Pune, the cultural and historical capital of Maharashtra, is known for its rich heritage, picturesque landscapes, and warm people. With its pleasant weather, serene lakes, and lush green hills, the city offers an ideal getaway for those who seek to escape the chaos of metropolitan life. Pune is not only a popular destination for tourists but also a city that is loved by its inhabitants. In this post, we will take you through the best attractions and things to do in Pune so that you can make the most of your trip to this vibrant city. From historical landmarks to vibrant markets, we have got you covered with everything that Pune has to offer. So, let’s get started!

The 3 Best Walking Tours in Pune

1. Cultural Heritage Walking Tour in Pune
2. Trails of Pune Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour
3. Singhagad Panshet Lavasa Trip Guided Full Day Sightseeing Tour

The 3 Best Walking Tours in Pune

1. Cultural Heritage Walking Tour in Pune

Explore the history-filled arts hub of Pune with your own private guide during this culture-themed walking tour. Perfect for first-time visitors, this half-day experience covers the main attractions and offers insights into Pune’s enthralling history, including the powerful Maratha Dynasty. Visit an 18th-century palace, get a glimpse inside Pune’s most famous temple, and shop for souvenirs at Laxmi Market, a bustling local shopping bazaar. All entrance fees are included, and you’ll even enjoy light refreshments along the way. Choose to head directly to the meeting point at Shaniwarwada, Kasba Peth, or request pickup. The guide will meet you at the entrance at 9:30 AM, and lunch is also included in the package. Don’t miss out on this insider’s walking tour of Pune’s top heritage sites.

2. Trails of Pune Guided Full Day Sightseeing City Tour

Looking for a way to see all the top sights in Pune without having to worry about logistics or missing out on insider knowledge? Look no further than this guided full-day sightseeing city tour. With a friendly and highly trained storyteller/guide who speaks English and Hindi, comfortable transportation in a sedan or 4WD vehicle, and an itinerary that includes highlights like the Shaniwar Wada Fort and Red Palace, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, with an authentic Maharashtrian lunch included, you’ll have everything you need for a full day of exploring. Just be sure to bring cash for entry fees to any historical sites you want to visit on this comprehensive and convenient tour.

3. Singhagad Panshet Lavasa Trip Guided Full Day Sightseeing Tour

Ideal for travelers short on time, this full-day tour covers the best of the Pune region in a single day of sightseeing. Your private guide, a highly trained and friendly storyteller who can speak English and Hindi, will take you to the most exciting destinations in the area. You will visit the iconic Singhagad Fort and enjoy a breathtaking view of the landscape while having the option to have a lunch of Maharashtrian cuisine at the top of the fort. Your tour will also bring you to the Khadakwasla Dam, and two major dams in the region. Lastly, you will see the modern Lavasa hill station, based on the design of the Italian town of Portofino. This full-day tour includes a car for all your destinations, a water bottle, and local snacks. Please note that entry fees to any historical site and lunch are not included in the package. Join this tour to maximize your time in Pune and experience the best attractions the region has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pune – Your Ultimate Tourist Guide

Pune is a sprawling city located in the western part of Maharashtra state. Pune has been the center of Maratha culture and history for centuries. From the eighteenth century to the present day, Pune has emerged as a hub of education, industry, and tourism in India. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions that tourists have about this vibrant city.

1. What are the best places to visit in Pune?

Pune offers numerous tourist attractions that you can visit with your family, friends or even solo. The most popular places to visit in Pune are:

Shaniwar Wada:

The imposing Shaniwar Wada palace, once a seat of power for the mighty Maratha Empire, is now one of the most visited tourist spots in Pune. The palace has a rich architectural history and is said to be haunted too!

Agakhan Palace:

Located on the outskirts of Pune city, Agakhan Palace is a serene and peaceful place to visit. This palace is famous for being the prison of Mahatma Gandhi and for its stunning Italian architecture.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum:

The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is one of the most popular museums in Pune. It houses an impressive collection of rare artifacts, antiques and curiosities collected from all over India by Dr. Dinkar G Kelkar.

Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple:

Over 125 years old, the magnificent Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is the most popular temple in Pune. The temple is located in the heart of Pune and attracts millions of devotees every year.

2. What is the local cuisine of Pune?

Pune has a rich culinary heritage, and its food is an intrinsic part of its culture. Some of the local specialities that no visitor should miss are:

Vada Pav:

A classic Delhi street food, Vada Pav, has a huge following in Pune too. It comprises of a potato-stuffed cutlet, fried and served with bread and mint or coriander chutney.

Bhakarwadi:

A popular Maharashtrian snack, Bhakarwadi is a sweet-and-spicy mixture of besan and moth beans stuffed in thin dough, deep-fried and served with green chutney.

Misal Pav:

Misal Pav is a spicy, tangy curry made from mixed sprouts and served with bread, boiled potatoes and farsan. It is a must-try for anyone visiting Pune.

