Suman Rising GloryVelhe, Pune

If you're a nature lover seeking an environment that feels like heaven on earth, you must add Velhe to your list. Many visitors have reviewed Velhe as the most beautiful part of the Pune District. The monsoon season especially allows you to witness its beauty at its best. 

The locality is full of nature's wonders, breathtaking views, and lush green landscapes. Some people even say it's the mini Switzerland of Pune. But it's not just that; its popularity amongst tourist destinations has made all the necessary amenities available in the area. Being in a serene neighbourhood away from bustling city life, the land here is comparatively affordable. 

The area also holds historical significance, making it an appealing destination for both residents and visitors. Officially known as Rajgad Taluka, this area is predominantly rural and encompasses around 130 villages​. Its proximity to several majestic forts, like Rajgad Fort and Torna Fort, offers a brief peek into history. Rajgad Fort, originally the capital of the Maratha Kingdom under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, offers stunning views of the forest surrounding the locality. 

Velhe is celebrated for its ample water sources and rich flora, promising an awarding investment and a peaceful lifestyle away from the urban hustle. Additionally, Velhe is home to beautiful natural reservoirs like Gunjavane Dam and Panshet Dam, which serve as essential water sources and popular recreational spots for picnics and water sports​. Overall, it's a beautiful, relaxing destination to give yourself a calming break from the fast-paced city lifestyle. 

What’s Good/ What Can Be Better? 

Physical Infrastructure and Livability Index

If you are looking for a peaceful place in Pune, check out Velhe District. The area primarily has a rural setup with progressively improving physical infrastructure. It enjoys moderate connectivity with nearby Pune, primarily via road and bus services. The primary route to Velhe from Pune covers approximately 46 kilometres, with a driving time of about 45 minutes under normal traffic conditions. For those preferring public transport, there is a regular bus service operated by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd. (PMPML). The buses run every 30 minutes from Natraj Stand in Pune to Khanapur near Velhe, taking around 68 minutes per trip​. 

Additionally, recent developments in infrastructure have been aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Notably, the inauguration of a new police station building in Velhe has marked a significant advancement in local governance and safety, signalling an ongoing commitment to bolstering the operational capacities of the Pune Rural Police Force. This enhancement in public safety infrastructure is part of broader efforts to ensure community well-being and security. Overall, Velhe is gradually transforming into a more livable and appealing locality with ongoing infrastructure developments. Hence, it promises a blend of rural neighbourhoods and modern conveniences.

Social Infrastructure - Restaurants

Food enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of culinary options in the locality. Some of the nearby dining options in the area include:

• Hotel Visava Veg Non Veg
• Hotel Swapnil Nonveg Speciality
• Hotel Torna Vihar
• Hotel Vishal
• Hotel Sonali VELHE
• Swapnil Biryani House

Banks/Metro Station/Airport/Bus Terminals/Railway Stations/Parks

This locality is near Velhe-Panshet Road, which offers easy connectivity and convenient commutes to Pune's main city.

Banks and ATMs

• Bank of Maharashtra

Metros and Railway Station

• Pune Junction

Airport

• Pune Airport

Bus Terminals

• Velhe MSRTC Bus Stand
• Velhe Road bus stop
• Swargate Bus Station

Parks

• Gunjavani Dam
• Ancient rock cut steps Torna 
• Torana fort parking
• Torna waterfall
• Velhe viewing point

Popular Roads in Velhe

Velhe-Panshet Road - 

This local road is crucial for connecting Velhe to the Panshet area, known for the Panshet Dam and its surrounding scenic spots. The road facilitates access to these recreational areas, making it popular for weekend getaways and tourism-related activities. This route is especially important for those interested in water sports, hiking, and exploring the lush landscapes around the Panshet Dam.

National Highway 4 (NH-4) -

Mumbai-Bangalore Highway: This major highway passes through Pune and is part of the main arterial network connecting Pune to Mumbai and Bangalore. It facilitates significant commercial and commuter traffic, enhancing connectivity between major cities​​.

National Highway 50 (NH-50) - 

Pune-Nashik Highway: Starting in Pune, NH-50 passes through several important localities like Chakan and Rajgurunagar before reaching Nashik. This highway is crucial for the movement of goods and commuters between these major cities, aiding in the economic development of the region​​.

