Pune is where you can experience centuries-old Marathi culture and history at its best. Yet the city has a modern face to it too. And the places to visit in Pune are diverse, from palaces, forts, and museums to hills, temples, shopping malls, and more. In fact, once you check in at one of the hotels in Pune, you can spend many days exploring the attractions the city has in store for you.
But what if you are here only for a day? Worry not! We have compiled a list of the most iconic places to visit in Pune on a one-day trip. The best part is that many of these attractions are open from early morning hours. If you plan your sightseeing itinerary wisely, you can cover all these places (or more) in just one day. Here are our suggestions.
Places to Visit in Pune (One Day Trip):
1. Aga Khan Palace, Pune
Aga Khan Palace | #1 of 6 Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
Let’s start with a place that is best known for its historical significance as well as architectural excellence – the Aga Khan Palace. The palace, which counts among the most iconic places to visit in Pune, was built in the year 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III as an act of charity to help the famine-hit people in the region. The palace is spread over a sprawling land of 19 acres and has been declared as a monument of national importance by the Archeological Survey of India.
This mighty edifice is closely linked to India’s freedom movement as well. History has it that Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, and Gandhi’s secretary Mahadev Desai were held prisoners here. Today, it serves as the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and some of Gandhi’s ashes have also been laid to rest here. The museum at the palace displays many photographs and some of the personal belongings of Gandhi. There is also a small garden behind the main structure where you can see the resting places of Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi, as both of them died while being held prisoners at the palace.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day
- Entry fee:
Indians – ₹ 5 per person
Children -₹ 2 per person
Foreign nationals – ₹ 100 per person
2. Shaniwar Wada Palace, Pune
Shaniwar Wada Palace | #2 of 6 Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
Now that you have started exploring the history of the region, let’s visit one more place of historical importance, namely Shaniwar Wada Palace. A majestic seven-storied building constructed in 1732 by Peshwa Bajirao I, Shaniwar Wada served as the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire till they lost it to the British East India Company in 1818. The palace, which was the hub of culture and politics during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, was destroyed by a massive fire outburst in 1828. Whatever remained of it is now being maintained as a tourist site. Today, it attracts travelers and history buffs as being one of the top historical places to visit in Pune.
The palace and its premises comprise of five gates, several halls, bastions, a lotus-shaped mountain, and a majestic statue of Bajirao, among others. Another key attraction is the light and sound show conducted here every evening. So, if you want to watch the show, plan your visit accordingly.
Are you a movie buff? You’ll be delighted to know that Shaniwar Wada Palace was featured in the 2015 Bollywood movie Bajiro Mastani. Now, that gives you one more reason to visit the palace, right?
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm; every day
- Entry fee:
Indians – ₹ 5 per person
Foreign nationals – ₹ 125 per person - Light and sound show timings: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm; every day
- Light and sound show charges: ₹ 25 per person
3. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum | #3 of 6 Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
Forts and palaces are not the only places where you come face to face with history. How about visiting a museum on your one-day trip to Pune? Make your way to the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which is touted as one of the largest one-man collections in the world. The museum is housed in a three-storied building and contains over 20,000 curios and artifacts collected by Dr. Dinkar Kelkar, of which about 2500 items are on display for the public.
Some of the major exhibits in the museum include war weapons, Mughal lamps, hookah pipes, vessels, ornaments made of silver, ivory, and gold, and several sculptures that date back to the fourteenth century. The museum also has a wing that exhibits a fine collection of musical instruments. Another key attraction here is the replica of the Mastani Mahal, complete with massive chandeliers, luxurious décor, and beautiful paintings.
Want to visit more such treasure troves of history and art? Here’s our blog on the best museums in Pune to help you out.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm; every day
- Entry fee:
Indians (adults) – ₹ 50 per person
Indians (children) – ₹ 10 per person
Foreign nationals (adults) – ₹ 200 per person
Foreign nationals (children) – ₹ 50 per person
4. Parvati Hill, Pune
Parvati Hill | #4 of 6 Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
Now that you have traveled through the pages of history, how about exploring a postcard-worthy destination? Your next stop in Pune should be Parvati Hill, the second highest point in the city. A hillock located at an altitude of 2100 feet above sea level, it is apparently the most scenic location in Pune and also serves a viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the city. That’s precisely why Parvati Hill counts among the places to visit in Pune on a one-day trip.
