Pune Travel Guide: Best Places To Visit, Local Experiences, Food And More

Pune, often called the "Oxford of the East," is a dynamic city that combines tradition and progress. As the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it has a rich history dating back to the Maratha Empire and played a vital role in India's struggle for independence, serving as a base for several prominent freedom fighters. The Aga Khan Palace, which witnessed pivotal moments in history, stands as a testament to Pune's contributions. The city's past resonates in its architectural heritage and cultural legacy, from the serene Sinhagad Fort to the academic excellence of institutions like Fergusson College.Today, the metropolis is a hub for education, technology and cultural endeavours. From historic landmarks and bustling markets to a vibrant spirit among its residents, here's Outlook Traveller's city guide to Pune.Top Places To Visit In PuneShaniwar WadaOnce the seat of the Peshwas, the Shaniwar Wada is an iconic fort palace known for its intricate architecture and historical significance. The fort complex includes the imposing Thorlya Rayancha Diwankhana and the beautiful Hazari Karanje.Experience the history of Shaniwar Wada come alive through a mesmerising light and sound show that narrates the tales of the fort.Entry Fee: The entry ticket to the palace costs INR 5 per head for Indians and INR 125 for foreigners.Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Shaniwar Wada is during the winter months from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the palace grounds.Address: 480, Shaniwar Peth, Pune 411030Aga Khan PalaceBuilt in 1892, the Aga Khan Palace is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of India's freedom struggle. It houses a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his followers.Entry Fee: The entry ticket to the palace costs INR 5 per head for Indians and INR 125 for foreigners.Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit the Aga Khan Palace is during the winter months from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the palace grounds.Address: Palace View Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune 411006Sinhagad FortPerched on the Sahyadri range, Sinhagad Fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Steeped in history, the fort has witnessed numerous battles and stands as a testament to Maratha valour.Entry Fee: The entry fee for Sinhagad Fort is generally free for pedestrians, but there are fees for parking vehicles. Two-wheelers are charged INR 20, and four-wheelers are charged INR 50.Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Sinhagad Fort is during the post-monsoon season, from late September to early February, when the landscape is lush green after the rains.Address: Sinhagad Ghat Road, Thoptewadi 411025Top Things To Do In PuneExplore The Street ArtVisit Koregaon Park to discover vibrant street art, murals and installations that add a creative touch to the city's urban landscape.Paraglide At KamshetJust a short drive from Pune, Kamshet is a paragliding paradise. Adventure seekers can soar through the skies and enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.Enjoy The Cultural Offerings Of The MillsLocated in Undri, The Mills is a cultural space featuring theaters, art installations and a vibrant community of artists. It hosts film screenings, plays and art exhibitions.Embark On The Rajmachi TrekExplore ancient forts and picturesque landscapes on this trek, which offers a blend of history and adventure and the reward of stunning sunset views.Camp At Pawna LakeFor a serene getaway, camping by Pawna Lake is a popular choice. Enjoy the tranquility of the lake, indulge in water activities and savour the beauty of the surrounding hills.See The Khadakwasla DamSurrounded by hills, this picturesque destination is suitable for a day outing. It offers boating and stunning views of the landscape.Birdwatch At Pashan LakeA birdwatcher's paradise, Pashan Lake is a peaceful retreat with a diverse avian population. It's the perfect spot for nature walks and bird spotting.Where And What To Eat In PuneDorabjee & SonsA Pune institution, Dorabjee & Sons has been serving Parsi delicacies for decades. The berry pulao and dhansak are must-try dishes.Address: 845/846, Dastur Meher Road, Camp, Pune 411001Timings: 10 AM to 7 PMCost: INR 1,500 for twoVaishaliA favourite among locals, Vaishali is renowned for its South Indian and North Indian fare. The masala