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Places to Visit in Pune

A prominent historical landmark in Pune is Shaniwarwada which is considered as one of the best pune tourist places. It is a majestic fortification which was built in 1732 and during that time it was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire and they ruled over there until 1818. After they lost control to the British East India Company, they could not use it longer. But when they were in the reign, Shaniwarwada was the centre of Indian politics in the 18th century and is one of the famous places to visit in pune with friends.

But in 1828, the fort was destroyed by a huge fire and later the remnants were transformed to become a tourist site. Shaniwarwada was a seven-storied capital building of the Peshwas and they wanted the building to be made of stone alone. However, after the completion of the ground floor, the people of Satara insisted that stone monument can be sanctioned and built only by the Shahu King, not the Peshwas.

With respect to it, the Peshwas were asked to continue the construction of the building by using only bricks. But when the British attacked, only the base floor survived while all the other floors were completely destroyed. Earlier, the fort used to accommodate around thousand people. The major buildings inside the fort are Thora Rayancha Diwankhana or the court reception hall of the eldest royal member, Naachacha Diwankhana which is the dance hall, Juna Arsa Mahal that is the Old Mirror Hall and so on. Since all the buildings were destroyed in the fire, only descriptions of the remaining areas are available currently.

The doorways were made of teak arches with ornamental teardrop teak pillars shaped like Suru trunks. Ceilings were beautified by numerous chandeliers and the floors were filled with polished marble adorned with rich Persian rugs. The walls displayed paintings depicting the Hindu epics. The top floor of the building enacted as the residence of the Peshwa and it was called Meghadambari. Among many Pune places to visit, this palace has it's own value and is a must visit location.

Entry timings: It is open on all days of the week from 08:00 am to 06:30 pm and there is a Light and Sound Show every day and the tickets for the show can be booked every day from 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm.

Entry fee: For Indian citizens, the entry fee is INR 5 and for foreign nationals, it is INR 125. For the Light and Sound Show, the ticket fee is INR 25 per person.

Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030.

Yet another amazing landmark and one of the famous places to visit in Pune with friends is the Aga Khan Palace which was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. In the history of India, this palace placed itself on a prominent space as one of the biggest landmarks in India. As an act of charity, the palace existed and the Sultan who built it wanted to help the poor in the region. 

The mighty monument is an important part of Pune tourism and is also considered to be a sparkling jewel in Indian history which had a close connection with the Indian freedom movement since it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, his secretary, and Sarojini Naidu. Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, the secretary died in this palace.

Archaeological Survey of India declared the palace as a monument of national importance in the year 2003. Aga Khan, the brilliant mind behind the birth of this majestic monument donated the palace to the Indian people as a mark of respect to Gandhi and his philosophy in 1969 and currently, the palace holds itself the vast collection of memories and it is a memorial on Gandhi where his ashes were kept. In the later years, the prominence of the palace started diminishing and the authorities neglected the importance of the monument and thus was becoming unattended as well. 

The palace is exactly situated about 2 kilometers away from Bund Garden in Yerwada on Pune Nagar Road. The palace presents Utalian arches and a huge lawn at the front and it houses five falls. The total area in which the palace is situated in 19 acres including the lawn and other spaces. 

Aga Khan Palace is one of the important places in Pune to visit which is an important archive as well that showcases the number of photos and portraits of the life of Mahatma Gandhi and other important figures of the Indian freedom struggle. It acts as the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society.

Entry timings: You can visit the palace on all days from 09:00 am to 05:30 pm.

Entry fee: For Indian nationals, the entry fee is INR 5, whereas for foreign nationals it is INR 100.

Location: Pune Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014.

A famous Ganesha temple in Pune is Shreemath Dagdusheth Halwai Temple which is a major attraction in Maharashtra. The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The annual ten-day celebrations named Ganeshotsav is the main festival conducted at the temple when celebrities and ministers arrive to pay tribute to the Lord. The main idol is insured for a sum of Rs.10 million and it is one of the very famous places in Pune and one of the amazing places to visit in Pune with family.

Dagadusheth Halwai was the founder of the temple who was a trader, businessman and a sweet maker. He was from Karnataka and settled in Pune long ago. But his son died due to an epidemic and afterwards he and his wife fell into steep depression and to heal themselves, they were advised to build a Ganesh temple by their Guru Shri Madhavnath Maharaj.

