India GOAdventure activities in and around Pune
Pune's adventure is the Sahyadri range, the Western Ghats, on its doorstep. The classic is a hill-fort climb, Sinhagad first, then Rajgad, Torna or Lohagad; beyond that come tandem paragliding at Kamshet, the forest climb to Bhimashankar and, in the monsoon, a whole pass road of waterfalls. Seasons decide almost everything here, so start with them.
Tandem paragliding off the Kamshet ridges
Run three steps off a basalt ridge above the Pawna valley strapped to a certified pilot, then ride the ridge lift over terraced fields and lake water.
from ₹1800 · the flying season runs roughly October to May: winter gives thermic conditions, spring gives ridge soaring. Nothing flies through the monsoon, June to September
Ad · affiliate links: if you book, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Book a tour in Pune
Ready-made tours and classes with free cancellation from our partners. Compare with the local operators in the text above.
What to do when
| Activity | Season |
|---|---|
| Fort climbs | Monsoon (June–September) for the green and the mist; winter is easier underfoot |
| Paragliding at Kamshet | Roughly October to May; nothing flies in the monsoon |
| Bhimashankar forest trek | Roughly July to February; the ladder route is dangerous in heavy rain |
| Tamhini waterfalls | June to September; outside the rains most of them dry up |
| Shivneri and Junnar | October to February |
May is the month to avoid, with highs around 38°C.
Five ways out
Distances are approximate, from Pune.
Climb a Maratha hill fort
The forts south-west of the city were the working heart of the Maratha state: Torna (from Velhe) was Shivaji's first capture, Rajgad (from Gunjavane) his capital for a quarter of a century, and Sinhagad (about 30 km) the site of Tanaji Malusare's night assault in 1670. Sinhagad takes 45 to 90 minutes on foot from Atkarwadi, has a road to near the top, and is also walked overnight from Katraj to arrive at sunrise. Lohagad near Lonavala is the gentlest, mostly stepped. Rajgad and Lohagad are among the twelve forts of the UNESCO Maratha Military Landscapes. Climbing is free; guided group treks with transport cost roughly ₹800–2,000.
Fly tandem off the Kamshet ridges
Kamshet, about 45 km out on the Mumbai road, has been one of India's main paragliding areas since flying schools opened there in the late 1990s, using the ridge and thermal lift of the Ghats escarpment above the Pawna and Indrayani valleys. Take-off sites are reached on foot over rough ground; wear closed shoes and long trousers. Weight limits vary by operator, and flights are cancelled without notice when the wind is wrong, so leave slack in the day. Book a few days ahead: weekends fill.
Trek the Bhimashankar forest
About 120 km away, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary protects the shekru, the Indian giant squirrel and Maharashtra's state animal, in evergreen Western Ghats forest, with one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Shiva at the top. From Khandas village, Ganesh Ghat is the gradual route; Shidi Ghat climbs iron ladders and rock and is dangerous in heavy rain. Expect leeches in the monsoon, start early, and know there is also a road to the temple. Guided treks with transport cost roughly ₹1,200–2,500.
Drive into the monsoon waterfalls
From June to September the Tamhini Ghat road beyond Mulshi Lake, 45–55 km west, runs with waterfalls and mist. Palase, near Vaduste village, is the most accessible: a 10–15 minute forest walk to a two-stage cascade. Start early to stay ahead of the weekend traffic, and stay out from under falls in spate. More on waterfalls near Pune.
Start in the city: Vetal Tekdi
No car needed: Vetal Tekdi, the highest ground inside the city, is laced with red-earth trails from Law College Road, Senapati Bapat Road, Kothrud and Pashan. Come at sunrise or in the last hour of daylight and carry water; there is none at the top.
Staying safe in the Ghats
Wet basalt is slippery: wear shoes with grip, and in the monsoon expect loose rock on the fort paths. The UK government's advice for trekkers in India is to travel in groups, use reputable local guides and stay on established routes; it also warns that monsoon rain can bring flash floods and landslides with little warning, and advises against driving at night and in fog. Carry water and a headtorch for night walks, and expect patchy mobile signal. In an emergency call 112; see is India safe and the monsoon in India.
FAQ
What are some adventurous things to do in Pune?
Climb a hill fort such as Sinhagad, Rajgad or Lohagad, fly tandem at Kamshet, trek through the forest to Bhimashankar, or drive the Tamhini Ghat waterfalls in the monsoon.
Which is the easiest fort trek near Pune?
Lohagad near Lonavala, mostly stepped and picked by families and first-timers. Sinhagad is also manageable, 45 to 90 minutes from Atkarwadi, with a road to near the top.
When is the paragliding season in Kamshet?
Roughly October to May. Winter gives thermal conditions, spring gives ridge soaring, and nothing flies through the monsoon, June to September.
Is it safe to trek near Pune in the monsoon?
It is the classic season, but take care: basalt is slippery, the Shidi Ghat ladder route to Bhimashankar is dangerous in heavy rain, and flash floods can come with little warning. Go in a group or with a guide.
Can I see wildlife near Pune?
In the Bhimashankar sanctuary, about 120 km away, watch the canopy for the shekru, the orange-and-black Indian giant squirrel. In the city, Vetal Tekdi has peafowl, bee-eaters and raptors.
Sources (2)
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
The full catalogue, hidden spots and districts on the map, plus “nearby” mode.
Open in India GO