Pune is a bustling city in the western state of Maharashtra, India. With a population of over 6 million people, it is the second-largest city in the state and is known for its vibrant culture, educational institutions, and historical significance. Known as the “Oxford of the East,” it is renowned for its educational institutions, rich history, cultural heritage, and thriving IT and automobile industries. Book a cab and explore everything Pune offers. Keep scrolling to read the complete travel guide. Read on to find out.
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Things To Do In Pune
The variety of places to visit in Pune, in terms of architecture, natural locations, food hubs, and street shopping, is immense. Enjoy exploring the vibrant city of Pune, by booking a Pune car rental with a local driver who will take you to all the hidden gems, from its bustling tech parks to its picturesque parks and gardens. Here’s what you all should do when visiting the city:
Fun Things To Do
- Kickstart with Some Adventurous Activities: The Kandamala river near Pune is a renowned spot for white water river rafting. Visit the Blue Bay Watersports for an exciting jet ski ride or take a trip to Absolute Scuba for a once-in-a-lifetime scuba diving experience. There are several trekking spots near the city for you to try out.
- Soar in the Sky at the Hadapsar Gliding Centre: If you are eager to fly a plane, the Hadapsar Gliding Centre in Pune is ready to fulfil your dreams. You get to fly on a two-seater sailplane. Ensure to make a booking to avoid any hassles.
- Get Mesmerised By the Beauty of the Ancient: Add a twist to your fun schedule by visiting the Lal Mahal at Kasba Peth. The palace offers a captivating view, and the old-world charm is a fun element.
- Shop To Your Heart’s Content: Shopping in Pune is fascinating, with prominent streets like Hong Kong Lane, Fergusson College Road, Koregaon Park, etc.
Things To Do In Pune For Couples
- Celebrate Love By Reminiscing It Through Heritage: Shaniwar Wada is the perfect place to feel the Bajirao Mastani love with your partner. Hand in hand, explore the gorgeous scenery from the Sinhagad Fort and Shivaji Bridge. End your walk with a cup of tandoori chai nearby.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: This hot air balloon ride starts from the city and ends in Lonavala. It is a fairytale activity for couples enjoying each other’s company in the surreal Sky.
- Go on a Romantic Dinner: Divine restaurants top the list of places to visit in Pune for couples. Mezza9, Paasha, and Trikaya are some of the most sought-after restaurants for a dinner date.
- Sleep Under The Stars: Pawna Lake is a popular camping site for couples. You get to sleep under the starry night sky, with outdoor activities and barbeque a bonus.
Fun Things To Do In Pune For Youngsters
- Go-Karting: Circuit 77, near Balkrishna Lawns, offers a 500m long track for go-karting. You can choose the number of laps you want and have a thrilling experience with your friends.
- Light and Sound Show at Shaniwar Wada: Youngsters can enjoy a 2-hour light and sound show at the Shaniwar Wada, the home to Peshwas and exquisite Maratha architecture.
- Visit the Osho Ashram: For a relaxing meditation experience, you can visit the Osho Ashram in Koregaon. It opens at 9 AM and offers a blissful experience away from the chaos.
- Enjoy the Nightlife: The nightlife is highlighted through various pubs in Pune, such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Mi A Mi – one of the best pubs in Pune with a dance floor, and the finest brewery – Doolally At Tap.
Things To Do In Pune For Free
- Visit the Lush Green Parks: Pune houses multiple parks and gardens with free entries and breathtaking landscaping.
- Conquer Parvati Hill: For a penny-free experience, you can climb up Parvati Hill, the second highest hill in Pune. It is a steep flight of 180 steps with a Shiva temple on the top.
Activities to do in Pune
- Visit Sky Jumper Trampoline Park
- Visit House of Mysteries for a full hour of escape games
- Go to Raw Adventure Solutions for Parasailing and Paragliding
- Play Bowling at gaming centres
- Visit e-sports gaming centres
Places To Visit
Here are some of the must-visit locations in Pune:
- Aga Khan Palace – A dedication to Mahatma Gandhi and other great men of India
Entry Fee – INR. 5 for Indians INR. 100 for foreigners
- Mulshi Lake – A great picnic spot for friends and family, surrounded by the calmness of the water
Entry Fee – Free
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum – Learn about the history of Pune and India through sculptures, ornaments, weapons and more.
Entry Fee – INR. 5 (for children), INR. 10 (for adults), INR. 50 (for foreign children), INR. 200 (for foreign adults)
- Sinhagad Fort – For a charming panorama of the city and forests
Entry Fee – INR 20
- Shaniwar Wada – Observe the kingdom of the Peshwas and experience the ultimate heritage. Click here to find out about the haunting mystery of Shaniwar Wada.
Entry Fee – INR 5 (Indians) INR 25 (Foreigners).
- Khadakwasla Dam – It is a major water source for the city and is surrounded by nature.
Entry Fee – Free
Read more: Aga Khan Palace, Pune – A palace to some, a prison to others
Places To Visit Nearby
Check out these irresistible places to visit near Pune:
- Lohagad Fort – A fun trek near Pune, at an altitude of 1050m
Entry Fee – INR 30
- Karla Caves – These caves are Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave temples and one of the most famous weekend getaways near Pune.
