Overview
About Pune
Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra, a city that wears its history lightly while moving at the pace of a modern metro. It sits on the Deccan Plateau at the meeting of the Mula and Mutha rivers, and its relatively high altitude gives it milder weather than Mumbai. Once the seat of the Peshwas who led the Maratha Empire, it is now known for its universities, IT parks and youthful energy.
The old city around Shaniwar Peth and Sadashiv Peth still preserves the feel of Peshwa-era Pune, with crowded lanes, temples, old wadas and family-run sweet shops. The Cantonment and Koregaon Park, by contrast, grew under the British and are filled with tree-lined avenues, churches, cafes and restaurants. Moving between the two gives a sense of the city's many layers.
Pune is also the gateway to the Sahyadri hills. Ancient forts such as Sinhagad, Rajgad and Torna, closely tied to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, crown the ridges around the city, and the hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala are a short drive away. During Ganeshotsav the whole city comes alive with pandals, processions and music, making it one of the best places in India to experience the festival.
- Maratha history
- Shaniwar Wada
- Hill forts
- Ganeshotsav
- Misal pav
- Cafe culture
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Pune
Forts & Palaces
Shaniwar Wada
The fortified palace of the Peshwas, built in the eighteenth century. Its massive gates and walls survive along with the foundations of the palace, and a light and sound show tells its story in the evening.
Aga Khan Palace
An elegant palace with arched verandahs where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and other leaders were interned during the Quit India movement. It houses a memorial and a small museum.
Lal Mahal
A reconstructed palace near Shaniwar Wada on the site where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj spent part of his childhood.
Sinhagad Fort
A hill fort about 30 km from the city, famed for the battle led by Tanaji Malusare. The views, the climb and the fort's food stalls make it a favourite weekend outing.
Temples
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Pune's best-known Ganesha temple, with a richly decorated idol. It is the centre of the city's celebrations during Ganeshotsav.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
A rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the middle of the city, with a pillared Nandi mandapa carved out of the same rock.
Parvati Hill
A hill crowned by a cluster of temples built by the Peshwas, reached by a long flight of steps and offering wide views of the city.
Museums
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
A private collection turned museum, with thousands of everyday and decorative objects including lamps, musical instruments, utensils and textiles.
Nearby Excursions
Lonavala and Khandala
Twin hill stations about 65 km away on the road to Mumbai, known for monsoon waterfalls, viewpoints, Karla and Bhaja caves and chikki.
Rajgad and Torna Forts
Two of the most important forts of Shivaji Maharaj's early career, both reached by steep treks that reward walkers with spectacular Sahyadri views.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Pune
- 1
Hike up Sinhagad at dawn
Start early to beat the heat and crowds, then end the climb with hot kanda bhaji and curd at the top.
- 2
Walk the old city
Explore the lanes of the peths around Shaniwar Wada for temples, old wadas, bookshops and traditional sweet shops.
- 3
Experience Ganeshotsav
Visit the famous mandals during the ten-day festival, usually in August or September, and watch the immersion processions.
- 4
Go monsoon trekking
From June to September, the hills around Pune turn green and waterfalls appear, making it the classic season for fort treks.
- 5
Try Pune's food scene
Sample misal, vada pav and mastani in the old city, and explore cafes and restaurants in Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar and the Camp area.
- 6
Shop on Laxmi Road and FC Road
Laxmi Road is the place for saris and traditional jewellery, while FC Road is popular for casual fashion and street food.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Pune
The best time to visit Pune is October to February; June to September for monsoon treks. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to May
20°C to 38°C
Hot and dry in the afternoons, though evenings are bearable. Plan heritage sites and museums for mornings and keep afternoons indoors.
Monsoon
June to September
20°C to 29°C
Moderate rain in the city and heavy rain in the ghats. The surrounding hills turn green, and this is the favourite season for treks and drives.
Winter
October to February
10°C to 30°C
Cool mornings, sunny days and clear skies make this the most comfortable season for sightseeing in the city and its forts.
Getting there
How to Reach Pune
By Air
Pune International Airport at Lohegaon, about 10 km from the city centre, has direct flights from most major Indian cities and a few international routes. App cabs and taxis are easily available.
By Rail
Pune Junction is one of the busiest stations in western India, with trains to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and many other cities. Shivajinagar and Hadapsar handle some local and long-distance services.
By Road
Pune is about 150 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, a drive of around three hours. Highways also connect it to Nashik, Kolhapur, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, and frequent state and private buses run in all directions.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Pune
Misal pav
A spicy curry of sprouted moth beans topped with farsan and onions, eaten with pav. Every Punekar has a favourite spot.
Vada pav
A spiced potato fritter in a soft bun with chutneys, Maharashtra's favourite street snack.
Mastani
A thick milkshake topped with ice cream, dry fruits and fruit, named after the Peshwa-era figure Mastani.
Bhakarwadi
A crisp, sweet-and-spicy spiral snack that is a popular Pune souvenir.
Puran poli
A sweet flatbread stuffed with jaggery and lentils, especially popular during festivals.
Pithla bhakri
A rustic gram-flour curry served with millet bhakri, often found at fort-top stalls and village eateries.
What to Buy in Pune
- Paithani saris and traditional jewellery on Laxmi Road
- Bhakarwadi and sweets from old-city shops
- Kolhapuri chappals
- Books and casual fashion around FC Road
Travel Tips for Pune
- Traffic can be heavy at peak hours; plan sightseeing across the city in clusters.
- Carry water and good shoes for fort treks, and avoid risky edges during the monsoon.
- Expect very large crowds during Ganeshotsav, and use public transport where possible.
- Check opening days for museums and heritage sites, as some close on certain weekdays.
FAQs
Pune Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Pune?
October to February is the best time to visit Pune for pleasant weather. The monsoon from June to September is ideal for treks and drives in the hills.
How many days are enough for Pune?
Two days are enough for the city's main sights, and three to four days let you add Sinhagad, Lonavala or another fort trek.
What is Pune famous for?
Pune is famous for its Maratha history, Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, hill forts, Ganeshotsav celebrations, educational institutions and food such as misal pav.
How far is Pune from Mumbai?
Pune is about 150 km from Mumbai, around a three-hour drive on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, and many trains connect the two cities.
Which forts can I visit near Pune?
Sinhagad, Rajgad, Torna, Lohagad and Purandar are among the popular forts near Pune, most of them reachable as day trips.
When is Ganeshotsav celebrated in Pune?
Ganeshotsav is a ten-day festival that usually falls in August or September, following the Hindu calendar.