Bookmark Now: Best Spots For A Solo Trip From Pune

Travelling to Bombay or Mumbai is a different experience. You can travel by car, bus or train and both of them can give you pleasant views of the green mountain tops and valleys along the way. When in the city of dreams, you can: shop cheap jewellery, clothes, footwear on Hill Road in Bandra, or along Colaba Causeway. Visit the Modern Art Gallery in Fort or tour the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad (aka city museum) in Byculla. You can walk from Churchgate to Colaba and gawk at Gateway Of India and other historical monuments along the way or stroll along Marine Drive by evening and admire the Art Deco buildings along with the Queen's Necklace.

Eat street food in Mumbai, obviously; and try iconic and legendary cafes and restaurants like Cafe Mondegar and Leopold in Colaba, Gomantak for a fish thali in Dadar, Gajalee in Lower Parel for fried bombil or Bombay Duck, and a lot more. Of course, for more recommendations, you can always check out LBB Mumbai.

Known for its rich heritage and cultural diversity and prosperity, it is indeed the historical city of Maharashtra. You can take a bus, car or train to watch this beautiful city. A must visit is the Bibi Ka Maqbara built by Aurangzeb, a replica of the famous Taj Mahal of Agra. The Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Chini Mahal, Tomb of Aurangzeb, Alamgir Dargah, Nizamshahi Mahal are among the top places you must be paying a visitto. Very close to Aurangabad, Daulatabad is another place full of historical enchanters like the fort, Chand Minar with other places. Sunheri Mahal, Ramkrishna Mission, Naukonda Palace are other sightseeing locations. Have the Mughlai kebab, mawa jalebi, paya, naankhaliya, sheermal, and other Tughlaq food in the local restaurants.

One of the most ancient cities in Maharashtra, Nashik has managed to keep its old cultural and traditional essences alive in its lanes. Established along the banks of river Godavari, there are centuries-old carved temples telling the age-old stories and tales, all holding a significant place in Hindu Mythology. The lanes will give you a glimpse into typical Maharashtrian or Marathi culture in everything; clothing, jewellery, hairstyle, food, lifestyle, and even the housing conditions. You can enjoy a good stroll in these bylanes. Do dip your legs in the Godavari river. On the completely modern side though, lies the famous, well-renowned Sula Vineyards, a reputed wine brand in India. Book a wine tour for yourself here.

Filled with breathtaking views of the surrounding fresh and green forests, valleys, and mountain ranges of the Western Ghats , Wai is one of the most scenic places with pleasant and fresh air, lush greenery, and natural wildlife. It is also a historic destination. Hike up the famous Pratapgad Fort and get to know the famed stories of the meeting that happened between Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan. Take blessings at the Dholya Ganpati, the village deity, and other pristine temples on the Ganpati ghat. Watching scores of fertile lands, lush green crops swaying with the wind, golden sun rays kissing the crops is a sight to behold. Have food at the local khanawal or nearby restaurants to enjoy the typical Konkani food. All of this is just a bus ride or a drive away. 

The perfect place if you want to enjoy a panoramic view of endless flora, chirping birds, mountain ranges, valleys, waterfalls flowing down the steep ridges, and the clouds with the mist floating on them. Hike up the Karnala Fort to get a slice of history. Watch the colourful, rare, endangered, and varied species of birds in the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. It is home to 222 species out of which 161 are resident while others are migratory. If you are lucky enough, you can also spot a leopard. Panvel is very close to Karnala, making it a great option to eat around. 

Approximately 143 kms from Pune, Alibaug beach is known for its clean sands and undeterred coastline. Take a walk by the shore and book yourself an Airbnb to stay at. The place is also famous for water sports and sight-seeing. You can spend time in solace and have a balmy getaway here over a weekend.

Try local food, which includes a fish thali, misal pav, pohe, and other items. If you don't want to simply relax with a cold beer, then check out the Kulaba Fort, Magnetic Observatory, and the Tower Of St.Barbara.

One of the lesser-known beaches of Maharashtra, Harihareshwar Beach is located in Raigad district and is 175 km away from Pune. Untapped and unpolluted, the beach is surrounded by four hills – Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri, and Pushpadri. Known for its black, smooth sand, it is a perfect retreat for those willing to spend quality time alone. The early morning walks by the beach are the best. 

Try their Konkani misal pav for breakfast and definitely get some fish to eat. Perhaps, trying out a Konkani-style thali is a good bet. There is a Harihareshwar temple too which is an architectural marvel!