That’s not all! There are temples on the top of the hill and these shrines date backs to the days of the Peshwa Dynasty. Another key attraction here is a museum that contains paintings and portraits related to Peshwa rulers, coins, manuscripts, and other interesting artifacts. You can visit Parvati Hill any time during the day, but we recommend an early morning or late evening hours so that you can enjoy some cool breeze and fresh air. And the best part, entry to the hill is free!
- Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm; every day
5. Okayama Friendship Garden, Pune
Okayama Friendship Garden | #5 of 6 Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
Also known as Pu La Deshpande Udyan, Okayama Friendship Garden deserves a place in your list of places to visit in Pune on a one-day trip. This public park built over 10 acres of land is inspired by the 300-year old Koraku-en garden located in Okayama, Japan. Complete with beautiful landscapes, plants and flowers, and natural water canals with colorful fishes, the garden spells tranquility and breathtaking beauty in every step you take.
Okayama Friendship Garden is open from early morning hours, every day, so you can consider starting your sightseeing by visiting this beautiful, picture-perfect garden.
- Location: Sinhagad Road, Pune
- Timings: 6:00 am to 10:30 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm; every day
6. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park | #6 of 6 Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
Want to spend some time enjoying the wild wonders out there? Make your way to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as Katraj Zoo. Spread over 130 acres, the park comprises of a zoo, a rescue center for animals, a snake park, and the Katraj Lake. Several animals, birds, reptiles call the zoo their home. The zoo also has garden areas to laze out and food stalls to keep your hunger pangs at bay. If you are visiting the city with your family and kids, this zoo must be on your itinerary.
- Location: Katraj, Pune
- Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; closed on Wednesdays
- Entry fee:
Indians – ₹ 25 per person
Foreign nationals – ₹ 100 per person
Children – ₹ 10 per person
7. Restaurants, Pune
Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
Pune, of course, will keep you engaged for the whole day, but don’t forget to pump up your energy to keep going. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or an elaborate lunch or dinner, the city has just the right places that offer gastronomic delights. Listed below are some of the best and must-visit restaurants in Pune:
Vasihali, Pune
- Location: FC Road
- Timings: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm; every day
- Must-try items: Sabudana Vada, Mysore Dosa, Filter Coffee, Sev Puri Dahi Puri
- Average cost for two: ₹ 500
German Bakery, Pune
- Location: Koregaon Park
- Timings: 7:45 am to 11:45 pm; every day
- Must-try items: Jerk Chicken, Mango Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake, Keema Pav
- Average cost for two: ₹ 1100
Malaka Spice, Pune
- Location: Viman Nagar
- Timings: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm; every day
- Must-try items: Peranakan Spiced Chicken, Lotus Stem Tango, Malay Grilled Chicken
- Average cost for two: ₹ 1500
Baan Tao, Pune
- Location: Kalyani Nagar
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm; every day
- Must-try items: Sweet Tamarind-cooked Fish, Crunchy Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Soup
- Average cost for two: ₹ 2500
Savya Rasa, Pune
- Location: Koregaon Park
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm; every day
- Must-try items: Seafood, Appam, Filter Coffee, Neer Dosa,
- Average cost for two: ₹ 2100
8. Pubs, Pune
Best Places to Visit in Pune on One-Day Trip
What’s the best way to end your one-day trip to Pune? By unwinding over a couple of drinks, of course! Once you are done visiting the iconic places in the city, head off to a pub or bar and pamper yourself with drinks, food, music, and more. Listed below are some of the top pubs and bars in Pune that will give a fitting end to your trip:
Swig, Pune
- Location: Koregaon Park
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 11.30 pm; every day
- Average cost for two: ₹ 1400
1000 Oaks, Pune
- Location: East Street
- Timings: 12:30 pm to 12.00 am (Sunday – Thursdays); 12:30 pm to 12.30 am (Fridays and Saturdays)
- Average cost for two: ₹ 1300
The Urban Foundry, Pune
- Location: Baner
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 01:00 am; every day
- Average cost for two: ₹ 1500
Hard Rock Café, Pune
- Location: Koregaon Park
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 01.00 am (Fridays); 12:00 pm to 01.30 (Saturdays); 12:00 pm to 12.30 am (Sunday – Thursday)
- Average cost for two: ₹ 2500
Pune is a city with a plethora of tourist attractions, but you can get a glimpse of its heritage and history even if you are here on a one-day trip. So plan your itinerary and get ready to experience the best of Pune. And you will be coming back for more soon!
Places to Visit in Pune in One Day (Video):
[showhotelbycity hotelcity=’Pune’]
