Pune, often called the “Oxford of the East”, beautifully blends Maratha heritage with cosmopolitan charm. Once the seat of the mighty Peshwas, today it’s a vibrant city of education, innovation, and art. Nestled near the Western Ghats, Pune serves as a gateway to scenic hill stations, forts, and lush countryside retreats.
A Pune tour is a journey through Maharashtra’s layered past and lively present — from the walls of Shaniwar Wada and the calm of Osho Ashram to the refreshing air of nearby Lonavala and Mulshi. It’s a city that invites both discovery and relaxation.
Why Visit Pune?
Pune offers a unique mix of history, spirituality, education, and green escapes. Its old city lanes echo with the stories of the Maratha Empire, while its cafes, museums, and art spaces show a youthful, creative side. It’s also a base for adventure and wellness getaways across the Sahyadris.
Top Places to Visit in Pune
Shaniwar Wada: The grand 18th-century palace of the Peshwas, known for its massive gates, intricate architecture, and historical legacy.
Aga Khan Palace: A beautiful monument associated with Mahatma Gandhi, featuring a museum and serene gardens.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple: An ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the heart of the city.
Osho International Meditation Resort: A tranquil space for spiritual seekers, offering meditation, wellness, and relaxation programs.
Sinhagad Fort: A majestic hilltop fort that witnessed fierce Maratha battles, offering stunning valley views and local snacks like pithla-bhakri.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: A fascinating collection of over 20,000 artifacts showcasing India’s cultural diversity.
Bund Garden: A scenic riverside park, perfect for morning walks or evening picnics.
Day Trips & Excursions from Pune
Lonavala & Khandala: Twin hill stations offering waterfalls, viewpoints, and trekking trails — just 65 km away.
Lavasa: A planned hill city with lakeside promenades and boating activities.
Mulshi & Tamhini Ghat: Ideal for monsoon drives, with lush landscapes and waterfalls.
Bhimashankar Temple: A Jyotirlinga shrine and wildlife sanctuary about 110 km from Pune.
Best Things to Do in Pune
Join a heritage walk through old Pune to explore wadas, temples, and traditional markets.
Experience wellness and meditation at the Osho Ashram.
Trek to Sinhagad Fort for sunrise and local delicacies.
Enjoy street food at JM Road or Fergusson College Road.
Visit Sula Vineyard’s Nashik outlet for local wine tasting.
Best Time to Visit Pune
October – February: Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities in pleasant weather.
June – September: Monsoon brings greenery and misty hill views; great for short drives.
March – May: Warm but suitable for heritage and cultural exploration.
How to Reach Pune
By Air:Pune International Airport (PNQ) connects major Indian and select international cities like Dubai and Singapore.
By Train:Pune Junction is a major railway hub linking Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
By Road: Located on NH48, Pune is about 150 km from Mumbai (3 hours by expressway). Excellent bus and cab services are available.
Where to Stay
Pune offers a range of accommodations from luxury hotels like JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency, and Conrad to charming heritage stays and modern business hotels. For a quieter experience, boutique resorts near Mulshi or Koregaon Park offer tranquil settings.
Travel Tips
Carry light cotton clothing; add layers for hill excursions.
Book accommodations early during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Explore local Maharashtrian dishes like misal pav and puran poli.
Take weekend detours to Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar for scenic getaways.
Why Travel with Tusk Travel?
Tusk Travel’s Pune tour packages blend culture, comfort, and discovery. We design curated itineraries combining Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Mumbai with Pune’s heritage — offering a seamless Western Maharashtra experience.
Pune is known for its Maratha heritage, educational institutions, spiritual centers like Osho Ashram, and proximity to hill stations like Lonavala and Lavasa. It’s Maharashtra’s cultural capital.
Must-visit attractions include Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort, Osho Ashram, and Pataleshwar Temple.
The best time to visit Pune is from October to February when the weather is cool and perfect for exploring forts, gardens, and nearby hill stations.
Pune is around 150 km from Mumbai via the expressway. It takes about 3 hours by car, 4 hours by bus, or 2.5 hours by train.
Popular getaways from Pune include Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Bhimashankar, Mulshi, and Alibaug — all within a few hours’ drive.
