Check Out The 20 Best Things To Do In Pune
1. Take To The Skies At The Hadapsar Gliding Centre
Did you always want to fly a plane, but didn’t exactly have the expertise – or sources – to do so? Well, if you’re on the lookout for cool things to do in Pune, look no further than the Hadapsar Gliding Centre. Making you go on a thrilling flight on a two-seater Sailplane that will give you a bird’s eye view of the city, you are certain to relish this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The best part? You won’t even get to hear any of those pesky engine sounds that most planes make. Just remember, you will have to make an advance booking to avail this experience.
Where: Hadapsar Gliding Centre, Saswad Road, Hadapsar
When to do it: Every Sunday, between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Rs 187 per session
Contact: 020 26991012
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2. Revisit The Magic Of Bajirao Mastani At Shaniwar Wada
I’m sure I’m not the only person out there was left spellbound and awestruck by the magnanimous sets of Bajirao Mastani. Well, what if we told you that could actually visit and explore one of those places in real life? Originally built in 1732, Shaniwar Wada was the crown seat of the Maratha Empire and continues to remain one of their iconic landmarks. While most of the fort was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1828, you can still see the remnants of the Maratha Empire that ruled from here in the Dilli Darwaza, Mastani Darwaja, Naachacha Diwankhana, Juna Arsa Mahal and the famous Hazari Karanje (Fountain of a thousand jets).
Where: Shaniwar Peth, Pune
When to do it: Everyday between 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: Rs 5 per person (for Indians) and Rs 25 per person (for foreign nationals)
3. Experience Pune’s Famous Tandoori Chai
Located in the by-lanes of Kharadi right opposite the Zensar building, Tandoori chai is something that is singularly unique to Pune. How is this Tandoori chai concocted? Well, the process is quite simple. First, earthen clay pots (or kullhads as they are more commonly known) are kept in a tandoor where they are roasted. Then, the semi-brewed tea is poured into one of those kullhads, where it is fully brewed. After the chai has sizzled, it’s poured in another kullhad and served piping hot with a distinct smokey flavour.
Where: Willtec House, opposite Zensar building, Kharadi
When to do it: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: Rs 20 per cup
Contact: 8390408080
4. Explore The Majestic Aga Khan Palace
Built in 1892 by Sultan Aga Khan, this palace is one of the most majestic landmarks, not just Pune, but also the entire country. Initially created as a safe space for the poor of the city, who at that time were dealing with the devastating aftermath of a flood, it now functions as a museum and memorial commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s life (he was under house arrest here for a few years). In fact, the room in which Gandhi was staying has been left untouched by the authorities, with all of his personal items and belongings (including his books, clothes and famous spectacles) still in place.
Where: Gandhi National Memorial Society, Aga Khan Palace Road, Pune
When to do it: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: Rs 5 per person (for Indians) and Rs 100 per person (for foreign nationals)
Also read: Free Things To Do In Pune
5. Visit The Pataleshwar Cave Temple
One of Pune’s most ancient landmarks, the Pataleshwar cave temple dates its origin all the way back to the 8th century, when it was actually carved out of a single basalt rock. A favourite place for locals to celebrate Shiva Linga pooja, the Pataleshwar cave temple also holds a Guinness world record. The world record is thanks to a single grain of rice – one that is safely kept inside the cave’s museum – that has around 5000 letters inscribed on it! That alone is probably reason enough to make exploring this cave temple one of the best things to do in Pune.
Where: Pataleshwar Caves, Shivajinagar
When to do it: 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Cost: Free
Also read: Best Places To Visit In Pune
6. Satiate Your Sugar Cravings At The Iconic German Bakery
Eating at the iconic German Bakery, which was first founded in 1988, should pretty much be a mandatory prerequisite for anyone planning on visiting Pune. The perfect place for satiating your sugar cravings, their masala chai, frozen hot chocolate, fish’n’chips, cheesecakes and classic breakfast spreads are an absolute treat for one’s taste buds.
Where: 291, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune
When to do it: 7:45 AM to 11:45 PM
Cost for two: Rs 1100
Contact: 020 71967457
7. Experience The ‘Art of Living’ At The Osho Ashram
The Osho Ashram, and the Teerth Osho Park are, without question, one of Pune’s most famous landmarks. If you want to truly experience the ‘Art of Living’, you need to spend some time at this iconic ashram. After all, it’s the perfect place for you to calm your mind, seek some mental peace and gain some spiritual tranquillity. The blissful experience you’ll be receiving at the Osho Ashram, complete with the serene sound of burbling waters and chirping birds, truly makes it one of the best places to visit in Pune.
