Once the seat of the Maratha Peshwas, Pune—“Queen of the Deccan”—pairs layered history with youthful energy. Old-city bazaars hum beneath carved wooden facades, while leafy boulevards lead to universities, indie cafes, and microbreweries. In a week, you can walk centuries of heritage in the morning and toast craft ales by night.

Beyond its cultural core, Pune is your springboard to the Western Ghats. Misty hill views, monsoon-green valleys, and rugged forts like Sinhagad and Lohagad sit within easy reach. Add soulful temples, a stellar food scene—Irani cafés, Maharashtrian thalis, and inventive Asian plates—and you’ve got a destination that rewards slow travel.

Practical notes: October–March is ideal; June–September brings lush monsoon landscapes and intermittent downpours. The Pune Metro (select corridors on Purple and Aqua lines), app cabs, and auto-rickshaws make getting around simple. At temples, dress modestly and remove footwear; photography rules vary (especially around the Osho campus).

Pune

Pune mixes heritage with modern verve: Shaniwar Wada’s ramparts, the serene Aga Khan Palace (where Mahatma Gandhi was interned), the subterranean Pataleshwar Caves, and the richly curated Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. Stroll Koregaon Park’s leafy lanes, sip single-origin coffee, and browse MG Road’s old-world shops for Kayani Bakery’s famed Shrewsbury biscuits.

• Top sights: Shaniwar Wada, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshwar Caves, Parvati Hill, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Osho Teerth Park.
• Local flavors: Bun maska and Irani chai at Vohuman Cafe, misal at Bedekar, veg thali at Hotel Shreyas, biryani at Blue Nile, Southeast Asian at Malaka Spice, craft beers at Effingut or Independence Brewing Co.
• Fun facts: Pune was a pivotal Maratha power center; it’s now a university city with a thriving IT, automotive, and arts scene. The nearby Western Ghats are a UNESCO hotspot for biodiversity.

Where to stay (Hotels & VRBO):

• The Ritz-Carlton, Pune (rooftop Aasmana, skyline views): Check availability
• Hotel Shreyas (beloved for authentic Maharashtrian thali, central location): Check availability
• The Corinthians Resort & Club (resort escape with lawns and a pool, South Pune): Check availability
• Browse more hotels in Pune: Hotels.com: Pune
• Apartments and villas: VRBO: Pune

How to get to Pune: Fly into Pune International Airport (PNQ). Typical nonstop domestic flights: Mumbai (~50 minutes), Delhi (~2 hours), Bengaluru (~1.5 hours), Hyderabad (~1 hour). One-way fares often range from ~US$35–120 (₹2,900–10,000). Compare options on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com.

Trains/buses: From Mumbai, frequent trains to Pune take ~3–4 hours and cost roughly ₹200–800 (US$2.50–10). Search schedules on Trip.com (trains). Road time from Mumbai is ~3–3.5 hours via expressway, plus tolls.

Day 1: Arrival, Koregaon Park Stroll, and Pune’s Cafe Culture

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your hotel. If staying near Koregaon Park, stretch your legs in Osho Teerth Park’s bamboo groves and streams (open early morning and late afternoon; quiet and green).

Evening: Ease into Pune’s flavors. Start with coffee and pastries at German Bakery (legendary since the 1980s) or Blue Tokai (single-origin pours). For dinner, book Malaka Spice (inventive Southeast Asian—order the Thai raw papaya salad and lamb rendang) or Boteco (Brazilian grills and pão de queijo). Nightcap at Effingut Brewerkz—try their Hefeweizen or mango cider.

Day 2: Old Pune Heritage Core and Temple Trail

Morning: Join a guided heritage walk through the old city to decode Pune’s evolution from Peshwa-era power to modern metropolis. Recommended:

Why Pune? : A Heritage Walk through Old Pune

This walk typically weaves by Shaniwar Wada’s massive gate, Vishrambaug Wada’s teak balconies, and lively bazaars. Post-walk breakfast: Vohuman Cafe (butter-laden bun maska, cheese omelette, Irani chai) or Vaishali on FC Road (masala dosa, filter coffee).

Afternoon: Visit the serene Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple (carry a scarf/shawl; remove footwear). Then explore the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum—three floors of Indian art: intricate betel-nut cutters, instruments, lamps, and carved doors. Snack stop: Bedekar Misal (a Pune staple; ask for medium spice) or Kayani Bakery for Shrewsbury biscuits to take home.

Evening: Wander MG Road and East Street’s colonial-era shopfronts. Dinner at Blue Nile (classic biryani, mutton seekh; long-loved Camp institution) or Dorabjee & Sons (Parsi dhansak and caramel custard). If schedules align, catch a performance at Balgandharva Rangmandir (check listings on arrival).

Day 3: Sinhagad Fort and Khadakwasla Lake

Morning: Head early to the hilltop bastion of Sinhagad for views over the Sahyadris and a slice of Maratha history. Book this efficient guided half-day:

Sinhagad Fort Trip (Guided Half Day Sightseeing Tour)

On the fort, refuel like a local with pithla-bhakri (gram-flour curry and flatbread), kanda bhaji, and buttermilk from simple stalls. Carry a light jacket; mornings can be breezy.