The construction of the temple was finished in1893. The great leader Lokmanya Tilak was a contemporary of Dagdusheth and a close friend of him. He had the idea of celebrating Ganesh festival at the temple and then onwards, it became an epoch-making event. The beautiful temple has Jay and Vijay, the two sentinels made of marble attracts the millions of hearts coming to visit the temple. The temple was constructed very simply so that the idol of Ganesha can be seen from outside. The idol is huge with 7.5 feet height and 4 feet width. It was made more beautiful by adding nearly 8 kilogrammes of gold. Devotees of the temple offered money and gold regularly and heaps of coconuts are also a special offer done by the people.

Entry timings: The temple is open on all days from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Entry fee: There is no entry fee to be paid to enter the temple. Special poojas and offerings may cost differently.

Location: Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Budhvar Peth, Shivaji Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.

Osho Ashram is one of the famous tourist places in Pune located in the Koregaon Park. The founder of the ashram was Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain who is famous among the people as Osho Rajneesh. The ashram has got another title as Osho Commune International of Pune and it is spread across 32 acres of land. Those who are eagerly waiting to escape into the laps of peace and tranquillity will fall in love with this ashram which is existing on a land of pure serenity and greenery and it offers the much-awaited break from the hustle and bustle of the city pollution and crowd. Currently, the ashram is perhaps the most visited tourist destination after it achieved fame among the tourists coming to Pune as well.

One of the most peaceful visiting places in Pune with calm surroundings that is the major factor contributing to the exciting crowd pulling the ashram holds. Space is undoubtedly dedicated to yoga and meditation that promise the visitors a rejuvenating experience, letting the body and soul preserve the natural features of being peaceful and calm. The ashram offers a lot of training programmes of different kinds based on the visitor’s choice. The programmes are on spiritual living and stress-free lifestyle and they are conducted at regular intervals. The important ones are Osho Nadabrahma, Osho Kundalini meditation, normal meditation, Osho Nataraj, Osho dynamic meditation and so on. The ashram is promised to keep on the legacy portrayed by the great guru Osho and it teaches his concepts and ideologies to the visitors. Osho Multiversity is another part of the ashram that provides extensive methods for personal development. 

There you will get knowledge of healing arts, creative arts, martial arts, esoteric sciences, Sufism and much more. Also, on every month, there will be meditation camps are conducted on second Friday that has a duration of three days. Spiritual Disneyland is the name the ashram possesses since hundreds of people come here to rediscover themselves as along with the meditation, it offers a range of multiple facilities like massages, beauty therapies, sauna, swimming pool, tennis etc. Counted as Pune best places, gardens in the Ashram are open to the public every day during morning and evening hours.

Entry timings: The ashram is open on all days from 06:00 am to 10:30 pm.

Entry fee:

   -Rs.870 per person for Indians for 1 day and 2-day entry tickets.
   -Rs.1790 per person for foreigners for 1 day and 2-day entry tickets.
   -3 day and 4-day tickets are discounted by 15% around.
   -5-day entry tickets have discounts of 25% approximately and 30-day tickets will have a discount of about 40%.

Location: 17, Koregaon Park Road, Vasani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001.

A prominent hill in the city limits of Pune is Vetal Hill which is the highest point at an elevation of 2600 feet and one of the unforgettable places to see in Pune. Vetala temple is also located on the top of the hill and that is how the hill got its name as Vetal Hill. Adventure seekers come here in plenty to escape from the hustles and bustles of the city and it is a great morning trek location and it is one of the best places to visit in Pune.

Near the temple, there is an observation desk set up by the Indian Forest Department. Vetal Tekdi is the Marathi name and from the hilltop, one can watch the Pune city as a whole on a clear day. The hill is a part of Bhamburda Van Vihar on the western side of Pune Municipal Corporation and an important part of Pune Tourism.

Vetal Tekdi has two spurs named Fergusson College Hill and Chatturshrungi Hill. There is one access road that takes people up the hill from the south. Also, a public parking lot is located along the road but the access to it is restricted to between 08:30 am and 05:30 pm. The area has been undergoing some anthropogenic activities for last some years- plantation of many exotic species, urban development, deforestation etc are a few of the activities that make the hill important.

Currently, Vetal Hill is an area protected by the India Forestry Department and the State Forest Department and Pune Municipal Corporation have done a lot of afforestation programmes on a large scale and thus now the hill accommodates different species of flora and fauna. If you plan to trek to the hill, you will be exploring Pune best places here. However, carry drinking water and snacks on the trek. There are three ways or direction to reach the hill; from Kothrud, Pashan, Chaturshringi.

