Weekend getaway from Pune · #7 of 10
Kamshet
India's paragliding capital, 45 km up the old Mumbai highway: tandem flights off Shinde Wadi and Tower Hill, lakeside camping at nearby Pawna, and the ancient Bedse caves in between.
Kamshet is India's ultimate paragliding capital, a scenic hill town 45 km up the old Mumbai highway. You will fly tandem off Shinde Wadi or Tower Hill, explore ancient rock-cut Buddhist caves, and wind down lakeside at Pawna, all in one action-packed day!
Getting there
The quick, no-nonsense route most day-trippers choose. You will cruise straight through Talegaon.
A bit slower, but you get gorgeous views of Pawna Lake's lively camping shoreline. Take this if you want to pair flying with a lake hangout!
Day 1 - Paragliding, caves and a lake
Sky-high tandem flights above the Sahyadris, ancient rock-cut caves, and a relaxing sunset stroll by Pawna Lake.- 16:30 AMDrive
Early drive to Kamshet
Hit the road early from Pune to snag the first paragliding slots of the day. The crisp morning air is when the breeze is calmest, making it the perfect time for tandem flights.
📍 Kamshet, Maharashtra
Tip · Do not wait! Book your paragliding slot the day before because those weekend morning slots vanish fast.
- 27:30 AMActivity
Tandem paragliding over the Sahyadris
Soar tandem off ridges like Shinde Wadi or Tower Hill! You will launch with one of Kamshet's top flying schools and get jaw-dropping, bird's-eye views right over the beautiful Pawna valley.
📍 Tower Hill, Kamshet
Tip · Lace up some sturdy closed shoes and wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting a bit muddy when you land.
- 39:30 AMSight
Bedse Caves
Climb the rock-cut steps up to this ancient 1st-century-BCE Buddhist chaitya hall. It is wonderfully quiet and blissfully free of the heavy crowds you will find at the other nearby caves.
📍 Bedse Caves, Kamshet
- 411:00 AMSight
Bhaja Caves
Just a quick hop from Bedse, this grander set of 2nd-century-BCE rock-cut caves features a majestic chaitya hall and ancient carved stupas that are incredibly photogenic.
📍 Bhaja Caves, Kamshet
- 512:30 PMFood
Missal pav lunch
Pull over at a local highway dhaba to refuel! Treat yourself to a fiery, spiced-up missal pav or a classic Maharashtrian thali before we head down to the lake.
📍 Kamshet, Maharashtra
- 62:00 PMActivity
Pawna Lake shoreline
Stroll or grab a boat along Pawna's scenic, camp-dotted shoreline. Look across the water to spot the majestic Tikona and Lohagad forts standing guard on the far bank.
📍 Pawna Lake, Kamshet
Tip · Keep an eye out for lakeside stalls serving piping hot cutting chai and fresh roasted corn (bhutta) to snack on.
- 74:00 PMSight
Kondeshwar Temple
This serene, forested hillside temple is the ultimate peaceful spot to catch your breath and reflect on the day before we start the drive back to Pune.
📍 Kondeshwar Temple, Kamshet
- 85:30 PMDrive
Drive back to Pune
Time to hit the highway and head back towards Talegaon and Pune. Let's get rolling so we can beat the dark and enjoy a smooth drive home.
📍 Kamshet, Maharashtra
Where to eat
A spicy, sprouted-bean curry served with soft bread. It is the ultimate go-to Maharashtrian fuel for breakfast or lunch at dhabas near Kamshet.
You will find roadside shacks near the caves and lake frying up crispy onion fritters and pouring steaming hot glasses of strong tea all day long.
Freshly charred and sold right at the Pawna Lake campsites. It is the absolute best snack to munch on by the water.
When to go
The absolute sweet spot! Expect perfectly clear blue skies for paragliding and cave exploration, plus lovely, cool temperatures down by the lake.
The Western Ghats burst into brilliant green and the caves look magical, though keep in mind flying schools ground all tandem flights during heavy wind or rain.
Afternoons get pretty warm, so plan your paragliding and lake hangouts for the cooler morning or evening hours.
Good to know
- Lock in your paragliding slot early! Weekend flights book out fast, especially during the peak months from October to February.
- Make sure to wear sturdy, closed shoes to tackle the steep steps of the caves and for a safe, smooth paragliding landing.
- Keep some cash handy. The local roadside stalls and tiny lakeside vendors almost never accept credit cards.
- If you prefer not to drive, Kamshet has its own cozy little railway station right on the main Pune-Mumbai train line.