Where: 17, Koregaon Park Road, Vasani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune
When to do it: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: Rs 920 per person (for Indians) and Rs 1900 per person (for foreign nationals)
Also read: Best Resorts Near Pune
8. See The Beauty Of Nature At The Khadakwasla Dam
If you harbour an adventurous spirit, one that wants to see the beauty of nature up close and personal, then the Khadakwasla Dam is where you ought to be headed. Built across the Mutha River and located near Khadakwasla Village, it makes for the perfect relaxing getaway. Additionally, if you happen to harbour a thing for photography, then watching and capturing the beautiful sunset (or sunrise) here makes for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where: Khadakwasla Dam, near Khadakwasla Village, off Sinhagad Road, Pune
When to do it: 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
know more about: Best Waterparks In Pune
9. Enjoy An Evening At Koregaon Park
Your Pune trip cannot be complete without a visit to Koregaon Park. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an evening at, especially if you want to relish some local street-food, bring in the weekend with a few drinks, or just want to relish a fancy dinner-date with a loved one. Simply put, it’s the perfect amalgamation of restaurants, cafes and bars in the city, and there is something for everyone to enjoy here.Where: Koregaon Park, Pune
When to do it: Varies from restaurant to restaurant
Cost: Varies from restaurant to restaurant
10. Go For A Trek To Sinhagad Fort
Located on the Sahyadri Mountains, the Sinhagad Fort is one of Pune’s oldest and most famous landmarks. It is said that the fort may be 2000 years old, and was the site of many famous battles, including the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. As it’s located on a high altitude on the Bhuleshwar Range of the Sahyadri Mountains, it makes for a perfect trekking route, one that will make you come as close as possible to experiencing the challenges and difficulty all those who tried to conquer it faced.
Where: Sinhagad Ghat Road, Dist Pune, Thoptewadi, Pune
When to do it: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Rs 20 (for two-wheelers) and Rs 50 (for four wheelers)
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11. Be One With Animals At The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Image Source: @katrajsnakepark/ Facebook
Commonly known as the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo or the Katraj Zoo, visiting the the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park with your family or friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon should pretty much be on the bucket list of every Punekar. It is basically divided into three parts, a zoo, a snake park and an animal shelter. The zoo is home to a rich variety of animal species, including Asiatic lions, white tigers, sloth bears, Indian elephants, and barking deer. The snake park, as the name suggests, is where you’ll be able to come face to face with more than 160 species of snakes, including the Indian rock python, vipers, and the Indian cobra. The zoo premises also includes the 42 acre Katraj Lake, making it one of the best places to visit in Pune.
Pro tip: The Zoo remains closed every Wednesday, so plan your trips accordingly.
Where: Pune-Satara Road, Opp. Katraj Dairy, Katraj, Pune
When to do it: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: Rs. 25 (for adults), Rs. 10 (for children), and Rs. 100 (for foreign nationals)
12. Experience A Breathtaking View Of The City From Parvati Hill
Image Source: Times of India
Situated near the suburbs of Pashan Hills, Pashan Lake is an artificial lake that was first built during the British Raj. Its primary purpose was to meet the water requirements of the people living in the region. Nowadays, visiting the lake has become one of the best things to do in Pune, especially if you wanted to spend some time with your family or a special someone over the weekend, but didn’t want to go to one of those cliched places the entire city seems to be visiting on the same day. Enjoying a picnic here, while you engulf yourself with the serenity and tranquility of sitting by the lake, makes for a truly worthwhile Pune trip. There also happens to be 300 meter long Nature Trail on one side of the lake, which makes for a great jogging/walking trail, and if you are lucky, you can even witness some rare migratory birds visiting the lake.
Where: Parvati Hill, Parvati Paytha, Pune
When to do it: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
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Situated near the suburbs of Pashan Hills, Pashan Lake is an artificial lake that was first built during the British Raj. Its primary purpose was to meet the water requirements of the people living in the region. Nowadays, visiting the lake has become one of the best things to do in Pune, especially if you wanted to spend some time with your family or a special someone over the weekend, but didn’t want to go to one of those cliched places the entire city seems to be visiting on the same day. Enjoying a picnic here, while you engulf yourself with the serenity and tranquility of sitting by the lake, makes for a truly worthy experience. There also happens to be 300 meter long Nature Trail on one side of the lake, which makes for a great jogging/walking trail, and if you are lucky, you can even witness some rare migratory birds visiting the lake.
Where: Pashan, 12 kilometers from Pune
When to do it: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Cost: Free
14. Witness The Mystique Of The Karla Caves
While not exactly in the city of Pune itself, the Karla Caves are close enough to Pune (about one and a half hour’s drive from the city) to warrant a place on our list. Dating their origin all the way back to 160 BC, the Karla Caves are perhaps the most significant and ancient symbol of the origins of Buddhism in India. And of all the caves located here, it’s actually the Grand Chaitya (Cave 8) which is the most popular attraction here. This isn’t all that surprising since it is the largest and best preserved shrine of its time, and is a great testament to the roots of Buddhism in early Indian civilization. Within the caves, you can also find a Buddhist monastery, carved prayer halls, and picturesque arched entrances, along with beautiful and well preserved sculptures of humans and animals. An absolute sight to behold indeed!