3. What is the best time to visit Pune?

Pune has a tropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit Pune is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is also a good time to visit Pune.

4. What are the transport options available in Pune?

Pune is well-connected by public transport services like buses, metros and local trains. Autos, taxis and rental bikes and cars are also easily available in the city. Visitors can download taxi apps like Uber or Ola to make commuting easier.

5. What are the shopping options in Pune?

Pune offers many options for the shopping enthusiast. From budget shopping to high-end retailers, the city has something to offer everyone. Some of the popular places to shop in Pune are:

Laxmi Road:

Laxmi Road is the most famous street shopping destination in Pune. Located in the heart of the city, Laxmi Road offers a wide range of items like clothes, shoes and accessories at reasonable prices.

Koregaon Park:

Koregaon Park is an upscale locality in Pune and is home to a large number of designer boutiques and specialty stores. It is the go-to place for luxury shopping in Pune.

Fergusson College Road:

Fergusson College Road is a popular hangout spot for college students and is home to numerous street vendors and fashion stores. Shopaholics can find the latest fashion trends and accessories at this location.

6. What are the accommodation options in Pune?

Pune has many different types of accommodations to offer from budget-friendly accommodations and guest houses to luxurious hotels and resorts. Some of the popular options are:

Budget hotels:

Reddy’s Guest House, Hotel Woodland, Garden Court

Luxury hotels:

Marriott Suites Pune, The O Hotel, The Westin Pune, Hyatt Regency

Resorts:

The Machan, The Corinthians Resort, Mulshi, Panshet

7. What are the safety tips for visitors to Pune?

Pune is a relatively safe city, but like any other place, visitors must take certain precautions. These safety tips can help ensure a hassle-free and pleasant stay in Pune:

Keep your valuables safe:

Do not wear expensive jewellery or carry large sums of money. Visitors should also be wary of pickpockets while travelling on public transport.

Avoid deserted areas at night:

It is advisable not to travel alone in deserted areas, especially after dark. Always make sure you are in a safe and populated area.

Be cautious while using ATMs:

Tourists should be careful while using ATM machines and should use them only during the day in well-lit areas.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Pune

Pune is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in India. It is a city of rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-class cuisine. There is so much to see and do in Pune that it is hard to know where to start. In this guide, we will explore the best things to do in Pune and how to make the most of your time as a tourist.

1. Visit Aga Khan Palace

One of the most iconic landmarks in Pune, Aga Khan Palace is a must-see on any tourist’s list. This grand palace was built in 1892 and has a rich history, as it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba during India’s struggle for independence. The palace is now a museum that showcases Gandhi’s life and works.When visiting Aga Khan Palace, make sure to take a guided tour. The knowledgeable guides will give you a detailed history of the palace and the role it played in India’s struggle for independence. You can also take a walk around the palace gardens and enjoy the serene environment.

2. Explore Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada is another iconic landmark in Pune and an important part of the city’s history. This former palace was built in 1732 and served as the seat of the Peshwas, who were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire.The palace was largely destroyed in a fire in 1827, but the ruins still stand as a testament to the bold and breathtaking architecture of the time. When visiting Shaniwar Wada, make sure to take a guided tour to learn more about the palace’s history and its role in the Maratha Empire.

3. Visit the Pataleshwar Caves

The Pataleshwar Caves are a series of rock-cut caves located in the heart of Pune. The caves date back to the 8th century and are a testament to the exquisite architecture of the time.The Pataleshwar Caves are made entirely of basalt rock and feature intricate carvings and sculptures that are truly stunning. When visiting the caves, make sure to take a guided tour to learn more about their history and significance.

4. Sample Pune’s Cuisine

No trip to Pune is complete without sampling the city’s vibrant and diverse cuisine. Pune is known for its street food, which includes dishes like vada pav, misal pav, and bhel puri.For a more formal dining experience, head to one of Pune’s many restaurants that specialize in local cuisine. Restaurants like Shabree and Vaishali are famous for their Maharashtrian thalis, which are a must-try for any foodie.

5. Visit the Osho Ashram

The Osho Ashram is a spiritual center located in Pune that attracts visitors from all over the world. The ashram was established in 1974 by the spiritual leader Osho Rajneesh, who preached a message of love, compassion, and meditation.When visiting the Osho Ashram, make sure to take a guided tour to learn more about the teachings of Osho and his impact on the spiritual world. You can also participate in meditation and other spiritual practices at the ashram.

6. Take a Walk in the Peshwa Udyan

The Peshwa Udyan is a stunning garden located in the heart of Pune. The garden was built in the 18th century and features intricate landscaping, stunning water features, and gorgeous flowers and plants.When visiting the Peshwa Udyan, take a leisurely walk through the garden and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can also have a picnic or stop at one of the garden’s many cafes for a cup of tea or a snack.

Book Your Tour Now

Pune is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, food, or spirituality, Pune has it all. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time as a tourist and experience all that Pune has to offer. Remember to take lots of pictures and enjoy every moment of your trip!