12 Popular Places to Visit in Pune You Simply Cannot Miss

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Pune is a beautiful city in Maharashtra, developed as one of the major cities of the country in the past few decades. The city is laced with all kinds of amenities and utilities needed for a good lifestyle. It is also famous among tourists owing to its contagious vibrancy, delicious food and ample of sightseeing opportunities in and around the city. There are numerous wonderful places to visit in Pune which form the very identity of the city and are simply too good to miss witnessing. From refreshing hillsides and forts to superb theme parks and man-made waterfalls, you are sure to find something to leave you amazed and satisfied. The beauty of the place also lies in the fact that each of these wonders personifies quality and are known to be quite affordable as well. Beside,s there is something here for everyone.

The Finest Places to Visit in Pune

1. Adlabs Imagica

Nicknamed as ‘Disneyland of India’, this theme park is a wonderful Pune attraction that fills you up with joy. There are many thrill rides and water rides with many being kid-friendly too. While the adults usually enjoy rides like ‘scream machine’ or ‘nitro’, some popular rides among kids include ‘splash ahoy’ and ‘happy wheels’. The place also organizes many great shows that you can watch or indulge in other activities like taking pictures or watching performances by jugglers, magicians or stilt walkers.

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• Type: Theme Park
• When to Visit: Throughout the year
• For Whom: Family and Friends
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 99.6 km
• How Much Time to Spend: A full day
• Operating Hours: 10:30 am to 8:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating:4.0

2. Aga Khan Palace

Built in 1892, Aga Khan Palace is a spectacular building that has stood the test of time. It is one of the top places to visit in Pune not just for its intricate architecture with huge hallways and lovely green lawns but also for its strong historical ties. The palace is well known for serving as the place where many revolutionaries, including Mahatma Gandhi, were kept imprisoned during the struggle for independence. The entry fee for this place is approximately INR 5 for Indians and INR 100 for foreign nationals.

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• Type: Palace
• When to Visit: Throughout the year
• For Whom: Family, Senior Citizens
• Distance from  Airport: 4.1 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours is enough to look around the palace, stroll in the lawn and shop in the khadi retail shops located here
• Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

3. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple

Being a major attraction in Maharashtra, the Dagdusheth Halwai Temple is one of the must-see places to visit in Pune. The Ganesh idol here, stands at a massive 7.5 feet high and is adorned with 8 kg of pure gold ornaments, is the centre of utmost incredulity and magnetism. The beautiful idol and the temple itself draws pilgrims from all over the world in huge numbers each year. However, the charm of the place is simply inexplicable during the ten days long festival of Ganeshotsav.

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• Type: Temple
• When to Visit: Throughout the year, especially during Ganeshotsav
• For Whom: Family
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 10.6 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 1 hour
• Operating Hours: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

4. Shaniwar Wada

Belonging to the era of the Maratha Empire, Shaniwar Wada is a majestic fort built by the Peshwa rulers who reigned from here. The colossal fortification which was built in the year 1732 was commissioned by Peshwa Baji Rao I, post defeating the English in the Third Anglo-Maratha War.  A fire broke out in 1823 which destroyed much of the fort. The fort is now open for tourists where they can marvel at the beautiful palaces, enormous armoured gates and lovely fountains. The entry fee is INR 5 for Indians and INR 125 for foreign nationals.

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• Type: Notable Building
• When to Visit: Throughout the year
• For Whom: Family, Couples
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 10.8 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 3-4 Hours
• Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Light & Sound Show- 6:30 to 8:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

Also Read: Most romantic restaurants in Pune

5. Pataleshwar Cave Temple

Declared as a protected monument, the Pataleshwar Cave Temples form a truly fascinating Place worth Visiting in Pune. These divine rock-cut temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is an interesting example of an ancient form of architecture that is still widely prevalent. The temple features an inner sanctum where the Linga is established, with a Nandi Mandapam in front of it. Built during the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the 8^th Century, the temple surprisingly is still in pristine condition!

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• Type: Historic Site/ Temple
• When to Visit: Throughout the Year
• For Whom: Family
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 10 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 1-2 Hours
• Operating Hours: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5

6. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

An intriguing museum, it was built by Dr Dinkar G. Kelkar in the memory of his only son Raja. It houses a wonderful collection of various artefacts dating to the 18^th and 19^th Century. Although the museum holds about 20,000 objects, currently only 2500 of them are on display. You can appreciate various articles of artistic value, including paintings, carvings, door frames, vessels etc. The entry fee for this museum is INR 10 & INR 50 for children below 12 years and adults of Indian origin and INR 50 & INR 200 for children below 12 years and adults respectively for Indians and foreign nationals.

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• Type: Museum
• When to Visit: Throughout the year
• For Whom: family, Senior Citizens
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 12.1 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 2 hours
• Operating Hours: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

7. Mulshi Lake and Dam

Emerged as one of the most popular places to visit in Pune, Mulshi lake paints a beautiful picture of nature’s best, surrounded by Dhangadh fort and Sahyadri ranges. With the lovely Mula river flowing here over which the Mulshi dam is built, has formed a spot ideal for tourists looking to revel and relax in the natural setting. It is especially great for photography, nature walks, bird watching and trekking.

