Things to Do in Pune – A Complete Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Pune, the famous city, as the cultural capital of Maharashtra and also dubbed the “Oxford of the East.” So this Pune travel guide will surely help you out in your planning if it offers you a lot of information about Pune, popular things to do in Pune, places to stay, and attractions around Pune.  Pune is one of the famous and major cities of the state of Maharashtra, India. It lies at the places where the Deccan Plateau meets the Western Ghats. It is home to several examples of world-class architecture and monuments, which offer travellers a delightful mix where timeless old beauty dances together with the new development. All this will offer every traveller an enriching, multifaceted experience.

Every year, thousands of tourists and travellers visit Pune for various reasons, including tourism, job opportunities, and many others. It is one of the well-developed metropolitan cities of the region that is known for its vibrant academic scene, thriving IT hubs, and youthful energy. One of the best ways to explore this big, beautiful city booking a cab in Pune. It offers something to everyone; whether you're wandering through ancient forts and colonial-era architecture or café-hopping in Koregaon Park, the city surprises you at every turn.

Another thing that makes Pune stand out is its pleasant weather almost year-round, which makes it ideal for both relaxed vacations and active explorations. From spiritual sites like Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple to adrenaline-pumping treks at Rajmachi or Lohagad, every site in Pune offers something new to visitors. Also, street food, from misal pav to mastani milkshakes, adds flavor to every journey.

Whether you're a solo backpacker, a history buff, a foodie, or a family traveller, Pune tourism promises a well-rounded adventure that is both soulful and stimulating.

Pune—The Oxford of the East

Pune is also nicknamed the “Oxford of the East” due to its prestigious universities and world-class educational and research institutions, such as Savitribai Phule Pune University, Fergusson College and Symbiosis. All these attract students from across India and the world. The city carries a unique blend of intellectual vibrancy and cultural richness, making it a favorite among students, scholars, and thinkers across India and beyond.

Pune is a major metropolitan city of the region that beautifully weaves together the history, intellect, and contemporary charm of the region. It is one of the historical cities that was once the home to the Peshwa and still carries the cultural and architectural legacy of the Peshwa era. Pune's cultural roots related to the Maratha Empire are still visible in its standstill forts, magnificent wadas, and ancient temples.

Contemporarily, this city also has several thriving IT hubs, bustling cafes, art galleries, and music festivals, which exude modern and progressive vibes. With its thriving IT hubs, bustling cafes, art galleries, and music festivals. This harmony of tradition and modernity gives Pune a distinct charm that appeals to all age groups. Whether it’s the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Koregaon Park, the historic aura of Shaniwar Wada, or the academic energy around FC Road, Pune reflects the true spirit of a city that celebrates learning, legacy, and lifestyle in equal measure.

Things to Do in Pune

Pune offers a unique blend of pastel hues and bustling streets that attract tourists from all over the world. The city is dotted with ancient forts, historical buildings, religious sites, world-class gardens, and glass-and-steel towers. As you stroll in Pune, sightseeing offers a vibrant tapestry that invites travellers to unravel its intriguing blend of history and modernity.  There are many top things to do in Pune; some of the most popular are as follows:

Spiritual Things to Do in Pune

Pune also offers several prominent religious destinations that showcase the cultural and spiritual heritage of the city. There are numerous magnificent temple complexes in the city that are dotted with their unique significance. Some of the most prominent religious spots in Pune city are given below; never forget to add them to your itinerary:

• Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati— It is one of the famous Ganesh temples nestled in the heart of the city that attracts devotees not only from India but also from the parts of the world. It is one of the sacred sites in India and stands as the pride and honor of the city. Tourists visit this temple to soak in its divine beauty, engage in social welfare, and participate in other cultural activities.  
• Parvati Hill Temple – It is a hillock at the southern end of the city that offers panoramic city views. It is considered one of the oldest structures in the city and has great historical and religious significance. Here, on top of the hill, is the ancient Devdeveshwar Temple along with four other temples that are dedicated to Kartikeya, Rama, Vishnu and Vitthal. Visiting this destination offers a package of all activities at one point.
• ISKCON NVCC – Pune is also an ISKCON temple that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is built beautifully and offers a peaceful spiritual campus where sitting and enjoying religious songs is worth experiencing. The temple opens early in the morning, at nearly 5 o’clock, and closes as late as 9:30 PM. You can visit it at any time except on the day's closing time, which is 1 AM to 4 PM.  
• Chaturshringi Temple— It is another revered hilltop shrine located on the slopes of a mountain in the northwestern direction of Pune. The temple is dedicated to the reigning deity of the city and is also known as Mahakalee, Mahalakshmee, Mahsaraswatee and Ambareshwari. It is one of the must-visit religious places in Pune that one should not miss during their trip.
• Pataleshwar Caves— It is an 8th-century rock-cut monument in Pune that attracts tourists with its architectural beauty. This is a religious cave that is dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar, a form of Shiva. As you enter the cave, its huge pillars and magnificent complex capture your attention and compel you to spend some more time in its tranquil atmosphere it.

Also, the major religious sites of the region, like Shirdi, will attract the traveller who takes a cab from Pune to Shirdi as their mode of transport. Cab can help them to explore comfortably, especially during the peak season.

Adventure & Offbeat Activities in Pune

We often think that there is not much adventure activity in and around Pune, but after reading this paragraph, you will get excited and think of planning your next trip to Pune. There are several adventure activities in Pune that offer an adrenaline-boosting experience to visitors. They might be a little bit offbeat from Pune, but they surely offer a great experience to you. Also, if you mind fully planning your trip with a cab, you will enjoy all of them comfortably.

Places to Visit in Pune

From its magnificent forts to its historical museums, every Pune attraction boasts its cultural richness that has been preserved here over the centuries. For tourists, there are several places to see in Pune. It houses world-famous lush green parks amid the hustle and bustle of modernity. For history enthusiasts, he has numerous attractions that captivate their eyes and give a thrill to their souls. Let’s get some in-depth knowledge about Pune attractions:

• Shaniwar Wada— It is an enchanting historical masterpiece of Maratha history. Once was an opulent seven-story Peshwa Fort. Today, you will only get the remnants of its foundation. Thousands of tourists visit the massive fort structure every year. Further, it is also famous for its light & sound show that is held every evening.
• Aga Khan Palace—It is one of the most famous national historical sites that played a key role during the national freedom struggle. The palace is really a testament to India’s freedom movement. It boasts graceful architecture and beautiful gardens, offering a serene setting amidst the city's bustling chaos, complete with Gandhiji’s memorabilia.
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum—It is one of the major museums located in the heart of Pune. This museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts that showcase Maharashtra’s culture, art and history. Here you will get the chance to see the rare artefacts and art pieces that include musical instruments, paintings, sculptures and textiles.
• Katraj Snake Park & Zoo – This is perfect for a family-friendly wildlife experience. Katraj Snake Park & Zoo attracts nature and wildlife enthusiasts with its wide collection of wildlife creatures. It includes a variety of snakes, reptiles and turtles. One of the interesting facts about this park is that it has a library and hosts events related to myths and doubts related to snakes.
• Pune Okayama Friendship Garden—It is a unique kind of tourist attraction in Pune. This garden is built in the Japanese-style landscape and is considered one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. It offers a beautiful blend of human-made architecture, such as ponds and waterfalls, which enhances the natural charm of the natural canal that passes through the garden. This garden shows the Japanese Yin and Yang theory.

Places to Visit Near Pune

Pune is surrounded by several wonderful places that are also, in themselves, great tourist attractions. If you go north from Pune, you reach misty hills and green valleys that welcome you with their lofty grasses and cascading waterfalls. To enjoy the pride and strength of India, go south from Pune; there is a great historical fort. For more, you can also explore the cities nearest Jyotirlingas; that heavenly beauty and divine charm surely offer an incredible lifetime experience. Now, let's understand in detail:

