Pune is an extraordinary city. There are plenty of reasons that justify the statement. Apart from the exotic scenic beauty, the city has something in store for everyone. If you are a history lover, you will love exploring the museums, monuments, and galleries. Whereas, if you happen to be an adventurous person, you can indulge in activities like paragliding, gliding center, and so much more. So, if you are an enthusiastic traveler and looking for places to visit in Pune, you’re indeed reading the right space! Here we have gone through in detail some of the exotic places that you must visit!
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10 places to visit in Pune for enthusiastic travelers
Pune is known as the “Oxford of the East” and the second biggest city in Maharashtra. The majority of the population consists of young people, and Pune is known as the “University Town” due to the many institutions present there.
Pune’s history goes back to 1,600 years ago. Different kingdoms have ruled this place since the 5th century. If you want to go for a short trip, Pune can be an ideal choice. But before you make arrangements for your trip, check out the list below:
Shaniwar Wada Palace, Shaniwar Peth
A prominent historical palace is Shaniwarwada. It is regarded as one of the top places to visit in Pune.
Shaniwar Wada Palace was built in 1732, and at that time, Peshwas was ruling the place. They ruled till 1818.
When they were ruling, Shaniwarwada was one of the most crucial parts of Indian politics.
It was a 27 storied building, and they wanted to make it of stone only. But, after completing the first-floor, local people complained that only King Shaahu could build a stone fort and not the Peshwas. So, from the 2nd to top floor, the fort was made of bricks.
The important building inside the place is Juna Aarsa (the Old Mirror Hall), Naachacha Diwankhana (the Dance Hall), and the Thora Rayancha Diwankhana (The Court Reception Hall only available to the oldest imperial members). However, in 1828 a mishap took place, and the palace was caught on fire. And now it is a place that attracts tourists.
Opening Time
The palace is open every day from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. There is also a Light and Sound Show that happens inside the premises every day in the evening.
If you want to see the show, then plan your visit around 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Ticket price
For Indian visitors, the price is Rs. 5 per head, and for foreign visitors, the price is Rs. 125 per head.
The price for the Light and Sound show is Rs. 25 per head.
Aga Khan Palace, Pune Nagar Road
Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III built this magnificent palace in 1892 and is another famous landmark in Pune.
According to historians, this palace was one of the largest palaces in the country during its time. The palace was made because the sultan had intentions to help poor people from this region.
It is also a significant place because, during British rule, this palace was used as a jail.
Sarojini Naidu, Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi’s wife) and, Mahadev Desai (Mahatma Gandhi’s secretary) were all kept in this place. His wife and secretary died in this place.
The interiors of the palace are based on Italian design. You will find the total area of the Aga Khan Palace to be 19 acres. Plus, you will witness a huge lawn present at the palace.
Opening time
The palace is open every day from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Ticket price
For Indian visitors, the price is Rs. 5 per head, and for foreign visitors, the price is Rs 100 per head.
Osho Ashram, Koregaon Park Road
Another among the famous places to visit in Pune is the Osho Ashram. It is situated in Koregaon Park, and Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain was the founder of this place. Also commonly known as Osho.
It counts among one of the places to relax in Pune. If you want to take a break from your busy life, city cacophony, and the crowd, this is the place to be. It is reported that this ashram, among other ashrams, is the most visited place in Pune.
The ashram also offers training programs such as a stress-free lifestyle and spiritual living. They hold these programs regularly.
The popular programs are regular mediation, Osho Kundalini meditation, Osho dynamic meditation, Osho Nadabrahma, and Osho Nataraj.
Usually, they teach the legacy of Guru Osho and his ideologies, techniques, and concepts to the people. Osho Multiversity is a section where a person can get extensive medications for their well-being and development.
Opening Time
The ashram is open every day from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm.
Ticket price
For Indian visitors, the price is Rs. 870 for two days per head. In the case of foreign visitors, the price is Rs. 1790 for two days per head.
For days 3 and 4 you will get a 15% discount. On day five you will get a 25% discount.
If you stay in the ashram for 30 days, you will get a 40% discount from the 31st day.
Vetal Tekdi, Pashan
It is a hill station that is 2,600 feet above the ground, making Vetal Tekdi the highest peak in the city. Vetala temple is situated at the top, and that’s how it is known as Vetal Hill.
You can trek the hill in the morning. Once you reach the hilltop, you can view the whole of Pune city.
Vetal hill has two branches known as Chatturshrungi Hill and Fergusson College Hill.
There is only one way to access the hill from the south. However, tourists cannot access this road from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. That is because a lot of construction, urban development, plantation, etc. are going on near this place for a few years now.
Opening time
There is no time set to visit the hill. However, the locals suggest trekking before 4:30 pm is ideal.
Ticket price
There is no entry fee applicable.
Lal Mahal, Ganesh Road
It is one of the well-known places to visit in Pune, which is also known as the Red Palace. Shahaji Bhosale made this stunning palace for his wife and son Shivaji Maharaj in 1630 AD.
