Three Offbeat Weekend Getaways from Mumbai or Pune #offbeatgetaway

Anyone staying in Pune or Mumbai would agree, the first place that comes to mind whenever someone says weekend getaway is Lonavala. Not being far from either Pune or Mumbai, and the express way making for a good long drive experience, it is a hot favorite for both Punekars as well as Mumbaikars. But did you know, there's more to Mumbai Pune express highway than Lonavala alone? There are quite a few places near the highway that you can go to for a really off beat experience. In this blog I am going to write about three such places. All these places are quite easy to reach from both Pune as well as Mumbai, and are great options if you want to skip the usual and have a cool weekend away from the crowded city life.

1. Tungarli Lake

Tungarli Lake is a beautiful lake near Lonavala. About 3 km from the city center, a 10-15 min ride will get you to this spot totally devoid of the city hustle. You will instantly feel the magic of the place once you reach there. The place is quite serene and picturesque. The calm waters of the lake and the natural beauty around will help you relax your mind. Just opposite the entrance to the lake, there's a place from where you can get a panaromic view of Lonavala.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind while visiting this beautiful place though. There are no food stalls or restaurants nearby, so you need to bring your food along. Also, though the water seems calm on the surface, do not try to enter the lake for a swim. The currents are very strong and pull you inside the lake which is almost 50 ft deep. There have been multiple cases of deaths due to drowning, so its best to enjoy the beauty of the lake from outside.

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2. Devkund Waterfalls

Devkund waterfall is an amazing destination for a one day trip, with a bit of adventure but also not too tough to reach. The trek to the falls starts from the base village of Bhira, which is about 2 to 2.5 hrs drive away from the Mumbai Pune express highway. Once you reach the village, you can park your vehicles and start trekking towards the falls. The entire trek is about 4.5 kms and passes through a dense forest called 'Andherban' or Dark Forest. It takes about 2 hrs on an average to reach the falls from the village. It is advisable to hire a local guide as the route can be difficult to track. Once you reach the waterfall, you can chill around the place or even get into the pool for a swim.

On the way to the waterfall, there is also a gorge where you can swim in the water and enjoy a mini cliff jump. Its not really high, but just enough to get you the feel.

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3. Pawna Lake

Last but not the least is this beautiful place about an hour drive from Lonavala. Again, almost equidistant from both Pune and Mumbai, this place is a great option for people from both the cities looking for an offbeat getaway over the weekend.

You can drive all the way to the lake, though the road is not in the best condition. Well, just another opportunity for those who love offroading. Once you reach the lake though, you'll be mesmerized with the serenity of the place. Try reaching here early in the noon and watching the sunset over the lake.

What's more amazing, is that you can set your tents on the lakeside and spend an amazing night in the company of stars. There are many vendors who provide a camping experience along with bonfire and barbecue at Pawna lake. You can prebook or also find a couple of them on the way to the lake. You can also choose to get and pitch your own tent. However, if you're going on your own, make sure to carry all the necessary items like food and water in sufficient quantities, as there are no shops or houses nearby from the camping areas.

So that was it, three amazing places to get away over the weekends if you're in Pune or Mumbai and want to get out of the usual Lonavala routine. Mention other such places you know in the comments!