Discover the joy of exploring Pune’s scenic tekdis (hills) with your furry friends! This blog highlights pet-friendly spots perfect for a morning walk, trek, or simply unwinding amidst nature. From stunning views to serene trails, enjoy these paw-some getaways that welcome both you and your pets!

ARAI / Vetal tekdi 

The tekdi is well-maintained by security guards from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). Being centrally located in the city, it can be accessed from various localities. Cars and bikes can reach the top via the Kelewadi slum route on Karve Road, but vehicles must be parked near the ARAI building, as entry beyond this point is strictly prohibited. Hikers can also reach the summit from Kanchan Galli on Law College Road. There’s another hiking route available from Vikhe Patil School on S.B. Road, as well as a trail starting from Vrindavan Housing Society on NDA Pashan Road and one from Chaturshrungi Temple on S.B. Road. At the top of the tekdi, there is a large quarry. In the summer, you can bring your dogs here for swimming. Beyond the quarry lies a vast plateau, and if you start the trail from the ARAI parking lot, you’ll pass through the quarry and the plateau, enjoying stunning views of Pashan and Baner along the way.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EFkDHAQUtRpGR9hz8

Hanuman Tekdi

Hanuman Tekdi is loacted next to Symbiosis college on S.B. Road, Pune. There is no parking available at the Tekdi. Vehicles can be temporarily parked in the bunglow society next to Samarth Ramdas Udyan. The trail of the tekdi starts from Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and memorial. There are steps leading to the Pagoda and Hanuman temple on the top. There is a beautiful circular garden with a paved pathway around the Temple. There some water tanks as well. The downward sloping trail beyond the temple leads to Fergusson college playground.  One can also visit the Vruddheswar Cave temple on this tekdi. 
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A8H9TCE1hvAyeFHA9

Hatti Dongar 

This is a great spot for a short trek and serves as the starting point for the K2S Trek. You can often find people here on weekends. You can take two-wheeler bikes to the farmhouse, after which it’s a walking path. The view from the top of the hill is picturesque, and the area is peaceful, free from noise from nearby vehicles. Be sure to bring water and energy bars, and stick to the marked trails. If you’re looking for a short trek, this is an easily accessible location. It typically takes 2-3 hours to hike to and from the peak, known as Hatti Dongar due to its elephant-shaped mountain. The difficulty level is moderate, but be cautious during the rain, as some areas can become slippery due to the black sand. Many joggers come in the morning from the city. This is one of the tallest peaks along the K2S (Katraj to Sinhgad trek route), and there are no food or water facilities available on the trek. It’s best to visit on weekends, as it can be quite deserted otherwise.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/i26eT4Z2Qj6WBRNLA

Vadacha Choura

This is a fantastic short trek near the New Katraj Tunnel, taking about 45 minutes to reach the summit. The view from the top is spectacular, with beautiful scenery all around. This location can be visited in any season, although it’s best to avoid going during heavy rains. Be sure to bring your own food and water, as there are no food stalls along the way. The trek has a low difficulty level, making it suitable for senior citizens and children. Vehicles should be parked on the service road near the highway, though parking space is limited. Along the 2.5 km walk, you’ll encounter 5 to 6 old banyan trees that provide a pleasant atmosphere upon reaching the top. The route is safe enough for small children, allowing them to enjoy the experience and connect with nature.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Up2xamm5ErERmnxo7

Ghoradeshwar

Ghoradeshwar and Shelarwadi Caves are a small group of rock-cut caves located about 32 km northwest of Pune, near the old Mumbai-Pune highway. There are multiple routes to climb the hill, with two being the most popular—one via stairs and the other through a hiking trail. If you’re coming from Pune, you’ll first encounter the hiking route on your left. Although this route is officially closed, with the entrance gate locked, people often park outside and climb over the gate to access it. The trail is easy, as many people hike it daily. At the top, there’s a vast plateau with a saffron flag flying high. The second route is by stairs, which take you halfway up, after which a hiking trail leads to the temple. There are around 4-5 temples in total, including a Mahadev temple, Vitthal temple, and several Buddhist caves. Ghoradeshwar is one of the three places where Sant Tukaram Maharaj used to meditate. You can also visit Kundmala, located just across the highway.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zxvdBYrexsyqqAmXA

