10 Best Things To Do In Pune | Explore Pune City
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Here are some of the best and unmissable things to do in Pune.
Pune is a city full of life. It’s an amalgamation of rich historical heritage, cultural activities, exploration sites and vibrant city nightlife. It has many closely located adventurous & amazing getaways where you can spend a relaxing weekend or go for trekking on a beautiful day. Pune being an Educational and IT hub has also been attracting youth and professionals from all over India. The fun and peaceful vibe of Pune makes it one of the most livable city in India. So, if you are looking forward to visit Pune, here’s a detailed guide including the best of things to do in Pune and more that will help you plan your next trip to this beautiful city.
Things To Do In Pune
Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892 as an act of charity to help the poor affected by famine. This magnificent palace is a prominent landmark of historical significance in Pune. Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his secratary Mahadev Desai were imprisoned here following the launch of Quit India movement. Mahatma Gandhi spent two years in confinement in this palace during which he lost both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai. This palace houses the memorials of Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi.
- Location: Kalyani Nagar, Pune
- Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: The entrance fees of Aga Khan Palace is Rs. 5 for Indians, Rs. 2 for Child and Rs. 100 (1.4 USD) for Foreigners.
Sinhagad Fort
The Sinhagad Fort also known as the Lion Fort is a very popular trekking destination in Pune. You may also drive till the entrance of this fort and catch some amazing views of the mountains surrounding the fort. Sinhagad fort is believed to have been built 2000 years ago. It has served as a battlefield for many important battles in the history of Marathas. Trekking to Sinhagad from the foothill will take about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your speed. Carry lots of water, some food and wear comfortable shoes suitable for trekking. The best time to visit the fort is during monsoons from June to August or winters from October to March. You can grab a plate full of kandha bhajias or some local food for your lunch once you are at the fort.
- Location: 36 Kms from Pune, Thoptewadi
- Opening Hours: 5 AM to 6 PM
- Ticket Prices: There is a minimal parking fees for the vehicles at the foothill if you are going for trekking or at the Sinhagad Fort entrance if you have driven to the top.
Shaniwar Wada Fort
The Shaniwar Wada Fort was built in the 18th century and served as a fortress for Peshwa Bajirao of Maratha Empire. This fort stands as a symbol of the rise and fall of the Maratha Empire. Many members of the ruling family had met unfortunate deaths due to betrayals or war defeats . This fort is also known to be haunted by the ghost of Narayanrao who was the fifth ruling Peshwa in 1773. Although the fort was partially destroyed in 1827 due to an unexplained fire, but still it remains to be the most visited tourist attraction in Pune.
- Location: Shaniwar Peth
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 5:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: The entrance fees of Shaniwar Wada Fort is Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 125 (1.7 USD approx.) for Foreigners. The price for the Light & Sound show is Rs. 25 per person. You can click here to prebook your tickets.
Dagadusheth Halwai Ganesha Temple
The Dagadusheth Halwai Ganesha Temple is a very beautiful temple serving as a holy place attracting devotees of Lord Ganesha from various parts of the world. This temple was built by a very well known sweet maker Dagadusheth Halwai in 1893 to help heal and overcome from the loss of his son. The idol of Lord Ganesha is magnificent and adorns about 40 kilos of gold. Every year this temple is marvelously decorated to celebrate the 10 day Ganesha festival. Also many cultural and charitable activities are organized here on timely basis. So, if you are in Pune and want to visit a religious place, this temple is a must visit for you.
- Location: Ganapati Bhavan, Budhwar Peth
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 9 PM
- Ticket Prices: Free entrance
Seven Wonders Theme Park
If watching the Seven Wonders of the World within a theme park fascinates you then should be heading towards the Seven Wonders theme park also known as Yashwant Rao Chavan Garden in Pune. This theme park is a small garden having miniature replicas of the seven wonders of the world. The replicas are very beautifully designed and built. There is also a 4D theater named after Dadasaheb Phalke showcasing various different 4D shows. This park is an ideal place for a lovely family outing and capturing those Instagram worthy moments. Probably one of the most fun things to do in Pune with your family.
