If Mumbai is the most happening place in Maharashtra, then it’s neighbour Pune is the cultural hub and the biggest city in the state. An upcoming IT centre and a fascinating city, Pune has no shortage of things to intrigue the interest of almost anyone who has ever been here or has heard of the city. With being in the proximity of many major cities and acting as a centre seat for when getting to major attractions of the state is concerned, the places to visit in Pune and around will never cease to amaze you with their unique roster of features.
From treks to Lohagarh and Rajmachi Forts, to the canoeing and white water rafting adventures in Kolad River, from a fascinating Scuba Diving experience to the unique experience of trekking in Andharban, the city is in a proximity of some of the most fascinating things to do in Pune and near.
Adventure never stops in Pune as you can embark on an exhilarating underwater experiences in the Sangam safari and maybe, if you are a daredevil, pay a visit to the Crocodile Island. And even if you are not well acquainted with the adventures around, don’t be disheartened as there are many places near Pune where you can take on things at a beginner level, like the Kundalika river that serves as the perfect place for beginners in rafting or the famous Rajmachi fort which is most suited for people who wish to start on an easy trek
And for places to stay in Pune and around, there are innumerable options to choose from. You can choose to stay in a luxurious resort in Pune or go for a hillside resort in the embrace of Maharashtra’s favourite hill stations like Khandala, Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar for the true weekend getaway from Pune, not so far away from the city. And for the ones who like mix adventure with their stays and take it all to a whole new level, Pune is not going to disappoint you. With options ranging from a camp stay on the banks of Pawna Lake to a village stay experience in Junnar, there is just no stopping the fun that one can have in Pune. Pune is the whole deal, everything around it is just a pleasant add-on, and who doesn’t like freebies, right?
There are quite a few destinations for a short break from the monotony of city life.
Pune has amazing outskirts and many picturesque day out destinations. A bike trip through the Ghats is the best way to get a panoramic view of the greenery, waterfalls, and valleys. The best destinations are:
Mahabaleshwar is 125 km from Pune by road. There is a direct state transport bus from Pune to Mahabaleshwar and the journey takes 3 hrs. There is no direct trains between Pune and Mahabaleshwar but the train is the cheapest way to get there.
Take Koyna express from Pune to Satara and then take a bus from Satara. It will take 6 hours to reach Mahabaleshwar. The winter months are the best time to visit the hill station as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.
Pune has many beautiful beach destinations within 150 km. The best beaches to unwind are:
Some of the best restaurants in Pune are:
Pune is one of the few places in India where pubs remain open as late as 4 am. The hippest joint with swinging music and heady cocktails are:
Coffee is a persistent passion in the modern world. Here is a list of the coolest and quirkiest café in Pune
Pune is located in the Western Ghats and is a gateway for many scenic drives in the region. Some of the most scenic drives are:
Pune is known for its throbbing nightlife and partying. The most happening pubs are:
Pune was the capital city of Maratha Kings and the monsoon capital of British India. It has many noteworthy museums reflecting its rich history and culture.
A visit to the water park offers many rides, games and activities. The most exciting water parks in Pune are:
The most popular and visited temples in Pune are:
All the temples can be visited in one day. They are open between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all days.