Pune, India, is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra. It is often referred to as the “Oxford of the East” due to a large number of renowned universities in the city. As a result, it is a very modern destination with a youthful population, making it a fun, multicultural and convenient travel option for solo travelers. It is also home to a range of historical landmarks and sites, including the rock-cut Pataleshwar cave temple, the Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwarwada, Lal Mahal and Sinhagad Fort. There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the pre-colonization history of the region, as well as the British’s influence on the city’s culture. It is also home to a variety of religious and spiritual practices. If you’re planning a solo trip to Pune, take a look at our recommended list of things to do alone in this destination.
Good to know:
- According to Pune district's government website, there are several ways to get to Pune conveniently. The easiest by far is to fly to Pune International Airport, which also serves as a base for the Indian Air Force. However, you can also take a bus or train from major cities.
- If you plan on being outdoors for most of your time, according to Weather Spark, the best time to visit would be from early March to mid-May.
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Must-do tours and activities in Pune
If you’re traveling alone, sometimes it’ll be perfect to join a tour to meet new people or gain a comprehensive understanding of a city’s culture. Check out the options below for a fun holiday!
1. Full-Day bird safari excursion to Bhigwan from Pune
Take a day off from the busy hubbub of the city, and venture into the countryside where you’ll get to observe beautiful pink flamingos and more at the Bhigwan bird sanctuary. This full day tour includes talks with the Hindu god Shiva at the Bhuleshwar Temple and hotel pick up and drop off. You also will have the option of choosing how big you’d like your tour group to be and even customizing the itinerary to meet your interests.
2. Four-hour cultural & heritage walking tour
This four-hour long walking tour is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with Pune and learn about its history and modern-day culture. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to sites such as Shaniwar Wada Fort, Dagdu Sheth, and Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. You’ll also have the opportunity to buy many trinkets from local vendors at the Laxmi Market.
3. Pune's full-day private tour activities
On this private tour, you will have eight hours to learn about Pune as you explore the local attractions. Your English-speaking guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have about sites such as the Aga Khan Palace, the Pataleshwar Caves and the Raja Dinkar Museum. Ranging from the 8th to 19th century, these destinations weave a complex and rich story about India’s history. The tour includes hotel pick up and drop off, as well as the chance to enjoy some local cuisine for lunch.
Book Tours : Pune's Full Day Private Tour Activities
4. Private half-day food walking tour
This budget-friendly tour will introduce you to delicious cuisine of all varieties. Try new treats such as wine biscuits, ginger soda or mango mastani. The private food tour will ensure you can ask all the questions you want and have a truly memorable experience. The tour also includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop off.
Book Tours : Private Half-Day Food Walking Tour in Pune
5. Four-hour tour: Small-group culinary walking tour in Pune
Enjoy the culinary delights that Pune has to offer on this small tour (no more than 15 people at a time). Stops will include the famous Kayani Bakery and Dorajbee where you can taste foods like mawa cakes, mango mastani, wada paw and wine biscuits. Food tastings are at your own expense, and morning and afternoon departures are available for your convenience.
6. Cultural heritage walking tour
The unique history of Pune is mostly fully appreciated while exploring the city on foot. Visit historical and political landmarks, as well as religious sites. The top attractions featured on this tour include Shaniwar Wada, Nana Wada, and Noon-Dagdu Sheth. You’ll end your half-day at the Laxmi Market and have a chance to shop for souvenirs or an afternoon snack.
7. Pune University complex cycling private tour
Get some exercise on this half-day private bike tour. You’ll see the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University and learn more about what kind of education is available at the university, as well as appreciate its unique architecture and history. The scenic tour offers a shady respite on hot days or an alternative to more popular walking tours and outings in Pune. Guides will be happy to help make any special arrangements you may need.
8. Private Pune tour
Steeped in history, this tour offers a glimpse into Pune’s past. Beginning at your hotel, you will be guided through the most popular sites in Pune by a professional guide. Sites include the Aga Khan Palace, Shinde Chhatri, Museums in Pune, the Osho International Meditation, and finally, the Colonial Market for lunch of your choosing. This tour highlights the architecture of famous buildings in Pune and the historical significance of each in India’s struggle for independence.
