10 Weekend Bike Rides from Pune: Tamhini, Varandha, Mahabaleshwar and More
The best weekend bike rides from Pune: Tamhini Ghat, Mulshi, Sinhagad, Varandha Ghat, Bhimashankar, Mahabaleshwar and the Kaas plateau — with tips.
· MotoWave team · 3 min read
Pune sits right at the edge of the Sahyadri, so some of the best ghat roads in Maharashtra start less than an hour from the city. Here are ten weekend rides from Pune, from a sunrise run to a full weekend in the hills.
Before you go: distances are approximate from central Pune. Ghat roads can close or become dangerous in heavy monsoon rain, and some spots have weekend restrictions or bookings — check before you ride.
Quick list
| Ride | Approx. distance (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sinhagad | 35 km | Sunrise and a fort |
| Khadakwasla and Panshet | 40 km | Lakeside roads |
| Mulshi and Tamhini Ghat | 50 km | Monsoon ghat ride |
| Lavasa road | 60 km | Twisty lakeside road |
| Bhimashankar | 110 km | Forest and temple |
| Varandha Ghat | 110 km | Dramatic ghat road |
| Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani | 120 km | Hill stations |
| Kaas plateau | 130 km | Flower season (Aug–Oct) |
| Lonavala | 65 km | Classic ghat viewpoints |
| Dapoli via the ghats | 190 km | Konkan coast weekend |
Short rides
1. Sinhagad
A historic fort just outside the city, popular for sunrise. The road up is steep and busy on weekends; ride slowly and check for any restrictions on private vehicles going to the top.
2. Khadakwasla and Panshet
Easy lakeside roads south-west of the city, good for a quick morning ride.
3. Mulshi and Tamhini Ghat
The monsoon favourite: through Mulshi to the Tamhini Ghat, with waterfalls beside the road. Expect crowds and fog on weekends, and watch for people and parked vehicles on bends.
4. The Lavasa road
A twisty road above the Varasgaon lake with great views. Ride within your limits: the bends are tight and blind.
Day rides
5. Bhimashankar
A forested temple town and wildlife sanctuary to the north-west. The last stretch is a winding forest road.
6. Varandha Ghat
One of the most dramatic ghat roads in Maharashtra, via Bhor, with sheer drops and waterfalls in the monsoon. It’s prone to landslides and closures after heavy rain.
7. Kaas plateau
Near Satara, the “valley of flowers” of Maharashtra, carpeted with wildflowers from about August to October. Visits during the flower season need an online booking, and parking is controlled. Stay on the paths.
Weekend rides
8. Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani
Via Wai and the Pasarni Ghat. Cool weather, strawberries and viewpoints. Busy on long weekends.
9. Lonavala
Via the old Mumbai–Pune highway (motorcycles are not allowed on the expressway), with viewpoints over the Bhor Ghat.
10. Dapoli via the ghats
Ride down to the Konkan coast for beaches and seafood. The descent through the ghats is beautiful and steep.
Tips for riding out of Pune
- Start early to avoid city traffic and weekend crowds at the ghats.
- Monsoon: these rides are at their most beautiful and most dangerous from June to September. Read our monsoon riding tips.
- Fog on the ghats: slow down and keep your headlight on.
- Park responsibly: never on bends or blocking the road near waterfalls.
Riding as a group? Read our group riding rules. Also see weekend rides from Mumbai.