Pune to Mahabaleshwar 2-Day Escape: Scenic Hills & Strawberry Delights

Day 1: Travel & Explore

Pune to Mahabaleshwar, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Vaishali, Pune

Begin your day with a popular Pune breakfast at Vaishali, known for its South Indian delicacies and chai, located on Fergusson College Road. Opens at 7:00am, great for an early start.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Pune to Mahabaleshwar

Enjoy a scenic 3 to 4-hour drive through the Western Ghats towards Mahabaleshwar, a famous hill station known for stunning viewpoints and strawberry farms.
INR1500 (estimated fuel/taxi cost), 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mapro Garden, Mahabaleshwar

Taste fresh strawberry-based dishes and local Maharashtrian cuisine at the famous Mapro Garden restaurant, open from 10am to 6pm.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Arthur's Seat

See one of Mahabaleshwar’s most breathtaking viewpoints offering panoramic views of the valleys below. Open to public access, no entry fee.
INR0, 1h0m

2:45pm

Explore Venna Lake

Enjoy boating or a relaxing walk along Venna Lake, a popular recreational spot in Mahabaleshwar. Open throughout the day; boat rides are chargeable.
INR150, 1h15m

4:15pm

Stay check-in at a local hotel

Check into a comfortable hotel or resort such as the Brightland Resort & Spa for an overnight stay.
INR4000, overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel or Local Dhaba

Relish Maharashtrian thali or continental options at your hotel restaurant or try a nearby homely dhaba serving local fare, open till 9:30pm.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 2: Hill Views & Return

Mahabaleshwar to Pune, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation to fuel up for morning sightseeing.
Included in room, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Pratapgad Fort

Explore this historic 17th-century fort located 24 km from Mahabaleshwar. It offers beautiful views and a peek into Maratha history. Opens from 7:00am to 6:00pm, entry fee applicable.
INR40, 2h0m

11:00am

Strawberry Picking Experience

Visit a strawberry farm near Mahabaleshwar and try your hand at picking fresh strawberries, a seasonal attraction generally open until noon.
INR100, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hotel Panchgani, en route

On the way back to Pune, stop at Hotel Panchgani for a traditional Maharashtrian meal or light snacks, open till 3:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive back to Pune

Travel back towards Pune via the scenic route through the Western Ghats, estimated journey time about 3.5 to 4 hours.
INR1500 (estimated fuel/taxi cost), 4h0m