Entry timings: There is no particular timing to visit the hill but it is advised to trek up the hill before dawn to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and the unbeatable serenity.

Entry fee: No entry fee is applicable to trek the hill up.

Location: Pashan, Pune 411038, Maharashtra.

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Lal Mahal is one of the famous tourist places in Pune which has another name as Red Palace. It is a beautiful monument established in 1630 AD by Shivaji Maharaj’s father Shahaji Bhosale for his wife and son. Shivaji Maharaj lived here for a long time until the time he captured his first fort. 

The original one had undergone several destructions and the current one is a reconstructed structure, located at the heart of the city. Shivaji’s wedding with Maharani Saibai took place in this palace.

The original monument was constructed with the aim of rejuvenating the city of Pune when Dadoji Kondev entered the city with Shivaji Maharaj. The history recorded at various places proves the fact that Lal Mahal was used for organising feasts for the Brahmins during the thread ceremony of Sadoba, the son of Chimajiappa. 

The original location where the monument was first established is still unknown, perhaps it was known to be located very close to the location of Shaniwarwada. The newly constructed Lal Mahal does not have many features the old one possessed and it is not built in the same fashion as well.

Pune Municipal Corporation was the one who rebuilt the current Lal Mahal and the construction was begun in 1984 and ended in 1988. The Lal Mahal became an important part of the history after an encounter between Shivaji and Shaista Khan when the former cut off the latter’s fingers and he tried to escape from the window of the Lal Mahal. The current palace displays a collection of large sized oil paintings based on the important events happened in the life of Shivaji. There is the Jijamata Garden now recognised as a recreational park for kids.

Entry timings: It is open on all days from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and then from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

Entry fee: The entry fee to enter the palace is INR 3 per person.

Location: Lal Mahal, Ganesh Rd, Durvankur Society, Kasba Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.

An intriguing museum with a lot of references to the medieval history of India is located in Pune and that is the most famous tourist places in Pune, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. It possesses the rare collection of Dr. Dinkar G Kelkar dedicated to the memory of his sone, Raja. There are three floors for this museum displaying different types of sculptures dating back to the 14th century along with ivory, silver and gold items and musical instruments, war weapons, vessels etc. The collection began in 1920 and by 1960, the museum was filled with 15000 objects and later in 1962, Dr. Kelkar donated all the collections to the Government of Maharashtra. Currently, if you visit the museum, you will come across more than 20000 objects out of which 2500 only are on display. 

The museum showcases the different artistic materials found from different parts of India from the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection includes door frames, vessels, paintings, handicrafts, carvings etc. Museum 2000 is a project that has been started to make Dr. Kelkarr’s dream of an education and cultural museum come true and to be opened to the public in order to provide them proper knowledge on the artistic values of India. Museum Shoppee is an additional venture at the museum that will give attractive souvenir items at a reasonable rate and it is located at the exit point.

Entry timings: You can visit the museum round the year and it will be open from 10:00 am to 05:30 pm.

Entry fee:

   -Rs. 10.00 for children below 12 years
   -Rs. 50.00 for adult above 12 years
   -Rs. 200.00 for foreigners (adult)
   -Rs. 50.00 for foreigners (children)
   -Entry is free for blind and differently abled/ physically challenged visitors.

Location: 1377-78, Natu Baug,Off. Bajirao Road,Shukrawar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.

Wanna learn more about history. check out the list of museums in Pune.

NDA is the sophisticated acronym of the National Defence Academy in Pune. It is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces where three sections of the defence field such as the Army, the Navy and the Air Force cadets are trained together before the get pre commissioning training in the respective service academies and it is one of the famous places to visit in Pune city.

The academy is located at Khadakwasla near Pune and it is the first tri service academy in the world. Since its establishment, the cadets from the academy have led and fought in major conflicts in which the Indian Armed Forces has been called to action. 

The alumni of the academy has 3 Param Vir Chakra recipients and 9 Ashoka Chakra recipients. At the end of the World War II, the then Commander in Chief of the Indian Army, Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, after witnessing the experiences of the army during the war formed a committee to study various military academies in the world and submitted a report to the Government of India in 1946. 

That committee came up with the idea of the establishment of a Joint Services Military Academy. After India got independent, the Chiefs of Staff Committee implemented the recommendations of the Auchinleck report and afterwards, the committee initiated a plan in late 1947 to establish a permanent defence academy. The foundation stone for the construction of the academy was laid in 1949 by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.

