Two Epic Long-Distance Escapes, Not One Weekend Trip
Satpura and Tulsishyam are two genuinely offbeat escapes for travelers who want to go further than the usual Pune weekend circuit — but it's important to be upfront: they are not next-door neighbors, and neither is a quick weekend jaunt. The Satpura range's Maharashtra hill station, Toranmal, sits in the state's far north in Nandurbar district, while Tulsishyam's hot springs lie deep inside Gir Forest in Gujarat, roughly 900 km from Pune in the opposite direction. Both are best treated as their own multi-day road trips, and both are exactly the kind of long-distance itinerary a self-drive or chauffeur-driven rental is built for.
Toranmal: Maharashtra's Satpura Hill Station
Toranmal is the state's own hidden hill station, tucked into the Satpura range in Nandurbar district at around 1,050–1,150 metres elevation, on the borders of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. It's roughly 470–500 km from Pune, translating to an 8–9 hour drive, so most visitors plan it as a 2–3 day trip rather than a same-day round trip. The route runs via Nashik and Dhule to Shahada, the nearest town, before climbing into the hills.
The hill station stays refreshingly undiscovered compared to Mahabaleshwar or Lonavala, with attractions like Yashwant Lake for boating, the lotus-covered Kamal Talao, Sita Khai waterfall, and viewpoints such as Khadki Point and Sunset Point. The Gorakhnath Temple draws large crowds of pilgrims during the Mahashivratri fair each year, and the surrounding forests are home to the Bhil, Pawara, and Nahal tribal communities, giving Toranmal a distinct cultural character alongside its natural beauty.
Tulsishyam: Hot Springs Inside Gir Forest, Gujarat
Tulsishyam is a genuinely unique destination — but it's in Gujarat, not Maharashtra. The natural sulfur hot springs sit inside Gir National Park near Una in Junagadh district, right beside a centuries-old temple dedicated to Lord Krishna (worshipped locally as Tulsishyam). The springs are divided into separate bathing tanks of increasing temperature, and are believed to have therapeutic properties for skin ailments.
The honest travel math: Tulsishyam is roughly 900 km from Pune by road, typically a 15–17 hour drive covering Mumbai, Surat, and Junagadh en route. This is realistically a 4–5 day round trip with overnight halts, best combined with wildlife drives in Gir Forest itself — one of the only places on Earth to see wild Asiatic lions — plus a stop at the curious "anti-gravity hill" just north of the temple, where vehicles in neutral appear to roll uphill.
What to Do at Each Destination
- Toranmal: Boating on Yashwant Lake, trekking to Sita Khai waterfall, visiting Machhindranath Cave and the Gorakhnath Temple, and sampling local Khandeshi dishes like pithla-bhakri.
- Tulsishyam: Bathing in the sulfur hot springs, visiting the ancient Krishna temple, a Gir Forest safari to spot Asiatic lions and rich birdlife, and the anti-gravity hill nearby.
Travel Tips
- Treat Toranmal and Tulsishyam as two separate trips — don't try to combine them, they're on opposite sides of the state.
- For either trip, book a multi-day car rental with an experienced highway driver, especially for the Gir Forest route through Gujarat.
- Carry trekking shoes and insect repellent for Toranmal's forest trails.
- At Tulsishyam, bathe only in the designated cooler springs and follow posted safety guidance — some pools run near-boiling.
- Book accommodations in advance for both destinations, as options near each are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Satpura (Toranmal) and Tulsishyam close to each other?
No — this is a common misconception. Toranmal is in northern Maharashtra's Satpura range, while Tulsishyam is deep in Gujarat's Gir Forest, roughly 900 km apart. They should be planned as two separate road trips.
How far is Toranmal from Pune?
Around 470–500 km, about an 8–9 hour drive via Nashik and Dhule. Most visitors stay 2–3 days.
How far is Tulsishyam from Pune?
Around 900 km by road, roughly 15–17 hours of driving via Mumbai, Surat, and Junagadh. Plan for a 4–5 day trip with overnight stops rather than a direct drive.
Are the Tulsishyam hot springs safe to bathe in?
Yes, in the designated cooler pools — the springs are reputed for skin-health benefits. Some pools run very hot, so follow local guidance and avoid prolonged immersion.
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