Pune travel guide: All about my birthplace and the city of adventurers

Pune travel guide: All about my birthplace and the city of adventurers

Pune travel guide - Shepherd Traveller

This Pune travel guide will give you major travel goals and inspiration while you find amazing places around my home city. In addition to places and adventures around Pune city, this guide also contains details about where to shop, what to eat, places to party and more.

Pune city located in western India is my birthplace and my comfort destination. It is surrounded by hills that come alive in the monsoon. Pune also has a rich history and culture. It is not just a city, it is a vibe! Everyone who comes here loves this vibe and is left wanting some more. We like to say this is Marathi – Jo ithe ala, ithlach zala!

Pune Travel Guides

Following are a few resources that will help you plan weekend trips around Pune. Whether you are new to Pune or you are a local I am sure you will find something new. I have classified them into categories as below, to make it easier for you to find places as per your interests.

Crazy things to do in Pune

Road trips near Pune

Waterfalls near Pune

Treks near Pune

Black Sand Beaches near Pune

Places to visit in Pune

Places to visit near Pune

Best one day trips near Pune

Listen to my podcast about Pune city

Whether you are a Punekar or a Pune fan, you will definitely love listening to this podcast. The actual podcast starts at 2.18 minutes so you can skip the annoying advert at the beginning.

More about Pune city

The city of hills

Pune city is located in the state of Maharashtra in the western part of India. It is recognised as one of the most livable cities in India. Since the olden times, Pune has always been referred to as the city of hills. That is because of the unique terrain where the city is located. It is based inside a valley which is surrounded on all the sides with hills. This gives us numerous hikes, treks, waterfalls, lakes and dams that make it a popular travel destination for nature and trekking enthusiasts. Apart from the amazing natural terrain, Pune has inherited a lot of history which makes it equally popular among historians and history geeks.

Pune travel guide - pune city - pune 1 day tour - hotels near pune railway station

Sunrise over Pune city from Parvati hilltop – Pune travel guide

The history of Pune

Pune has a lot of history and culture which has been preserved well even with increasing metropolization. The history itself has left such a mark that cannot be erased at all. The bravery of the Maratha army, the strength and valour of Tanaji Malusare, the lost grandeur of Peshwas, the love story of Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani can all be found in Pune city. Then revolutionaries like Lokmanya Tilak, Chafekar brothers, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and even Mahatma Gandhi all have left their footprints or traces around Pune city. While referring to Pune we say in Marathi – Ithihasacha warsa labhlele shahar!

Food and Shopping

What’s more, we have numerous shopping streets, shopping malls and Khau Gallis ie. streets full of the lip-smacking street food. This makes Pune a shopper’s paradise as well as a foodie’s paradise. The most beloved snacks are in Pune are Puneri Misal, Vadapav and Chitale’s Bakarwadi. Read till the very end to find my what to eat and where to shop guides.

Educational hub – Oxford of the East

In recent times, Pune has emerged as a hub of educational institutions which is why we proudly call it – The Oxford of the East. The story of Savitiribai Phule and Jotiba Phule, a couple who spoke up for the girl’s right to education for the first time in India can be found around the campus of Pune University. Savitribai Phule is said to be the earliest feminist in India.

Natural Wonders Near Pune city

Necklace point – Bhor

Flamingos and Birdwatching – Bhigwan

Wonderland of Waterfalls – Maval

Plateau of Flowers – Kas Pathar, Satara

Asia’s 2nd largest valley – Sandhan Valley

Asia’s 2nd largest plateau – Table land of Panchgani

Migratory Sea birds – Akshi Beach

Glowing forest – Bhimashankar, Ahupe village

Elephant’s head Mountain – Mahabaleshwar

Natural potholes – Kukadi river, Nighoj

Natural Rock Bridge – Hatkeshwar

Baby Turtle festival – Velas Beach

Meteor Crater – Lonar Lake, Buldhana

Bajirao Mastani DIY tour in Pune city

Visit these 5 places to know all about the love story of Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani bai. Shaniwarwada, Parvati Hill, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Mastani Lake, Mastani’s tomb in Pabal.

Photo spots in Pune City

There are many cool photography places in Pune city. And you will want to take some amazing shots here, to help you remember your trip. These are some best and most loved photoshoot places in Pune. Moreover, you may also get your professional photoshoot done here.

ARAI Hilltop, Taljai Hills, Pashan Lake, Khadakwasla Dam, Sinhagad Fort for Outdoor or Nature themed photoshoot in Pune.

Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwarwada, Parvati hill temple, Pataleshwar Temple for a history-themed or royal or rugged photoshoot in Pune.

East Street Cafe, Waari Book Cafe, Chafa Cafe and Studio, PAASH, Grandmama’s Cafe, Farzi Cafe, are some of the most Instagrammable Cafes in Pune City.

What to Eat in Pune?

Let me share with you the food that we Punekars love! These are some of the typical snacks and food shops close to every Punekar’s heart.

What do Punekars Love to eat?

Puneri Misal: Katakir-Karve Road; Bedekar Misal-Narayan Peth

Wada pav: Garden Wadapav-Camp; Prabha Wadapav-Narayan Peth; Joshi Wadewale-Deccan

Bakarwadi: Chitales-Bajirao Road

Cold Coffee: Durga Coffee-Paud road

Dosa: Mankar Dosa

Molgapodi Idli: Wadeshwar-FC Road

Parantha and Punjabi Food: Chaitanya Paratha-FC Road

Omelettes and Eggs: Vohuman Cafe-Dhole Patil Road.

Zunka-Bhakar and organic curd: At Sinhagad Fort

Momos: Momo’s Corrner-Koregaon Park

Cheese Factory and tasting: ABC Farms-Koregaon Park

Chocolate paan: Naad paan shop-Karve road

Bahubali Thali: House of Paratha-JM Road (Nobody has been able to finish the Bhaubali thali till today)

Pav bhaji: Chaupati-JM road

Chicken burger: Burger-Koregaon park

Bun Maska: GoodLuck Cafe-FC Road

Chocolate Sandwich: FC Road

Napolean Sandwich: Supreme Sandwich corner-Appa Balwant Chowk

Cakes and Bakery: Kayani Bakery-Pune Camp; German Bakery-Koregaon Park

Bhel and Chat: Kalyan Bhel-JM Corner

Veg Pattice: Dangi Pattice-Deep Bangla Chowk

Icecream and Milkshakes: Naturals Icecream

Ice Gola : Mansi Gola-Bajirao Road