The NDA campus is situated about 17 km south west of Pune city. The administrative headquarters of the NDA, the Sudan Block is named like that in honour of the soldiers of Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the East African Campaign in Sudan. The building is a three storied one made of basalt and granite structure constructed with the famous Jodhpur red sandstone. The exterior design has a blend of arches, pillars and verandahs topped by a dome. There are a number of war relics in the campus along with an extensive library named the Vyas Library that accommodates more than 100000 printed volumes.

Entry timings: The visit to the academy is restricted to Sundays only from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Entry fee: The entry to the academy is free of charge but you would need prior permission for the same. The application should be submitted a minimum 48 hours prior to the visit. Also, visitors should wear a formal dress in order to maintain the sanctity of the academy.

Location: NDA Alumni Association, National Defence Academy, PO NDA Khadakwasla, Pune-411023.

This beautiful lush green hill is one of the prominent Pune visiting places. Not only is the place popular for trekking and escaping into nature, but is famous for its ancient Paravati Temple atop the summit. This temple, located at around 2,100 ft. above sea level, was built during the time of the Peshwas and it is one of the best places in Pune.

One of the best activities in Pune is to see the sunset from this hilltop, which is reachable after a climb of around 103 steps. There are also other temples like Devdeveshwar temple, Kartikeya temple, and Vishnu temple at the top. Don’t miss the Peshwa Museum to see pictures and exhibits about the glorious life of Peshwa rulers.

Location: Parvati Hill, Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra 411009.

Timing: The hill is open on all days from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm but the temples will be open from 05:00 am to 08:00 pm.

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A captivating yet artificial lake near the suburbs of Pashan Hills is Pashan Lake located at a distance of 12 kilometres from the city centre of Pune. It was built during the British era in order to fulfil the water requirement of the natives in the region and neighbourhood. Ram Nadi, a small rivulet is the inlet of the huge lake and it is controlled by the barrage at the north side of the lake and it is one of the best places to see in Pune.

Pashan Lake is considered as one of the best places in Pune for sighseeing and one of the amazing places to visit in Pune with family. It's catchment area that spreads across an area of 40 square kilometres and it gives water to the old Pashan Village, the Governer’s Residence etc. But unfortunately the urbanisation caused the lake to welcome deterioration and the quality of the water dropped down to a large extent. 

Currently, it is unlikely a polluted river restraining people from drinking it. But still the picturesque value the location possesses attracts thousands of tourists to spend ample time gazing at the brilliant spot and there are a lot of migratory birds visit the lake during winter. There is a Nature Trail on one side of the lake constructed by Pune Municipal Corporation which is 300 meter long and thus people can walk through and watch the man-made lake. 

PMC has also built a bamboo plantation as well as a wall to protect the lake from outside attacks. Due to the recent deforestation on the nearby hills forced the lakeside to accommodate many silt formations and thus the depth of the lake was decreased. After the deterioration of the water, Pune Municipal Corporation stopped providing drinking water from the lake in 1998. But now, it is being studied and analysed for providing portable water once again. Concluding all, if you are opting your tour for a picturesque and peacefull views, Pashan Lake can be one of the best places to see in Pune.

Entry timings: You can visit the lake any time round the year.

Entry fee: There is no entry fee is applicable to spend time at the lake.

Location: Pashan | 12 Km from Pune, Pune 411021, India.

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Peacock Bay is a famed places to visit in Pune, located as a part of Khadakwasla dam’s lake and it is owned by the National Defence Academy in Pune. It is known to be the nerve centre of all watermanship training programmes. A large number of peacocks found near the location is the reason why it is called Peacock Bay and it is one of the best places in Pune.

This picturesque bay has all the facilities to train the cadets. It includes an extensive arrangement of seamanship training equipment, sailing boats of all sorts, speed boats, water skis, whalers, dinghies, windsurfers and cutters. 

Also, the bay is made beautiful by the presence of other species such as deer, Lion-tailed monkeys, civets etc. The lake covers an area of 501 square kilometres and its depth is measured to be 40 to 120 feet. The bay is famous for hosting many events such as annual national inland championship, open lake swimming competition and so on.

Many adventure lovers arrive here to partake in different water sports as it is a celebrated destination for adventure water sports. It is located around 12 kilometres away from Pune and situated on the famous Mutha River. The Khadakwasla Lake is a dam as well built on Mutha River and it is emerged out of a confluence of Ambi and Mose rivers. 

The lake is a major source of fresh water that fulfils the need of the Pune city to an extent. Peacock Bay near this dam is an authentic offbeat location that lures the minds of those who want to have fun with Pune Tourism and provides them with the most peaceful atmosphere and pleasant scenery. This is one of the must visiting Places in Pune if you are bird lover.