dosa and filter coffee are iconic offerings.Address: Fergusson College Road, Ganeshwadi, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005Timings: 7 AM to 11 PMCost: INR 500 for twoGerman BakeryLocated in Koregaon Park, the German Bakery is a popular spot for delicious baked goods, sandwiches and a cosy ambience.Address: 292, N Main Road, Ragvilas Society, Koregaon Park, Pune 411001Timings: 8 AM to 12 AMCost: INR 1,000 for twoShabreeSpecialising in Maharashtrian cuisine, Shabree offers a culinary journey through the state's diverse flavours. The puran poli and misal pav are highly recommended.Address: 1199, 1A, behind Tukaram Paduka Temple, Shivajinagar, Pune 411004Timings: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM to 11 PMCost: INR 800 for twoMalaka SpiceFor those craving Asian flavours, Malaka Spice in Koregaon Park serves delectable Pan-Asian dishes in a vibrant setting.Address: Siddharth Chambers, Lane, Off North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune 411001Timings: 11:30 AM to 12:30 AMCost: INR 1,800 for twoVohuman CafeThis iconic Irani cafe is known for its bun maska, chai and a nostalgic ambience that transports visitors to a bygone era.Address: Millennium Star, Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj Road, Near Ruby Hall, Sangamvadi, Pune 411001Timings: 6 AM to 7:30 PMCost: INR 500 for twoJoshi WadewaleIndulge in the crispy and spicy delights of Puneri wadas at Joshi Wadewale, a popular street food joint.Address: Congress House Road, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PMCost: INR 400 for twoM G Road Street Food StallsThe street food stalls along M G Road offer a variety of snacks, from pav bhaji to pani puri, capturing the essence of Pune's street food culture.Bedekar MisalA culinary gem, Bedekar Misal is celebrated for its fiery misal pav, a traditional Maharashtrian dish with a flavourful kick.Address: 418, Munjabacha Road, Narayan Peth, Pune 411030Timings: 7:30 AM to 6 PMCost: INR 400 for twoChitale Bandhu MithaiwaleSatisfy your sweet tooth with the delectable sweets at Chitale Bandhu, known for its bhakarwadi and other Maharashtrian treats.Address: 777, Bajirao Road, Near Bank Of Maharashtra, Sadashiv Peth, Pune 411030Timings: 9 AM to 8:30 PMCost: INR 500 for twoShopping In PuneTulsi BaugA bustling market, Tulsi Baug is known for its vibrant stalls selling clothing, accessories and traditional Maharashtrian jewellery.F C RoadFergusson College Road is a shopping hub, featuring a mix of branded stores, boutiques and street vendors. It's a favourite among college students and fashion enthusiasts.Juna BazaarExplore Juna Bazaar for a traditional shopping experience, with stalls offering antiques, vintage items and a variety of goods.Where To Stay In PuneLuxury Places to StayJW Marriott Hotel PuneA luxurious retreat, JW Marriott Hotel Pune offers elegant rooms, fine dining experiences, and a central location in Pune's upscale Koregaon Park.Address: Senapati Bapat Road, Laxmi Society, Model Colony, Gokhalenagar, Pune 411016Tariff: INR 18,499 per nightThe Westin Pune Koregaon ParkNestled in the heart of Koregaon Park, The Westin Pune offers upscale accommodations, modern amenities and a serene ambience.Address: 36/3-B, Mundhwa Road, Koregaon Park Annexe, Ghorpadi, Pune 411001Tariff: INR 13,400 per nightBudget-Friendly Places to StayShantai HotelA budget-friendly option, Shantai Hotel provides comfortable accommodations, essential amenities and a convenient location in the city.Address: 10/3, Off Moledina Road, Camp, Rasta Peth, Pune 411011Tariff: INR 1,832 per nightHotel SapnaSituated near Pune Railway Station, Hotel Sapna is a budget hotel offering affordable stays and easy access to transportation.Address: 573/7, Jangali Maharaj Road, next to Sambhaji Park, Shivajinagar, Pune 411004Tariff: INR 2,150 per nightSustainableThe Orchid HotelEmbrace sustainable living at The Orchid Hotel, a LEED-certified property with eco-friendly practices and a commitment to environmental responsibility.Address: Adjacent Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex, Pune-Banglore Road, Balewadi, Pune 411045Tariff: INR 5,500 per nightFort JadhavGADH - A Gadh Heritage HotelWhile not in Pune city, Fort JadhavGADH offers a unique stay in a heritage fort with a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism.Address: Hadapsar-Saswad-Jejuri Road, Jadhavwadi 412301Tariff: INR 9,300 per nightHow To Reach PuneAir: Pune is well connected with the entire country through