The original place has destructed several times, and the recent one is a recreated monument. Shivaji Maharaj’s wedding also took place in this palace with Maharani Saibai.
The original palace was built to rejuvenate the city once Dadoji Kondev arrived at Pune with Shivaji Maharaj. According to historians, the palace was used for various occasions, such as for the thread ceremony of Chimaji Appa’s son Sadoba.
The location of the original Lal Mahal is unknown, but many say it is probably near Shaniwarwada. A new palace that is built does not have the same fashion and features as the old one.
Pune Municipal Corporation built the new Lal Mahal in 1984, and it was completed in the year 1988.
Opening time
It is open every day from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Ticket price
The visitors need to pay Rs. 3 per head.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Bajirao Road
If you want to know the medieval history of India, then it is a must-visit place.
The museum has a rare collection of Dr. Dinkar Kelkar devoted to the reminiscence of his son, Raja.
The other fine collections of these three storied museums are different sculptures made of silver, gold, and ivory, war weapons, musical instruments, and vessels from the 14th century making this one of the renowned places to visit in Pune.
All the collections in this museum are from 1920 to 1960, which is a total of 15,000 items. In 1962 Dr. Dinkar donated everything to the Government of Maharashtra.
Now, if you visit the museum, there are an additional 5000 items. However, on display, there is only 2500.
The museum has different creative and artistic objects from the 18th and 19th centuries. You will find paintings, cravings, door frames, handicrafts, and many more things you will enjoy watching.
Opening time
It is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Ticket price
For Indian visitors, children below the age of 12 are Rs. 10 per head, and anyone above the age of 12 will have to pay Rs 50 per head.
For foreign visitors, children below the age of 12 are Rs. 50 per head. Anyone above the age of 12 will have to pay Rs 200 per head.
For people who are physically disabled, entry is free.
Sinhagad Fort, Sinhagad Ghat Road
The pride of the city is Sinhagad or Kondaana. A lot of battles took place near this fort, and Sinhagad supported it. The battle of Sinhagad in 1671 is the most crucial one.
You will notice the fort to be 1312 meters above ground level. The fort is protected from all sides by walls.
This fort has two entrances: Pune Darwaza (it is located on the northeastern side) and the Kalyan Darwaza (it is located on the southeastern side).
The main attraction of the fort is Rajaram’s tomb, Tanaji Malusare’ monoliths, a Kali Temple, Hawa Point, Amruteshwar Temple, Hanuman effigy, Kade Lot, breweries, Tilak Bungalow, Tanaji Samadhi, and the military depot.
From the side of the forest, you can see the Torna Fort, and from another side, you can see the Khadakwasla Dam.
Opening time
It is open every day from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Ticket price
The entre is free. However, for parking, you have to pay. If you bring a two-wheeler, you have to pay Rs. 20 and for a four-wheeler, you have to pay Rs. 50.
Pashan Lake, Pashan
You will find Pashan Lake to be an artificial lake near Pashan Hills. It was constructed during British rule so that the locals can get fresh water.
The area is 40 square kilometers, and the lush greenery surrounding it is a breath-taking sight.
However, due to urbanization, the water quality and the surrounding has deteriorated as well.
The Pune Municipal Corporation has made a trail where visitors can walk and watch Pashan Lake.
They even had bamboo plantations and built walls to protect the lake from further damage.
Providing water for consumption was ban from the lake since 1998. But, recently, after years of maintaining it, they are once again planning to use the lake water for drinking purposes.
For peaceful, charming, and picturesque views, Pashan Lake is a must-visit place in Pune.
Opening time
The lake is open every day.
Ticket price
The entry is free.
Best Place to Stay in Pune For Tourist
As we finish the best places to visit in Pune, let us check out some places to stay in Pune:
Oxford Golf Resort
All the rooms are air-conditioned and have a private patio. The bathrooms have showers and bathtubs separately and, they also provide hair dryers.
There is a golf course, tennis court, spa, gym, and outdoor swimming pool.
The check-in is 10:00 am, and check-out is noon
The price of the hotel room starts from Rs. 5,299 and onwards for each day.
The Westin Pune Koregaon Park
You will get air-conditioned rooms with Wi-Fi and satellite tv. In the hotel, there is also a kids club and minibar. Breakfast is included in the service. The check-in is at 3:00 pm, and check-out is at noon.
The price of the hotel room starts from Rs. 8,199 and onwards for each day.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Pune Hinjewadi
The best part about the rooms is that they have DVDs for movies in each room. If you are going as a family or a big group of friends, they have connecting rooms. Breakfast is included.
They have a gym, swimming pool, airport shuttle, and airport shuttle.
The check-in is at noon, and the check-out is at noon.
For a room, the price starts from Rs. 2,949 and onwards for each day.
With so many offers and a reasonable price, it is the best place to stay in Pune for tourists.
Final Thoughts
Other than these top places to visit in Pune, there are a lot more things you can do to make this trip a memorable one.
So, plan your next holiday to Pune enjoy the beauty of the city. If you have already visited any of the places, share your experience in the comment section below.
