Pune is a city with a blend of history, tradition, and a touch of the new world. Often referred to as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it is a much-famous attraction site with something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, appreciate nature, or are looking for a dynamic city – you will always find something interesting here.
This Pune travel guide will provide an overview of the must-see attractions in Pune, focus on the history of Pune, and speak about its natural areas. Check out this list of top tourist attractions in Pune, and get ready to plan your next trip!
List of the Best Places to Visit in Pune
Below is a selection of the best Pune attractions handpicked personally for you. It is advisable to visit these places if you are in the country.
1. Western Ghats
This is one of the most visited places in Pune due to its natural beauty, and it has been awarded an honorary UNESCO site. This one is a tranquil retreat from the stresses of city life with forest, mountains, valleys, and an immense variety of flowers. While you stroll along the ghats, you can expect to come across several waterfalls.
Also, you can indulge in photography at the trap of flora and fauna, National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Best Time to Visit: The best season to visit would be during the dry months of October to March, as the climate is cool and less turbulent.
Operational Hours: Its door is open to tourists all day. Nevertheless, this is the best place to visit during the daylight.
Entry Fee: Free of cost.
Attractions: Forest, grasslands, national park, wildlife sanctuary, waterfalls and birds.
How to Reach: Air, road, and rail transport can access it.
2. Parvati Hill Temple
Parvati Hill is one of the oldest attractions in Pune, and it has stunning temples constructed in the early 17th century. These worship Hindu Gods such as Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh, and Karthikeya.
On average, it is 2100 feet above sea level, giving you incredible scenery of landscapes and sunsets. Trekking and enjoying the beautiful lush green hill is also another option you can try here.
Best Time to Visit: You can also visit any time from October to March because the weather conditions are favorable.4
Operational Hours: It is operational between 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM for the devotees.
Entry Fee: Free of cost.
Attractions: Art lovers, Pilgrimage center, Rich in flora and fauna, Temples, Beautiful scenes.
How to Reach: You can get there by air, road, and rail.
3. Lal Mahal
This building was constructed in 1630 AD by the father of Shivaji Maharaj, Shahaji Bhosle. Pune has a deep-rooted history since it was the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the famous fighting scene between Shivaji and Shaista Khan.
Best Time to Visit: It is better to visit this place in October – March to have nice weather.
Operational Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed between 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM).
Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 5 for all.
Attractions: Red bricks visual identity, Largest oil paintings, Ruins.
How to Reach: It is easily accessible by cabs from any corner of Pune and also by city buses. It is situated only at a distance of 3 km from Pune Railway Station.
4. Peshwa Udyan Zoo
This zoo is a must-visit place in Pune, besides Saras Baug. If you are searching for a fun place to visit without the intense, adventurous feeling, or you are traveling with your child, this zoo can be the perfect spot to be.
It comprises a well-mentioned garden with giant lawns, properly concrete roads, and high-grown trees. Additionally, one can expect different birds, animals, and reptiles in the zoo.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to enjoy this place and the pleasant climate is between October and March.
Operational hours: Operates daily between 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and is closed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Entry Fee: The entry fee for adults is ₹ 20, and for children, it is ₹ 10.
Attractions: Different types of animals, seventeenth-century temples, street foods, Saras Baug, Chowpatty, and Parvati are in the vicinity.
How to reach: It is accessible by air, road transport, and also railways.
5. Shivneri Fort
Originally, Shivneri Fort became one of the most popular destinations in Pune as it was the birthplace of Shivaji, the Maratha emperor. It stands on a hill of 300 meters and has a great history as it was constructed in the 16th century.
There is a statue of Shivaji near this place, just beside a lake named Badami Talav. It is also a good place for trekking activities since it has good terrains.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place is during the post-monsoon period from October to March and during the monsoon months.
Operational Hours: Operating from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
Entry Fee: Free of cost.
Attractions: Largest Fort and seven gates, Shivai Temple, Jijabai’s Wada, Maasaheb’s Statue, and Bal Shivaji’s Statue.
How to Reach: Air, road, and rail transport could access it.
