Best Winter Getaways Near Pune & Mumbai for Travel Lovers
Winter brings out the most scenic side of Maharashtra’s hill stations. Clear skies, cool breezes, glowing sunsets and peaceful forests make this season ideal for road trips, nature walks, and relaxing breaks. Whether you’re travelling with friends, planning a villa for a family stay, or craving a quiet hillside retreat, these winter destinations near Pune and Mumbai offer everything from serene lakes and ancient caves to breathtaking plateaus and panoramic viewpoints.
Below is an in-depth guide to the best places to visit this winter, complete with distances, highlights, and mini-sections to help you plan your perfect getaway.
Here Are the Best 5 Winter Getaways Near Pune & Mumbai
1. Lonavala
Distance from Pune: 68 km || Distance from Mumbai: 88 km
Lonavala is one of the closest and most convenient winter escapes from both Pune and Mumbai, making it a favourite for quick getaways. As the season turns cooler, the valleys around Lonavala begin to fill with gentle morning mist, creating a soft, dreamy landscape that invites slow travel. The crisp winter air makes even simple walks feel refreshing, while the sunlight stays mellow throughout the day, making outdoor exploration extremely comfortable.
Why You Should Visit in Winter
Soft, Misty Landscapes: Winter transforms Lonavala into a dreamy hill station with gentle morning fog, cool breezes and beautifully diffused sunlight.
Better Visibility & Clearer Views: Reduced humidity makes viewpoints exceptionally clear, offering uninterrupted valley and cliff views ideal for sightseeing.
Perfect Outdoor Weather: The cool climate allows you to enjoy treks, nature walks and scenic drives without heat or discomfort.
What Not to Miss
Tiger’s Leap & Lion’s Point: Ideal for sunrise or sunset. In winter, the valleys fill with thin layers of fog that glow with warm light, making it one of the best photography spots in the region.
Lohagad Fort: A great winter trek with easy gradients. The stone pathways remain dry and safe, while the hilltop offers expansive views of Pawna Lake and the Sahyadris.
Karla & Bhaja Caves: These ancient Buddhist caves feel extra atmospheric during winter mornings. The carvings are beautifully preserved, and the climb is much more comfortable in cooler weather.
2. Venna Lake (Mahabaleshwar)
Distance from Pune: 130 km || Distance from Mumbai: 214 km
Venna Lake is one of Mahabaleshwar’s most loved landmarks, and winter adds an entirely new charm to it. The cool mornings often cover the lake in a soft veil of mist, creating a calm, dreamy atmosphere that feels perfect for slow moments by the water. As the sunlight begins to filter through, the reflections on the lake turn crystal clear, making it an ideal time for gentle boat rides and relaxed photography.
Why You Should Visit in Winter
Peaceful, Silent Atmosphere: Winter brings a calm stillness to Venna Lake, making the surroundings quiet, soothing and perfect for slow travel.
Cool, Refreshing Climate: The crisp winter breeze enhances every activity, from boat rides to lakeside walks, without any heat or discomfort.
Ideal for Families: The relaxed environment, open spaces and easy activities make it a great winter outing for families with kids or elders.
What Not to Miss
Paddle Boating on a Misty Morning: Glide across still waters surrounded by winter fog. It’s peaceful, scenic, and very refreshing.
Horse Riding by the Lake: Short rides near the lakeside trails provide charming views and a delightful throwback to old-school hill station vibes.
Seasonal Strawberry Treats: December–February is prime strawberry season. Enjoy fresh berries, strawberry shakes and classic “strawberries with cream”.
3. Mahabaleshwar
Distance from Pune: 132 km || Distance from Mumbai: 214 km
Mahabaleshwar is one of the most timeless winter destinations near Pune and Mumbai, known for its cool climate, lush forests and iconic viewpoints. As winter sets in, the hill station becomes even more inviting, the air turns crisp, the skies clear up, and the valleys open into sweeping panoramic landscapes.
Why You Should Visit in Winter
The forest becomes greener and fresher: Winter highlights Mahabaleshwar’s lush landscapes. The post-monsoon greenery stays vibrant, making every trail and viewpoint look picture-perfect.
Viewpoints are clearer and more scenic: The cool winter air offers crystal-clear visibility, allowing long-distance valley views from locations like Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point, and Elephant Point.
Perfect weather for all-day exploring: With pleasant daytime temperatures and light winter chill, you can comfortably enjoy sightseeing, trekking, boating, or café-hopping without heat or humidity.
What Not to Miss
Arthur’s Seat: Known for dramatic cliffs and sweeping valley views. Winter mornings make the entire valley visible without haze.
Mapro Garden: A cosy winter stop for hot chocolate, berry dishes, wood-fire pizzas, and relaxed outdoor seating.
Elephant’s Head Point: A perfectly sculpted rock formation overlooking deep valleys. The crisp winter breeze and wide open views make the spot unforgettable.
4. Igatpuri
Distance from Pune: 232 km || Distance from Mumbai: 148 km
Igatpuri is one of Maharashtra’s most peaceful and underrated hill stations, perfect for travellers who prefer calm over crowds. Surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the region becomes especially charming in winter when temperatures drop, the sky turns crisp, and the peaks stay wrapped in gentle morning mist.
Why You Should Visit in Winter
Cool, misty hills that enhance the peaceful vibe
Winter adds a layer of soft fog over the mountains, making Igatpuri feel calm, silent and beautifully scenic.Perfect season for meditation and wellness experiences
The pleasant weather makes it ideal for those visiting the Vipassana Centre or anyone seeking a quiet, introspective retreat.Scenic mountain drives feel magical in winter
The roads remain cool, clear and surrounded by greenery, offering a naturally soothing experience for road-trip lovers.
What Not to Miss
Bhatsa River Valley Point: A beautiful valley with sweeping views of Sahyadri cliffs. Winter light softens the entire landscape, giving it a golden glow.
Vipassana Centre (Pagoda View): Even if you're not attending a session, visiting the meditation centre’s campus surroundings offers peace, calmness and lovely architecture.
Camel Valley: A deep valley with stunning natural formations. Early morning fog makes the place feel incredibly serene.
5. Panchgani
Distance from Pune: 112 km || Distance from Mumbai: 256 km
Panchgani is known for its sprawling plateaus, colonial charm, cool weather and strawberry farms. Winter enhances its beauty with clear views, crisp breezes and golden mornings that make every viewpoint look picture-perfect. The famous Table Land becomes even more enjoyable during this season, offering long, relaxed walks under the soft winter sun.
Why You Should Visit in Winter
Perfect weather for long walks and sightseeing: The cool, refreshing climate makes exploring viewpoints, plateaus and markets comfortable throughout the day.
Clear skies enhance valley and mountain views: Winter removes the haze, giving sharp, wide-angle views, ideal for photography and nature lovers.
Fewer crowds for a quieter travel experience: Attractions feel calmer, allowing you to enjoy Table Land, cafés and scenic routes without rush.
What Not to Miss
Table Land Plateau: A vast plateau offering horse rides, open walking spaces, and panoramic hill views. The winter breeze makes the experience refreshing and energising.
Sydney Point: Known for colourful sunsets and wide views of Dhom Dam. The sky becomes especially vibrant during winter evenings.
Strawberry Farms: Fresh berries, farm tours and homemade jams, winter is the peak season.
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