The second largest city in Maharashtra, Pune is known as its cultural capital. A potent mix of modernity and ethnicity, Pune is home to top-rated educational systems, IT Parks, residential/pensioner havens, ancient wonders, distinguished museums and a vibrant cityscape. Want to explore Pune in a couple of days? Make the perfect itinerary with this short guide.
Where To Stay
Caption: Treebo Park View in Pune
There are many budget stays in the city, particularly on Apte Road, Tilak Road and Karve Road, so it is not difficult to find good hotels in Pune. However, most of the hotels situated here are suitable only for backpackers on a shoestring budget, looking for minimum to basic facilities.
Where you stay while you travel matters for the reasons of safety, amenities, comfort, peace of mind and convenience. The best option to enjoy a truly comfortable and world-class stay in Pune is Treebo hotels, India’s best budget hotel chain. Tariffs start at Rs 999, but you can find a hotel of a higher range too, if you’d like to spend a bit more. The booking process is online and extremely simple. You’ll be served with the motto of ‘Perfect Stay Or Don’t Pay’. Features include complimentary breakfast and assured amenities.
Pune City Guide: A 3-day itinerary in Pune
Day 1: History & Architecture
Visit the hottest historical and architectural tourist destinations in Pune on your first day. Pune is an ancient city famous for its many cultural marvels like museums and historical forts.
Where To Eat
There are a variety of foods here that you can choose from. While you will always want to explore special Indian delicacies, you can also find good restaurants in Pune that offers different cuisines from Asia and other parts of the world.
Caption: German Bakery
German Bakery
Known for burgers, pizzas and a variety of delicious desserts, German Bakery is one of the best places in Pune to eat.
What to eat: Breakfast spread
Location: Koregaon Park
Timing: 7:45 am to 11:45 pm
Average cost: Rs 1000 for two
Malaka Spice
Caption: Malaka Spice
Famous for Malaysian, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine, Malaka Spice is an excellent casual dining restaurant with a great bar.
What to eat: Pan-Asian recipes
Location: Koregaon Park
Timing: 11:30 to 12:30
Average cost: Rs 2000 for two including alcohol
What to do:
Caption: Shaniwar Wada
Visit the Aga Khan Palace where Indian Freedom Fighters including Gandhi were imprisoned, explore the historical fortification ruins of Peshwa-era wonder called Shaniwar Wada, known for its imposing gates, check out the rare collection of over 20,000 artefacts at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which exhibits ancient ornaments, utensils, musical ornaments, clothing, metal and earthenware, visit an 8th century rock-cut cave temple called Pataleshwar Cave Temple, renowned for the wide temple corridors, columns, Nandi Bull Statue and a unique cube shaped sanctum of Lord Shiva.
Day 2 – Urban wonders in Pune
Pune is home to many gardens, parks and spiritually uplifting spots, including NDA and the famous Osho Ashram. Visit them all on day 2.
Where to eat:
- Tales and Spirits
Caption: Live music at Tales and Spirits
A veg-only restaurant and bar, Tales and Spirits is one of the highest restaurants in Pune. They have a full bar and live sports screening.
What to eat: Greek Pizza, burgers and salads
Location: Senapati Bapat Road
Timing: 11:30 am to 12 pm
Average cost: Rs 800 for 2 with alcohol
- Effingut
Caption: Effingut
Famous spot to enjoy nightlife in Pune with wine, food and music, Effingut is where the elite hang out. The restaurant is famous for its live music performances.
What to eat: Prawns and chicken delicacies
Location: Koregaon Park
Timing: 11:30 am to 12 midnight
Average cost: Rs 1700 for two with alcohol
What to do:
Caption: NDA passing out parade
See the technological wonder of Darshan Museum, which delivers spiritual messages through holographic demos, realistic art and lifelike silicon-based technology, visit Saras Bagh, a sprawling lake-park which also houses the legendary Talyatla Ganpati Temple, experience the enchanting sights of Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, a Japanese garden with manicured lawns, gazebo structures, straw bridge, and strategically placed water bodies, take amazing pictures at National Defence Academy atop a picturesque hill, alongside the beautiful Khadakwasla Dam known for its sunset point, also visit Peacock Bay famous for its birds and water sports.
Day 3 Walking tours
There are many places in and around Pune where you can indulge in solitary treks and nature walks, enjoy adventure at its best on your third day in Pune.
Where to eat:
- Elephant & Co
Caption: Happy campers at Elephant & Co
A unique cosmopolitan casual dining restaurant with a bar, Elephant & Co is famous for its brunches, music and amazing outdoor seating.
What to eat: Finger food, continental fares
Location: Kalyani Nagar
Timing: 12 to 12 midnight
Average cost: Rs 1400 for two with alcohol
- Hard Rock Cafe
Caption: Revellers at Hard Rock Cafe
No Hard Rock Cafe ever needed an introduction. Visit the one in Pune for live music, good food and good vibes.
What to eat: American and Mexican
Location: Mundhwa
Timing: 12 to 1 am
Average cost: Rs 2000 for two with alcohol
What to do:
Caption: Osho Teerth Park
Trek to the hillock of Parvati Hill, which is known for five famous temples atop. Visit its main temple and catch a panoramic view of Pune, feel inspired at Osho International Meditation Centre known for its contemporary hippie ambience, and enjoy a peaceful stroll at Osho Teerth Park, which has lush greenery, streams, bamboo trees and a utopian vibe, see wildlife at Rajiv Gandhi Zoo and spot animals like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a number of reptiles including pythons, king cobra, vipers and crocodiles, take a walk on Koregaon Park to experience the urban culture of Pune, including posh buildings, charming cafes, street markets, glitzy boutiques and the ancient banyan trees lining up the paths.
A trip to Pune will let you experience the essential 21st century Indian city, that is rooted in culture, yet aspirational & upmarket. You’ll leave the city full of fresh energy and vivified spirits.
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