Pune — overview
Pune was the seat of the Peshwas — the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire — from 1718 to 1818, and this history defines its old city character. Shaniwar Wada, the Peshwa palace at its centre, and a network of Maratha-era temples and wadas make it one of the most significant cities of the Deccan plateau.
Places to visit in Pune
Shaniwar Wada
The fortified palace of the Peshwas, built by Peshwa Bajirao I in 1732 as the seat of the Maratha Empire. The original seven-storey structure was largely destroyed by a fire in 1828 — only the stone base and massive stone walls remain, along with five intricately carved teak gates.
Timing: Open daily, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹250 (online pay or cash at counter). Entry is free for children below 15 years
Open in Maps | Official Booking Site
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
A museum containing over 20,000 objects collected over a lifetime by Dr. Dinkar Keshav Kelkar. The collection represents the everyday material culture of India across several centuries — locks, lamps, kitchen utensils, musical instruments, carved doors, weapons, ivory objects, textiles, paintings, and manuscripts.
Timing: Open daily, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹400 (online pay or cash at counter)
Open in Maps | Official Booking Site
Sinhagad Fort
A hill fort at approximately 2,100 feet above sea level. The fort is historically associated with the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. The fort is now a trekking destination with two trails — one paved road accessible by vehicle, one steep trekking path. The fort offers panoramic views of the Deccan plateau.
Timing: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee:
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Pataleshwar Caves
An 8th century rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, carved entirely from a single basalt rock. The temple consists of a cube-shaped sanctum containing a Shivalinga and a circular pillared Nandi mandapa in front.
Timing: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Temple
The most prominent Ganesh temple, established in the late 19th century. The presiding idol of Ganesha is gold-plated and decorated with gold and silver ornaments. The temple draws enormous crowds during Ganesh Chaturthi — the Dagdusheth Ganapati procession is one of the most significant.
Timing: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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How to get around Pune
Metro in Pune
Partially practical. Google the nearest metro station to your starting point and destination. Enter the station, buy a ticket at the counter or vending machine, clear security, scan the ticket at the entry gate, walk towards platform and board the train. Use the same ticket again at the exit gate on destination.
Local buses in Pune
Not practical. City buses run but routes are difficult to navigate without local knowledge.
Ride-hailing apps in Pune
Partially practical. Ride hailing apps like Ola and Uber availability is limited in Pune. Select the vehicle type and book through the app; fares are shown upfront before confirmation. Drivers may call to confirm the pickup point. Before getting in, verify the vehicle number and OTP shown in the app. Payment can be made by card through the app or in cash directly to the driver at the end of the trip.
Street-hailing auto rickshaw in Pune
Practical. For short distances (5 km) or when apps are unavailable. Tell or show the auto driver your destination — they can refuse, in which case move to the next one. Agree on the fare (approx. ₹30—₹40 per km) before you get in. Know the distance to your destination via maps before negotiating.
Fairs and Festivals in Pune
Ganesh Chaturthi in Pune
Pune's Ganesh Chaturthi is the most significant in Maharashtra outside Mumbai — Kasba Ganpati (the city's presiding deity) and four other Manache Ganpati follow a fixed procession order established by tradition. Cultural programmes run for all ten days.
2026 Dates:
Gudi Padwa in Pune
Maharashtrian New Year — households erect Gudi (a decorated pole with silk cloth, mango leaves, neem, and an inverted kalash) at the entrance. Street processions of women and marching bands move through Pune's old city neighborhoods.
2026 Dates:
What food is Pune known for
Pune's food is Maharashtrian at its core — puran poli, misal pav, and the Brahmin vegetarian tradition — alongside the Kolhapuri non-vegetarian tradition of spicy mutton and chicken. The city's student and young professional population has added a diverse cafe and restaurant culture.
Local food to eat in Pune
Misal pav · Puran poli · Sabudana khichdi · Vada pav · Bhel puri · Kolhapuri mutton · Pohe · Thalipeeth · Modak · Mastani (thick milkshake)
Food streets in Pune
• Deccan Gymkhana area — traditional Pune breakfast and snacks
• FC Road — cafes, restaurants, student food culture
• Camp area — multi-cuisine, bakeries, established restaurants
How to reach Pune
Pune is well connected by air, rail, and road and is approximately 150 km from Mumbai. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes, airport, and bus terminal information below.
Pune — Stations, Airport & Bus Stands
Rail Station: Pune Junction (PUNE)
Airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ)
Bus Terminal: Pune Central Bus Stand
By Train
Search “Pune” as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Pune Junction (PUNE) is the main station. Choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
Search by city name across IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. Pune Airport (PNQ) has domestic services from all major Indian cities.
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (MSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.