17 Most Popular Places To Visit In Pune 2024

Also known as the “Oxford of the East”, Pune is slowly and steadily becoming the educational capital of the country. It has seen a rapid increase in population over the years due to this reason. But over the weekend, when studying and hustling come to a standstill, there comes the pressing need to keep city dwellers entertained.

Top Places to Visit in Pune

Here is a complete guide to Most Popular Places To Visit in Pune 2023.

Places To Visit In Pune With Family

Lal Mahal Pune

The famous Lal Mahal is among the most visited places in Pune, a popular choice for many for a one-day trip within 100 km of the city. It was the childhood home of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and contains many memories from his days at Lal Mahal. It is one of Pune’s most famous monuments. 

Today, the Lal Mahal that one can see was rebuilt by PMC, yet the historical building holds gracefully a portion of Shivaji’s past.

One of the monuments on the premise, The Jijamata Garden is converted into a recreational park and serves as a playing area for children. For this reason, the Lal Mahal is a preferred place to visit with family. 

• Distance from Pune: 450.0 m
• Nearest Bus Stand: Appa Balwant Chowk
• How To Visit: The nearest bus stop to Lal Mahal in Pune is a 2 min walk away.
• Nearby Places To Visit: Shaniwar Wada, Ayappa Temple, Darshan Museum, Trishund Ganpati Temple, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Saras Bagh
• Best Time To Visit: All year long
• Entry Fee: ₹5/- per person
• Timing: Open throughout the week except for Wednesday (Morning -09:00 am to 01:00 and evening- 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm) 

Shaniwar Wada Pune

Shaniwar Wada was the great seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire until 1818. The famous Peshwa Baji Rao I, the then prime minister to Chattrapati Shahu, laid the ceremonial foundation of Shaniwar Wada.

The fortification has 5 distinct gates including the Mastani Darwaza, the entrance gate to Bajirao I’s wife Mastani’s palace which was used by Bajirao himself to visit his favorite wife, Mastani.  The Shaniwar Wada is a popular tourist attraction and is close to the Lal Mahal in proximity. 

The architecture of Shanivar Wada is the main attraction of the place along with its grueling history. If you want to know more about Maratha history and architecture, Shaniwar Wada is the best place to start.

• Distance from Pune: 850.0 m
• Nearest Bus Stand: The Shaniwarwada Bus Stand
• How To Visit: Pune Airport is at a distance of 12 KM from Shaniwar Wada. It will take around 15 minutes to reach
• Nearby Places To Visit: Vishrambaug Wada, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Lal Mahal, Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir, Aga Khan Palace
• Best Time To Visit: October to February
• Entry Fee: ₹25/- per person
• Timing: Everyday (08:00 am to 05:30 pm)

Vishrambaug Wada Pune

If you want to know more about Maratha Architecture, you should visit the Vishrambaug Wada which was once the luxurious residence of the last Peshwa Baji Rao II. It is said that the Peshwas lived here with 6000 servants.

This is one of the finest specimens of Maratha Architecture-It is built in a typical fashion of Maratha Architecture: Maratha-style stone walls with Red tiles on the sloping roof and the courtyard. The popularity of Vishrambaug Wada is due to its visibility to the public eye. You can steal a glance at this street-facing view of the Vishrambaug Wada.

On looking you might wonder why Baji Rao II preferred this residence to the Shaniwar Wada which had the capacity of housing at least a thousand people lived. Pay a visit and experience the calm of Vishrambaug Wada yourself.

• Distance from Pune: 1.8 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Kunte Chowk Bus Station
• How To Visit: The nearest Bus Station near Vishrambag Wada is only 3 minute’s walk away from the place
• Nearby Places To Visit: Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Laxmi Road, Sambhaji Park, Balbhim Mandir, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Sarasbaug Ganpati Temple, Tilak Smarak Mandir, Darshan Museum, Parvati Temple, Tulsi Baug Shopping Market, Vishram Bagh Waada Palace
• Best Time To Visit: All year long
• Entry Fee: ₹5/- per person
• Timing: Everyday ( 10:00 am to 05:00 pm)

Shinde Chhatri Pune

Shinde Chhatri is one of the most significant landmarks in Pune. It reminiscences the past of the Maratha rule. The memorial is built for the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army, Mahadji Shinde by one of his descendants after his death.