• Lonavala & Khandala—Just a 65 km comfortable cab drive from Pune lets you to one of the popular hill stations that is perfect for a weekend. They are twin hill stations that are famous for their lush, verdant landscape and offer gorgeous sun views and stunning scenery. There you will also find cascading waterfalls, wax museums, and other adventure activities, which make them perfect weekend getaways from Pune.
• Lavasa –  If you are looking for a unique experience, this Italian-style hill city near Pune is perfect for a one-day trip. Lavasa is a well-planned lakeside city covering 25000 acres of land and has too much to offer its tourists. The city has world-class hotels, resorts, educational institutes, and malls, making it a perfect leisure holiday destination from Pune.
• Mahabaleshwar—From Pune, you can also explore Mahabaleshwar, a timeless tribute to spirituality. It is a scenic yet religious hill town 120 km away from Pune that is famous for its centuries-old Shiva Temple. Booking a cab from Pune to Mahabaleshwar invokes an incredible experience for you. This destination has a heavenly aura of scenic vistas, a sacred aura, and sweet indulgences, all of which beckon with its natural beauty, peace and divinity.
• Sinhagad Fort—It is one of the most revered historical sites of India. This fort is located about 30 Km southwest of Pune and stands as a timeless sentinel of the region's glorious past. It is one of the historic treks that not only catches the attention for its natural beauty but also for the history that connects it with several epic battles and spots of Maratha pride.
• Bhimashankar Temple–  It is one of the closest Jyotirlinga sites to Pune. Travellers can easily travel there from Pune by hiring a cab for Bhimashankar. This is a beautiful temple built with complex craftsmanship that attracts devotees. Apart from that, it is also famous for its rich history, biodiversity and scenic beauty, which makes it a favorite site for adventure seekers.

These are the few sites about them we get, but there are several other offbeat sites near Pune. You can easily explore them by taking a rental car as your mode of transportation. That also offers more freedom and flexibility to the travellers to travel at their own pace.

                                    Read Also: One Day Trip Near Pune

How to Plan a Trip to Pune

Looking for a perfect plan for your Pune trip? Here is the perfect 2- to 4-day Pune itinerary for you that strikes a perfect balance between cultural heritage, modern lifestyle, food adventures, and nature escapes. Whether you're a solo traveller, a working professional looking for a weekend break, or a family planning a short vacation, this Pune trip planning offers something for every kind of explorer. Ideally, 2–4 days are enough to cover both the city and its scenic outskirts.

For a wholesome experience, start your trip in Pune early in the morning to get much from your day. As Pune offers diverse attractions to explore, planning according to the opening and closing times of those places is essential. Explore its iconic historical sites like Shaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace, then vibe at café-hopping in the artsy Koregaon Park or enjoy the youthful vibes of Fergusson College Road (FC Road). For nightlife lovers also there are also ample areas like Baner and Viman Nagar that offer trendy pubs and lounges.  If you're a nature enthusiast, include day treks to Sinhagad Fort or a sunset picnic at Khadakwasla Dam. Adventure seekers can opt for weekend camping at Pawna Lake or paragliding at nearby Kamshet.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, Koregaon Park is perfect for luxury travellers and those interested in shopping or nightlife, while FC Road and Shivajinagar cater well to budget-conscious travellers, students, and backpackers.

With great connectivity, a laid-back vibe, and a mix of tradition and trend, Pune makes for a versatile travel destination. Use these Pune travel tips to design your trip based on your interests and make the most of your visit.

How to Reach Pune

Pune is one of the well-connected cities in Maharashtra state, which is located very close to Mumbai. You can easily reach there by any mode of transport that suits your budget and requirements. In this blog, you will get information about how to reach Pune. Let start

• By Air: Pune has its own airport facility named Pune International Airport (PNQ). It is located only 10 km away from the city center. This airport facilitates domestic & limited international flights. To make pickup and drop-off easy, you can choose CabBazar’s dedicated airport taxi in Pune, which makes your Pune airport transport travel experience seamless.
• By Train: Train is one of the convenient and budget-friendly modes of transportation for travelling. Pune serves as one of the major Indian Railway Junctions of the region, which is connected to multiple routes. The Pune train station is well connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities with multiple train options, such as superfast, express, etc.
• By Road: Pune serves as a major juncture while travelling from North to South and vice versa. The city is located only a 3–4 hour drive from Mumbai via the expressway, which is also connected to major highways. You can easily book your cab from Mumbai to Pune with CabBazar.  It is not enough that the city offers seamless connectivity to other cities. You can take government buses or opt for public transport for your travels.

