Vetal Hill

Surrounded by lush green forest and flowering plants, Vetal hill, Pune is known by several names such as Vetal Tekdi, Hanuman Tekdi, MIT Tekdi, and Pashan Tekdi. Touted as one of the highest points in Maharashtra, this beautiful place offers a panoramic view of the entire Pune city. Enriched with a wide range of flora and fauna, Vetal hill is one of the popular attractions in Pune.

Blessed with serenity and pristine natural beauty, Vetal hill is very popular among birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and photographers. It is home to a diverse range of bird species like peacocks, bulbul, Indian Robin, oriental white-eye, sunbirds, and many more. Offering a splendid panoramic view of the surroundings from the top, Vetal hill is an ideal place for a family picnic or to spend time with your loved ones amidst nature.

Situated at an elevation of 2600 ft, Vetal hill is dotted with a small manmade lake and a temple built on top of the hill.

Traveler tips:

• Carry drinking water and snacks with you.

• Although the hill is accessible from many directions, it is easier to climb from Pashan (Panchavati).

• Try to return from the trek before night falls, as there are no street lights.

• For safety, it would be good to avoid climbing the hill post dark(after 6 pm).

• Carry your camera to shoot splendid landscapes from the top.

• Use insect repellents to stave off bugs and insects.

• Carry a hat to protect yourself from the scorching sun rays.

• If visiting Vetal hill in monsoon, carry a raincoat.

Famous for:

Hiking, Trekking, Photography, Nature, Adventure

Opening time: Although the hill is open at all times of the day, it is advisable to visit from 5 am – 6 pm.

Visit duration: 2-3 hours

Entry fee: Free

Things to do

• Enjoy a leisure stroll or nature walk in this beautiful place and see colorful butterflies fluttering and birds chirping around.

• Have an early morning trek to Vetal hill, the highest point of Pune, and witness the splendid view of sunrise.

• Cycling is also a popular activity here, so you can try that as well.

• Adventure enthusiasts can trek up to the peak of the hill as there are well-maintained trails leading to the top.

• Vetal hill is very popular for bird watching, you can spot many migratory birds along with francolins, peacocks, robins, bulbuls, etc. in this quaint place.

• Brimming with tranquil neutral beauty, this place is ideal for photography.

• Besides, Vetal temple, you can also pay a visit to the very famous Chaturshringi temple situated on Senapati Bapat Road.

How to reach?

• By rail: Located at a distance of 10 km, Pune junction is the nearest railway station from Vetal hill. One can board a bus or hire a cab to Vetal hill which from the Pune railway station.

• By road: With Pashan Road on one side and S B Road on the other, Vetal hill is easily accessible by car. If coming in your own car, take the Paud road as there is parking space alongside the road. There are two spacious parking spaces on top of the hill also.

• By bus: Get down at Pashan and take the trekking route to reach the top of the hill. You can start climbing to Vetal hill from multiple trekking points such as Kothrud (Paud Road), Chhaturshringi, MIT college road, or Pashan side.

Best time to visit

To witness the beauty of the hill at its best with myriad shades of green everywhere, visit Vetal hill in the monsoon months, between July to November. As in summer, the landscape becomes dry and arid, it is not recommended to plan a trip to Vetal hill, Pune at this time. The best time to visit the hill in the day is in the early morning when the air is fresh and crisp.

Nearby attraction: 

The following are some of the popular attractions that you can add to your itinerary after visiting Vetal hill in the early morning.

• Chattushringi Mandir

• Lal Mahal

• Durga Tekdi

• Pashan lake

• Matoba templeGram Sanskruti Udyan Village Park

• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

• Pataleshwar Cave Temple

• Pune tribal museum

• Sri Balaji temple

Trivia:

Spread over an area of around 11 km, Vetal hill is maintained by the forest department of India. There is an observation deck at the top of the hill constructed by the Indian Forest Department, which offers an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding landscape

Most of this hilly region is controlled by the Indian defense force.

Vetal hill is home to ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India).

Vetal hill has been named after a temple situated at the top. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Vetala.

Called the lungs of Pune city, Vetal tekdi or Vetal hill is surely a must-visit place during your trip to Pune. With enchanting landscapes and surreal beauty of nature, Vetal hill, Pune will leave you in awe for sure.