On the premise of the memorial is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and just in front of the temple is the memorial of Shinde. The architecture of Shinde Chhatri is simply stunning. It is built with yellow sandstone, in the style of Anglo-Rajasthani architecture, which is quite different from Maratha Architecture.

If the walls don’t make a long-lasting impact on you, the stained-glass windows will surely do.  Shinde Chhatri is a popular choice for tourists for a one-day trip as the picturesque building is situated only within 100 km of the city. 

• Distance from Pune: 7.3 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Shinde Chhatri Bus Stand 
• How To Visit: The nearest Bus Stand to Shinde Chhatri is only 3 minute’s walk away from the place
• Nearby Places To Visit: Shaniwar Wada, Dagdusheth Ganpati, Saras Baug, Laxmi Road, Aga Khan Palace, Darshan Museum, Sri Balaji Mandir
• Best Time To Visit: June to October
• Entry Fee: ₹10/- per person
• Timing: Everyday (6:00 am to 9:00 pm)

Aga Khan Palace Pune

Aga Khan Palace holds great significance to Mahatma Gandhi and his Wife Kasturba and secretary Mahadev Desai. It was this very place they were held captives following the beginning of the Quit India Movement.

The Palace is a time capsule of Mahatma Gandhi’s days of captivity and also holds Gandhi’s ashes at the palace. The Palace, however, was named after Sultan Aga Khan who built this Palace during the famine as a form of charity to employ the people of Pune and from neighboring places.

Today, the Aga Khan Palace is a popular place for photography. Photographers are drawn to the remarkable architecture of the place, the Italian arches and spacious lawns are some of the distinct features of the place.

• Distance from Pune: 9.4 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Shastrinagar Chowk Bus Stand
• How To Visit: You can travel there either by city bus or autorickshaw, you can take an autorickshaw since it will take you to the palace directly
• Nearby Places To Visit: Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Lal Mahal, Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir, Shaniwar Wada
• Best Time To Visit: October to March
• Entry Fee: ₹5/- per person
• Timing: EVeryday (9:00 am to 5:30 pm)

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Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Pune. It is close to the city of Pune and therefore is a popular choice for a quick one-day trip from the city. You can easily access the fort within 100 km of the city. It is the best place to visit for trekking, bird watching, camping, and photography.

Trekking is the best way to reach the hill fort. While one must believe that the journey is more important than the destination, the view from the top will leave you even more dumbstricken.

There are many viewpoints on the top. Tanaji Kada, Khandkada Machi, and Wind Point are names of a few prominent ones from where you can take a more pristine look at the magnificent sight. This makes Sinhagad fort one of the most scenic tourist places in Pune to visit with family or friends.

• Distance from Pune: 37.0 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Sinhgad Bus Stand
• How To Visit: The nearest Bus Stand to Sinhagad fort is 42 mins away. From the bus stand, you can take an autorickshaw to reach directly to the place
• Nearby Places To Visit: Khadakwasla Dam, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Parvati Hill, Saras Baug, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
• Best Time To Visit: June and February
• Entry Fee: ₹10/- per person
• Timing: On Mon- Thurs (09:00 am to 06:00 am) and on Fri- Sun (09:00 am to 05:00 pm)

Shivneri Fort Pune

Shivneri Fort is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire was born. It is located near Junnar in the Pune district and is about 90 km from Pune. 

Shivneri Fort is a significant specimen of yet another Maratha Architecture. There is a prayer hall, a tomb, a mosque, and a small temple dedicated to the goddess Shivai Devi inside the fort. The goddess is significant as it is after whom Shivaji borrows his name.