9. Cheese trail in Pune
Perfect for cheese lovers, this private tour takes you to a farm that has over 40 years’ experience in the cheese industry. Learn and witness how organic cheese is produced and what it takes to craft such unique and rich flavors. Your tour will include a tasting of 10 different kinds of cheese. This is a good option for those who want to get further outside of the city and see a different way of life.
Book Tours : Cheese trail in Pune
10. Authentic Gujarati cooking and dining experience
A visit to Pune would not be complete without learning more about the regional cuisine and sampling the savory flavors concocted by a fantastic local chef. Chef Sangita will welcome you into her home and you will have the opportunity to learn how to cook some traditional Gujarati dishes. Plan to spend about two to four hours on this experience.
Popular sightseeing spots in and near Pune
If you’d rather break away from the tour group and do some exploring on your own, you can check out the spots below and craft your personal itinerary!
11. Shaniwar Wada
Every city has different historical monuments that define it, and Pune’s historical building is Shaniwar Wada. Shaniwar Wada is a palace fort from the Maratha Dynasty, which is situated in the heart of Pune City. This historic building was constructed in 1732 as the seat of the Peshwa and remained the political capital of the empire until its annihilation. The palace boasts five gateways, nine bastions, lattice work, and fine wooden pillars. A story say that Bajirao saw a rabbit chasing a dog here and then decided that this is the best place to build a palace that would never face defeat.
Shaniwar Wada
Address: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra
Traveler's tips
The romantic location of Shanivar Vada, which translates to Saturday Fort, is perfect for a family trip. You can even enjoy a brief picnic here with your loved ones. The fee is minimal, around INR 25. The best time to visit this historic fort is during the weekdays if you want to enjoy this location with minimal crowd. You can visit during the weekend, too, but be prepared for throngs of people who love this place and its lush grounds for a quick getaway!
12. Osho Ashram
Osho Ashram is altogether a different experience. It is a unique place where you will feel at one with your body, mind, and soul. Osho Ashram was founded by Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain on Koregaon Park Road in Pune. The ashram is the place where one can explore oneself and one’s sexuality. It is more of a way of living. It covers 40-acre (16 hectare) meditation resort, where meditation, workshops, massages, theaters, and other events take place. It is an ordinary place to relax in Pune.
Osho Ashram
Address: 17, Koregaon Park Rd, Vasani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune
Website: Osho Ashram
13. Sinhagad Fort
Reminders of the historic battles of Marathas follow you when you stumble across the windswept ruins of the Sinhagad Fort. The Majestic Sinhagad Fort is situated on one of the isolated cliffs of Bhulaswar Range of the Sahyadris. This fort is significant for the memorials of Tanaji Malusare and Chhatrapati Rajaram. You will also find Bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak, one of the earliest progressive freedom fighters of India on Sinhagad. They said that if you look carefully, you will find old coins scattered from the wealthier days of Sinhagad. You can take a cab to reach this place as other visitors are doing, or travel the way trekking lovers do. No matter what, you will be bewitched by the pristine aura of this place.
Sinhagad Fort
Address: Sinhagad Ghat Road, Thoptewadi, Pune, Maharashtra
Website: Sinhagad Fort
14. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Temple
The Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Temple is located in the heart of Pune and amidst heavy traffic and bustling peths (districts). This temple has a story to tell. Dagdsheth Halwai was a famous sweet trader, but he lost his son in the outbreak of plague. Then Guruji, Shri Madhavnath Maharaj consoled him and advise him to make two idols of Shri Datta and Shri Ganpati. He asked him to take care of the idols like he would take care of his son. Dagdusheth Halwai did as he was told, and the idols were later placed in Aakara Maruti Temple. The temple is also notable for popularizing the Ganeshotsav.
Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati
Address: Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Budhvar Peth, Shivaji Road, Pune, Maharashtra
15. Parvati Hill
An important place of interest located in Pune is Parvati Hill. This temple is located on a small hillock where many of Pune’s population starts their day by bowing down to Lord Shiva. Parvati has a close association with the Maratha dynasty and is a page out of the Peshwa rule. If you wish to reach this temple, then you have to climb 108 unpaved stone steps, which will surely add an adventure to your trip. The Parvati Museum located here is a replica of ancient paintings and manuscripts.
16. Bund Garden
Bund Garden named after the Bund (mini dam) built across the Mula-Mutha Rivers. Nature lovers will love this place as there are few places in Pune that are blessed with nature. Bund Garden is popular for joggers and morning walk enthusiasts. You can also go boating in the garden’s riverside area. Choose the right season, and you’ll get to view some few migratory birds as well.
Bund Garden
Address: Sangamvadi, Pune, Maharashtra
17. Koregaon Park
Koregaon Park is where the action takes place in Pune. If you want to chill and relax, then this will be the best place for you. The best time of the day to visit is the evening and people come here to chill out with friends and to serve visitors, many restaurants and cafes have opened recently. One can have a chance to try a variety of foods here. It is also the best place for street shopping.
Koregaon Park
Address: Mula-mutha river, Pune, Maharashtra
18. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
History enthusiasts will not want to miss visiting this remarkable museum. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a three-floor private collection of Dr. Kelkar dedicated to his son, Raja. Dr. Kelkar traveled across India and collected these artifacts for 60 years. The museum houses over 15,000 gems echoing the daily life of ancient India. The collection contains rare fabrics, palanquins, hair accessories, metal figurines, kitchen paraphernalia, war equipment, and several other fascinating items. However, there is a fee starting from 100 INR (1.20 USD), which you can book online for a stress-free visit.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Address: No. 1377/78, Kamal Kunj, Bajirao Rd, Natu Baag, Shukrawar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002
Website: Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
19. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Contributed by Content Creator, Rohit Singh
Source: Rohit Singh
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Pune opened to tourists in February 2017. It’s located on the hills of Ambegaon and is one of the best places to visit in Pune. Temples dedicated to Shri Swaminarayan are major attractions in many cities across India.
While here, you can spend time exploring the peaceful surroundings with the whole family and worshipping Shri Swaminarayan.
20. Lohagarh Fort
Lohagarh Fort is located 57 km (35 mi) from Pune on Pune-Lonavala road. The fort has a rich history with rulers of several kingdoms. Lohagarh Fort is another spectacular example of the golden Peshwa rule. The fort is in ruin now, but still, it has a charm that no one can deny, and you will be amazed by its beauty. Lohagarh Fort overlooks the Pavana Reservoir and makes an excellent point for photography.
Lohagarh Fort
Address: Pune District, Maharashtra
Website: Lohagarh Fort
21. Lavasa
Okay! The most important USP (unique selling point) of a trip to Pune is actually located 57 km (35.4 mi) from Pune. Lavasa is set amidst an emerald green valley and is surrounded by rolling hills. The journey between Pune and Lavasa is simply awesome, with the winding path on one side with mountains and other with dense forest. The roads are just wide enough for two-way traffic, and if you opt for a bike ride, this is probably one trip that will be incredibly memorable.
22. Mulsi Dam
The size and beauty of this dam on the river Mula will mesmerize you. Especially in the rainy season, Mulsi Dam is a must visit place in Pune. The area around the dam has been developed into a tourist destination. Along with a relaxing escape from hectic life, you can also enjoy small, rugged Vadapau and shacks. This place is also famous for the Mulshi Satyagraha led by Senapati Pandhurang Bapat to protect farmers who lost their lands during the construction of this dam.
Rich history, richer food
The tours and activities outlined above can meet the whims and desire of any traveler. Whether you are interested in learning more about religious life, the history of colonization or how to prepare traditional dishes, there is an option here for you. Solo travelers will have a great time in Pune because of its reputation for hospitality and diversity. Keep these activities in mind for your next travel plans. Who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to return with a friend or two in tow.
History
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