Apart from its connectivity to the rest of the nearby cities, Pune also has a well-developed local transportation system. There are several local transport options available in Pune, such as PMPML buses, auto-rickshaws, cabs, app taxis, and e-bikes. You can choose from them or just pre-book your cab to avoid last-minute hustle and inconvenience.

Best Time to Visit Pune

Pune welcomes travellers throughout the year, but for a great experience, visiting the city at the perfect time is also need to know. The charm of Pune varies significantly depending on the season. Summer from March to May might be a little be scorching and inconvenient for outdoor activities in the city. But the October to February window is considered the best time to visit Pune, thanks to its pleasant weather and festive vibes. This is the ideal time for sightseeing, cultural experiences, and enjoying street food. Pune transforms into a lush green haven during the monsoon from June to September. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts who want to explore the Western Ghats at their scenic best.

Get the Pune travel weather at a glance

Where to Stay in Pune

Looking for a stay in Pune that makes you feel at home, so don't worry, in this article, you will also get information about all types of accommodation options in Pune. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel to budget budget-friendly stay, the city has everything that caters for the needs of every traveller. Now we discuss that in detail.

For those who are looking for a world-class hotel that provides premium services with top-notch comfort, booking a room in Conrad, JW Marriott, and Hyatt Pune is a wonderful experience. They are the top luxurious hotels of the city, perfect for both family and business trips. Then come the mid-range hotels that offer a good stay experience to the travellers and families. In these categories come the Sagar Plaza, Residency Club, Oakwood and many others. They are the affordable premium hotels that offer clean rooms, cosy club ambience near the major tourist, shopping and dining places in Pune.

Hotels are perfect for families and business trips, but if you are a solo traveller who doesn’t want to spend too much on a stay so there are also more affordable options for you. The stay option, like Zostel and backpacker hostels in Deccan/KP area, offers shared dorms with WiFi, café lounges and community events. Along with that, if you want to explore more stay options in Pune so there are specific areas like Koregaon Park that are perfect for leisure travellers and expats, Viman Nagar and Kalyani Nagar that are close to the airport and malls, making an ideal stay for business travellers.

Travel Tips for Pune

Whether you're exploring Pune’s cultural landmarks or indulging in its buzzing food scene, a few Pune travel tips can enhance your travel experience. Start with the city's flavorful street food—don’t miss iconic dishes like misal pav, vada pav, and the famous mastani (a thick milkshake). While Pune is largely cashless-friendly, it’s best to rely on UPI apps for smoother transactions. If you're planning weekend treks or offbeat activities, book in advance to avoid last-minute hassle, especially around places like Sinhagad or Rajmachi. At temples and religious sites, dress modestly and be mindful of local Marathi customs. For safe and fair travel, either use auto fare meters or prefer app-based cab services for longer distances.

• Don’t miss trying local food such as misal pav, vada pav, and mastani (thick shake) during your trip.
• Use UPI apps and avoid cash when possible; it helps you to travel freely without the tension of safety.
• It is important to book your treks and activities in advance, especially if you are planning a trip during weekends.
• During your journey, respect local Marathi customs and dress appropriately at religious places.
• Use an auto fare meter or prefer app cabs for budget travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the must-visit attractions in Pune?
Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort, FC Road, and Osho Ashram.

Q2. How many days are enough for Pune?
2–3 days for the main city, 4–5 days with nearby destinations.

Q3. Is Pune a good place for weekend getaways?
Yes—surrounded by hills, dams, temples, and wildlife spots.

Q4. What food is famous in Pune?
Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Poha, Mastani, and local Maharashtrian thalis.

Q5. Is Pune safe for solo travellers and women?
Yes—relatively safe, with good public transport and city awareness.