Further, the fort has a remarkable storage capacity for its time. When the Occident traveler Fraze visited the fort in 1673, he found it invincible. In his account of the fort, he wrote, the fort was well-stocked to feed thousands of families for seven years, Enough to feed a city through a war.

Due to this architectural wonder, in 2021, it was added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of “Serial Nomination of Maratha Military Architecture in Maharashtra.”

 Do check Shivneri Fort out as it is one of the best places to visit with family in Pune.

• Distance from Pune: 92.1 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Junnar Bus Stand
• How To Visit: Junnar is the nearest city to reach Shivneri Fort at a distance of 2 km. From Junnar you can hire a cab or an autorickshaw, from the bus stand it is only half to reach the bottom of Shivneri Fort.
• Nearby Places To Visit: Lenyadri Caves, Shree Vighnahar Ganpati Temple, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Malshej Ghat, Bhandardara Hill Station
• Best Time To Visit: October to March
• Entry Fee: free
• Timing: Everyday (6:00 am to 5:00 pm)

Places to Visit in Pune with Friends

Escape to picture-worthy places with friends

Pune is a great place to visit with friends as it is filled to the brim with scenic places. Lonavala, Lavasa, Kamshet, Alibaug, Kolad are to name a few. It doesn’t take many miles to make a weekend perfect with friends or as a couple.

The best thing about Pune is you have access to some of the most picturesque tourist destinations all within 100 km of the city. Check the names of some of the most scenic places below to help you plan out your next weekend plan.

Places to visit near Pune within 100 km:

• Sinhagad 
• Kamshet
• Pawna Lake 
• Bedse Caves 
• Lovasa 
• Lohagad 
• Lonavala 
• Andharban 
• Kunegaon 
• Khandala 
• Rajmachi 
• Wai 
• Junnar 
• Panchgani 

You can check out Best Camping spots near Pune for more details on the above-mentioned places

Other ways to experience Pune 

While taking a historical walk of the city is a perfectly fine way to experience the Maratha city, Pune. Pune is a city of many wonderful experiences and people. In this list, we have tried to put together a list of ways locals, as well as the people in the city like to spend their weekend. It may also come as a handy way for tourists who are looking for other ways to experience Pune.  

Feel Nature’s Spirituality in Pune

Pune has some famous gardens. One cannot miss visiting a Japanese Style garden called Okayama friendship garden on a visit to Pune. Okayama friendship garden is the perfect place for a day out with kids in Pune.

There are 3 distinct parks inside the big compound, you can access 2 of them by paying a small sum of Rs. 5 as an entry fee, while the kids’ play area is free to enter.

Bund Garden is another of Pune’s popular gardens. Bird watching is a popular thing to do in Bund Garden, especially during winters when exotic birds migrate to Bund Garden. You can even see Horses sporting in the garden as well as enjoy boating over the Mula River.

You can even taste some of the popular local snacks available around the garden. Bund Garden is most definitely one of the best places to visit in Pune with family along with kids in the evenings.

Osho Ashram Pune

Popular among foreign tourists, Osho Ashram is an International Meditation resort in Pune. Its popularity stems from its status as one of the world’s largest centers for personal growth and meditation.

People from all over the world come to the tiny abode at Pune for a spiritual cleanse. It is based on the philosophy of Osho who dictates the secrets for leading a spiritual and stress-free life.

Situated amongst the vivid greenery, the Ashram is the perfect place to recuperate and revitalize the aching soul.

• Distance from Pune: 6.0 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Blue Diamond Hotel Bus Stand
• How To Visit: The nearest Bus Stand to Osho Ashram is only 3 minute walk away from the place. The Osho Ashram is in Koregaon Park and is only 2 kilometers from the nearest railway station
• Nearby Places To Visit: Novotel Pune, Ibis Pune, Four Points 
• Best Time To Visit: All year long
• Entry Fee: ₹60/- per person
• Timing: Everyday (3 hrs)

Local Favourites 

For the people of Pune, there are ample things to do in the City that to outsiders may seem mid, but there is an inexpressible charm. Vetal Tekdi is once such hidden gem of Pune where the locals choose to go for a relaxing experience.

