Things to do in Pune

From the 2025 Guide, pages 65–67. 22 listings.

Sightseeing & Cultural Sites

Every February, for two weeks, as part of Pune Heritage Week, events such as the Rangoli Folk Art Workshop (where patterns are created on the floor as sacred, welcoming areas for Hindu deities) are put on for the public.

Rashtriya Kala Academy

Bajirao Road (near Laxmi Road)

Call 97630006400 Map

For Rangoli workshop and classes please contact Rashtriya Kala Academy.

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Adventure consultants

Website

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Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

1377-78, NatuBaug, off Bajirao Road, Shukrawar Peth, Pune 411002

Map Website

A must see for those interested in the cultural history of Pune and beyond: Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, one collector's extensive and eclectic collection of folkloric and spiritual artifacts from all parts of India.

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Parvati Hill

A collection of about five temples high up on Parvati Hill. The best time to go is 5 pm, when the sun is down. At the top you can see the whole of Pune. It's a15-minute rickshaw ride from the Institute.

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Shinde's Temple

Shinde Chhatri, Wanowrie

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“one of the most peaceful and beautiful temples I visited in Pune.”
— a student

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Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir

Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rd, Mehunpura, Budhwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002, India

Map

Popular temple with a golden Ganesh statue. Convenient if you are shopping on Laxmi Road. Busy on weekends.

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Pataleshwar Cave Temples

Jangali Maharaj Road, Revenue Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, 411005

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Not far from the Institute, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is a rock–cut cave temple, carved out in the 8th century in the Rashtrakuta period.

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Mahatma Phule Museum

Shivajinagar, Ghole Road

Call +91 20-553-2750 Map

A dusty museum with artifacts, geology samples, etc. Interesting and a bit odd.

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Aga Khan Palace

Pune Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar, beyond Fitzgerald Bridge

Map

Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (Lunch break: 12.30 pm to 1:30 pm)

A monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India where Gandhi, his wife and secretary were imprisoned and their ashes are kept. There is a nice museum of Gandhi and beautiful gardens. Not too far but use a car service rather than rickshaw. You could do that in the morning and then visit the trendy upscale Koregaon Park which is not far and has lots of nice restaurants and shops.

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The Chaturshringi Temple

971, Senapati Bapat Rd, Sheti Mahamandal, Shivaji Co operative Housing Society, Ramoshivadi, Gokhalenagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411016, India

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A beautiful temple, walking distance from RIMYI, up the street from the JW Marriott Hotel and the Pavilion Shopping Mall. The temple is set on a hill and one can climb many steps up to the top for terrific views and a cultural experience.

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Laxmi Road

A busy shopping district, it gets very crowded on the weekends but you could try going during the week. It is very easy to get disoriented with all the sidestreets, so be sure you have your Google maps handy.

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Katraj Jain Temple

This is more than half a day trip, as it is 50 min to an hour by car but well worth the trip. Located high up on a hill in the southern suburb of Pune called Katraj, the temple features a stunning inner courtyard and beyond that, a smaller family temple overlooking the city below. They serve lunch from 12 - 1:30 in a cafeteria style room. Be sure you wear long pants and covered shoulders. Photography is not allowed.

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Osho Teerth Park

A lovely Japanese inspired public park in the Koreagon Park neighborhood. Check opening and closing times as you will find most parks in Pune close from 11am to 3 or 4pm.

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Shaniwar Wada

This is a large fortress in the middle of Pune and one of the most popular tourist sites, and very easy to get to by rickshaw for an afternoon visit. You can walk on the fortress walls and through the gardens. Nearby is the Laal Mahal, the historic Red Palace, also worth a visit.

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Traveling with Children

If you go with kids - the park near the institute is amazing!

My two-year-old daughter loved it!! We went twice a day.
— a student

Local People

Another recommendation:

Give yourself a chance to meet local people. I didn't stay with my institute friends, and because of this, I made friends for a lifetime. Local people are amazing, kind and helpful!
I have travelled to Paris, London, Portugal, Costa Rica, Argentina, Peru, Chile, EUA, etc; But this was the first place I left crying. Pune people don't judge, or take things personally. They don't bring anger into their voices. They are open to different ways of thinking, different ways of being. If you go there with an open mind, you will receive this kindness and friendliness.
— a student

Comedy

High Spirits

next to ABC Farms, in Koregaon Park

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Hosts some of the best stand-up comedian shows. High Spirits is next to ABC Farms, in Koregaon Park.

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Swimming Pools

The JW Marriott

Senapati Bapat Rd.

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The JW Marriott on Senapati Bapat Rd. has a wonderful outdoor pool on the 2nd floor as part of their gym and spa. You can purchase a day pass to use the pool and the gym, or if you are staying for the month, you can get a membership for around $260. They sell swim caps and goggles, and you can buy a bathing suit or shorts at the shopping mall just up the road.

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The Pride Hotel

near the Institute on Ganeshkind Rd.

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The Pride Hotel near the Institute on Ganeshkind Rd. has a nice pool. Not as posh as the Marriott's but perfectly fine for laps and cooling off, and at a fraction of the price.

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