Things to do in Pune

You cannot leave Pune without making a visit to the former love-nest of Bajirao and Kashi- the Shaniwar Wada. Situated in Pune, it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Taking a tour of this historical monument should definitely be on your list of top things to do in Pune. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas and it never fails to amaze the visitor with its various forts and fountains.

The mighty edifice of Aga Khan Palace is situated in Pune and was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in the year 1892. It is one of the most important landmarks in Indian history and has been instrumental in many defining moments of India's independence. Aga Khan Palace is well known both for its architectural excellence as well as its historical significance. Spread over a vast land of 19 acres, the palace is now the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial society. Here, making khadi is still one of the prime activities.

Nightlife in Pune is definitely taking a turn now which is surely a positive one. A number of restaurants, as well as clubs, are opening up in the city thereby giving the people an opportunity to chill after their office hours. Some very sizzling places have been coming up in different parts of the city. So when in town, visiting the nightclubs is as essential as the several other things to do in Pune.

Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is a 10 acres big open patch of land with beautifully curated green lawns interspersed by walkways and occasional streams. The natural recreational site is influenced by the 300 year old Koraku-en Gardens of Okayama, Japan. Visitors can take a lovely evening walk in the garden and over the bridges, take in the fresh air and enjoy the lovely landmark that keeps changing.

Situated in the Erandwane suburb of Pune, Joshi's Museum of Miniature Railways is a unique museum hosting an array of miniature trains, trams, steam engines, flyovers etc. The museum has various well- designed intricate layouts of cities replete with buildings and lights, roads and train tracks. The functioning is controlled by an amusing light and sound track. Visiting the extraordinary museums is one of the topmost things to do in Pune.

The cave temple is rock-cut temple dating back to the 8th century. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple has a Shivalingam, a circular Nandi Mandapa and a passage with stone pillars inside.

Once the private shrine of the Peshwas, the temple was built in the 17th century by Balaji Baji Rao. 108 steep flights above, is the temple on a hillock from where one can behold some of the most beautiful views of the city. There are several thrilling things to do in Pune, but we promise, this will be one of the most memorable ones for you.

The museum is built in Rajasthani style and is a worth a visit, while in the city. It adorns artifacts from D.G. Kelkar and other paintings of Lord Ganesha & some fine specimens of ancient pottery and paintings.

A place known for its serenity and surreal ways to meditate away from the hustle and bustle of city lives, Osho Ashram is popularly known as Osho Meditation Resort. Located in Pune, the unique blend of meditation and the Greek concept of resort stay make this experience a truly memorable one. The Ashram is a tranquil place which brings you to your own centers of peace, meditation & oneness. Although to practice meditation and other exercises, you need special permissions from the centre.

Saras Baug is considered to be one of the most pretty parks in the city of Pune. The charming garden was build atop the ground of a dried up lake. Boasting of blooming flowers and lush greenery all around, the park also has a tiny pond full of lotus flowers.

The museum owes its existence to the efforts and contributions of countless people from all walk of life. It has hence, become a popular attraction for the town, that celebrates and creates increasing awareness and knowledge about Indian army and its soldiers

The original Lal Mahal used to be Maratha lord Shivaji's childhood home, which his father built for him and his mother Jijabai. This is where the famous Shivaji-led guerrilla attack by the Marathas upon Shaesta Khan and his Mughal army took place. Though it turned to ruins by the end of 17th century, it was partially revived by the Peshwas, and then later reconstructed by municipality as a memorial hall housing several paintings and models depicting Shivaji and Jijabai's life.

Built to battle a severe drought in the second half of the 19th century, Khadakwasla Dam is now a beautiful tourist spot, with a picturesque view of the lake and a holistic serenity. The life saver also turned into a destroyer during a dam breakage in 1961, but has ever since been restored to its current appeal as a picnic spot. Visiting the dam is one of the top things to in Pune and is loved by tourists and localites alike. The chowpatty nearby offers delicious servings of street-side food.

The Bund Garden is situated in the city of Pune and is deemed as one of the most beautiful and well-maintained gardens in the city. Also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udhyan, it is a favourite among joggers and people who enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun. The locals here prefer the garden as their go-to place when looking for some quiet and calm, and Bund Garden attracts a lot of visitors during the morning and evening hours. Another attraction here is the Fitzgerald Bridge, which garners as many tourists as the Bund Garden itself. There are several amazing things to do in Pune but picnicking here is one of the best ones.

Chavand (or Prasannagad) is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. Located at an elevation of about 3500 feet from the ground in the district of Pune, this fortress is a part of the 'famous five'. The other forts which are included under this category are Hadsar, Shivneri, Jivdhan and Naneghat.

Korigad is a hill fort in Maharashtra. Situated in the district of Pune, the fort rises to a height of about 2800 feet from the ground. Though not much of the fortifications are intact, the entire wall of the fort is completely intact. One can choose to walk along its 2 kilometres long perimeter. There are caves and cisterns of water within the fort.

St. Mary's Church was built in 1825 and is one of the oldest churches. Its foundation was laid down by Bishop Heber. It was built as a place where the officers and soldiers belonging to the British time could worship. The church has a mixture of British as well as Indian architectural style in addition to the Gothic architecture. It is a beautiful place to be visited and enjoyed with your family. It is a perfect place to rejuvenate and go sightseeing.

The Empress Botanical Garden is named after Queen Victoria back when she held the sceptre. Once a favourite among the British officials and thus also named Soldier's Garden, the place is now a sprawling greenery of 39 acres with hundreds of rare species in trees and flowers. Empress Garden makes for a great place to take a stroll in the afternoon, learn about our flora in the flower exhibitions and breathe in some fresh air away from the city traffic.

