Top 10 Natural Places & Hiking Trails Near Pune

The Wild Side of the Western Ghats

Pune is a paradise for hikers, trekkers, and nature lovers. Located on the eastern foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats), one of the world's eight hottest biodiversity hotspots, Pune is surrounded by valleys, dense forests, lakes, and ancient fortresses. When the monsoon season arrives, the dry brown hills turn into lush green meadows, populated by cascading waterfalls and low-hanging clouds.

From quick morning walks on the city’s hills (Tekdis) to full-day treks through deep rain-forest valleys and camping along high altitude lakes, Pune offers a refreshing reset. In this guide, we review the top 10 natural places and hiking trails near Pune, providing safety tips, distance metrics, and travel routes.

Navigating the Sahyadri Trails

• The Tekdis (City Hills): Hills like Vetal Tekdi or Hanuman Tekdi are located inside the municipal limits, offering quick, forested trails popular for morning walks and bird watching.
• The Fort Treks: Historic Maratha forts like Sinhagad, Torna, and Rajmachi combine mountain hiking with rich history and architectural ruins.
• Valley and Waterfall Treks: Treks like Devkund Waterfalls or Andharban (The Dark Forest) lead through deep forest valleys, requiring local guides and safety precautions.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Nature Trails

1. Vetal Tekdi (Senapati Bapat Road)

Located inside the city, Vetal Tekdi is the highest point in Pune, spanning a large, forested hill.

• The Experience: Features multiple unpaved walking trails winding through acacia trees and wild grass. A quarry pond located at the top is a major spot for bird watchers.
• Vibe: Highly popular among locals for morning runs and photography. Entry is entirely free.

2. Andharban Trek (Mulshi)

Andharban, literally translating to 'The Dark Forest,' is a famous rain-forest trek located near Mulshi, about 70 km from Pune.

• The Experience: The trail is unique because it is a valley-descent trek, heading down through dense forest canopies that block out sunlight. It offers views of the Kundalika Valley and seasonal waterfalls.
• Visitor Tip: A forest entry permit and a local guide are mandatory for this trek. The trail can get slippery during the monsoons.

3. Devkund Waterfalls (Bhira)

Hidden deep inside the forests near Bhira dam, Devkund is a beautiful plunge waterfall where three mountain streams meet.

• The Experience: A 3-hour hike through forests and rocky streams leads to a large, clear pool at the base of the waterfall.
• Visitor Tip: Swimming in the main pool is restricted without local lifeguards. Avoid visiting during peak monsoon days due to sudden water level rises.

Safety Guide for Sahyadri Hikers

1. Hydration & Footwear: Carry at least 2 liters of water. Sahyadri rocks are basalt and can be extremely slippery when wet; invest in high-quality trekking shoes with deep rubber grips.
2. Local Guides: For deep forest treks like Andharban or Devkund, always hire a local villager guide at the base camp. They know the weather changes and river crossing points.
3. Respect Wildlife: The Western Ghats are home to diverse reptiles and insects. Keep to marked trails and avoid picking plants or disturbing wild animals.