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Vetal Tekdi Hill Pune

Vetal Tekdi is one of the most famous places in Pune among locals. Vetal Tekdi is a hill near Pune where locals come to take a morning walk, go bird watching and go trekking. It is one of the most highly visited places in Pune because of the many things it offers. Elevated at a height of 2600ft. This place is perfect to watch the Sunrise or the Sunset nearing dawn.

The area has small lakes and from January to April transforms into a perfect place for a family picnic or with friends. The lush greenery surrounding the hill is home to many birds. Photographers occupy the hill in the early hours to catch a glimpse of the peacocks and rabbits which roam freely on the hill.

If you are looking for a panorama view of the city of Pune, Vetal Tekdi is where you should go.

• Distance from Pune: 7.6 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Shane Paradise Society Bus Stand
• How To Visit: Vetal Hill is approximately 8km from Pune which takes close to 30 minutes by road to reach. The nearest bus Stand is only 7 min walk away from the place
• Nearby Places To Visit: Chaturshringi temple, Paasha, Alto–Vino, Pune Baking Company, Shakahari, Yin-Yang
• Best Time To Visit: Early morning
• Entry Fee: free
• Timing: Open 24 Hours

Try Watersports at Peacock Bay, Pune

Peacock Bay is a popular place for water sports in Pune. It is also the place where National Inland Championship and the Open lake swimming competitions are annually held here.

While the bay may have gotten its popularity due to the many water activities, the bay is named after the large population of peacocks residing in and around the bay. Not only is it a great place to try out the various water sports available at the bay, Bird watchers equally love coming to Peacock Bay.

People love to see the variety of birds and animals such as Deer, Civets, and Lion-tailed Macaques seen around the bay. For this reason, Peacock Bay is a highly popular tourist place in Pune to visit with family or with a group of friends.

• Distance from Pune: 18.1 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: The Pickock Bay Bus Stand 
• How To Visit: The Pune International Airport is around 33 km away from the destination. The nearest railway station Shivajinagar is around 17.8 km away from Peacock bay and roads well connect it, you can easily get plenty of buses and auto-rickshaws
• Nearby Places To Visit: Khadakwasla Lake and Dam, National Defence Academy
• Best Time To Visit: July to February
• Entry Fee: free
• Timing: Mon-Sun (9:00 am to 6:00 pm)

Visit Pune’s famous Museums

With over 20,000 artifacts, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a prominent art museum in the country. Built by Baba Dinkar Kelkar in 1962, the museum was later donated to the Maharashtra Government in 1975.

The sculptures, musical instruments, paintings, carvings, and ornaments exhibited here date back to the 14th century and cover important art pieces from the Mughal and the Maratha eras.

It is a must-visit for art lovers to experience the rich taste of the emperors & artists who once lived in the region.

Mahatma Phule Museum, National War Museum, and Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways are the other top and most visited places in Pune. Pune also has a Tribal Museum where you can learn about the life and culture of the local tribes of Maharashtra.

Pune’s famous Museums: 

• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
• National War Museum
• Mahatma Phule Museum
• Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways
• Tribal Museum

Visit Pune’s famous Temples 

Pune has many famous temples such as Sri Ahobila Mutt’s Balaji Temple and ISKCON NVCC Temple. One of the striking ones is Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple.

This temple was built in the 19th century by a local Halwai and trader and is solely dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The popularity of this Ganapati Temple stems from its simple, yet beautiful design. It’s among the popular holy places to visit in Pune city and also among the richest temples in Maharashtra.

Other popular temples in Pune are Sarasbaug Ganapati Temple and Tulsibaug Ganapati Temple.

• ISKCON NVCC Temple
• Sri Ahobila Mutt’s Balaji Temple
• Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
• Sarasbaug Ganapati Temple
• Tulsibaug Ganapati Temple

Try Pune’s famous street food

Wondering which places to visit in Pune alone? You should try Pune’s famous street food.

