Pune Travel Guide: 5 Places to Visit In and Around the City
Pune combines Maratha-era history in the city centre with quick access to forts and lakes in the Sahyadri hills, making it a common base for both city sightseeing and weekend rides.
Shaniwar Wada
This 18th-century fortified palace was the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire and now stands as a set of ruins and gardens open to visitors.
Aga Khan Palace
Built in 1892, this palace is historically significant as the site where Mahatma Gandhi and others were held during the Quit India movement, and it now houses a memorial to Gandhi.
Sinhagad Fort
Around 25 km from Pune, this hilltop fort is a popular half-day ride, known for its role in Maratha history and for local snacks sold near the entrance.
Koregaon Park
A leafy central neighbourhood known for cafes and the Osho International Meditation Resort, it offers a slower pace than the older city core.
Mulshi Lake
About 35 km from Pune, this reservoir surrounded by green hills is a common weekend ride destination, especially scenic during and after the monsoon.
Best time to visit and getting around
October to February suits city sightseeing, while the monsoon months bring out the green hills around Sinhagad and Mulshi at their best, if roads are ridden carefully. Pune's forts and lakes sit well outside the city centre, so a bike or scooter rental is the usual way locals reach them for a day or weekend trip.
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