Punekars consider themselves lucky in myriad ways. One of them is the proximity to the beautiful countryside. 

If you are in Pune, a one hour drive in any direction will transport you away from the maddening crowd and commotion to a world of tranquillity. 

Come monsoon, Punekars head to some favourite spots or are in search of some lesser-known destinations. 

Unfortunately, 2020 ruined the annual ‘getting drenched under the waterfall and hogging on kanda bhaji plans’ as we find ourselves stuck at home, avoiding unnecessary travel at all costs.

Though the Maharashtra government has lifted restrictions on inter-district travel, many citizens have decided to stay home. 

So we decided to bring some famous and some offbeat places on your screen to cure your monsoon wanderlust.

Clicked in the interiors of Kamshet, the roads are as beautiful as ever, just empty this year.

Virtual Picnic Tip (cos this is our life now): Grab some kanda bhaji or your favourite monsoon snack, stare at the photo, turn the fan on high, spray some water on yourself, and voila you are on a lakeside picnic!

How magical are mountains?

Raise your hand if you want a house here just to get up to this view and foggy mornings.

Can you imagine waking up to this view everyday? I could totally get used to it.

Well, if it wasn’t for the COVID-19 pandemic, you would’ve seen less of the waterfall and more of people cramming in.

The sound of the water flowing is music to my ears!

Staring at this dreamy landscape while sipping on hot cutting chai.

Rice fields, Panshet backwaters and Sahyadri.

Where around Pune is this you ask? Well, you need to taken the road unknown.

Pune does not have a beach but we have Khadakwasla and it is peak pride.

Though this pandemic brought us together as a race, I hope us and our future generations do not have to face the a calamity of any level ever again. The need and desperation to travel is greater than ever. Though I urge everyone to travel to help support the local economy, specially the vendors and hawkers at tourist spots, I also request you to be sensitive towards the ecological impact of mass tourism and overcrowding.

Stay Safe. Stay Home. (really!)

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Pictures clicked by @sanjay17jadhav and @nupurpradhan