Along the green slopes of Western Ghats, in the foothills of the Sahyadri, is a small village deeply immersed in nature. Known as Bhor, it is located 2 hours from Pune and 5 hours from Mumbai. Surrounded by lush green hills, a dreamy landscape, and a freshwater lake, this village is an ideal weekend escape in Maharashtra.

In this travel guide to Bhor, Maharashtra, we will round up the finest experiences in and around this gem of a destination. Bhor invites all kinds of travellers to indulge in its slow-paced lifestyle and nature activities during the monsoon or winter seasons. If you have never been to Bhor before, this travel guide will give you plenty of reasons to plan a trip right away. And for seasoned travellers, it will let you in on the best things to do in Bhor.

Sahyadri Mountains in Bhor | A picture by @techfrog.in

Best time to visit Bhor

• Summer - From March to May, making the atmosphere hot and humid. The average temperature during this time averages at 34° C.
• Monsoon - From mid-May to October, offers a great opportunity for an incredible weekend getaway from Pune and Mumbai. Rains during this time replenish the surrounding lakes and rivers, painting the town bright green and blue. In July, skies remain covered with dense clouds, and the temperature remains preferable for exploration.
• Winter - the sun shines brightly as the sky remains clear, but the temperature remains pleasant to go on quick hikes.

Check out Zostel Home Bhor for a nature escape.

Bhatghar Dam- 27 km from Zostel Home Bhor | A picture by @techfrog.in

Things to do in Bhor

From chilling by the lake to quick nature walks, Bhor has some of the finest offbeat experiences to offer.

Hiking- The dreamy little village of Bhor is surrounded by the lush green hills of Sahyadri and the Western Ghats, which means there are plenty of options for a short or a long hike. Choose any off-the-beaten-path and treat yourself to the bounty of nature and unparalleled views.

Kayaking- Located along the banks of a freshwater lake calls for water activities like kayaking. It is one of the most favoured things to do in Bhor amongst travellers.

Village walks- The whole region, in and around Bhor, is sprinkled with tiny villages. Locals here don’t shy away from welcoming travellers with big smiles on their faces and open arms. The best time to take a village walk is early morning when the sun paints the sky crimson and gold, and birds start singing their songs.

Stargazing- Away from all the pollution and with the added advantage of clear skies, Bhor will leave you speechless with its star-studded sky.

Chilling by the backwaters- It is one of the most sought-after things to do in Bhor. Gather around the backwaters of Bhor with your friends or family and chill by the waters, indulge in a fun picnic, or watch fluttering birds fly over the mountains.

Fun fact: From Zostel Homes Bhor, backwaters are at a walkable distance. Check out our home here.

Things to do in Bhor | Designed by Anushka Aurangabadkar

Places to visit in Bhor

From old forts to offbeat nature coves, Bhor can surprise and delight anyone with its offerings.

Necklace point- It is a perfect spot to chill, relax, picnic, or soak in the spectacular beauty all around. Offering a scenic drive and panoramic views, Necklace Point is a u-shaped bend at a spot where the Nira and Gundwani rivers merge into each other, making it one of the best places to visit in Bhor.

Rajgarh fort- With a mind-blowing view of the Western Ghats from the top, Rajgarh fort is the highest point in the region. A small trek to the top goes through muddy paths, lush forests, and caves.

Bhatghar dam- Built on the Yelwanti River, Bhatghar Dam is a gravity dam, paving the way for a soothing lake and a resting spot for migrating birds. On a relaxing weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, spend a lazy day by the lake and watch the dramatic scenery to your heart’s content.

Bonfire area at Zostel Homes Bhor | A picture by @techfrog.in

How to reach Bhor

By Car:

From Katraj (Pune), drive towards Khed Shivapur. Follow NH 60, NH 48 and SH 65 to Nasrapur Phata (~27km). Turn right from Nasrapur Phata and follow the road towards Kodawade Phata (~15km). Take a left from Kodawade Phata towards Mantra Resorts. After crossing a narrow bridge, drive towards Mantra Resort on an uphill road (~4km). Then continue downhill towards Moonwater Resort (2.5 km) and then turn right towards Kurunji. You will arrive at Casuarina Holiday homes after ~9km, where Zostel Home Bhor is located.

By Bus:

Take a bus from Katraj (Pune) to Male Bhor (57 km, 2 hrs) and dropdown at Casuarina Holiday Homes.

PS. The bus connectivity is poor in the region, so we recommend travelling by personal vehicle/taxi.

From Pune Railway Station: (72 km, 2.5 hrs) ~INR 2000 for a taxi to reach Zostel Home Bhor.

From Pune Airport: (77 km, 3 hrs) ~INR 2500 for a taxi to reach Zostel Home Bhor.

Stay | Zostel Home Bhor

We have a quaint homestay in Bhor located on the banks of a freshwater lake. Offering a quick weekend getaway in Maharashtra, Zostel Home Bhor is an ideal example of a nature retreat. While at Home, you can look forward to relaxing in the gardens, enjoying wholesome meals, and stargazing well into the night.

Zostel Homes Bhor | A picture by @techfrog.in

Check out Zostel Bhor Home here.