Entry timings: There is no specified time to visit the bay but it is always advised to visit the location either in the morning or in the evening.

Entry fee: No entry fee is applicable to visit Peacock Bay.

Ranked as one of the best places to visit in Pune is Panshet Water Park located amidst the Sahyadri Mountains. Those who love water sports and adventure under water, this water park is the best choice to have maximum fun and thrilling moments with your family or even alone. The most popular attraction in the city is nestled amid the beautiful locale lying in between two famous dams, Varasgaon and Panshet. Other tourist attractions located near to the water park are Raigad Fort, Khadakwaska Dam and Singad Fort.

It is a perfect weekend getaway near Pune located 45 kilometres south-west of Pune and at an elevation of 910 meters above sea level. Adventure lovers arrive here to partake in different water sports like kayaking, water scooter rides, speed boating, swimming, surfing etc. The tourism department has done a tremendous job to make this attraction widely accepted and well acclaimed among the public. So much excitement and happiness are hidden in each ride in the park and kids as well as adults can enjoy them to the fullest for sure. Also, at the park, you can purchase food available at the food court.

The park is well cleaned and maintained with all facilities like bathroom and toilets. Life jackets will be provided before you get to indulge in any water sport. But inside the park, you are not allowed to use camera or videography.

Entry timings: The park will be open on all days including public holidays from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.

Entry fee: The entry fee for adults is INR 250 and for children, it is INR 170. During weekends, the entry for adults will rise up to INR 300 and for children, it will be INR 230.

Location: Panshet Water Park, Near Khadakwasla Dam, Pune, Maharashtra 411024, India.

Khadakwasla Dam is one of the primary visiting places in Pune located at Khadakwasla, the location where the NDA is. The dam is built on the Mutha River, situated about 20 kilometres from Pune city. The dam has created a beautiful lake known as Khadkawasla Lake. The lake is the main source of water for the city and its suburbs. 

The largest lake in the region is Mushi Lake which is located about 50 kilometres away from Khadakwasla. Near the dam, there is the famous National Defence Academy, the Institute of Advanced Technology. Also, there is the popular Sinhagad Fort and the twin dams of Panshet and Varasgaon which supply water for irrigation.

The Khadakwasla Dam was burst in 1961 and that was the greatest ever natural disaster that affected Pune for a while. But it was not blown up but collapsed at the point of greatest impulsive force. The dam is measured to be 1.6 kilometres long and the river on which the dam is built begins from the confluence of the two rivers, Ambi and Mose. The backwaters of the Khadakwasla is around 22 kilometres and it is widened up to 250 to 1000 meters.

The dam possesses 11 radial sluice gates and six irrigation outlets and they flow into two canals. The birth of this dam and the lake is a great history. The man-made lake was built by Captain Fife RE of the British Army who had recommended a high-level reservoir at Khadakwasla in 1863. Thus, the lake has another name as well that is Lake Fife. Famous for one of the most viewed Pune tourist places, this area is beautified with natural serenity and people come to visit the dam for a leisurely, peaceful time. The Sinhagad Fort located near is also one of the best Pune places to visit as it is suitable for cycling.

Entry timings: The dam can be visited any time round the year and there is no special timing.

Entry fee: There is no entry fee is applicable to visit the dam.

Location: Khadakwasla Dam, near Khadakwasla Village, off Sinhagad Road, Maharashtra 411024.

Appu Ghar Amusement Park in Pune is a renowned attraction that keeps on calling out the tourists as well as the locals to come and enjoy the beauty presented here in the park. This is one of the best places to visit in pune with family. It boasts being the first amusement park came into existence in Pune and that is was in 1984. The name of the park came so interestingly; Appu was the name of an elephant which was a mascot for the Asian Games held in 1982 in Delhi. Appu Ghar Amusement Park is located in Nidgi, Pune and the other name of the park is Indira Gandhi Udyan which was earlier used to be known as Bund Garden. The park offers an umpteen number of fun rides, a serene lake and hilly terrains and thus it is also called the mini Disney Land of Pune.

The environment of the park is absolutely beautiful that gives the location a vibrant charm. The park holds rides for everyone, be it kids, as well as adults and some of them, are really thrilling like a roller coaster, My Fair Lady etc. The helicopter, Appu Express, Gammat Girki, kiddy boat, Jumping Frog etc are a few of the kids’ rides available here. All the rides in the park are imported from Italy after testing the quality and international safety measures. The amusement park is a perfect holiday destination for families. There is a huge parking space outside the park for 2 wheelers and 4 wheelers.