Afternoon: Drive along Khadakwasla Lake’s embankment for monsoon-lush views; pause for fresh roasted corn and chai. Optionally continue to Panshet for quiet water vistas. Late lunch back in the city at Hotel Shreyas (seasonal vegetable thali with puris, solkadhi, and special bhajis).

Evening: Explore Baner High Street’s modern dining. Try Independence Brewing Company (Belgian Wit and IPA flights) followed by dinner at Savya Rasa (heritage recipes from South India—gongura mamsam, Kothu parotta) or Sante Spa Cuisine (clean, creative plates; many vegan options).

Day 4: Caves, Palaces, and Parks

Morning: Step into the 8th-century rock-cut Pataleshwar Caves on Jangli Maharaj Road—monolithic pillars, a Nandi bull, and a cool subterranean sanctum. Brunch at Roopali or Vaishali across the road (idli-vada-sambar and strong filter coffee).

Afternoon: Visit Aga Khan Palace, where Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai were interned in 1942. The museum preserves poignant artifacts and photographs; gardens are ideal for a reflective walk. If time permits, drop by the Tribal Museum (near Bund Garden) for curated exhibits on Maharashtra’s tribes.

Evening: Golden-hour amble through Koregaon Park’s Lanes 5–8. Cocktails at Elephant & Co (balanced signatures, great bar snacks) and dinner at The Ritz-Carlton’s Aasmana (North Indian classics with skyline views) or Ukiyo (contemporary Japanese) if you’re staying there.

Day 5: Western Ghats Escape — Lonavala Day Trip

Day tour: Trade city bustle for misty cliffs, waterfalls, and famous chikki in Lonavala (about 65–75 km; ~1.5–2 hours each way by expressway). Easiest option:

Pune to Lonavala Monsoon Drive in Private Vehicle

Stop at Tiger Point for sweeping valley views, Bhushi Dam (monsoon only; wear good sandals), and the photogenic Duke’s Nose vista. Lunch at Sunny Da Dhaba or sheetal-style highway dhabas for hearty Punjabi fare. Don’t leave without fudge from Cooper’s or Maganlal’s nutty chikki.

Evening (back in Pune): Easy dinner in Camp: George Restaurant (tandoori and kebabs) or Blue Nile if you missed it earlier. For a gentle walk, stroll the Bund Garden riverside paths.

Day 6: Pune by Taste Buds + Markets

Morning: Dive into Pune’s iconic snacks and sweets with a guided tasting. Two excellent choices (select one):

Food walking tour in Pune to stimulate your taste buds

Expect misal pav, vada pav, sabudana khichdi, mastani (thick milkshake-dessert), and classic sweets. Alternate option with similar spirit: Pune Food & Snack Tasting Walking Tour.

Afternoon: Shop MG Road and Laxmi Road for Kolhapuri chappals, brassware, and textiles; Tulshibaug for puja items and bargain finds. Modern retail and dining await at Phoenix Marketcity (Viman Nagar). Coffee break at Third Wave Coffee (try the Vietnamese-style brew) or a cold brew at Great State Dive (Koregaon Park).

Evening: Dinner at Dorabjee & Sons (if not yet tried) or Surve’s Pure Non-Veg (robust Kolhapuri-style mutton and chicken). Beer lovers can sample Great State Aleworks’ rotating taps; cocktail fans might prefer dimly lit speakeasy vibes at Elephant & Co.

Day 7: Parvati Sunrise, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Climb Parvati Hill (108 steps) for sunrise over the city and a cluster of 18th-century temples. It’s serene and a light workout. Post-walk breakfast at Goodluck Cafe (butter bun maska, akuri eggs, Irani chai) or an encore at Vohuman if it stole your heart.

Afternoon: Pick up edible souvenirs: Kayani Bakery’s Shrewsbury biscuits, Chitale Bandhu’s bhakarwadi, and mango barfi from Gupta Sweets. Depart for the airport or railway station; plan 45–90 minutes for airport transfers depending on traffic. Compare last-minute flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Fly out in the afternoon/evening with a full belly and a fuller camera roll.

Optional Add-Ons (if you have extra time)

Half-day in comfort: Guided Highlights of Pune Car Tour (4 hours) for a relaxed city overview.

Family-friendly day out: Meher Retreat Day Picnic (lakes, boating, rural activities)—best in mild weather.

Local tip: Many museums or forts may alter hours on Mondays or public holidays—swap days as needed. During monsoon, carry a light rain jacket and quick-dry footwear; roads to hill stations can be misty but magical.

In seven days, Pune reveals its generous side: fort-top breezes, temple bells, market chatter, and plates that taste like home. Between heritage walks and hill drives, you’ll find a city that’s vibrant yet unhurried—one that invites you back for another round of chai, conversation, and discovery.