If you are planning on visiting the city of Pune anytime soon, this travel guide is something that will help you in getting your affairs in order and have an itinerary that should cover the major things of the city. Pune is a city that has something for every kind of traveler and depending on what slot you fit in you can have a great time here.
#For a foodie like me
Foodies need to take out their little black diary and make a note of some fabulous eating places in Pune that they must go to. There are places which will serve you food which will satiate your taste buds and places that will serve you food which will give you a visual delight as well.
- Vaishali– Try their dosas, coffee, SPDP and vadas for sure, when you manage to get a seat after waiting in the queue. (Oh yes the place is always jam-packed!)
- Kayani Bakery- Shrewsberry biscuits and their Mawa cake which is to die for, is something which you cannot miss. I make it a point to get some biscuits back home every time I visit.
- Marz-O-Rin – the place is sure to give you a good Mac n cheese while you soak in the beauty of the place which reflects the history of the city.
- Chaitanya – This FC road joint serves killer aloo paranthas that simply need to be had piping hot with a dollop of butter.
- Café Vohuman and Good Luck Cafe are two authentic Parsi cafes that you must try if you love Parsi food as I do. (Pro tip- Café Vohuman would be my pick if I had to choose just one)
#For the religious sorts
Pune has some lovely temples that not only are a work of beauty but have devotees flocking to them religiously, pun intended.
- Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Maharashtra and its love for Ganpati Bappa are world famous and so is this temple which pays homage to him. The temple gives a tough competition to Lal Baugcha Raja of Mumbai in its grandeur during the Ganpati festival.
- Parvati Hill temple
This temple dedicated to goddess Parvati is located atop the Parvati hill. The view from the top is quite mesmerizing and you would love taking some pictures of the city from here. A little trivia: this temple is the oldest heritage structure in Pune.
- Pataleshwar
I had to think for a while before deciding where to put this one for you, for it is a Lord Shiva temple and being a rock-cut cave temple it is visited by devotees and tourists alike. Choose the feeling that you associate with most out of the two but visit this temple nonetheless.
#For the trekkers and campers
You can drive up to Lonavala and enjoy a bonfire at Tiger Pointor if you are looking for something close by to the city, you always have the Sinhgarh Fort to explore. Khadakwasla Dam would be goodfor a short visit coz everyone who visits Pune does go there. It’s asort of must-do thing for Punekars at least.
#For the sight seekers
Osho Ashram in Koregaon Park is a place that should be on your mind if you are looking for some meditation sessions. Koregaon Park has some amazing eateries flocked by foreigners who will share their travel tales with you even without you asking them for it. Aga Khan Palace should be a part of your Pune travel Guide as well. The palace houses important photographs and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi and is good for those interested in a little taste of history. If ancient history is what intrigues you and you are a romantic at heart,then, you Shaniwar Wada will surely enthrall you. With the story of Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani resonating in the walls, the beauty of the place will enchant you for sure.
#For Parents with children in tow
You cannot have the full trip dedicated to things of your interest only if you have your tiny tots along with you. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Pune Okayama friendship garden are two places that you can take your little ones to and make their day. Bon Voyage!