Where: Karli, Lonavala
When to do it: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
15. Have Some Freshly Brewed Beer In Pune’s First Microbrewery
Image Source: @the1stbrewhouse/ Facebook
If you love your beer as much as the paparazzi loves Taimur Ali Khan, then you ought to be making your way to The 1st Brewhouse. Located at the Corinthians Resort, this place is considered to be Pune’s first microbrewery and, as such, is an absolute haven for beer lovers in the city. The beers here are specially crafted by German brew master Oliver Schauf, and are pretty much in a league of their own. Additionally, they also have a delectable food menu they serve here, from which we recommend you to try out their nachos salad, fish fingers, chicken sausages, and stuffed mushrooms, all of which will perfectly complement your glass of beer.
Where: Nyati County, NIBM Annexe, South Pune Mohamadwadi, NIBM Road, Pune
When to do it: 12:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Cost for two: Rs. 2,000
16. Explore The Lohagad Fort
Situated about 64 kilometers northwest of Pune, the Lohagad Fort stands at an elevation of around 3,389 feet and happens to be one of the most iconic forts near Pune. The fort comes with its own rich and interesting history, as it has been ruled by both the Maratha, as well as the Mughal empires. Nowadays, it acts as a famous tourist attraction, as well as a prime location for a trek. In fact, trekking to the Lohagad Fort makes for a unique experience, one that only gets accentuated by the scenic view you get to witness from the fort itself.
Where: Lohagad Fort, Lohagad Trek Rd, Maharashtra
When to do it: You can visit the fort at any time of the day
Cost: Free
17. Go For Some Paragliding At Kamshet
Image Source: @kamshetparaglidingclub/ Facebook
Have you ever wanted to take to the skies and go on an adrenaline rush like never before? Well in that case, you need not look any further as paragliding at Kamshet makes for a truly thrilling and awesome experience that everyone should make sure they indulge in at least once in their lives – even those who might harbour an acrophobia. With licensed pilots and certified trainers there to guide you, you’ll be able to paraglide above Kamshet and witness the beauty of the Sahyadri Ranges from an altitude that cannot be rivaled. When it comes to cool things to do in Pune, this definitely makes the cut.
Pro tip: In order to be eligible for paragliding you have to be at least 15 years of age, along with weighing above 45 kgs.
Where: Kamshet, Maharashtra
Cost: Starting from Rs. 2,500
18. Go On A Shopping Spree At FC Road
FC Road, which stands for Fergusson College Road, is a great place to visit if you’re planning on going on a shopping spree, but are on a strict budget because it happens to be the end of the month, or because you’re a college student who is perpetually broke all the time. After all, shopping at FC Road is, without question, one of the best things to do in Pune, primarily because you can get your hands on some stylish clothes and accessories, fancy jewellry, trendy sling bags, fashionable shoes, and even innovative phone covers for an incredibly reasonable price. In fact, you can pretty much stock up your entire wardrobe for as little as 2000 rupees by shopping at FC Road. Now doesn’t that make for a bargain well-struck?
Where: Fergusson College Road, Shivajinagar, Pune
Cost: Varies from shop to shop
19. Get A History Lesson At The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Widely considered to be one of the best places to visit in Pune, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum houses various sculptures (some of which date back to the 14th century), gorgeous ornaments, weapons and vessels of war, and even musical instruments! Established in 1962, the museum now houses over 20,000 objects, of which it has around 2,500 on display. These include items located in the Textile Wing (gorgeous Paithani sarees, haath pankhas, and royal clothes that used to adorned by kings and queens. Additionally, as mentioned above, there is also an area that houses weapons and vessels of war, including arrows, spears, shields, and swords that were actually used during battles in history. Add to this the reenactment of Mastani Mahal – with cushions and chandeliers authentically representing the mahal – and you’ve got a place that should be on the bucket list of every Punekar.
Where: No. 1377/78, Kamal Kunj, Bajirao Rd, Natu Baag, Shukrawar Peth, Pune
When to do it: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: Rs. 5 (for children), Rs. 10 (for adults), Rs. 50 (for foreign children), Rs. 200 (for foreign adults)
20. Take A Spiritual Retreat At The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Considered to be one of the most famous and iconic temples devoted to Lord Ganesha, not just in Pune, but the whole of India, a visit to the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple will make for a spiritual retreat that should be experienced by all Punekars, irrespective of their religious affiliation. Visited by thousands of pilgrims all-year-long, the experience of visiting this temple cannot be summed up in words – it’s unlike anything else you’d have experienced before. Don’t take our word for it, just visit this place once and you’ll understand precisely what we are talking about.
Where: Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Budhwar Peth, Pune
When to do it: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: Free