Pune is a happening city with good nightlife, various cuisines and some of the best malls, and many more. But with all these, we still sometimes want a little break from city life and spend some peaceful time in the lap of nature. The good news is, You can quickly do the balancing act. The city is nestled between the Sahyadris on one side and the lovely plateau on the other side. This gives us so many options for camping in Pune.
There are various camping places near Pune. Some will give you adventure experiences, and others leave you with luxurious experiences. So there is something for everyone. So want to explore the best camping places near Pune? Then here are the best campsites near Pune to get your blood pumping!
Below are some of the places for Camping in Pune:
Pawna Lake Camping:
Pawna lake camping Pune is the perfect destination for relaxing and rejuvenating your mind. Situated 10 km off Kamshet on the old Mumbai Pune highway the place attracts tourists from both Mumbai and Pune. However, the new Pawna Lake campsite is not so crowded with tourists, so this destination is best for the people who love to have a long and peaceful time.
The surroundings are so beautiful that your mind and body rejuvenate automatically, and you get a heavenly feeling. Various owners have their campsites, and their offerings include barbeque, snacks, Tea, Pakoda, outdoor games, music nights, etc..
Rajmachi Camping:
Located around 16 km from Lonavala, this is the most popular camping and trekking destination. This is the most loved destination of beginners as the trek is a little easy. Once you reach the top you can set up your campsite or go to one of the already set up campgrounds. This is one of the famous places for night camping in Pune because of the beautiful Fireflies.
The best time to visit this place is during winter and monsoon, but the campsites are available the whole year. You can include yourself in various games, learn to pitch a tent, and enjoy the barbeque and campfire in the evening.
Kaas Plateau:
Kaas Plateau is like heaven on earth! This is Maharashtra’s valley of flowers. It exhibits 850 varieties of flowers each monsoon season. Located 135 km from Pune, this is the perfect place to visit with your family and loved ones. Moreover, Kaas is an abode for photography enthusiasts! The camping experience here is like nowhere else. It is just amazing with its stunning environs of the beautiful place. The time to visit is between September and November. During this time, the site is in its full glory.
Camping in Velhe:
Located about 50 km from Pune Velhe is a quiet and beautiful place near Pune. If you want a relaxing and blissful time in the lap of nature Velhe is the best place to be. Either you can opt for existing campgrounds or set up your campsite. The ideal time to visit Velhe is during monsoon and winter. If you want more adventure you can opt for the Torna Fort Trek, around 5 km from the village. This place has much historical significance as this is one of the first forts to be acquired by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Lonavala-Khandala:
This twin valley is the most famous picnic spot. Though the best time to visit is monsoon and winter, you will find this place crowded every weekend for the entire year. The location is around 70 km from Pune, but you can reach it within two hours as the roads are good and the drive is smooth and picturesque. The best thing about this place is that there is something for everyone. From luxurious stays to water parks, adventure resorts, and camping, it has it all.
Bhor:
If you don’t want to travel much and need a quick escape to nature, Bhor is the ideal camping spot. Located 55 km away from Pune, Bhor is part of the Pune district. So it’s like you are camping in Pune. The breathtaking view and fresh air here will rejuvenate your mind and body. The overall experience will leave you re-energized and ready for the week.
You can enjoy outdoor activities and indulge in adventurous activities like kayaking, zip-lining, zorbing, etc., and enjoy some delicious barbeque in the evenings at the campsite.
Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar:
Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar have been the most likely hill stations. Located at around 100kms from Pune but reaching the destination is time-consuming because of ghats. The winters and early summer are the best times to visit, especially for strawberry lovers. Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar caters to all age groups!
With mesmerizing views, one can have a peaceful time. Children can enjoy adventure activities like rappelling, rock climbing, zip-lining, etc..Adults can go trekking and outdoor activities. You can even take back a lot of strawberries and some locally made food products like jams, juice, and syrups!
The famous attractions are the Parsi Point, Sydney Point, Venna Lake, Lingmala Waterfall, and half-day excursions include heading to Tapola or Pratapgarh. These places are great if you are looking for lake camping near Pune.
