Maharashtra rewards the curious. In Pune—once the Maratha capital—you’ll walk centuries-old lanes, peek into Peshwa-era palaces, and taste the city’s famously fiery misal pav. In Shegaon, the pace softens: temple bells, lakeside gardens, and a devotional calm surround the revered shrine of Sant Gajanan Maharaj.

This 7-day itinerary balances city energy with spiritual stillness. You’ll scale Sinhagad Fort for sweeping views of the Western Ghats, sample iconic bakeries and Irani cafés, then journey by train to Shegaon for darshan and time amid the leafy Anand Sagar complex. Expect stories, flavors, and landscapes that paint a full portrait of Maharashtra.

Practical notes: November–February is pleasantly cool; June–September brings lush monsoon hills and occasional downpours. Dress modestly for temples and carry a light scarf. Digital payments (UPI) are widely accepted, yet small notes help at street stalls. Trains book up fast—reserve early for AC berths.

Pune

Pune is the “Oxford of the East” and the erstwhile seat of the Peshwas. Today it’s a spirited blend of fort walls, leafy campuses, and inventive kitchens. Neighborhoods like Shivajinagar and Koregaon Park serve both history hunters and café hoppers.

• Top sights: Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Kasba Ganpati, Osho Teerth Park, and the breezy hill of Parvati.
• Signature experiences: A heritage walk through the old city, a misal crawl on Appa Balwant Chowk, and sunrise views over Sinhagad Fort.
• Food highlights: From buttery bun maska at Irani cafés to thali at Hotel Shreyas, bakarwadi at Chitale Bandhu, and the cult-favorite Sujata Mastani.
• Fun fact: Pune’s FC Road stalwart Vaishali has served South Indian fare to generations of students and film stars.

Stay: For a broad selection, compare stays on VRBO Pune and Hotels.com Pune. Excellent picks include The Ritz-Carlton, Pune (polished, central), Hotel Shreyas (beloved veg thali and old-world comfort), and The Corinthians Resort & Club (resort vibe on the city’s edge).

Getting in: Fly into Pune (PNQ) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Trains to Pune Junction are frequent; check Trip.com trains for schedules.

Shegaon

Shegaon is a peaceful temple town in Buldhana district, famous across India for the Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Pilgrims arrive for darshan and linger in its leafy gardens, lakes, and the family-friendly Anand Sagar complex.

• Top sights: Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Anand Sagar (mini-train, musical fountains, lakeside walks), and the modest marketplaces radiating from the temple road.
• Local flavors: Don’t miss hot Shegaon kachori with chutney, morning poha-jalebi, and simple, satisfying temple prasad meals.
• Good to know: Footwear must be left outside temples; dress conservatively. Early morning and late evening aartis are especially moving.

Stay: Inventory is simple and devotional. Try the temple trust’s Bhakta Niwas lodgings (book in person) or browse options via Hotels.com Shegaon and VRBO Shegaon for nearby stays.

Getting there from Pune: Morning trains cover the ~8.5–11-hour journey; AC 3-tier typically ₹900–1,600 ($11–20). Search on Trip.com trains. A private car via NH53 takes ~8–9 hours; expect ₹8,000–12,000 ($95–145) for a chauffeured sedan.

Day 1: Arrive Pune — First Tastes and Twilight Strolls

Afternoon: Land in Pune and check in. Shake off travel at Osho Teerth Park’s green pathways in Koregaon Park.

Evening: Start with a classic Irani café spread: bun maska and Irani chai at Vohuman Cafe or Goodluck Cafe. For dinner, try Malaka Spice (Southeast Asian plates with local produce) or Effingut (great Maharashtrian snacks with craft beer). Sweet finish: Sujata Mastani’s thick mango or pista “mastani.”

Day 2: Old Pune Heritage + Street Eats

Morning: Fuel up with filter coffee and idli at Vaishali on FC Road. Join this insightful heritage walk to decode Pune’s old quarters:

Why Pune? : A Heritage Walk through Old Pune

Afternoon: Visit Shaniwar Wada’s ramparts and nearby Vishrambaug Wada’s wooden balconies. Lunch on a wholesome veg thali at the restaurant inside Hotel Shreyas—think puris, vegetables, dal, and puran poli.