Pune has some of the most mouth-watering platters right on the streets for its visitors to take a bite from. Vada Pav is the State’s specialty but Pune’s Dahi Papdi, Bhakarwadi, and Pav Bhaji will leave you equally awe-stricken.

The Garden Vada Pav stall in Camp is a local favorite. You can easily identify the Vada Pav Stall from a distance as the stall is always crowded with customers from early morning till the shop closes. It sells over 2,000 vada pavs a day, the secret to its popularity could be its famous green chutney.

For Solo travelers, Pune is budget-friendly food heaven. Do check them out on your visit to Pune.

Where to try Pune’s Famous Street Food:

• Kalyan Bhel- for the best bhel 
• Jaishankar Pani Puriwala at Babajan Chowk- for mouth-watering Pani Puri
• Garden Vada Pav stall in Camp- for legendary Vada Pav 
• Ravi Famous Dosa Centre near Viman Nagar- for Crispy Dosa
• Garden Seekh Kebabs- for flavorful kebabs 
• Yashwant Dabeli- for authentic Kutchi dabeli

You can check out other related articles on Pune’s famous street food

Get Cozy at Pashan Lake

Pashan Lake tops the list of Places to visit in Pune for Couples. With lush greenery and a cool breeze flowing from the lake, there is a romantic air about this place. Boating is among the most popular and exciting activities in Pashan Lake for couples. 

This manmade lake is the favorite migratory place for various birds occupying the Lake in winter. Some of the exotic birds that you can spot here include white-breasted kingfisher, gray heron, open-billed stork, etc.

December to February is a great time to visit this place for picnics and gatherings.

• Distance from Pune: 10.2 km
• Nearest Bus Stand: Pashan Tank Rasta bus stop
• How To Visit: Pashan Lake is about 12 km away from Pune railway station and about 18 km from the airport. You can take a bus from Pune or book a private cab.
• Nearby Places To Visit: Gram Sanskruti Udyan Village Park, Sri Balaji Mandir, Chaturshrungi Temple, Shalom Float and wellness center, Darshan Museum
• Best Time To Visit: November to February
• Entry Fee: Free 
• Timing: 6 AM to 11 AM (morning hours), 4 PM, and 6 PM (evening hours)

Enjoy Pune’s Nightlife 

Pune, and is one of the very few cities in India where pubs stretch their shutdown time till up to 4 AM. Pune’s nightlife is something one should put on one’s bucket list.

Pune’s pubs have an assortment of places with a great ambiance along with some delicious food and cocktails which attracts an amazing crowd over the weekend. There are many pubs and nightclubs in Pune but these are among the most popular ones.

Top places to enjoy the nightlife in Pune:

• High Spirits
• Mi A Mi
• Swig
• Mix@36
• Euriska- Try its Mediterranean and European delicacies
• Area 51
• Hard Rock Café
• The Urban Foundry
• Independence Brewing Company
• Baan Tao- try Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian cuisines, and many more

Best way to spend a day in Pune

Amusement and themes park in Pune

Adventure and theme parks are the perfect places to visit in Pune on a one day trip with friends and family. Pune has some of the most exciting amusement and theme parks in India, among which Imagica Adlabs is a world-class entertainment park.

Appu Ghar, popularly known as “The Mini Disneyland” is one of the well-known ones.

Other amusements and theme parks of shared popularity are Diamond Water Park, Wet N Joy Water Park, Sentosa Resorts and Water Park, and Panshet Water Park. Seven Wonders Dream Park, Sky Jumper Trampoline Park, and Pimpri Chinchwad Science Park are a few other entertainment centers in Pune.

These places are not just loved by kids but adults love to explore these places too. You should visit these places for a quick one-day outing in Pune.  

This concludes the list of the 10 best tourist places to visit in Pune. It’s not just the people that make the city livable but also the history that keeps the city alive. Pune is keeping pace with modernity quite well while keeping its strong Peshwa roots and for this reason, we nod our heads in approval when we see Pune taking the title of  “most livable city in India” time and time again. A city that has something for everyone. 

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