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• Type: Landmark
• When to Visit: Monsoons
• For Whom: Couples, Friends
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 87.2 km
• How Much Time to Spend: Full day
• Operating Hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.0/5

8. Sinhagad Fort

Located at a distance of 30 km from the city, Sinhagad Fort deserves a special mention among the places to visit in Pune owing to its excellent location. It is a fantastic example of Maratha architecture and leaves you marvelling at the grandiose of the structure. The fort that once served as the empire’s military post is now a famous and beautiful tourist destination. Nestled in the pristine Sahyadri ranges, it is a popular spot for trekking and provides breath-taking views of the mountains around and the city below.

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• Type: Historical Fort
• When to Visit: All through the year, especially monsoons
• For Whom: Friends, Couples
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 46.9 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 2-4 hours
• Operating Hours: 5:00 am to 9:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

9. Bund Garden

A beautifully manicured garden situated close to the city’s railway station and Fitzgerald Bridge, Bund Garden received its name from the dam or Bund built over the Mula river. The lovely garden is frequented every morning by people who celebrate good health amidst the delightful greenery of the garden, jogging on the special jogger’s track. There are also some rides such as see-saw located here for children’s amusement while many different groups organize various programmes like magic performance and even horse rides.

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• Type: Garden
• When to Visit: Throughout the year
• For Whom: Family, Senior Citizens
• Distance from Domestic Airport:6.5 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 1 hour
• Operating Hours: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.0/5

Must Read: 11 Best places to visit in Mumbai

10. Chaturshringi Temple

Chaturshringi is a magnificent temple located on the Senapati Bapat Road on a hillside slope. One of the truly impressive places to visit in Pune, the temple boasts of being 90 feet high and massive 125 feet wide. Built in the devotion of the Goddess of power and faith, Goddess Chaturshringi, it possesses 100 steps which need to be climbed in order to reach her shrine. This Hindu temple also houses shrines of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha.

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• Type: Temple
• When to Visit: Throughout the year
• For Whom: Family
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 13.8 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 1 hour
• Operating Hours: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

11. Katraj Snake Park

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Katraj Snake Park is another superb destination on our list of places to visit in Pune, which is located on the Pune-Satara road. Popular among children and adults alike, the park is segregated into three divisions, an animal orphanage, zoo and snake park. The snake park houses more than 22 species of snakes and about 10 species of reptiles. It has many rare snakes as well turtles and birds. The region not only protects these beautiful animals but also celebrates some festivals aiming to dissipate the fear of snakes in people.

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• Type: Animal Sanctuary
• When to Visit: All through the year, especially monsoons
• For Whom: Family, Senior Citizens, Friends
• Distance from Domestic Airport: 18.4 km
• How Much Time to Spend: 2-3 hours
• Operating Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

12. Osho Ashram

Located in the Koregaon Park, the Osho Ashram is one of the world famous places to visit in Pune. Founded by Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain who is famously known as Osho Rajneesh, the establishment is spread over 32 acres of land. Believed to be the epitome of peace and spirituality, people who seek these threads of wisdom find their solace in the ashram. Even for the everyday tourist, the place is nothing short of a charming bliss owing to its tranquil setting and greenery, away from the hustle bustle of the city. The place runs many enriching programmes teaching spiritual enhancement and stress-free living through dynamic meditation, Nadbrahma, Natraj etc. It also relates knowledge on creative arts, Sufism, healing arts, esoteric sciences and much more.

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• Type: Cultural Centre
• When to Visit: Throughout the Year
• For Whom: Family, Individuals, Senior Citizens
• Distance from Domestic Airport:6.5 km
• How Much Time to Spend: Varies
• Operating Hours: 6:00 am to 10:30 pm
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

In addition to there being a lot of places to visit in Pune which includes popular Maharashtra Tourism Attractions, there are also many different things to do in Pune that will keep people of every age group busy and excited.  From exciting amusement parks to awe-inspiring forts and palaces Pune is a treasure trove of activities. It has its fair share of stunning natural beauty as well with many hilltop picnic spots or riverside destinations for a leisurely day. It is only a matter of your own choice and of course time, to pick a destination that suits you best or humour your mood. There are so many wonderful places to visit in Pune that you can plan every weekend, visit each one and still won’t run out. So, get planning and exploring this truly wonderful city.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Pune                      

1. What are some museums located in Pune?                

Following are some museums worth paying a visit in Pune:

• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
• Museum of War
• Darshan Museum
• Tribal Museum
• Mahatma Phule Museum

2. Are there any places to visit in Pune which are suitable for trekking?            

There are some places fit for trekking, in and near Pune. These are:

• Chavnad Hill Fort
• Hadsar Hill Fort
• Korigad Hill Fort
• Purandar Fort
• Rajgad Fort
• Rohida Fort

3. What are the places of religious interest worth visiting in Pune?

The following are some places of religious interest in Pune that you must visit:

• Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
• Pataleshwar Cave Temple
• Cahturshringi Temple
• Parvati Hill Temple
• Dehu Gatha Temple
• Mary’s Church
• David Synagogue

4. Are there any natural places to visit in Pune for a picnic?      

Yes. The following are some naturally beautiful spots in Pune, perfect for a picnic:

• Parvati Hill
• Pashan Lake
• Mulshi Lake and Dam
• Vetal Tekdi