Evening: Snack trail: Bedekar Misal for spice, Chitale Bandhu for bakarwadi, and Kayani Bakery for Shrewsbury biscuits to go. Dinner in Camp at Dorabjee & Sons (Parsi classics like Dhansak) or Marz-O-Rin (sandwiches and cold coffee in a heritage building).

Day 3: City Highlights by Car + Palaces and Parks

Morning: Cover big-ticket sights with an efficient overview tour:

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

Afternoon: Explore Aga Khan Palace, a poignant stop in India’s freedom story. Stroll the leafy lanes of Kalyani Nagar afterward. Coffee at Third Wave or a falooda at Royal Juice Bar keeps you cool.

Evening: Dinner hop in Koregaon Park: start with dim sum at Baan Tao or pan-Indian grills at Savya Rasa (regional Indian done right). Nightcap at Elephant & Co. or The Urban Foundry for cocktails that riff on local ingredients.

Day 4: Sinhagad Sunrise and Sahyadri Scenery

Morning: Head into the hills with this half-day fort excursion (best early for cooler air and views):

Sinhagad Fort Trip (Guided Half Day Sightseeing Tour)

Afternoon: Post-hike reward: pit stops at Khadakwasla for corn and bhajis or rustic jhunka-bhakri at local dhabas. If you’re visiting in monsoon, consider this scenic drive to Lonavala’s misty ghats later in the day:

Pune to Lonavala Monsoon Drive in Private Vehicle

Evening: Back in town, keep it simple with thalipeeth and kothimbir wadi at Shabree or go modern Maharashtrian at a contemporary bistro. Early night before tomorrow’s train.

Day 5: Pune to Shegaon — Temple Town Welcome

Morning: Depart Pune by morning train to Shegaon (approx. 8.5–11 hours; AC 3-tier ₹900–1,600/$11–20). Check schedules and berths on Trip.com trains. Private car transfer is ~8–9 hours via NH53 (₹8,000–12,000/$95–145).

Afternoon: On arrival, settle into your lodging (Bhakta Niwas or local hotel). Light lunch: poha-jalebi or a simple veg plate at a local bhojanalaya.

Evening: Darshan at the Sant Gajanan Maharaj Temple. Move slowly through the complex, noting the rhythmic aarti and devotional hymns. Dinner can be a humble, tasty prasad meal served by the temple trust—fresh, satvik, and filling.

Day 6: Anand Sagar and Shegaon Kachori

Morning: Return for an unhurried temple visit at dawn, then head to Anand Sagar. Ride the mini-train, wander lakeside paths, and pause at the meditation spots scattered among gardens.

Afternoon: Taste the town’s signature Shegaon kachori, crisp and spiced, from a popular stall near the railway area. Browse small markets for devotional souvenirs and local snacks to take home.

Evening: If schedules permit, watch the musical fountains at Anand Sagar. Keep dinner light—khichdi, curd rice, or roti-sabzi—so you’re rested for tomorrow’s return.

Day 7: Shegaon to Pune — Last Bites and Departure

Morning: Early express train back to Pune (aim to arrive around midday; book an evening flight home). Trains and alternatives on Trip.com trains.

Afternoon: Quick Pune classics before you go: sandwiches and cold coffee at Marz-O-Rin or a box of Kayani’s Shrewsbury biscuits. If time allows, a gentle stroll through Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum’s eclectic collection pairs well with one last kulfi.

Evening: Fly out from PNQ; compare options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. If you’re extending, consider this tasty city walk you may have missed:

Food walking tour in Pune to stimulate your taste buds

Getting Around & Practical Tips

• Local transport: Pune Metro (Purple/Aqua lines for key stretches), auto-rickshaws, and app cabs work well. In Shegaon, most sights are walkable or a short auto ride.
• Temple etiquette: Shoulders/knees covered; remove shoes; photography may be restricted inside sanctums.
• Budgeting: Mid-range Pune meals ₹400–900 ($5–11) per person; heritage/food tours ₹1,500–4,000 ($18–48); intercity train ₹900–1,600 ($11–20).
• Where to base in Pune: Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar for cafés and nightlife; Shivajinagar/Deccan for classic eateries and quick access to old city sights.

In one rewarding week, you’ll taste Pune’s spirited mix of heritage and flavor, then find quiet at Shegaon’s revered shrine and gardens. It’s a balanced Maharashtra itinerary—forts and food, devotion and design—that lingers long after you’ve packed your biscuit boxes.