Pune is a great starting point for backpackers. Surrounded by the Sahyadri Hills, it offers quick access to mountains, lakes, forts, beaches, and heritage spots. Whether you're into hiking, camping, road trips, or just want a short budget trip, there’s something here for everyone.

In this guide, you'll find 21 amazing backpacking trips from Pune, perfect for weekends or long weekends. These places are easy on the pocket, full of nature, and great for travel lovers who enjoy exploring with a backpack.

Weekend Backpacking Trips (1–2 Nights)

1. Lonavala

Distance: 65 km

Highlights: Tiger Point, Bhushi Dam, Rajmachi Fort trail

Details: Lonavala-Khandala is a hill station and a municipal council in the Pune district. It lies about 64 km west of Pune and 96 km east of Mumbai, making it a popular weekend retreat. The monsoon months bring out the region’s lush greenery, creating a stunning landscape perfect for backpacking and photography.

Why go: A green hill station popular during monsoon. Great for short treks, camping, and taking photos.

Budget tip: Camp near Pawna Lake or stay in cheap hostels.

2. Khandala

Distance: 70 km

Highlights: Duke's Nose trek, Karla Caves, Monkey Hill

Details: Khandala is one of the twin hill stations, located next to Lonavala. Easily accessible by road and rail from both Pune and Mumbai, it serves as a peaceful retreat with scenic views, waterfalls, and trekking opportunities. Ideal for short weekend hikes and nature walks

Why go: Peaceful, close to Lonavala, with good trekking and viewpoints.

Local tip: Visit Lonavala and Khandala together.

3. Lavasa

Distance: 60 km

Highlights: Lakeside walks, Tikona Fort, Devkund Waterfall

Details: Lavasa is a planned hill city modeled after the Italian town Portofino. It boasts several natural attractions like Tikona Fort, Devkund Waterfall, Temghar Dam, and Mutha River valley views. You can engage in activities such as cycling around the lake, trekking nearby peaks, or simply enjoying the cool weather.

Why go: A planned hill town with cool weather and scenic views.

Budget tip: Travel mid-week for lower stay rates.

4. Matheran

Distance: 120 km

Highlights: Toy train, Louisa Point, no vehicles allowed

Details: A vehicle-free hill station covered in dense forest and red soil trails, Matheran offers a serene escape. Backpackers enjoy the trek from Dasturi Point and exploring over 30 viewpoints including Louisa Point and Echo Point.

Why go: A peaceful place with many hiking spots. Best for nature lovers.

Backpack tip: Wear good shoes and carry water.

5. Kamshet

Distance: 50 km

Highlights: Paragliding, Bedse Caves

Details: Known for its soaring hills and favorable wind conditions, Kamshet is a haven for paragliding enthusiasts. You can also explore ancient Buddhist cave sites such as Bedse Caves or hike along rural trails.

Why go: Perfect for adventure lovers and paragliding.

Stay tip: Choose farm stays or hostels with adventure deals.

6. Pawna Lake

Distance: 55 km

Highlights: Lakeside camping, nearby forts

Details: Pawna Lake is a favorite among Pune backpackers for its scenic lakefront and easy access to Lohagad, Tikona, and Tung Forts. Ideal for camping, stargazing, and kayaking.

Why go: Ideal for camping, bonfires, and stargazing.

Gear tip: Bring your own camping gear for a full experience.

7. Rajmachi

Distance: 80 km

Highlights: Twin forts, night trek, fireflies in summer

Details: Rajmachi Fort trek is famous among night trekkers and monsoon hikers. The twin forts—Shrivardhan and Manaranjan—offer incredible views of the Western Ghats.

Why go: A popular trek for night hikers and monsoon trekkers.

Pack tip: Travel light and carry rain gear during rainy months.

8. Bhandardara

Distance: 160 km

Highlights: Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Kalsubai base

Details: Bhandardara is a peaceful hill station with picturesque lakes and forested hills. It's a favorite base for Kalsubai trek—the highest peak in Maharashtra.

Why go: Quiet spot ideal for camping and nature.

Trek tip: Use it as a base for Kalsubai trek.

9. Igatpuri

Distance: 240 km

Highlights: Waterfalls, mountain views, Vipassana center

Details: A monsoon paradise, Igatpuri is surrounded by Sahyadri peaks. The railway crossing is a hot spot for photographers. Also popular for spiritual retreats and wellness.

Why go: Best during monsoon, peaceful and great for photos.

Stay tip: Budget hotels and camping resorts available.

10. Kolad

Distance: 140 km

Highlights: White-water rafting on Kundalika River

Details: A monsoon paradise, Igatpuri is surrounded by Sahyadri peaks. The railway crossing is a hot spot for photographers. Also popular for spiritual retreats and wellness.

Why go: Maharashtra’s top rafting spot.

Budget tip: Weekday bookings are cheaper.

11. Diveagar

Distance: 170 km

Highlights: Clean beach, Suvarna Ganesh Temple

Details: A quiet beach town with clear waters, Diveagar is perfect for backpackers looking for solitude by the sea.

Why go: Peaceful and less crowded coastal town.

Stay tip: Beachside homestays for backpackers.

12. Malshej Ghat

Distance: 120 km

Highlights: Waterfalls, birds, scenic roads

Details: Malshej Ghat is known for its dramatic cliffs, migratory flamingos, and gushing falls. A haven during monsoon, it’s best explored on foot and through scenic drives.

Why go: Best during monsoon for misty weather and flamingos.

Nature tip: Bring binoculars for birdwatching.

13. Satara

Distance: 110 km

Highlights: Kaas Plateau, Thoseghar Falls

Details: Home to the UNESCO-recognized Kaas Pathar, Satara explodes into colorful wildflowers after the rains. Don’t miss a hike to the fort or a dip in the falls.

Why go: Famous for flower blooms and waterfalls.

When to go: Visit in September for flowers.

Long Weekend Backpacking Trips (3–5 Days)

14. Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani

Distance: 120–150 km

Highlights: Strawberry farms, Table Land, viewpoints

Details: These twin hill stations offer colonial-era charm and delicious strawberries. Backpackers can hike to viewpoints, try horse rides, and enjoy local jams and fudge.

Why go: Hill stations with cool weather and nature walks.

Stay tip: Budget hostels or guesthouses available.

15. Alibaug

Distance: 140 km + Ferry from Mumbai

Highlights: Beach camping, forts, water sports

Details: Alibaug is a classic beach getaway. You can camp on the beach, take boat rides, or wander through old forts and temples. Backpacker packages are also available from Pune.

Why go: Easy coastal escape with history and sea views.

Travel tip: Take ferry from Mumbai to save time.

16. Ganpatipule

Distance: 330 km

Highlights: Peaceful beach, temple, snorkeling

Details: A quieter coastal town known for its sacred temple and peaceful shorelines. Ideal for backpackers wanting a cultural and coastal mix.

Why go: Good for a mix of sea and culture.

Stay tip: Book beach cottages or MTDC stays.

17. Ratnagiri

Distance: 310 km

Highlights: Beaches, forts, mango orchards

Details: A heritage-rich town with beachside forts, marine museums, and Alphonso mango groves. Perfect during post-monsoon and winter months.

Why go: Known for history, mangoes, and sea forts.

Explore: Visit Thibaw Palace and local museum.

18. Nashik

Distance: 210 km

Highlights: Vineyards, temples, riverside views

Details: A great mix of wine tourism, heritage temples, and river ghats. Backpackers can explore vineyards on cycles and camp nearby

Why go: Wine tours and old temples make it unique.

Trip tip: Combine with Igatpuri or Bhandardara.

19. Mumbai