Pune, India
Pune, India is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and pleasant weather. It is a bustling metropolis that offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, making it a popular destination for tourists looking for a unique travel experience.
Trip to Pune, India
Day 1: Arrival and exploring the city
Upon arrival in Pune, check into your hotel and freshen up. Start your day with a visit to the Aga Khan Palace, built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. Along with the beautiful architecture, the palace is also home to the Gandhi National Memorial, where you can see memorabilia of Mahatma Gandhi. After that, head to the Shaniwar Wada, a historical fortification that was built in 1732. The fort has a rich history with many stories and is a great place to learn about the culture and history of Pune.
Day 2: Explore Pune’s Hill Stations
Pune is known for its hill stations and today you can explore some of them. Start your day early and head to Lonavala, a quaint little hill station that is not far from Pune. Take a train ride through the picturesque Western Ghats, visit the Karla Caves, and check out the beautiful waterfalls. In the evening, head back to Pune and visit the Osho Ashram, which is also called Osho Commune International. The ashram is a perfect place to unwind and offers a variety of courses and classes.
Day 3: Trekking and Sightseeing
Pune is surrounded by beautiful hills, forts, and lakes, and today you can explore some of them. Start your day with a morning trek to Sinhagad Fort. The trek is moderate level and it’s a great opportunity to explore the lush green landscapes. After the trek, head to the Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple, one of the most famous temples in Pune. In the evening, head to the Koregaon Park, Pune’s most fashionable area, and check out some of the hip clubs and bars.
Day 4: Shopping and Street Food
Today is all about shopping and trying out some of the best food Pune has to offer. Start your day by heading to Laxmi Road, one of the most famous shopping centers in Pune. There, you can find anything from traditional Indian clothing to spices and locally-made handicrafts. After shopping, head to FC Road, a popular street food destination in Pune, and indulge in some of the famous Misal Pav and Vada Pav. End your day with a visit to the famous Tulsi Baug market, known for its beautiful jewelry.
Day 5: Visit to Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Today, you’ll embark on a day trip to Ajanta and Ellora caves that are around 100 km from Pune. The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are famous for their rock-cut structures and sculptures dating back to the 6th-10th centuries AD. The Ajanta Caves, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, date back to the 2nd century BC and feature over 30 rock-cut Buddhist monuments. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for this day trip.
Day 6: Visit to the Aga Khan Palace
Today, start your day with a visit to the Aga Khan Palace and Gandhi National Memorial. The palace is a great place to learn about India’s struggle for independence, and the museum on the premises houses several photographs and handwritten letters by Mahatma Gandhi. In the evening, head to the Khadakwasla Dam, built over the Mutha river, it offers a stunning view of the sunset.
Day 7: Farewell Pune
On your last day in Pune, start your day by visiting the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. The museum houses a collection of Indian artifacts collected by Dr. Kekar. You can see a variety of items such as war weapons, musical instruments, and furniture. After that, head to the airport for your flight back home.