Baner Tekdi 

There is a tree plantation activity at Baner tekdi on every weekend. It is not crowded even in the holidays or on weekends. The easier route is from the Lokseva school on Sus road or from Baner gaon.There is another route from Baner road (lane opp Bata showroom in Baner road). The Longest trail is from the temple to end of hill on Sus road. There is arocky terrain at the entrance of both routes. Hence it is not possible to get vehicles on the tekdi. Baner tekdi being a complete vehicle-free zone makes the perfect place for pets to be left unleashed.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Ld45xKm5RqRDkiUA

Pashan Tekdi 

The trail starts from the steps near the bus stop on Pashan Sus road. Pashan hill is a vehicle free zone and full of lush green trees. The foliage of the trees is so dense that one can comfortably walk here even in peak afternoon hours. There are some water tanks as well.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ba7t6EBj3mhFyyEC9

Taljai Tekdi (from Sinhgad Road)

One needs to park vehicles on the main road only (near Hindustan bakery) and towards the steps beyond Anand Vihar society. It is a bungalow society without any gates. Initially the slope is quite steep. But later one reaches a vast plateau where the trail is completely flat. This part of Taljai is completely untouched and serene as compared to its counterpart (in Sahakar nagar).
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KsVM7kvA5eZePdFj6

Tekdi at Salisbury park

There are many entries to this tekdi. If you are coming from Salisbury park, vehicles needs to park on the road opposite Shaan court/ Shaan villa. Then you need to go walking across Poonawalla bungalow and a series of graveyards. The pedestrian entrance to the tekdi is at the dead end near the muslim cemetery. Other two entrance to this tekdi are from Lulla nagar and Command Hospital (Southern command). A lot of hooligans have started coming on this tekdi on their speeding bikes and are seen having alcohol/ drugs/ smoking. To avoid the nuisance caused by these men, its better to come in the morning rather than evening.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8a3tU4gNfGS7wFyz9

Khandoba hill

Khandoba Hill in Warje offers a scenic and short trek, taking about 30 minutes to reach the top. At the summit, you’ll find the Khandoba Temple. You can drive up to the base of the steps before starting the trek. Be sure to bring your own water and snacks, as there are no shops in the area. Keeping the hill clean is essential, so avoid littering or leaving plastic waste behind.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/82N1XgcVsmzXcHRn8

Ramdara hill

The summit of Ramdara Hill offers nothing but pure serenity. It is an expansive open area at the top. The trek from the temple to the summit is approximately 1.5 km and typically takes 45–50 minutes for regular hikers, while others may take up to 1.5 hours. The area is teeming with peacocks, adding to its charm. Though not particularly challenging, the trek is somewhat long.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/o9L5CJ7Q1CiNW8JX9

Ambegaon Bk – Narhe Hill

The Ambegaon Bk-Narhe Hill is a popular spot for morning walks and enjoying fresh air. It’s an ideal destination for exercise in the morning, offering a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Swaminarayan Mandir, Jambhulwadi Lake, and Jambhulwadi Bridge.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JbUA9SMokBFk75Y38

Where not to go :

Smritivan / Naagri Van Udyan,Warje

There is a signage at the entrance of Naagri Van Udyan, Warje clearly mentioning that pets are not allowed.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D5HxfCW6wcmMW8es8

Taljai Tekdi (from Sahakar Nagar)

Pets are not allowed in most of the areas. There is only one small patch where dogs are allowed and it is called as ‘Dog’s spot’ on google maps. Taljai used to be a beautiful and serene jungle a decade ago. But now due to unecessary construction by local politicians all over the hill, it has become a concrete jungle. It is super crowded. It is difficult to find a place to park vehicles. The sports complex, eateries, compound walls, gazebos and stadium are so overwhelming that one doesn’t get the feeling of being in natural surroundings.
Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/xVkPKMAHZJxCgZpy7