- Location: Opposite Rajiv Gandhi Academy of E- Learning, Shivdarshan Area
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 9 AM in the mornings and 4 PM to 8 PM during the evenings
- Ticket Prices: Rs. 20 per person
Pataleshwar Temple
The Pataleshwar temple is an ancient rock cut cave temple carved out in the 8th century. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva. This temple garners a lot of attention for its architecture and very soothing atmosphere. The ambiance and atmosphere of this temple is very peaceful. It is believed that the Pataleshwar cave temple was carved out from a single basalt rock. This temple has also been enlisted as one of the best caves in Maharashtra making it one of the unique things to do in Pune.
- Location: Jangali Maharaj Road, Shivaji Nagar
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: Free entrance
Osho Garden
The Osho Garden is one of the most scenic gardens in Pune. The peaceful and positive vibes of this garden attracts many tourists from all over the world. This picturesque garden has been designed according to Japanese styled layouts having lots of lush greenness, stone bridges, wooden pathways and a tranquil lake. The Osho Garden is stunningly captivating and is an ideal place to spend a rejuvenating evening with your loved ones. You can also make a visit to the Osho Ashram which is located near to this garden. The Osho Ashram is very well known among people as a spiritual, meditation and rejuvenation center.
- Location: Koregaon Park
- Opening Hours: 6 AM to 9 AM in the mornings and 3 PM to 6 PM in the evenings
- Ticket Prices: Free entrance to Osho Garden. Click here to book a guided spiritual walking tour of Osho Garden.
- Note: There is an entrance fee for Osho Ashram.
Lavasa City
Lavasa is one of the most unique hilltop cities in India surrounded by mountains having scenic lake, waterfalls and an amazing landscape. It is a private city developed and maintained by Hindustan Construction Company. The most attractive part of this city is the Promenade which has a very picturesque backdrop of pastel colored buildings. These buildings have residential apartments as well as hotel accommodations. The architecture of this city is inspired from Portofino, a beautiful village in Italy. There are many enjoyable things to do in Lavasa such as adventure water sports, cycling or take a stroll at the promenade enjoying the charming surroundings.
Location: Located at about 65 kms from Pune
Lonavala
Lonavala is a very well known Hill Station in Maharashtra. During monsoons, this place turns into a paradise surrounded by the majestic Sahayadri hills covered with lots of greeneries, sparkling lakes and many waterfalls. Lonavala has a plethora of attractions for its visitors. These attractions include Bushy Dam, Pavana Dam, Lonavala Lake, Tiger Point, Duke’s Nose, Della Adventures, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves. You will be needing at least two days to visit all these attractions. The Lohagad Fort and Rajmachi Fort are very well known spots for trekking in Lonavala. Visiting Lonavala is one of our most favorite things to do in Pune.
Location: Located at about 65 kms from Pune
Adlabs Imagica :
The Adlabs Imagica located at the Mumbai – Pune expressway is the most popular amusement and adventure theme park in India. There are variety of thrilling rides, amazing entertainment activities, tons of food eateries and shopping arenas, so many things at one place. This theme park caters fun filled activities for all age groups. It is a perfect place to spend a day filled with lots of fun and thrilling experiences with your family. Apart from the theme park you can also visit the snow park and the Aqua Imagica which is an amazing water park. For Non – Pune residents or tourists they also have a family resort where you can stay over while your trip to Imagica.
- Location: Mumbai – Pune expressway
- Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 7 PM
- Ticket Prices: The variations in entrance fees is seasonal. Book your tickets here.
Best Time To Visit Pune
Pune city is blessed with beautiful weather during the monsoon months July – September and winter months October – March. Sight seeings can more viably be done during winter months that are from October till March. Visiting Pune during monsoons can be fun only if you enjoy rains or plan on visiting the popular near by monsoon destinations such as Lonavala, Lavasa, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. The visibility of the views may be less at some heights but are definitely worth a visit if you enjoy monsoons. Pune has bearable summers during April till June.
