Since your flight lands at Pune Airport at 7:30 AM, take time to collect the car, use the facilities and get everyone settled before setting off around 9:00 AM. Follow NH48 towards Wai, then continue uphill through Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar. Allow roughly 3.5–4.5 hours including traffic and a short break; the final hill roads are winding, so take them slowly. You can stop around Wai for a snack or restroom break if needed.
Stop at Mapro Garden in Panchgani for lunch and a relaxed browse. There are plenty of food options for families; budget around ₹300–700 per person depending on what you order. Then head to Table Land for a gentle walk and views. Keep an eye on your six-year-old near the edges, and feel free to cut the visit short if the drive has taken it out of everyone.
For your question about Venna Lake: it’s near Mahabaleshwar town, roughly 2 km from the main market area, on the road towards Panchgani. It isn’t a stop on today’s route; you can visit it on your Mahabaleshwar day.
Drive on to your hotel, check in and take a proper rest before dinner at The Grapevine in Mahabaleshwar town. Budget about ₹700–1,200 per person, and consider calling ahead or allowing for a wait at busy times. The drive from Panchgani to town is winding, so take it easy, especially after dark.
Leave your hotel around 9:00 AM for Wilson Point. It’s a short drive from central Mahabaleshwar, and you can enjoy the views without chasing sunrise; allow about 45 minutes. Early October can still bring cloud or mist, so views aren’t guaranteed. Bring a light layer, and take care on any damp paths.
Continue to Old Mahabaleshwar for Mahabaleshwar Temple and nearby Panchganga Temple. Allow about an hour for both, with a little walking between them. Temple timings can vary, so check locally when you arrive; modest clothing and a small amount of cash for offerings are useful.
From the temples, drive west to Arthur’s Seat. The drive takes roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on road and traffic, and it’s worth allowing 1–1.5 hours for the viewpoints and walks from the parking area. Some stretches are uneven or have steps, so let your six-year-old set the pace and keep to marked areas.
Head back toward town and stop at Bagicha Corner for corn patties or other casual snacks, budgeting around ₹200–500 per person. Then visit Venna Lake: it’s about 2 km from central Mahabaleshwar, along the Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani road. It is not in Pune or at the edge of town’s main market; it’s a short drive out of the centre. Allow around 1–1.5 hours to stroll by the water or check whether boating is operating. Boat availability and charges can vary by conditions and season, so confirm on site.
Leave your hotel around 9:00 AM after breakfast and head to Lingmala Waterfall, between Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Allow about 1–1.5 hours for the walk and viewpoints. Paths may be damp after the monsoon, so wear shoes with grip and bring water for your child; the waterfall’s flow varies.
For your Venna Lake question: Venna Lake is just outside central Mahabaleshwar, roughly 2 km from the main market, on the Panchgani side of town. It isn’t in Panchgani. You could visit it from town by car or taxi, but this day already has a long fort drive, so it’s best treated as a separate, nearby stop rather than squeezed in.
Continue to Parsi Point for a short stop and broad valley views. Keep your child away from the edges. Then browse Panchgani market and have lunch nearby; casual local restaurants are generally around ₹300–700 per person. This makes a pleasant midday break before the longer drive.
Drive to Pratapgad Fort in the afternoon. Check live directions before leaving Panchgani and allow roughly 1–1.5 hours each way, plus about two hours at the fort. There are steep steps and uneven sections, so take your time, carry water, and confirm access and closing time locally.
Return to Mahabaleshwar for dinner at Farmhouse Bistro. Budget roughly ₹600–1,000 per person and check ahead that it’s open.
There’s no need for an early start: have breakfast, check out, and aim to leave Mahabaleshwar around 9:00 AM. You can spend up to 45 minutes around Mahabaleshwar market for a last look or local snacks; budget roughly ₹200–500 per person if you eat nearby. Keep this stop flexible, since some shops may open later.
And to answer your question: Venna Lake is in Mahabaleshwar, roughly 2 km from the town centre, on the road towards Panchgani. It’s a short drive from most town hotels, but it isn’t on today’s route to Pune, so it’s best visited on one of your Mahabaleshwar days.
Drive downhill to Dholya Ganpati Temple in Wai for a short visit, then continue towards NH48. Allow roughly 4–5 hours for the drive to Pune, including traffic and stops. At a family-friendly restaurant near NH48, plan a simple lunch and stretch break; a typical meal may cost around ₹300–700 per person.
Leaving at 9:00 AM should give you a reasonable chance of reaching Pune Airport around 1:00–2:00 PM, depending on traffic and how long you stop. Aim to arrive by 3:00 PM for your 6:00 PM flight. Check live traffic and your rental company’s drop-off instructions before setting out, and keep the Wai and lunch stops brief if the drive is running late.
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