Panshet: 9 Activities to do in this offbeat place near Pune

Panshet is a traditional Maharashtrian town and an offbeat place to visit near Pune. While the Panshet Dam is famous for its adrenaline watersports, that’s not all. The scenic route to Panshet has a lot of fun things and activities to do.

Known for its rich Maharashtrian heritage, one of the things you can experience in Panshet is the charming beauty of village life. This lush green village lapped in the beauty of Western Ghats, with pristine forests and serene lakes around emerges into an ideal weekend destination for all the nature lovers. What’s more? Come, Let’s explore what the countryside of Maharashtra has to offer to you to make your weekend getaway in Maharashtra even more memorable.

Things to do in Panshet

While Panshet might seem like an idyllic, slow town, there are many things you can do here. Here is a specially curated list of all the things to do in Panshet, an offbeat places near Pune, that will make you want to go there again and again!
 

Tranquil Panshet adorned with vibrant purple blooms

1. Thrilling water sports adventures at Panshet Dam 

Located just an hour’s distance, Panshet is a perfect place to visit near Pune and the ultimate destination for your thrilling adventure . Renowned for its iconic dam, Panshet is also a hub for amazing water sports activities like boating, kayaking and jet skiing. The blend of adrenaline amidst the peaceful surroundings whilst enjoying the cascading waterfalls and soaking in water sports activities in crystal clear waters makes this place a perfect spot for weekend picnics with family and friends.  

A speed boat moving cruising through the river.

2. Scenic hike to Torna Fort 

An ideal weekend getaway in Maharashtra is incomplete unless you savor the thrill of trekking. Holding some of the most beautiful trekking places in Maharashtra, one of the best treks in Panshet is the Torna Fort Trek, the ‘Eagle’s Nest.’ This fort became one of the highest forts in the Pune district after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, conquered it at 16. This fort that stands strong with its robust stone walls, takes you through dense vegetation, panoramic views of Sahyadris, and occasional glimpses of waterfalls. And the mesmerizing view at the top captivates Maharashtra’s natural beauty.  

Two hikers enjoying the view from a mountain peak. 

3. Tracing Sinhagad Fort’s historic trails 

Another popular trekking places in Maharashtra is the Sinhagad Fort Trek. Just 2 hours from Panshet, this fort trek is renowned for its famous tale of Tanaji Malusare (A brave warrior of the Maratha empire). Sinhagad Fort Trek is also popularly known as ‘Lion’s Fort Trek’ and the architecture here evokes a sense of awe teleporting you back in time. This trek can be a bit challenging as the trail steepens, but the panoramic views of rolling hills and valleys as you trek through justify the effort, unleashing the beauty of the Western Ghats.

For history buffs, one of the things to do in Panshet is to walk through the majestic gates, ramparts, and remnants of the fort, whispering stories of a glorious past.
 

Visitors ascending stone steps at Sinhagad Fort.

4. Picnicking by Varasgaon Waterfall 

Located just a short 7-kilometer easy drive from Panshet is the Varasgaon waterfall. This waterfall is one of the top experiences you should have near Panshet Dam. You can spread a picnic blanket on the surrounding rocks and soak in the breathtaking panorama. It's an excellent place for all those who have adventurers' spirit and nature enthusiasts because of the captivating raw beauty of Varasgaon Waterfall.
 

Varasgaon waterfall in all its glory during monsoons.

5. Gazing from Pabe Ghat 

Western Ghats are the best place even for short road trip with friends. Nestled between Sinhagad and Rajgadh, Pabe viewpoint is just a short 5-kilometer drive from Panshet. Although overshadowed by the more popular Panshet Dam, this hidden gem still attracts attention. The Pabe Ghat viewpoint offers a unique perspective of the surrounding three forts, namely Singhad, Torna, and Rajgad, making it one of the things to do in Panshet.

