and romance and you will definitely be closer to your other half after journeying to these places together. On top of that, all these places are super economical so it won't even hurt your pocket, just drive those miles and be ready to get lost in the awe-inspiring surroundings. So here we bring the 7 offbeat getaways from Pune on a shoestring budget. There are also several couple-friendly hotels in Pune so don't worry love-birds, come and live the romantic voyage in this historic city.
You can also read about The top 10 things to do in Pune
1. Lonavala
Located on the Mumbai-Pune expressway the popular hill station is the perfect weekend getaway for all the youngsters and families alike from both Pune and Mumbai likewise. The fog rising from the backdrop of Sahyadri hills, waterfalls gushing down on the road, beautiful lakes, reservoirs of huge dams and countless other exotic locations atop the Lonavala hill make this a perfect romantic spot for couples. Lonavla is an excellent spot for campers, hikers, trekkers alike. Photography, camping, rappelling, zip-lining, etc are some of the recreational activities that you can enjoy over your here. The most fun and amazing thing is the night trekking here and camping overnight amidst the starry sky in Lonavala hills provide the best panoramic view of the surroundings. Famous tourist attractions here are Tiger’s Leap, Bushi Dam, Lonavala Lake, Lohagad Fort, Karla Caves. For saving those extra bucks, don't pre-book your entire stay. You will find a plethora of couple-friendly hotels in Pune where you can book hotels by the hour so you can go on to your destination freely. Arrange for your ride and camping and rather stay here overnight and immerse yourself in love amidst the beautiful surrounding and starry sky.
2. Peacock Bay
A part of Khadakwasla Dam's lake where a lot of peacocks reside is known as the Peacock Bay. Located around 12 km from the city, the lake is a part of Mutha river and serves to cater freshwater demand of the city. This place is under the aegis of NDA and all kind of water training are imparted to the cadets here. You can spot all kinds of seamanship training equipment, sailing boats, speed boats, water skis, whalers, dinghies, windsurfers and cutters that are used in this training. The bay is also home to deers, lion-tailed monkeys, civets and many other species. It is also a must-visit for bird watchers. Several events such as annual national inland championship, open lake swimming competition are held in this lake every year. Many adventure lovers arrive here to engage in different water sports. The Peacock bay presents the opportunity to relax amidst the calm and serene atmosphere. Just a walk in the area with your loved one will be sufficient to liven up the mood. There are several hotels for unmarried couples in Pune so you can even come here with your live-in partner and enjoy these sights.
3. Singhad fort and Rajgad fort
Both these forts have been witness to the glory, rise and fall of the Maratha empire. The literal meaning translates to 'Lion's Fort'. The fort is located around 30 km from Pune city and was strategically important due to its location. The fort is accessible by road and is a popular hangout spot. During the rainy season, the greenery amplifies and several waterfalls come alive attracting trekkers and hikers from Pune and Mumbai.
Another important Maratha fort here is the Rajgad fort which was the capital city of Maratha empire for more than two decades. Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj stayed the longest here and the fort withstood several attacks from Mughals and Britishers which makes it very important historically and archaeologically. Situated at 4600 ft, this place has become a centre of attraction for every trekker, camper, photographer, history lover and architecture enthusiast. These forts were recently seen in Tanhaji film starring Ajay Devgan and the film was a huge box-office success. On a clear day, one gets to see the forts of Torna, Rajgad and Purandar from Sinhagad Fort. If you are staying in hotels in Pune make sure to start early or the climb will exhaust you in the sun.
4. Ghoradeshwar Hills
Another offbeat location away from the city is Ghoradeshwar Hill. Located 29 km away from Pune on the old Mumbai-Pune expressway, this is a perfect place to be with your loved one. Visit either in the early morning or late in the evening if you want to witness the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the top. The trek is just 30 minutes long and involves traversing up 350 steps. There is an old Shiva temple in the Ghoradeshwar hill caves. The Ghoradeshwar caves are a series of caves that have different carvings and statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities. The Ghoradeshwar hills are formed from a single rock and date back to the 3rd and 4th century. You will have to ascend a bit higher for other caves. The climb is tiring but the picturesque view of the hills below with the grand Gahunje Cricket Stadium in the distance is worth the effort. The gentle breeze and cool weather mixed with the lush greenery and spirituality makes it an ideal place for couples to hang out.
5. Lavasa
Lavasa is a city being privately developed in a planned way as India's newest hill station in Mose Valley at a distance of 65 Km from Pune. The city mimics an Italian town Portofino. The city covers 7 hills and has a massive area of 25000 acres making it a perfect combination of natural beauty with modern amenities. The city has a lot to offer from ranging from beautiful hills covered with greenery to hotels, resorts, bridges over lakes and all sorts of an enchanting landscape. Lavasa is the perfect place for you to walk hand in hand with your lover and that too without spending too much. You can rest beside the lake and watch the sun go down the waters and turn the lake red. You can also indulge in a candlelight dinner with your date in the perfect English styled restaurants. Without any doubt, this would be a wonderful and memorable date with your partner. We get it that your couple friendly hotel in Pune is perfect but you can also consider staying a day or two here in Lavasa.
6. Panshet Dam
Also known as the Tanajisagar Dam, the Panshet dam is on the Ambi river about 50 km away from Pune. Constructed in the late 1950s, the Panshet dam is from where drinking water is supplied to Pune. Panshet dam attracts several visitors for the beauty that it beholds. Ask the receptionist in your couple friendly hotel in Pune and even he would recommend this place to you. The Panshet lake formed from the backwater of the dam is a favourite picnic spot. With the Sahyadri mountain ranges in the backdrop, it makes for a perfect spot for a romantic date. Watching the enormous reservoir is in itself an experience. The best part about visiting the dam is not just the destination but also the journey through exquisite locations along the way, the beautiful villages, water streams and lush greenery will surely evoke romance in you. There is also the Panshet water park where you can have some fun and adventure with the thrilling rides. This makes for a perfect spot to spend some quality time with your partner.
7. Panchgani
Panchgani is a hill station in Satara district in Maharashtra, India and is about 100 km from Pune and 250 km from Mumbai. The pleasant weather in Panchgani attracts tourists throughout the year. The name Panchgani is derived from the fact that it is nested in the centre of five hills in the Sahyādri mountain ranges. The Krishnā River flows in the valley on which the Dhom Dam has been built which makes the area a highly beautiful one. Panchgani is famous for its lush greenery, pleasant weather, various sunrise and sunset points and astounding views. The place is perfect to get lost in one another and is a spiteful escape from the buzz of the city. Couples barge on to this valley and celebrate your love in Nature's lap. You can leave the comforts of your couple friendly hotel in Pune and you won't regret it even a little bit.
Pune is a very friendly and welcoming city. Even if you are not married, there are several hotels for unmarried couples in Pune that will host you. Now that you have a list of places to visit, just plan a day with your better half, go to the mountains, have a long drive on the splendid roads and spend a day full of adventure. Your lover will definitely be surprised and amazed.
Want to satiate the foodie within you? Read about the 7 little known food outlets in Pune that are bang for your buck