Maharashtra, India—home of the Marathas and modern industry—unfurls everything from coastal megacities to hill forts draped in monsoon green. Its second city, Pune, once the Peshwa capital, now beats with youthful energy, excellent universities, and a deep culinary spine. Two days here deliver history, markets, and trails, all within easy reach.

Expect architecture that pivots from 18th-century Shaniwar Wada to Gandhi’s era at Aga Khan Palace. Food is a headliner: Irani cafés, vegetarian thalis, spicy misal pav, and the cult-favorite “mastani” dessert. Evenings hum in Koregaon Park with garden restaurants and craft beer made for balmy Deccan nights.

Practical notes: Pune International Airport (PNQ) is well connected by air and rail; traffic can be dense at peak times, so cluster sights by neighborhood. Dress modestly for temples, carry small cash for markets, and note that June–September brings glorious—but heavy—monsoon showers.

Pune

Pune is Maharashtra’s cultural capital—historic, scholarly, and delicious. It was the stronghold of the Peshwas under Chhatrapati Shivaji’s legacy and remains dotted with wadas (mansions), leafy neighborhoods, and a thriving café culture. It’s ideal for a short, experience-rich getaway.

• Top sights: Shaniwar Wada, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Aga Khan Palace, Parvati Hill, Saras Baug.
• Nature & forts: Sinhagad Fort for sunrise views, windy ridgelines, and rustic pithla–bhakri lunches.
• Food highlights: Irani omelets at Vohuman Café, biryani at Blue Nile, vegetarian thalis at Shreyas or Sukanta, misal pav at Bedekar Misal, Shrewsbury biscuits at Kayani Bakery, mastani at Sujata.
• Evenings: Garden dining in Koregaon Park (Malaka Spice, Arthur’s Theme, The Flour Works) and craft beer at Effingut or Great State Dive.
• Fun fact: Pune’s Deccan Queen (1930) and today’s Vande Bharat trains link it to Mumbai—two eras of Indian rail heritage on the same route.

Where to stay: Search options across budgets and neighborhoods (Koregaon Park, Deccan Gymkhana, SB Road, Kalyani Nagar).

• VRBO Pune stays: Browse vacation rentals on VRBO
• Hotels.com Pune: See hotels on Hotels.com

How to get to Pune (PNQ):

• Flights: From Mumbai (~1 hr; ~$35–$90), Delhi (~2 hr; ~$55–$130), Bengaluru (~1.5 hr; ~$45–$110). Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Trains (India): Mumbai–Pune via Deccan Queen, Intercity, or Vande Bharat (~3–3.5 hr; ~INR 400–1,500 / $5–$18). Book or research via Trip.com Trains.
• Airport to city: Prepaid taxis and app cabs are easy; Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, and Deccan Gymkhana are ~20–45 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Old Pune, Palaces, and a Street-Food Evening

Morning: Travel to Pune and settle in. If you arrive early, start with a classic Irani breakfast at Vohuman Café (butter-splashed bun maska, cheese omelet, strong chai) or Café Goodluck on FC Road (khima pav, kheema with pav, and caramel custard). Coffee lovers can try The Flour Works (Kalyani Nagar) for almond croissants and flat whites.

Afternoon: Walk into history on an expert-led amble through old Pune—wadas, bazaars, and artisan lanes. This 2-hour guided walk hits highlights near Shaniwar Wada and Tulsi Baug while unpacking the city’s Peshwa-era stories.

Walking Tour of Pune (2 Hours Guided Walk)

After the tour, step inside Shaniwar Wada for its imposing gate and manicured lawns, then visit the nearby Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (ornate doors, musical instruments, everyday art) or the serene Pataleshwar Cave Temple.

Evening: Dedicate tonight to Pune’s legendary snacks. Join a tasty, guide-led trail that strings together misal pav, vada pav, sabudana vada, and the cult-favorite mastani dessert.

Food walking tour in Pune to stimulate your taste buds

Prefer to DIY? Try Bedekar Misal (Narayan Peth) for a medium-spicy misal, Blue Nile (Camp) for aromatic mutton biryani, and dessert at Sujata Mastani (Koregaon Park) where mango or sitaphal mastani reigns. For a nightcap, sample small-batch ales at Effingut (Koregaon Park) or Great State Dive (Lane 6)—ask for a West Coast IPA or seasonal mango ale.

Day 2: Sunrise at Sinhagad, Gandhi’s Pune, and Café Culture

Morning: Go early to Sinhagad Fort, a beloved Pune escape with sweeping valley views and breezy bastions. The guided half-day tour handles the logistics; wear sturdy shoes and carry water. Refuel at the top with rustic kanda bhaji (onion fritters) and pithla–bhakri (gram-flour curry with millet flatbread).

Sinhagad Fort Trip (Guided Half Day Sightseeing Tour)

Back in town, stop for an early lunch: Shreyas (off Apte Road) for a comforting Maharashtrian thali (varan-bhat, puri, seasonal veg), or Dorabjee & Sons (Camp) for a homestyle Parsi meal—dhansak, mutton pulao, and caramel custard.

Afternoon: Before departure, pay your respects at Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Gandhi was interned; the leafy grounds and museum are thoughtfully curated. If time allows, swing by Kayani Bakery for Shrewsbury biscuits and mawa cakes to take home, or pause at Osho Teerth Park for a short, serene stroll.

Evening (if staying later): Unwind in Koregaon Park. Choose Malaka Spice for Southeast Asian plates (order kakori kebabs and Malay curries), Arthur’s Theme for continental comfort, or The Flour Works for pastas and patisserie. Rooftop option: Paasha at JW Marriott for sunset views and North Indian grills; pair with a saffron lassi or a classic old fashioned.

Want a guided city overview instead?

If you’d rather skip the fort and see Pune’s highlights efficiently, a private half-day by car is a great fit.

Guided Highlights of Pune Car Tour with a local (4 Hrs Sightseeing in AC Car)

Typical stops include Shaniwar Wada, Kelkar Museum, Dagdusheth Ganpati, and Pataleshwar—ideal if you’re short on time before an afternoon flight or train.

Local logistics tips:

• Temple etiquette: remove shoes and dress modestly for Dagdusheth and other shrines.
• Traffic: Cluster old city sights together; visit Koregaon Park separately to save time.
• Monsoon travel: Carry a compact umbrella; fort trails can be slippery—use grippy footwear.
• Bookings: Reserve dinner in Koregaon Park on weekends; prebook trains/fort tours for early slots.

In two days, Pune reveals its layered soul—Maratha ramparts, freedom-era memories, and a kitchen that feeds the city round the clock. You’ll leave with history under your skin, spice on your palate, and biscuits in your bag for the journey home.