Half way between Mumbai and Pune are these two popular weekend destinations, 5 km apart. Surrounded by the picturesque Western Ghats, these sleepy little hill-stations have a cool and pleasant climate, with forested hills, streams and waterfalls. You can go for invigorating walks and treks, children can take pony rides, and you can relax at the many hotels that offer a peaceful and homely vacation. Lonavala is a favourite base for rock-climbing.

A few kilometres from Lonavala is the Karla Caves built in the 2^nd century BC. They are one of the oldest examples of Buddhist cave temples. The magnificent chaitya is said to be the largest and best-preserved ancient Buddhist shrine in India. It has a circular window to let the light in, a simple stupa carved out of a single rock, and impressive rock cut pillars with carvings of kneeling elephants.

This atmospheric little hill-station set up by the British, is steeped in Raj nostalgia. It was the favourite summer holiday retreat of Lord Elphinstone and many other British VIPs. Just 110 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune, Matheran is a favourite weekend destination for families and couples. There are many hotels and resorts, many of them housed in old British and Parsi bungalows.

Perched on a plateau at a height of 4,500 feet above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is one of the largest hill-stations in Maharashtra. It is thickly wooded and has lovely roads and footpaths for walks and pony rides. Mahabaleshwar is famous for its strawberry cultivation, and you can shop for fresh jams and preserves, as well as honey and locally made cane products.

This is another pretty hill-station in the Sahaydri hills, close to Pune and Mahabaleshwar. It has many remnants of the colonial days, and was a favourite summer retreat for the British and wealthy Parsi families. It also has several well-known boarding schools, set up from the British times. Panchgani has some popular treks through its lush green forests and valleys. You can take pleasant walks or cycle and pony rides through the oak forests and enjoy picnics by the banks of the River Krishna that snakes its way through the area.