A breathtaking view from the Pabe Ghat near Panshet

6. Divine tranquility at Neelkantheshwar Temple 

Scenic drives and road trip with friends during monsoon are a must-do when savoring the beauty of the Western Ghats. Located just 30 km from Panshet, this famous temple has a lot of religious and historical significance. Neelkantheshwar, which translates to 'blue-throated', is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the blue poison and saved the world from destruction. The road from Panshet to Neelakantheshwar unfolds dramatic landscapes with transitions of occasional glimpses of lush green valleys and waterfalls. The cool breeze gently brushes along your cheeks, resembling an iconic scene from a Bollywood movie.

If you are planning to visit this tourist place near Panshet, we recommend visiting during August and September, as the monsoon season t ransforms the surrounding mountain ranges into green-clad mountain ranges with waterfalls.
 

Neelkanteshwar temple near Panshet. 

7. Varasgaon Dam

Varasgaon Dam is located near Pune and is one of the places you can visit near Panshet. If you are planning a family weekend getaway in Maharashtra or a long road trip with friends, this place needs to be on your list of things to do in Panshet. On the way to Varasgaon, you can see the small villages nestled around the place and enjoy some authentic Maharashtrian food like misal pav and vada pav.

Aerial view of the Varasgaon Dam

8. Unveiling the historic charm of Shirkai Devi temple 

Popularly known as Shirkai Devi Mandir, this ancient Hindu temple is believed to have been near Panshet since the Satavahana period (2nd Century BCE to 2nd Century CE. While the countless invaders who ruled this place destroyed the original temple, the present structure was built by Rani Lakshmibai of Satara in the 19th century. This temple is one of the places to visit near Pune in Panshet that you should not miss out on. The specific details, such as the stone carvings and pictures of deities on the temple's walls, depict the traditional Maharashtrian architecture. This sacred site is also believed to be a place where one can fulfill their wishes. 

Shirkai Devi Temple near Panshet

9. Lakeside Camping and Stargazing  

Being located in the outskirts of Pune city, Panshet relatively has low levels of pollution, making it an ideal destination for stargazing near Pune. The Panshet dam, which changes hues during the day, transforms into an ultimate canvas with stars scattering throughout, illuminating the place’s beauty with radiant brightness.  

Lakeside camping near Panshet

And just after indulging in all the activities and soaking up the beauty of this place, don’t forget to check into The Hosteller Panshet for amazing comfort and a vibey atmosphere. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Mutha River, The Hosteller offers a perfect blend of relaxation and social interaction. The common areas are designed in a way to encourage maximum outdoor enjoyment, captivating the serene beauty of the landscapes.

 

FAQs on Panshet

What is distance from Panshet to Torna Fort? The distance from Panshet to Torna Fort is around 35 kilometres. Formerly known as ‘Prachandagad’, it is the highest hill fort in Pune. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort when he was 16 years old and renamed it Torna Fort.

Where is Varasgaon Dam located? Varasgaon Dam is located on the outskirts of Pune. It is built on the Mosi River and is a great destination for one day trip near Pune. This is one of the spots you need to visit near Panshet, because of the picturesque views.

What is the best time of day to visit Sinhagad Fort? For those who want to trek to Sinhagad Fort, the best time to visit is early morning, when the weather is pleasant and it is easy to climb uphill. This is one of the tourist places around Panshet.

What is Panshet to Lonavala distance? The distance from Panshet to Lonavala is approximately 47 kilometres. If you are travelling from Lonavala to Panshet Dam, it would be best to go by car as it will be easier to reach the Panshet lakeside camping site.

How much is Panshet to Varasgaon Waterfall distance? By road Panshet to Varasgaon Waterfall distance is around 7 kilometres. The best time to visit this picnic spot near Panshet and Pune is during the monsoon months of June to September. On the drive there, you can see multiple waterfalls through the express highway, making it a great choice for things to do in Panshet and places to visit nearby.

On which river is Panshet dam? Panshet Dam is built on the Ambi River, which is a tributary of the Muthu River. Situated on the southwest side of Pune city, this dam is also known as Tanaji Sagar Dam. When in Panshet, you must try water sports such as skiing, pedal boating and kayaking.