Entry timings: Visit the park anytime between 12:00 Noon to 08:00 pm on all days of the week.

Entry fee: Rs.30 per person to enter the park but without any rides. Rs.300 per person for adults for the entry fee and all rides. Rs.250 for a child for the entry fee along with all rides.

Location: No.23 Pradhikaran Sector Indira Gandhi Udyan Nigdi, Pune, Maharashtra, 411044, India.

A famous garden and one of the surreal places to see in Pune, this place is the Empress Garden managed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India. Since 1880, the Empress Garden was under this society and it has been maintained well with the aim to nurture and protect the rare flora of the region. Sprawling across an area of 39 acres, the garden encompasses many varieties of trees, plants and flowers. Also, there will be flower shows and other similar programmes organised by the Agri-Horticultural Society in order to create an awareness among the people regarding the conservation and preservation of the rare species of flora and it is one of the best places to visit in Pune for kids.

The landscaped garden is a piece of beauty that amuses the visitors well and it displays lush green lawns, different types of flora and fauna collection, a play area attracting kids as well as a snack shack. There is a stream of water flowing throughout the garden which adds more beauty to the garden than we can imagine. The history of the garden says that the ownership of the garden was passed onto the hands of the Government in 1838 and later in 1845, it was further changed and came into the hands of Sir Charles Napier. Then on, the garden bore another name as the Garden of Dr Don. Afterwards, the garden was named as Empress Garden in honour of Queen Victoria when she won the title, Empress of India.

During the colonial period under the British, it was one fo the famous places in Pune for British as many of the British soldiers used to come and visit the garden for recreational purposes. Thus it started known as the Soldier’s Garden. The garden was well protected and still, it amuses the visitors with its non-decayed charm and spell. To penetrate into the much-awaited peace and tranquillity and thus evaporate the boredom of the mundane life, people arrive at the garden on a large scale.

Entry timings: The garden is open on all days from 09:30 am to 06:30 pm.

Entry fee: The entry fee is Rs.10 per person above 3 years old.

Location: Near Race Course, Kavade Mala, Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, India.

In the recent years, Mulshi Lake and Dam have been reformed to be one of the major tourist places in Pune and those who love to capture the pleasant pictures of nature at its best flood toward this lake and dam built on the famous Mula River. It is located in the Mulshi Taluka administrative division of the Pune district. 

The water from the dam is taken to use for irrigation and producing electricity at the Bhira hydroelectric power plant. The power plant is operated by Tata Power. The station is operating six 25 MW Perton turbines and one 150 MW Pumped Storage Unit. An inimitable weekend gateway from Pune to the precious nature filled by the Sahyadri ranges, Koraigadh and Dhangad Fort and other major attractions is the dam and lake. 

The lake and dam can be witnessed from a nearby village that is Valanewadi, located about 6 kilometres away from Mulshi. It is also a perfect spot for birding, nature walk, photography and trekking near Pune because of the pristine nature’s influence on the location so well. During monsoon, the lake and dam will be overflowing and the gushing water produces some soothing voices enough to let any perplexed mind to be relaxed. Hence people come to enjoy the beauty of the lake and dam during the heavy rainy season.

Entry timings: It is open from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.

Entry fee: No entry fee is applicable to visit the dam and lake.

Location: Mulshi Taluk, Pune, Maharashtra 412108, India.

These activities in Pune should not be missed if planning to visit this beautiful destination.

An old synagogue located in Pune is Ohel David Synagogue or Lal Deval, situated on Moledina Road in Pune. It was the idea of a philanthropist David Sassoon in 1867 and the building came into existence with evident English Gothic style. The design of the synagogue was given by Henry Saint Clair Wilkins, the synagogue resembles a church as it is made of red brick and trap stone structure. It possesses a 90 feet high obelisk on which a watch is hung and it was brought from London.

The synagogue is a part of the cultural heritage of India and it gained fame as a favourite pune tourist places as well. After Israel’s synagogues, Lal Deval is the largest synagogue in Asia. The synagogue can be visited by normal people after seeking a prior permission from the Pune poli ce as it is guarded by them always and unannounced visits will not be entertained. Also, photography is strictly prohibited inside and around the building. The synagogue’s construction happened from 1862 to 1867 and now the area where the synagogue is situated is known as Pune Camp, a military district established by the British Indian Army. The synagogue has served the city’s Baghdadi Jewish community for years.

