First being Mumbai, Pune is the second largest city in Maharashtra. It’s quite close to Mumbai and you can easily drive down, take a flight or a train to get there. If at all, you crave for a break from the bustling city of Mumbai, escape to Pune with your girl gang! (don’t forget to carry your ‘I’m On A Girls Trip Luggage Tag‘ with you too!) It doesn’t have to be a long vacay, 3 days in Pune should be more than enough. Here’s all the wonderful places you can visit in 72 hours in Pune!
1. Visit The Aga Khan Palace
Built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan lll in 1892, the palace is an important landmark in Indian history. During the Quit India movement in 1942, the palace served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and several national leaders. It’s currently the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial society and is admired for its architectural excellence. You can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the place and it’s open from 9 am – 5:30 pm. If you’re an Indian, you do have to pay Rs 5 as an entry fee. For foreigners, it’s Rs 100.
Address: Gandhi National Memorial Society Aga Khan Palace, Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411006
2. Meditate At The Osho Ashram
If you’re a fan of reading and collecting Osho books, then you certainly must visit the Osho Ashram. The teachings revolve around the ideologies of Osho and many people during the year, flock to this Ashram in search of peace, happiness and calmness. You can either stay at the Osho Guesthouse or get enrolled into the Osho Living in program. There are plenty of activities to choose from like Vipassana Meditation, Nadabrahma Meditation, Kundalini Meditation or Dynamic Meditation.
Address: 7, 1st Ln, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001.
3. Grab A Drink At Elephant & Co.
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than sipping on a chilled glass of red wine sangria and enjoying brunch at the Elephant & Co. The place is high on energy and for a millennial, this restaurant is a must-visit. Oh, before I forget, every Monday, there’s Karaoke Night.
Address: Goodwill Enclave 5 Kalyani Nagar Main Road Opp. Bank Of Maharashtra, Pune, Maharashtra 411006
4. Book Lovers Head To Pagdandi Book Store Cafe
Pagdandi is a cosy cafe where people can come, read a book and drink a hot cup of chai. It’s a relaxing space that was started by Neha and Vishal Pipraiya and the term means, a road less travelled or taken. You will find books from independent publishers and the best part is that you can even buy or rent the books.
Address: Shop No. 6, Regent Plaza, Baner – Pashan Link Rd, Baner, Pune, Maharashtra 411045
5. Shop & Eat At Balewadi High Street
A friend who visits Pune often highly recommends this place. It’s home to plenty of bars, food joints and shops! Those who love visiting restaurants that have pretty interiors should drop by here. Some fun eateries to check out for those Insta-worthy photos are Marrakesh, Kinki, Playboy Beer Garden, Masala Bar, Apache High Street, Gong, Arthur’s Theme. Ishania Mall at Golf Course road is a great place for eating, drinking and shopping too.
Address: Balewadi High Street Balewadi Baner Link Road, Balewadi-Baner, Pune – 411045, Near Cummins Office Opposite to My World Building
6. Try The Shrewsbury Biscuits From Kayani Bakery
No biscuit will be as good as the Shrewsbury ones from the legendary Kayani Bakery and no trip to Pune is complete without a visit here. Each biscuit is made with sugar, flour, egg, butter, lemon zest and oodles of love from the Irani bakers. The best way to eat them is to dunk them into a hot cup of masala chai. Another Irani cafe-restaurant to visit is Good Luck Cafe. It’s on the Fergusson College Road near the Deccan Gymkhana area.
Address: 6, Dr Coyage Road, East street, Hulshur, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
7. Nature Lovers Should Do A Day Trip To Mulshi Lake & Dam
If you have time to kill, you can do a day trip to Mulshi Lake & Dam. Via Paud road, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach. Watch the sunset there and sip on some hot tea at the tiny authentic restaurant called Mulshi lake view. It’s a great place to bond with your friends and spend quality time with yourself and thoughts.
8. Be A Flower Child At The Empress Garden
Managed by the agri-horticultural society of western India, this garden was created to protect and nurture the flora and fauna of the region. It has a massive 39-acre space situated near the race course and the entry fee is for just 10 bucks. The timings are from 9:30-6:30 pm.
Address: Near Race Course, Empress Garden, Kavade Mala, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
9. Shake Your Booty All Night
Bottoms up with your squad in Pune at these happening clubs and pubs. To raise your energy levels, choose ‘High Spirits’ at North Main Road, Koregaon Park. The DJ parties are lit and the entry is relatively cheaper than that of Hard Rock Café. If you love gastronomic cuisines, then you should visit the Fish Bowl restaurant at Kalyani Nagar, Pune. Also, if you’re staying at the JW Marriott hotel, do drop by at the Mi Ma Mi club – it’s the best!
10. If You Love History…
Not a fan of shopping and nightlife scenes? No worries. Depending on your preferences, you can pay a visit to Pataleshwar Cave Temple at Jangali Maharaj Rd, Sinhagad Fort at the Fortress in Thoptewadi, Shivneri Fort at Junnar, Fort Jadhavgadh at Hadapsar Saswad Road and Lal Mahal at Shivaji Road. Please plan your day accordingly if you decide to visit any of these places because they require time and planning.
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