Things to do in Pune

Pune is known as ‘Oxford of East’ because of its numerous colleges and institutions from Engineering, Medical, Arts, Science and Commerce. There are students from all over the world coming down to Pune to join these colleges and institutions. Pune is the second largest state in Maharashtra and name was derived from Sanskrit word ‘Punya’ which means’ Virtue’.

Pune is a cosmopolitan city, where people speak Marathi, Hindi and English as well. It is known for various cultural events / activities like sports, drama, music and literature. 

City Attractions: 

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

This is one man collection of Dr Kelkar dedicated to his son Raja who died an untimely tragic death.

It includes 21,000 priceless artifacts which mirror the everyday life of India.

Shaniwar Wada

Built as residence of Peshwas in the year 1732 AD. The fort was destroyed by fire in the year 1828 and only survives is the structure for tourist attraction.

Once a seven storied structure only remains now with fortification walls with five gateways and nine bastions that enclose the entire palace.

Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace located in Pune was built in the year 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III. The main aim for building Aga Khan Palace was to provide help and shelter to poor people residing nearby areas of Pune.

Aga Khan Palace was built with lavish decorated guest rooms and suites which can give you a glimpse of royal heritage buildings of the past.

Palace holds a significance as it was prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his secretary Mahadev Bhai Desai from 1942 till 1944. Both Kusturba Gandhi and Mahadev Bhai Desai died at Aga Khan Palace during their imprisonment and have their memorials located at the same place.

Saras Baug

Is a park where once occupied by a small lake. The park is occupied by joggers, early morning and evening walkers.

Saras Park is famous and popular as a picnic spot and only 1 km far from Swargate. It also has Ganpati temple located inside known as ‘Talyatla Ganpati’. 

Katraj Snake Park

Only one in the country which is known for its work towards snakes and reptiles.

Snake Park is famous for its rare species of Brown Palm Civet.

A zoo and garden located nearby is also worth visiting.

Sinhadag Fort

The Lion’s Forth is located in south of Pune city and located above 800 meters on a hill.

Currently very famous for trekking from the base till the top.

The natural view of the city can be seen from this fort

The fort is also a part of National Defense Academy. Cadets from academy are usually sent for runs and trekking.

Khadakwasala dam

The main source of water supply to Pune is from Khadakwasala Dam. This dam was built in 1879 as a masonry gravity dam and later rebuilt in 1961.

Is famous as an evening hang out spot as it is far from busy city lives, noise and pollution

The home of Flora and Fauna which attract a lot of visitors and bird lovers.

Osho Ashram

A mediation resort where visitors can learn the art of living live, relax and enjoy company of visitor of all ages from around the world.

Helps you in learning techniques specially designed for over charged mind and stress impacted bodies.

Beautiful paradise where you can stay and relax at a affordable price.

Also visit beautiful garden located near the ashram at a walk able distance.

Pune Tribal Cultural Museum

Pune Tribal Cultural Museum is located near to Don Bosco School which at a distance of 15 minutes from Pune Railway station. Pune Tribal Museum showcases the tribal lifestyle of Maharashtrian Tribal communities. 

This museum is well maintained and contains well documented photographs, artifacts, handicrafts, ornaments and daily used articles of tribal communities.  Museum displays the different cultures of the tribal communities of Sahyadri and Godwana regions.

Things to do:

Shopping – Lot of places to shop like M.G.Road, Laxmi Road, Tulshi Baug, Fashion Street, DP Road, Hong Kong Lane, Koregaon Park and FC Road.

Paragliding – Located at Kamshet which is an hour drive from Pune, you can learn paragliding with Nirvana Paragliding School from Oct – June.

Bird Watching – Tourist can do bird watching and boating if they make it on the right time in parks of Pune.

Water Park – In Panshet, a nearby dam from Pune, you can enjoy water sport activities.

Restaurants – Pune is famous for its eating joints.  Lot of options and places to eat. It offers a choice of cuisines including Italian, French, Thai, Mexican, Japanese, Spanish and Arabic.

Places nearby to visit:

Beaches – Diveagar, Ali Baug,

Hill Stations –Lonavala, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar and Matheran are nearby places to Pune and can be visited when you are in and around Pune.

Famous for: 

Nightclubs, Eating joints, Shopping, Educational colleges and Institutes.

Suggestions:

Most affordable and convenient way would be by hiring car or motorbike to check out places within the city.