Entry Fee – INR 5
- Khandala – Khandala is one of the most scenic hill stations near Pune, 71 km from the city. There are many lakes, waterfalls, and forts to explore in Khandala. Take a cab from pune and explore this small town without having to go through the hassle of planning a different trip.
Places To Eat
Check out some of the best places to eat in Pune:
- Misal Pav at Kata Kirr
- Vada Pav at Garden Vada Pav Centre
- Mango Mastani at Sujata Mastani
- Maharashtrian Thali at Shabree
- German Bakery at Koregaon Park
- Shizusan – For its Pan-Asian dishes
How to Plan a Trip to Pune?
You can plan a personalised trip to Pune by selecting a suitable mode of transport, travel route, stay, and more. Let us help you with a few options to reach the city:
How to Reach Pune?
By Train
Pune is one of the major railway junctions of the Indian Railways; multiple trains serve the city. The route of the trains is such that it connects to small towns as well, making Pune extremely accessible.
If you’re travelling with a group and require a big and comfortable trip, you can easily book an Innova cab in Pune, which can seat up to 7 passengers and has features like air conditioning and plenty of luggage space.
By Road
The road transportation facilities to and from Pune are exceptionally seamless. Government and private buses are travelling from neighbouring states and cities. You can book a Savaari from Mumbai to Pune for a hassle-free journey.
By Flight
Located in the Lohegaon area, Pune Airport is 10 km away from the city, offering domestic and international flight services.
Best Time To Visit Pune
The ideal time to visit is between October and February, as the weather is pleasant, manageable, and feasible for sightseeing and exploration.
About
Maharashtra is the home to several happening cities, one of which is Pune – the cultural capital of the Maratha people. It, also known as Poona, is a fascinating city, observing numerous advancements in technology, culture, education, lifestyle, and more. The city offers many tourist attractions, from scenic treks to crystal lakes. The food, nightlife and heritage monuments spread across the city are a ticket to endless memories.
Location
Situated at the junction of the Mula and Mutha rivers of Western India, Pune is called the “Queen of the Deccan”. It is India’s seventh most populous city and the second-largest city in Maharashtra. It is a hilly city, with cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, and Bangalore at a distance of not more than 1000 km. Mumbai is merely 170 km away. You can book a cab from Mumbai to Pune with Savaari and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a private vehicle.
The city is well-connected to various cities through an intricate railway and expressway network. Being closer to the West Coast, it has access to several ports. Frequent flights and trains run from Pune to major destinations, and the roads in and out of the city are one of the best things about the place. Hailing a cab is the best way to explore the city’s tourist destinations.
Weather
Pune has a hot semi-arid climate, ranging from tropical wet and dry, with average temperatures of 19 to 33 °C. The maximum temperature during summer is 42°C. The monsoon lasts from July to October, with moderate rainfall and occasional hailstorms. The temperatures during winter range from 26 °C during the day to 9 °C at night.
History
The history of Pune dates to the 8th century, when copper plates were found, indicating that the city was known as Punnaka and was ruled by Rashtrakutas. Later on, during the 17th century, it was a pivotal abode of Chhatrapati Shivaji, ruler of the Marathas. It also became the seat of the Peshwa rulers. It was the capital of the Bhonsle Marathas until the Mughals temporarily captured it.
Yet, Pune remained the Maratha capital from 1714 to 1817 until the British invasion. The British acknowledged it as the Monsoon Capital of the Bombay Presidency. Consequently, the city is known for its British Raj “bungalow architecture”. The city’s rich history gives you multiple things to do in Pune.
Geography
Pune, the Deccan glory, is located 560m above sea level. It is approximately 18° 32″ north latitude and 73° 51″ east longitude. The total area of the city is 15.642 km 2. It is on the leeward side of the Sahyadri hills, with rich black soil on the city’s western parts, perfect for cultivating paddy, and red soil on the remaining parts. The Bhima River is the most prominent river of the city, along with other tributaries.
Interesting Facts
- The game of badminton was initially named Poona as the game’s fame is rooted in the city.
- Due to the mesmerising climate of the city, officers and defence personnel retired in Pune, considering it the “Pensioner’s Paradise”.
- India’s first girl school was started in Pune, which houses the only National Defence Academy in the country.
- The population of Pune currently is 6.9 million and has a bigger area than the city of Mumbai.
Hotels and Resorts
| Hotel Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The Corinthians Resort & Club | Nyati County, NIBM Annexe South Pune, Pune 411001 India | Phone: + 91 9657711662 |
| The Central Park Hotel | Bund Garden Road Near Inox Multiplex, Pune 411001 India | Phone: 020 4010 4000 |
| Lemon Tree Premier | 15 & 15A City Centre, 40, Connaught Rd, Modi Colony, Pune, Maharashtra 411001 Phone: 020 6768 4343 |
| Green Gate Resort | Survey No 96 Dhokalwadi Mulshi, Pune 412108 India | Phone: 083789 38000 |
Whether you want a relaxing getaway or an adventurous memory, Pune serves it all. Download the Savaari app and get planning today!
Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by
