Pune is known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, and is one of the most famous cities for start-ups and various other companies to set up shop. While the drive to turn Pune into a hub for business and finance is succeeding, one must always take some time off and have a break. The best way to spend your weekend is to sit by a beautiful waterfall, surrounded by nature. With so many beautiful places you can visit near Pune, you are sure to have amazing weekends and have refreshing breaks away from work. Here is a list of five waterfalls in Pune that are sure to be fun trips, with friends or family.
1. Kune Falls, Lonavala
Just an hour away from Pune lies the beautiful Kune falls. Said to be one of the most pristine and gorgeous falls in Maharashtra, it deserves the top spot on this list. The distance from Pune is ideal for those who want a short break and return on the same day. The tiered waterfall drops 200 metres and is a popular destination for tourists, so expect a crowd. The monsoon season is the ideal time to visit to experience the full grandeur of the falls. Be sure to visit the beautiful Kune Church on the way as well.
2. Chinaman’s Waterfall, Mahabaleshwar
An extremely tall waterfall that drops from the height of 500 feet, this is truly a sight to behold. Chinaman’s waterfall begins as two separate streams and halfway through the drop it merges into a single stream. You can view the falls from Babbington point or even go to the top for a closer look. The lush greenery all around, with the thunderous roar of the waterfall blend, well giving you the perfect natural ambiance. The name of the waterfall comes from the gardens nearby which were tended by Chinese people.
3. Lingmala Waterfall, Mahabaleshwar
Around 110 kilometres away from Pune lies the majestic and beautiful Lingmala waterfall. The Venna river drops 500 feet through two steps, one small and one large. A thirty-minute walk or trek is necessary to reach the view point but in the end it is worth it. As it is with most waterfalls, it is best if you visit during the monsoons when the waterfall is at its peak flow. Be vary of the crowd as it is a popular tourist destination. The treks to the small and big waterfalls are short as well.
4. Vajraj Falls, Satara
Located 144 kilometres from Pune, Vajraj falls is situated near the town of Satara. A beautiful and pristine waterfall, it is nestled in between the Kas Flower Valley. It is a three-tiered waterfall, where the Umodi river originates by dropping 850 feet on to the ground. Expect heavy tourist traffic during the monsoon here. It’s a short half-kilometer trek to reach the waterfall, but the path gets a bit slippery due to the rain so have some good rubber hiking shoes.
5. Someshwar Waterfalls, Nashik
The Someshwar waterfalls are around 220 kilometres away from Pune. Just a stone’s throw away from the famous Someshwar temple, this beautiful waterfall is sure to strike you with awe. The 10-metre high waterfall flows down with a ton of force during the monsoons, and has become popular with the youth of Nashik as a hangout place. While you are there do visit the famous temple as well.
Getting away from the hustle bustle of urban life in Pune is just a few hours’ drive away. These spots make great day trips or weekend trips for your family or friends and are sure to keep you coming back for more.