Khopoli:
Located around 80 km away from Pune, Khopoli is a heavenly place. It is surrounded by mountains and one of the best locations to spend some peaceful time. Here you can enjoy camping, hiking, rural tourism, nature trails, barbeque, campfire, nature walk, etc… Khopoli is also known as the City of Waterfalls; the place will amaze you with the abundance of nature’s beauty.
Kolad:
Kolad, also known as Rishikesh of Maharashtra, is a quaint village hidden amidst beautiful waterfalls & valleys of Raigad. One of South India’s fastest flowing rivers, River Kundalika, alongside the camping sides of Kolad. This place is an ideal destination for hiking. You can also enjoy water sports and White water rafting, banana boat rides, trekking, and mountain climbing. Kolad has tranquil resorts, homestays, and campgrounds around spectacular forts.
Panshet:
Located around 50 km from Pune, the Panshet dam was built in the 1950s. Since then, the dam has completely altered the landscape on the banks of the Ambi River. There are many campsites around the Panshet which provide almost all the amenities. Including a spa and many more lavish facilities. You can also enjoy exhilarating treks, banana boat rides, kayaking, and water scooters.
You can also go here with your family, including aged members of your family because it does not require trekking uphill to reach accommodations. Roadways are also compatible with cars making them easier to get.
Wai:
The peaceful Wai camps have a lakeside view and several adventure activities to make your holiday perfect. Wai is a holy hill station with over a hundred Hindu temples, Buddhist caves, and water reservoirs that beckon backpackers to get lost in the Sahyadris. In Wai, you can also set up your camp at the Dhom Dam, also known as Pangong Tso Lake of Maharashtra.
Wai is also surrounded by Kamalgad, Varaitgad, Kindergad, Pandavgad, and Vanden-Chandan. On these nearby forts, you can enjoy trekking. One of the exciting facts is that the seven ghats of Wai host an annual festivity of honoring Goddess Krishnabai with pomp and ceremony.
Malshej:
Here you can experience everything from peace to thrill to goosebumps and amazement. The mesmerizing hill station of Malshej is rich in natural beauty, crystalline lakes, rumbling waterfalls, mountains, thriving wildlife, and a thrilling mountain pass. The place also has historical significance with natural beauty like Harishchandragad Fort, Ajoba Hillfort, and other 16th-century temples known for architectural excellence.
Around Malshej and Malshej waterfalls, you can choose any experience from rustic to luxurious, as there are multiple options for camping. Campsites with modern amenities like restaurants, barbecues, and even more eco-friendly, down-to-earth cottage styles. Here you can enjoy thrilling treks, hikes, mountain biking, nature walks, and birdwatching.
Torna Fort:
Torna is the first fort captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This is the highest trekking point of Pune as it is the highest hilltop fort with a startling elevation of 4,603 feet. Lush green tropical peaks surround Torna Fort on the lap of the Sahyadris. The journey to the rich Torna fort in itself is very mesmerizing and thrilling at the same time. Early morning views of the hypnotic sunrise’s beautiful outlook from the hilltop will make you feel like you are on top of the clouds.
Lavasa:
If you want to add immense luxury to your trip, Lavasa is your place. Lavasa is an artificially built city near Pune surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful artificial lake. Situated around 0 km away from Pune, Lavasa is a little expensive, but who doesn’t mind spending more on a heavenly experience. You cannot perch your tenet wherever you want, but a wide range of campsites are available here for your choice. Lavas is on top regarding service, luxury, and quality.
Karnala:
Located around 120 km from Pune, Karnala is the best location for camping near Pune. It has everything to make your experience memorable. It is one of the favorite picnic spots frequented by families and groups. Indulge in trekking, hiking, cycling, games, and campfire and relax in the beautiful atmosphere in and around this beautiful location. If you love watching birds or want some good photographs of birds, this is the place for you! The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located here, and it has more than 150 species of birds and 35 species of migratory birds. The ideal time to visit Karnala is during the monsoons. There are plenty of camping sites here.
