Nature and viewpoints in Pune district

Viewpoints and Nature Wonders

This collection features the diverse landscapes of Pune and the Western Ghats, ranging from historic hill forts like Sinhagad and Rajgad to massive water reservoirs such as Mulshi and Pavana Lakes. The list highlights the region's rugged topography, including the sheer cliffs of Kokankada and the high-altitude peaks of Harishchandragad and Torna. Visitors can explore a series of gravity dams on the Mutha and Ghod rivers, alongside seasonal waterfalls and trekking trails that define the Sahyadri mountain range's natural heritage.

Viewpoints and Nature Wonders — Map

Joe Zachs / CC BY 2.0

A

Khadakwasla Dam

Khadakwasla Dam is a dam on the Mutha River 21 km from the centre of the city of Pune in Maharashtra, India.

B

Sinhagad

Ancient hill fortress known as Kondhana, famous for the 1670 battle led by Tanaji Malusare. It features the Kalyan Darwaza, Pune Darwaza, and a memorial to Tanaji.

DraconianRain / CC-BY-3.0

C

Vetal Tekdi

Vetal Hill is a prominent hill in the city limits of Pune, India. The hill is the highest point within the city limits, with an elevation…

vivek Joshi / CC BY 2.0

D

Lohgad

Lohagad is one of the many hill forts of Maharashtra state in India. Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km northwest of Pune…

shripophali / CC BY 2.0

E

Visapur

Visapur Fort is a hill fort near Visapur village in Maharashtra, India. It is a part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification.

Ccmarathe / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Korigad

Korigad is a hill fort located about 20 km south of Lonavla in Pune district, Maharashtra, India.

G

Rajgad

Former capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 26 years. The fort is known for its expansive architecture, including the Padmavati Machi and Sanjeevani Machi.

H

Lingana Peak

Massive rock pinnacle located between Raigad and Torna, reaching an elevation of 2,969 feet. It was traditionally used as a prison by the Maratha Empire.

I

Torna

Also known as Prachandagad, this was the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1646. It is the highest hill fort in the Pune district.

J

Duba

A high-altitude peak located within the Sahyadri range near the Rajgad fort complex.

K

Vardha hill

Peak

L

Bigariya Dongar

Peak

M

Sindola

Small hill fort in the Junnar region, notable for its rock-cut steps and views of the Malshej Ghat and Pimpalgaon Joga Dam.

N

Varhadi Pinnacles

Group of prominent rock formations near Harishchandragad, frequently used for technical rock climbing and rappelling.

O

Shingi

One of the highest peaks in the Pune district, situated near the Tamhini Ghat region.

P

Bhimashankar

Site of one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, located in a wildlife sanctuary known for the Indian Giant Squirrel.

Q

Harishchandragad

Ancient hill fort dating back to the 6th century, featuring the Kedareshwar Cave and the semi-circular Kokankada cliff.

R

Yetoba

Viewpoint located in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary offering vistas of the surrounding forest and deep valleys.

S

Kundalika Valley view point

Overlooks the deep Kundalika Valley and the source of the Kundalika River near the Tamhini Ghat mountain pass.

T

Mutha River view point

Scenic overlook providing views of the Mutha River as it winds through the Sahyadri hills towards Pune.

U

Kalyan Gate

One of the two main entrances to Sinhagad Fort, facing the Kalyan village and the Konkan region.

V

Pune Gate

The primary entrance to Sinhagad Fort, oriented towards the city of Pune.

W

Kokankada

A massive, concave cliff at Harishchandragad that drops nearly 1,800 feet, offering panoramic views of the Konkan region.

X

Durgadevi Kokankada

A scenic cliff edge near the Naneghat region, known for its vertical drop and sunset views over the Konkan plains.

Y

Kataldhaar Waterfall

Seasonal waterfall in the Ulhas Valley near Lonavala, known for its horseshoe shape and significant drop height during the monsoon.

Z

Zenith Wateralls

Monsoon waterfall located near Khopoli, accessible via a forest trail.

Andhra Lake

Reservoir formed by the Andhra Dam, surrounded by the Sahyadri mountains and used for hydroelectric power generation.

Malharsagar

The reservoir formed by the Jejuri Dam, providing water to the agricultural regions of Purandar.

Mulshi Lake

Large reservoir formed by the Mulshi Dam on the Mula River, utilized for irrigation and hydroelectricity.

Pavana Lake

Artificial reservoir created by the Pavana Dam, serving as a major water source for Pimpri-Chinchwad and a hub for water sports.

Dhimbhe Dam

Gravity dam on the Ghod River near Ambegaon, featuring a large reservoir used for regional irrigation.

Chilhewadi Dam

Medium-sized irrigation dam located in the Junnar taluka of Pune district.

Chaskaman

Major irrigation project on the Bhima River, featuring a dam that supplies water to the Khed and Shirur regions.

Yedgaon Reservoir

Part of the Kukadi project, this reservoir on the Kukadi River supports agriculture in the Junnar region.

Bhama Askhed Reservoir

Reservoir formed by an earthfill dam on the Bhama River, providing drinking water to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Ghod Reservoir

Large body of water formed by the Ghod Dam, essential for irrigation in the Shirur and Shrigonda areas.

Vadaj Reservoir

Reservoir created by a gravity dam on the Meena River, part of the Kukadi irrigation network.

Pimpalgaon Joga Reservoir

Massive reservoir on the Pushpavati River, known for attracting migratory birds like flamingos during the winter months.

Bhatgar reservoir

One of the oldest dams in India, built on the Yelwanti River, featuring British-era masonry architecture.

Ghod Dam

Earthfill and gravity dam on the Ghod River, constructed in 1965 for irrigation and soil conservation.

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