Have you been to Pune, or plan to make a visit? Do share your experience/opinion here, we would love to hear from you 🙂
Don’t forget to share and pin this post for later♥️
I’m sure this will in come handy for those visiting Pune
Thank you & I hope so too☺️
😊👍
India has been on my list for a long time but I haven’t really heard about this city Pune. Interesting post and interesting details, I’ll add this city to my list!
Pune is one of the underrated destinations in India, worth visiting mainly during monsoons or winters😀
I like identifying travel destinations that have lovely weather during the months that it’s unbearable at home. Pune would definitely be one of those places with nice weather at the end of and beginning of the calendar year!
Yes, that’s so true! The weather in Pune remains pleasant throughout the year.
I have never heard of Pune before and had to do a quick google! The palace and the fort and temples – It has everything!! Looks incredible!
Sounds like a great city. The Seven wonders theme park sounds so cute.
Never been to Pune, it looks really nice. It’s time I planned another Indian adventure. Thanks for the tips, glad I saw this.
India is hiding so many cool places to visit. I think I’ll need at least 3 months to see everything I want. 🙂
After reading some of your other comments, I am glad I am not the only one who had never heard of Pune. I am glad you introduced this place to me. I love learning about places I had never heard of before. This is why my travel bucket list never gets any smaller.
I am not familiar with Pune. Thank you for sharing, it seems like a unique destination!
So many beautiful places in one city! I’d love to visit here and your those palaces and the fort!
I love detailed posts like these that break down cost and hours! So useful and informational!
What a lovely city! I had never heard about it, it looks awesome and so culturally rich. Great breakdown on the post 🙂
This has so much information! It looks gorgeous and I’m so happy the best time to visit is October – March, I’m always trying to find Winter vacations! 🙂
Pune is next on my list for when I visit India again. There is so much to see and do, it’s amazing!
How fascinating! I knew absolutely nothing about visiting Pune but I’ll have to add it to next year’s India itinerary now!
Pune looks a very inviting and versatile city. I will definitely visit when I am in India.
some great spots you have covered , then there are also the Ashtavinayak circuit and Bheemashankar shrine that are close by , Lavasa is truly a great destination .
Nice informative article, keep it up
The city of Pune looks wonderful! Those buildings and artitechtural designs look similar to Europe’s. Would love to pay a visit here one day! great adventure!
Honestly I had no idea Pune had so many places to visit. Recently I was planning a trip, I was in dilemma to include Pune & literally skipped it. My bad. I’ll remember it for my next trip for sure, thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Anjali, this is such a nice collection of major attractions in Pune. I thought I knew everything there is to see and just to find that I had never heard of Pataleshwar Temple or the two theme parks you mentioned.
Pune is surrounded by gorgeous nature, temples and tons of Maratha history. There is so much nearby –
– Jain temples for example the massive and amazing one near Katraj
– Parvati is very popular with devotees and has great views of the city.
– Saras Baugh temple
– Mulshi dam
– Pune university
– Alibaug and many amazing beaches
Etc
Your post is very nicely structured and easy to read
After reading the list mentioned by you, I think I will have to go back to Pune again. Mulshi dam was the one in my list but couldn’t go there because of the heavy rains. Pune is a very gifted city for sure! Thanks for the appreciation ☺️
so many places to explore in and around pune, lovely compilation.
Beautifully compiled post and the pics too are lovely. Pune has much more to see than I thought.
I visit Pune often however some places I have still not visited. Thanks Anjali, next time gonna take sincere efforts and check Agha Khan palace for sure.
Very nice detailed guide and lovely pictures 🙂
Pune has so much to offer. It is one of the best places to visit in and around Mumbai. Thanks for sharing!!
Have been in India but never in pune would love to visit 💕
Wow impressed by reading your blog. I have been in India but I didn’t visit pune till now. Looks like such a great city loved your post gorgeous pictures too!
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