1-Week Travel Plan for Pune
Pune, known as the "Oxford of the East," is a vibrant city in Maharashtra with a rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as a lively modern scene. Here's a one-week travel itinerary to explore the best that Pune has to offer.
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Day 1: Arrival & Explore Pune’s History
Morning: Arrival and Check-in
Arrive at Pune International Airport and check into your hotel. Staying near FC Road, MG Road, or Koregaon Park offers easy access to attractions.
Afternoon: Aga Khan Palace
Visit the Aga Khan Palace, an architectural marvel built in the 19th century. It is historically significant as it was used to imprison Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders during the Indian freedom struggle.
Explore the palace and the beautiful gardens.
Evening: Osho Ashram & Koregaon Park
Head to Osho Ashram in Koregaon Park. It is a spiritual center and meditation resort. Even if you don't partake in the meditation programs, the surrounding areas offer a peaceful atmosphere.
Spend the evening exploring the Koregaon Park area, known for its cafes, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
Dinner:
Enjoy dinner at Bistro 1 or Café Peter Donuts in Koregaon Park for some tasty continental cuisine.
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Day 2: Explore Historical & Cultural Sites
Morning: Shaniwar Wada Fort
Visit Shaniwar Wada, an 18th-century fort and the historical seat of the Peshwa rulers. You can explore its gates, fountains, and lush gardens.
The fort also has a light and sound show in the evening, which offers insight into the fort’s history.
Afternoon: Pataleshwar Cave Temple
Explore the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple is carved out of a single rock and is an iconic heritage site.
Afterward, head to Kasturba Gandhi Garden nearby for a relaxing stroll.
Evening: Pune’s Local Markets
Visit the famous Laxmi Road for shopping, where you can find traditional Marathi attire, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Explore Tulsi Baug and Shivaji Market for a more traditional shopping experience.
Dinner:
Enjoy traditional Maharashtrian food at Shreyas Restaurant or Aditi Fast Food in Shivaji Nagar.
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Day 3: Day Trip to Sinhagad Fort
Full-Day Trip: Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort is about 30 km from Pune and is a must-visit for history lovers and nature enthusiasts. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Trek to the top or hire a local jeep to take you up the hill.
Visit the tombs and temples atop the fort, and try the local snack Kanda Bhaji (onion fritters) with buttermilk.
Spend the day exploring the fort’s history, architecture, and stunning views.
Return to Pune in the evening.
Dinner:
Have dinner at Vaishali Restaurant (Fergusson College Road), which is famous for its South Indian cuisine.
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Day 4: Explore Pune’s Natural Beauty
Morning: Pashan Lake
Start your day with a visit to Pashan Lake, a serene spot for nature lovers. It’s a great place for bird watching, and you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake.
Afternoon: Saras Baug
Visit Saras Baug, a beautiful garden with a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It’s a popular spot for a relaxing afternoon picnic. The garden is spread over a large area, and you can enjoy the open space and the scenic surroundings.
Evening: Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden
Explore the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden, also known as Nanhelal Garden. This Japanese-style garden is designed to be a tranquil retreat with ponds, bridges, and lush greenery.
Dinner:
Head to The Chocolate Heaven or The Blue Diamond for a sophisticated dining experience with both Indian and international dishes.
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Day 5: Visit Pune’s Educational Institutions & Museums
Morning: University of Pune & Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Visit the University of Pune, which has beautiful colonial-style buildings and is known for its lush campus.
Then, head to Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as the Katraj Zoo, which houses a variety of species and also has a snake park.
Afternoon: Pune Tribal Museum & Museum of Art
Visit the Pune Tribal Museum to learn about the tribal culture and history of Maharashtra.
You can also visit the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which has a vast collection of sculptures, antiques, and artwork from India’s past.
Evening: Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Visit the famous Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, a historical and popular Ganesh temple in the heart of Pune.
Dinner:
Enjoy dinner at The Poona Guest House or Tandoor Restaurant for a traditional North Indian meal.
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Day 6: Day Trip to Lonavala and Khandala
Full-Day Trip: Lonavala & Khandala
Head out early for a scenic day trip to Lonavala and Khandala, popular hill stations about 70 km from Pune.
Lonavala offers beautiful lakes, valleys, and viewpoints, including Lohagad Fort, Pawna Lake, and Bushy Dam.
Visit the iconic Tiger’s Leap and enjoy panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Try Chikki (a sweet made from jaggery and nuts), a local specialty.
Explore Khandala, known for its lush landscapes and scenic spots like Sunset Point and Duke's Nose.
Return to Pune in the evening.
Dinner:
Have a relaxing dinner at Bangalore Iyengar’s Bakery or Chandni Chowk for a variety of North Indian and South Indian dishes.
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Day 7: Relax and Explore the Local Culture
Morning: Khadakwasla Dam
Head to Khadakwasla Dam, located on the outskirts of Pune. It’s a peaceful place to spend a morning relaxing by the water or taking a boat ride.
Afternoon: Pune’s Local Cafes & Relaxation
Explore the vibrant cafe culture of Pune. Spend your afternoon visiting the Vohuman Cafe or Cafe Goodluck, both famous for their chai and bun maska (local snacks).
Evening: Pune’s Nightlife
End your trip by experiencing the nightlife in Pune. Visit FC Road, Viman Nagar, or Koregaon Park for trendy cafes, pubs, and restaurants with live music.
Explore the local pubs like The Irish House or The High Spirits Cafe.
Dinner:
Celebrate your last night in Pune with a luxurious dinner at Sahara Pavilion or Bistro 1 for a more upscale experience.
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Budget Estimate for 2 People for 1 Week
1. Accommodation (7 nights):
Budget: ₹2,000-₹4,000 per night
Mid-range: ₹5,000-₹8,000 per night
Luxury: ₹12,000-₹20,000 per night
Total: ₹14,000-₹56,000 (Budget) to ₹84,000-₹1,40,000 (Luxury)
2. Meals (7 days):
Budget meals: ₹200-₹500 per meal per person
Mid-range meals: ₹600-₹1,500 per meal per person
Total: ₹4,200-₹10,500
3. Transportation:
Local Transport (Auto, Cabs, Buses): ₹3,000-₹5,000
Day Trips (Lonavala, Sinhagad): ₹3,000-₹8,000
Total: ₹6,000-₹13,000
4. Activities and Entrance Fees:
Cultural Sites, Parks, Museums: ₹4,000-₹8,000
Day Trips and Tours: ₹6,000-₹12,000
Total: ₹10,000-₹20,000
5. Total Estimated Cost for 2 People (1 Week):
Budget: ₹34,200-₹89,500
Mid-range: ₹89,500-₹1,35,500
Luxury: ₹1,45,000-₹2,23,000
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Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Pune is during the winter months (October to February), when the weather is cool and pleasant.
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This 1-week itinerary will help you explore the cultural, historical, and natural attractions of Pune, while also providing a good mix of relaxation, shopping, and outdoor activities. Enjoy your trip!
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