domestic airlines. Lohegaon Airport, or Pune Airport, is an international airport located 15 km away from Pune city centre and has flights connecting to all the major cities.Rail: Pune Junction railway station connects the city with all the prime Indian destinations. Some of the prominent trains operating to/from Mumbai are the Deccan Queen and Shatabdi Express, which take around three-and-a-half hours to reach Pune.Road: Pune enjoys excellent connectivity with neighbouring cities and towns through a well-maintained network of roads. Mumbai (140 km), Ahmadnagar (121 km), Aurangabad (215 km) and Bijapur (275 km) are all well-linked to Pune by several state and roadway buses. Those driving from Mumbai need to take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway route, which takes two to three hours to cover a distance of about 150 km.Getting Around In PunePune has an extensive bus network that covers nearly every part of the city and is quite affordable. To get around, use ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber and auto-rickshaws. The city is fairly walkable in certain areas, especially neighbourhoods like Koregaon Park, F C Road, and areas near Pune University. However, many parts of the city lack proper pedestrian infrastructure, so be cautious.Best Time To Visit PuneThe best time to visit Pune is typically during the winter months from November to February. The weather is cool and pleasant, which makes it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities and exploring the city comfortablyThe city comes alive during Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in August/September. Enjoy the processions, music, food and dance performances during this time.Quick 3-Day Itinerary To PuneDay 1: Start with a visit to Shaniwar Wada. Head to Koregaon Park for a peaceful lunch at one of its many cafes. Visit the Aga Khan Palace in the afternoon and then stroll through the vibrant M G Road in the evening for shopping or just people-watching.Day 2: Take an early trip to Sinhagad Fort, a short drive from the city. Enjoy a morning trek and stunning panoramic views. Grab a quick bite at one of the small eateries at the fort, known for their local Maharashtrian delicacies like pithla-bhakri. Then, visit the serene Osho Ashram in Koregaon Park or explore the peaceful surroundings of Pataleshwar Cave Temple. In the evening, unwind at Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, a Japanese-style garden perfect for relaxation.Day 3: Head out for a quick trip to Lonavala or Lavasa for a scenic retreat. Return to Pune and visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum for a glimpse of traditional Indian art. Conclude your trip with a relaxing dinner at The Corinthians Resort for a mix of local and international cuisine.FAQs About PuneWhat Is Pune Best Known For?Pune is best known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant academic scene with prestigious institutions like Fergusson College and Symbiosis, and its proximity to scenic hill stations like Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar.What Are The Best Things To Do In Pune In 3 Days?In three days, you can explore Pune's rich history by visiting Shaniwar Wada and the Aga Khan Palace, trek to Sinhagad Fort for panoramic views, and relax at the Osho Ashram. Don't miss shopping at M G Road, exploring the serene Pune Okayama Friendship Garden and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Koregaon Park.Is Pune Expensive For Indian Travellers?Pune is relatively affordable for Indian travellers, especially when compared to cities like Mumbai or Delhi. Budget options for food, transport and accommodation are easily available, but upscale areas like Koregaon Park and high-end restaurants can be pricey.What Is The Best Time To Travel To Pune?The best time to visit Pune is between November and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to heavy rainfall and humidity.What Local Food Should I Try In Pune?Misal Pav – A spicy curry made from sprouted beans served with pav. Try it at Shree Upahar Gruh or Chitale Bandhu for an authentic taste.Puran Poli – A sweet flatbread stuffed with jaggery and lentils, typically served during festivals. Shri Krishna's Puran Poli is a good spot to try this.Vada Pav – Pune's take on the classic street food, with crispy vada (potato fritter) in a pav. Head to the Garden Vada Pav Centre on Bootee Street or Joshi Wadewale.Best Tourist Places To Visit In Pune If You Love History