Hidden Places Around Pune You Can Visit with a Self-Drive Rental
There’s something undeniably freeing about hitting the road with your own set of wheels. No timelines. No waiting. No grumbling about missed buses or overpriced cab fares. Just you, your playlist, and the open road ahead. If you’re in Pune, you’ve already got a great head start—this city is surrounded by underrated treasures that are just a drive away.
Hidden Places to Visit Near Pune in Summer
Sure, everyone’s heard of Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar. But we’re not talking about those today. This is about the quiet corners, scenic stopovers, and hidden places to visit near Pune in summer that don’t usually make it to the “Top 10” lists.
With a self-drive rental, you can explore these hidden gems at your own pace. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a well-planned weekend escape, these ten places will make you appreciate just how much beauty lies tucked away near Pune.
1. Kaas Plateau – The Valley of Flowers, Maharashtra Style
About 140 km from Pune, Kaas Plateau is what you’d get if the Western Ghats and a painter got together to create something magical. Featuring in our list of hidden places near Pune to visit in summer, this UNESCO World Heritage site in monsoons, bursts into color with wildflowers carpeting the ground. It’s serene, scenic, and feels oddly untouched, because most people still don’t know it exists. Go on a weekday if you can, it’s quieter and the flowers feel like they’re blooming just for you.
2. Mulshi Dam – Not Just Another Dam
Choose a reliable car rental in Pune and drive about two hours out of the city. Mulshi greets you with open skies and still waters. It’s peaceful without being boring. The dam itself is impressive, but what really sells the experience is the drive. Winding roads, the scent of wet earth during the rains, and a chai tapri at just the right corner. There are plenty of secluded spots to just park your car, roll down the windows, and let the moment sink in.
3. Shivthar Ghal – A Cave with a Story
This one’s for those who love history with their hiking. Shivthar Ghal is a cave tucked inside the Sahyadris where the revered saint Samarth Ramdas is said to have lived. Located about 110 km from Pune, this spiritual and natural hideout is definitely one of the hidden places near Pune to visit in summer. The best part? The drive through forests and hills is almost cinematic. Pack some snacks, bring a journal, and maybe unplug for a bit—it’s that kind of place.
4. Bhandardara – Not Just for the ‘Gram
Bhandardara has been gaining some Insta-popularity lately, but it still counts as a hidden gem because most folks don’t really explore it. Beyond the lakeside camping and waterfall photos, there’s Wilson Dam, Randha Falls, and Agastya Rishi Ashram. Plus, the night skies here are stargazing heaven. It’s about a 4-hour drive, so either start early or plan an overnight stay. Either way, it’s absolutely worth it.
5. Tamhini Ghat – For the Love of Monsoons
There are places that become ten times better when it rains. Tamhini Ghat is one of them. Just 60–70 km from Pune, it’s a short drive but feels like a different world. To keep your itinerary flexible, consider car rental in Pune and self-drive to your destination. Misty hills, gushing waterfalls, and roads that beg you to take detours. You don’t even need a destination here—the journey is the adventure. Ideal for that spontaneous Sunday plan with no itinerary.
6. Jejuri – The Town That Turns Yellow
About 50 km from Pune lies Jejuri, known for the famous Khandoba Temple, one of the top hidden places to visit near Pune in summer. But what makes this place special isn’t just the temple—it’s the surreal yellow haze created by turmeric that fills the air during certain rituals and festivals. Even if you’re not religious, witnessing this sight is like stepping into a different reality. The drive is easy, and the town has an old-world charm that stays with you.
7. Thoseghar Waterfalls – Thunderous Peace
If you’re craving the raw power of nature, drive about 130 km to Thoseghar near Satara. The waterfalls here are stunning. The viewpoint is well-maintained, and there’s something meditative about just sitting and watching water roar down a cliff. Pack a raincoat and a hot flask of chai—you’ll thank yourself later. With self-drive car rental in Pune, head out to reconnect with nature without the hassle of booking cabs and paying steep prices.
8. Morachi Chincholi – Peacocks and Peace
Two hours from Pune, Morachi Chincholi is a village where peacocks roam free and the pace of life slows down considerably. One of the hidden places near Pune to visit in summer, it’s not a resort, nor a hill station. Just a quiet, green escape with simple joys. Watch the birds at dawn, enjoy a homemade meal, maybe take a bullock cart ride. It’s the kind of place that feels like a reset button for city-worn souls.
9. Kaldurg Fort – Views Without the Crowd
Most treks near Pune are either too crowded or too commercial. Kaldurg, on the other hand, remains a quiet contender. Located near Palghar (roughly a 4-5 hour drive), this fort offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding hills. It’s a moderately easy trek and rarely sees a weekend rush. If you are considering hidden places to visit near Pune in summer, you’re in the right place.
10. Guhagar – Where Time Slows Down
Think Konkan, but before the tourists arrived. That’s Guhagar for you. This beach town, around 6–7 hours from Pune, is a bit of a drive, but it rewards you with clean beaches, soft sands, and zero crowds. The drive itself is a treat—ghats, coastal roads, and sleepy villages. Once there, grab a plate of fresh seafood, watch the sunset, and maybe ditch your phone for a while. Guhagar doesn’t ask for much, and it gives you a lot.
Why Go Self-Drive?
All of these places have one thing in common—they’re best experienced when you’re not on someone else’s schedule. Self-drive rentals let you pause for photos, take that tempting turn, or just pull over when the view’s too good to ignore. They make the journey truly personal.
You also don’t have to worry about the hassles of car maintenance or paperwork—just pick up the car and hit the road. Apps and rental services in Pune make it super convenient, whether you want a zippy hatchback or a rugged SUV for tougher terrain.
Car Rental in Pune
So the next time wanderlust strikes, ditch the standard routes. Rent a car, round up a couple of friends (or go solo), and drive off to somewhere that’s still under the radar. Chances are, you’ll come back with not just pictures, but stories worth telling.
If a spontaneous, unhurried vacation is your thing, Revv’s self-drive car rental in Pune is a solid option. With doorstep delivery, flexible rental plans, and a wide range of vehicles—from hatchbacks to SUVs—Revv makes on-the-fly adventures and weekend trips easy and affordable.