Mulshi lake is formed in the catchment area of Mulshi dam. Known for its scenic beauty due to Sahyadri ranges, Koraigadh and Dhangad fort, it is a perfect gateway for nature lovers. Along with the several exciting things to do in Pune, make sure you try this amazing one too.

The Katraj Snake Park is the most visited and loved tourist attraction in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo that is located in Katraj, near the city of Pune in India. The snake park has successfully managed to acquaint thousands of visitors with the unusual and fascinating wildlife through its extensive collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtles. This is one of the most unique things to do in Pune and you should definitely visit here.

Nighoj is an offbeat tourist destination 70 kilometres from Pune, nestled along the western ghats in the state of Maharashtra. The village’s most prominent feature are the naturally occurring craters lined up against the bank of the river Kukadi, the breathtaking potholes are a true wonder of nature and also the main driving force behind tourism in this old world village. Among the several other unique activities and things to do in Pune, this one definitely tops the charts.

This super popular street on Deccan Road is 'THE' place for street shopping. By the array of accessories to choose from, Shopaholics will be easily taken away. The accessories like bags, books and mobile stores are what dominates this lane.You will find caps of all shapes, sizes and designs with bags sold in abundance for men, women and kids. The amount of footwear available here is overwhelming. Jewellery addicts are sure to go gaga over the number of choices of earrings, rings and necklaces available here at slashed prices. Other get-at-able commodities here are watches, leather belts and dials. This is an ideal place to put your bargaining skills to work and should definitely be on your bucket list of things to do in Pune.

Also known as Prachandagad due to its gigantic size, Torna Fort is the tallest fort of Pune. Although in ruins, the fort stands tall as a testimony to the battles of the bygone era. Nestled in between mesmerizing surrounding, the fort has one of the most beautiful locales in the region and is a popular tourist spot.

Rasalgad is a fort that will reintroduce to the lost charms and intrigues of an era long forgotten. The trek is pretty simple and requires no past experience, although the mesmerizing views and historical structures will captivate you like no other. This is a destination that will keep you coming back for more. This is also one of the most amazing things to do in Pune for both the tourists and the city dwellers.

Rohida, or Vichitragad as it is also known, is a Fort nearest to Pune, a destination which is a must on every trekker's to-do list. The trek is rather easy, which gives you all the more opportunity to take in and lose yourself in all the beauty that this hill has to offer. Satisfy the nature lover, adventure junkie and history enthusiast in yourself all at once with a visit to the amazing Rohida Fort.

Dehu Gatha temple is one of the largest temples and is located near Pune. At the entrance of the temple lies the statue of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. What attracts people the most are the carvings of all Gathas of Sant Tukaram on the walls of the temple which are very easy to read. It is said that one must read at least 3 Gathas on visiting the temple. The temple is located on Indrayani River's bank. Also, there is a place on the river where these Gathas floats which should not be missed out.

Pune is brimming with shopping options that cover all you interests from fashion, books to electronics and are spread over all ranges of budgets. So when in town, make sure browsing the local markets is number one among things to do in Pune. Popular markets such as the MG Road, Fashion Street, Tulsi Baug, Laxmi road, Clover Centre etc to the fanciest of malls are available for your shopping spree.

Hadsar is a hill fort in the state of Maharashtra. It is situated at an elevation of 3200 feet from the ground in the district of Pune. Within the fort there are massive tunnel like entrances built in the Mughal style. There are neat, rock-cut steps which lead up to these twin gates. Besides, there are cisterns of water and water tanks within the sparse fortifications.

Tucked between the two hills of Lonavala and Khandala, Rajmachi Fort is a grand structure of the bygone era. Especially popular among the adventure enthusiasts, the fort can be reached through a thrilling trek amidst the gorgeous Sahyadris. You can also camp at the base of the fort. The surreal beauty of the fort will keep you calling back and while there are several other wonderful things to do in Pune, this might be one of the very best.

The Katraj Jain temple is an important shrine for the followers of Jainism. It has idols of all of the 24 Tirthankars of Jainism. The main deity is the 24th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavir. His statue sits in the middle in a bright golden shade, made of Panchdhatu. Perched atop a hill, the temple offers a peaceful environment for the devotees to offer their prayers.

Purandar is a fort in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Purandar and Vajragad are twin forts. Purandar is the larger of the two and is situated at a height of 4472 feet from the sea level. The top of the fort presents a very scenic view of its twin fort Vajragad.

Rajgad, not unlike its name, is a royal and palatial trek to a Fort once inhabited by Shivaji Maharaj himself. The captivating beauty and history of the fort and the lush sahyadri range surrounding it is absolutely worth every single aching muscle.

With visitors and tourists flocking to Lonavala for morning treks and campsites, Pawna Lake is somewhat aloof, about 47 kilometres from Pune. The sheer size of the lake along with the surroundings make for an awesome sight as it imposes itself like a canvas painting in your eyes. A camper's paradise is what it is, surrounded by high towering hills and blessed with an all year round pleasant climate rendering it a lovely getaway location. Among the top things to do in Pune, the lake has myriad adventure activity options like trekking, paragliding, camping etc.

Also known as ?Bharatpur of Maharashtra?, Bhigwan is located near Pune. It is a perfect weekend getaway for bird and animal lovers. This place will let you relax and enjoy some peaceful time away from the hustle bustle of the city. Bhigwan has three wildlife sanctuaries and you will be able to spot a myriad variety of flora and fauna. The beauty of this place is simply mesmerizing. After visiting Bhigwan you would surely be able to differentiate between the different kinds of birds. Bhigwan is a serene and quiet place that must be visited to rejuvenate your body and soul.

Thoseghar Falls is situated in Thoseghar around 130 kms from pune. Falling down a height of 500 metres, the waterfalls are a popular place for day picnic among the localites.