The clock tower in the synagogue is detailed with Gothic-style pointed arched openings and the roof is a pitched slate. The building is enormously huge and holds an impressive space to accommodate more than 100 families together. In the original plan, the central nave with it tebah was separated from the side aisles by a colonnade and above the side aisles, we can see a gallery where the gender separation happens and the women sat there. This beautiful and one of the most visited places to see in pune, features tall windows with transoms brimming with a geometric pattern of stained glass, the floor is full of grey marbles and the gallery is protected by the wooden guardrail and so on.

Entry timings: You can visit the synagogue on all days from 06:00 am to 06:00 pm with prior permission on your Pune Tourism.

Entry fee: No entry fee is applicable to visit the synagogue.

Location: Dr. Ambedkar Road Moledina Road (Opposite Nehru Memorial Hall), Gawaliwada Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, India.

An atypical rock cut cave temple in Pune is the Pataleshwar Cave Temple which is an ancient temple that dates back to the 8th century during the Rashtrakuta period. This temple is one of the famous places to visit in Pune with family. The temple is also known as Panchaleshvara or Bamburde temple. Originally, the temple’s location was outside the town and when the city limits were expanded, the temple is situated now on the downtown Jangli Maharaj Road. It has been declared as a protected monument by the government and it is one of the best sightseeing in Pune.

A circular Nandimandapa is placed in front of the cave but its umbrella shaped canopy held by massive square pillars is the main component that makes the temple’s beauty heightened. The Nandimandapa is yet another feature of the temple. The cave is situated at a lower level than the present level of the road. 

The main structure of the cave is rectangular in shape with a pillared porch. Along with the main sanctum, there are other three sanctums as well. To circumambulate, there is a path provided inside the temple and the unfinished part of the cave temple can be seen while you rotate it.

However, the inside walls of the temple possess grandly some inscriptions and drawings depicting the stories from Indian mythology, especially revolving around Lord Shiva. The cave complex is turned out to be a garden and also, you can see some architectural members which were parts of other old temples nearby. The incomplete Temple is the main tourist attraction as well but the locals come here to celebrate the Shiva Linga Pooja that would be done with ghee and yoghurt.

Entry timings: 08:00 am to 05:30 pm.

Entry fee: There is no fee is applicable to enter the temple.

Location: Jangali Maharaj Road, Revenue Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005.

The crowded narrow lanes of Fashion Street are known to be one of the best places to enjoy a shopping spree in Pune. The place has around 450 stalls offering budget friendly clothing and accessories options.

From high end brands to local salons, the variety of shops and items makes people from all over the city visit here. If your bargaining skills are good, then shopping at Fashion Street can turn out to be the best experience for you. Overall if you're looking for an affordable location in Pune to shop for the clones of your favourite brands then fashion Street is the one for you.

Location: Bhavani Peth, Shobhapur, Kasba Peth, Pune.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Out of the many places to visit in Pune for couples, The Rock Shop is the best. Hard Rock Café offers its patrons a variety of mixtures, of singers of the contemporary, and legends of the Rock World and it is one of the best hangout places in Pune.

There are personal items of these legends, from all over the world, hung on the café’s, “Wall of Fame”. The more important ones are the patched denim coat of Elton John, the leather jacket of Bob Dylan, the Welson Hollowbody Electric Guitar, signed by the Edge of U2 and Bono. 

Timings: On Sundays, from 12:00 P.M to 12:30 A.M. On Weekdays from 12:00 P.M to around 11:30 P.M in the night.

Price: Rs 2500 for two (approximately)

Location: Plot No. 81/82, East Main Road, Koregaon Park Extension, Pune, Maharashtra 411036.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit varies from person to person, because the people who enjoy crowds and people, and lots of party vibes, should visit it at around 9 P.M, when the crowds are their peak, however, if one enjoys a quick drink, they want to the café between 5-8 P.M in the evening.

To experience the nightlife in pune, check this amazing list.

With its chic vibes to sweep you off your feet, the Fish Bowl Restaurant is an excellent place to live your gastronomic dream in Pune. With its contemporary and elegant ambience and the mouth-watering delicacies that are served on your plate, this place is one of the most famous places in Pune.

The menu here presents a wide array of options as well as the bar is known for its tantalizing drinks and beverages. With its outdoor seating and alfresco area, the Fish Bowl Restaurant remains a prominent place for all the foodies who are looking for the best places to visit in Pune.