6. Rajgad Fort
If you are a history lover or a trekking facility, Rajgad would definitely attract you. Rajgad is extended with a height of 4600 feet and several constructional mounts.
This is because tourists prefer to camp on the mountain after walking this far to visit the fort. Here, you will find two temples where camping utilities will be provided.
Best Time to Visit: The preferred period of stay is October to March, although the monsoon season is not ideal for the famous trekking in the region.
Operational Hours: It is always open, but the most recommended hours of operation are 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free of cost.
Attractions: Padmavat Temple, Saibai’s Tomb, Rameshwar Temple, Padmavati Lake, Sanjivani Machi.
How to Reach: You can get there by air, car or rail.
7. Aga Khan Palace
This palace can be of great interest if you are interested in visiting such places and comparing them with ancient remains. Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III constructed it in 1892 to assist the famine region.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this place is from October to March.
Operational Hours: Operating from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Monday through Friday.
Entry Fee: For the Indian visitors, the entry fee is ₹ 5 for the adults and ₹ 2 for the children. Foreigners need to pay ₹ 100.
Attractions: Museum, arches of Italy and large trees, garden maintained by Gandhi National Memorial Society.
How to Reach: One can approach through an air, road, and rail transport network.
8. The Empress Garden
Pune’s Empress Garden will captivate your heart if you are inclined toward nature. It is one of the top places to visit in Pune. The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India maintains the Garden. It occupies 39 acres of land, the site which is filled with various kinds of rare trees and flowers. It sometimes arranges flower shows for the audience.
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit this place are October and March because the climate here is favorable during winter.
Operational Hours: Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 6.30 PM
Entry Fee: For persons over three years old, the entry fee is ₹ 15.
Attractions: Buds and Blooms flower show, Basant Utsav, Historical background, Flora and fauna exhibition.
How to Reach: You can hire cabs from Pune. It is just 3 km from Pune Railway Station.
9. Purandar Fort
If you want to explore during a holiday, you could go to Purandar Fort. Here, you get two forts, Purandar and Vajragad. These are located on the hilltop, nearly 4472 feet above sea level. This makes it suitable for trekking because getting there is already an uphill task.
Best Time to Visit: Ideally, October- March should be chosen because the rainfall will not be there during this period.
Operational Hours: Available every Monday through Friday, from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Entry Fee: Free of cost.
Attractions: Trekking routes, Temples and Catholic Church, National Cadet Corps Academy, and Bewitching View.
How to Reach: This fort is accessible through the NH4 route from Pune to Naraynapur.
10. Okayama Friendship Garden
It is the largest Japanese garden in Pune, often called the Pu. La. Deshpande Garden, in honor of the Marathi writer Pu La Deshpande. The ideas of nature and concrete will interpenetrate each other harmoniously. There are artificial pools and waterfalls apart from natural canals passing through the garden.
Best Time to visit: It is recommended to visit the park between October and June to see the park in its natural beauty.
Operational Hours: Opening hours are from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm every day; however, it closes from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 5 for all.
Attractions: A Japanese-styled park dating back to the 1700s, ponds and pools, waterfalls, stone lanterns, water basins, and statues.
How to Reach: You can get there by air, road, and rail.
The Bottom Line
Pune, with a rich historic felt, splendid traditions, and the touch of the new world, is a place that takes everyone’s breath away. Shivneri Fort to The Empress Garden, all Pune’s finest tourist attractions, keep every traveler engaged. This Pune travel guide guarantees you get the best out of your visit.
Most importantly, the city has lively energy and friendly people. Hence, wear your travel shoes, visit these Pune sightseeing places, and enrich your city experience. Pune awaits your visit!
The Lal Mahal, Red Palace, or Rang Mahal is the most popular among all attractions in Pune. It dates back to 1630 AD.
Parvati Hills and Sentosa Waterpark are considered tourist attractions in Pune, where it is nice to entertain with friends.
There are a few of the traveling places of Pune where one can spend the day, like Osho Garden, Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, Okayama Friendship Garden and Parvati Hill.
Yes, Pune is indeed a lively city with culture, architecture, religion, nature, and a contemporary touch. It offers a splendid experience of the historical forts and the lip-smacking food on the streets.