State Highways -

Several state highways enhance connectivity within the Pune district, linking smaller towns and rural areas like Velhe to Pune city. These roads are essential for local trade and access to city amenities​.

Nearby Locality - Distance Calculator

How Do People Rate this Locality?

Residents consider Velhe to be excellent, highlighting the high level of satisfaction among most of its residents. Leading to an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5, indicating a generally positive perception of the locality.

With a score of 3.4/5, commuting facilities such as public transport, parking, and connectivity are rated fairly well, though there may be room for improvement in managing traffic. Also scored at 3.4/5, it indicates decent availability and accessibility to schools, hospitals, restaurants, and markets, which are crucial for daily living. Rated 3.9/5, it suggests that Velhe offers a pleasant and appealing environment.

This collective feedback suggests that while Velhe is highly regarded for its environment and neighbourhood quality, areas like traffic management and commuting facilities might benefit from further enhancements to fully meet resident needs.

How to Visit Velhe?

Velhe offers a lively escape within Pune. Whether you're a resident or a tourist, here's a guide on how to reach this interesting locality:

By Road:

Velhe is accessible by road from Pune via the National Highway 4 and State Highways, connecting the locality to major cities in Maharashtra. The drive from Pune to Velhe covers approximately 45 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering a scenic route through the Western Ghats.

By Air:

The nearest airport to Velhe is Pune International Airport, which is about 60 kilometres away. Upon arriving at the airport, visitors can hire taxis or use other forms of road transport to reach Velhe. The journey typically takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

By Train:

Pune Railway Station is the nearest major railhead for those planning to visit Velhe by train. It is well-connected to major cities across India. From Pune station, travellers can take a taxi or bus to reach Velhe, with the road journey taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Places To Visit in Velhe

Velhe is a versatile destination for different types of travellers. The locations below provide a glimpse into Maharashtra's rich history and offer opportunities for adventure and leisure. 

Torna Fort

Also known as Prachandagad, the fort is a significant historical site and the highest fort in the Pune district. Visitors can drive to the base village of Velhe and trek to the fort, which takes about 3-4 hours. The location is famous for being the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj, marking the beginning of the Maratha empire. The fort is a popular destination for trekkers due to its challenging trails and panoramic views. 

Rajgad Fort

Rajgad Fort, meaning the King of Forts, served as the capital of the Maratha empire for over two decades before the capital was moved to Raigad. Visitors can enjoy the most scenic hilltop routes to reach the fort. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? Rajgad is accessible via a trek from the base village of Gunjavane, which is about an hour's drive from Velhe.

Panshet Dam

Located near Velhe, Panshet is a perfect spot for a family picnic or a day out in nature. It's also popular among water sports enthusiasts for activities like kayaking and boating. Panshet can be reached by road from Velhe, with a drive of about 50 minutes.

Madhe Ghat

Madhe Ghat is located southwest of Velhe and offers stunning views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges and deep valleys. It is a lesser-known spot, perfect for those looking to escape the usual tourist routes and enjoy Mother Nature. The place is accessible by road from Velhe and is a great place for photography and relaxation.

Locality Comparison

Velhe is an ideal locality for those seeking deep historical exploration through its array of forts and trekking opportunities. It contrasts with places like Panshet, known for its water activities and family-friendly environment, and Khadakwasla, which is more accessible and popular for quick visits due to its proximity to Pune. Sinhagad Fort offers well-developed tourist facilities, attracting a high volume of visitors for both educational and leisure purposes. Meanwhile, Rajgad Fort appeals to dedicated trekkers and history enthusiasts with its challenging trails and historical significance. Overall, each neighbouring locality around Velhe offers distinct attractions, catering to diverse interests ranging from leisure and adventure to historical pursuits. This variety defines their unique appeal to different types of visitors.

Key Takeaways

For those who love places overruling city life over nature, Velhe is the spot for you. Whether you love exploring historical sites, enjoying a day by the water, or just relaxing amidst nature, Velhe has something special for you. It's a place full of unique experiences, perfect for anyone looking to add a little adventure or relaxation to their life. So come and see what makes Velhe so charming!