Timings: It remains open from 3 pm to 1 am

Price: INR 2000 for two (Approximately)

Location: 88 Adjacent to Aga Khan Palace, Nagar Rd, Nilanjali Society, Kalyani Nagar, Pune

Best Time to Visit: After working hours are the best time to visit this restaurant.

If you’re looking to splurge on some booze and partying, then SWIG Bar and Eatery is the place to have a great time with your friends. Serving some great cocktails and finger food to tingle your taste buds, SWIG Bar and Eatery is known for its fun vibes among tourist places in Pune.

The music adds to the laid-back vibes in the ambience of this place while the dishes like cheesy nachos, potato wedges, pasta and fries are all-time favourites of the visitors here.

Timings: It remains open from 12 noon to 11:30 pm

Price: INR 1400 for two (approximately)

Location: North Main Road Opposite, 28/2, Lane Number 3, Koregaon Park, Pune

Best Time to Visit: The place has happy hours before 9 pm every day.

Looking for a refreshing break to spice up your taste buds at the most affordable prices? If yes, then Classic Rock Café Co. is an eventful place to light up your evening with its vibrant ambience replete with enchanting music and live performances.

Some of the most outstanding features of this place are karaoke, outdoor seating, live sports screening, board games and valet parking that makes it unique among places to visit in Pune.

Timings: The opening hours are from 12:30 pm to 1:30 am

Price: INR 1400 for two (approximately)

Location: Mulik Capital, Kalyani Nagar, Pune

Best Time to Visit: The happy hours are from 12:30 pm to 9:00 pm from Monday to Friday

One of the finest places to visit in Pune, Chingari is rooftop restaurant located at Sheraton Grand Pune. The place serves delicious North Indian food and is known for its commendable service. A food appetizer named ‘Raan –E –Chingari’ is quite popular in the restaurant. People from far off places visit this place often just to get the taste of its scrumptious seafood.

The ‘Gosht Dum Biryani’ is one of the top dishes served in this place. A premium restaurant that has lived up to its name in the last few years, Chingari speaks of royalty through its architecture, décor, food and other arrangements. Indeed, it is an unmissable destination when it comes to places to visit in Pune.

Timings: 7 pm to 11:30 pm

Price: Rs 2500 for two (approximately)

Location:  Sheraton Grand, Terrace, Raja Bahadur Mill Rd, Railway Officers Colony, Sangamvadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, India

Best Time to Visit: Evenings

Bedekar is the popular tea stall which provides customers with the original feel of India. It has an open kitchen serving amazing food. Bedekar feeds people standing, with delicious pav bhaji, popular Misal as well as Puneri Misal, with sweet tangy and tasty flavours. Bedekar is one of the most important places to visit in Pune.

Timings: The tea stall is open from 8:00 A.M to 7:00 P.M, every day other than Sunday, wherein it is open from 8:00 A.M to about 2:00 P.M.

Price: Rs 200 for two (approximately)

Location: Munjabacha Bol, located Nera Patrya Maruti Temple, Narayan Peth, Pune.

Best time to visit: Mornings and evenings

Popular for hosting its fabulous Sunday brunches and having a dazzling nightlife, Spice Kitchen is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Pune. With its eclectic menu hosting a variety of cuisines, Spice Kitchen is a wonderful getaway to enjoy a casual outing with your loved ones.

The soothing ambience and the courteous staff add to the USP of this place and surely not a place to miss out when you’re visiting the city of Pune on your next trip.

Timings: It is open for 24 hours every day.

Price: Rs 2200 for two (approximately)

Location: JW Marriott Hotel, Lobby Level, Senapati Bapat Road, West Pune, Pune

Best Time to Visit: Evenings

A great place for a weekend getaway, Sentosa is located inside a water park, and that doubles the fun of having breakfast, lunch or dinner in this fine and dine place. It is considered as one of the most famous tourist places in Pune. The place also has a rain dance, waterfall and wave pool.

Sentosa is one of the highly recommended restaurants in Pune and the food, ambiance, service, staff, and décor is full of class in this place. The variety of food served there is quite vast. The place serves Indian, Chinese, Continental, and many other cuisines. There is also a separate space for bar. The average cost of two people would be around INR 1500. It is advisable to get a reservation at this vibrant place.

Timings: 11 A.M to 2:30 P.M

Price: Rs 1400 for two (approximately)

Location: Sentosa resorts, Mumbai Pune Bypass Road, Ravet, Pune, Maharashtra 412101, India

Best time to visit: Evenings