Pune, once the cradle of the Maratha Empire and now a bustling metropolis, is an absolute delight for all kinds of travelers. The city is sprinkled with diverse attractions like forts, palaces, temples, and museums that take you back in time. At the same time, there is no dearth of shopping streets, restaurants, cafes, dance pubs, and clubs that highlight its modern vibe. When you are on a 2-day trip to Pune, it can be an overwhelming task to decide what to explore and what to leave out.
Want to cover all major attractions in Pune in just two days? Here is a detailed itinerary to help you plan your sightseeing trip.
DAY 1
9.00 am – 10.00 am: Visit the age-old Pataleshwar Temple
Enjoy a filling breakfast at the hotel and kick off your sightseeing tour with a visit to Pataleshwar Cave Temple – an 8th-century rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The museum here displays many exhibits including a rice grain with 5000 letters etched on it, which has found a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.
- Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm; every day
After spending some time at the temple, head straight to one of the top historical places in Pune – Shaniwar Wada.
- By road: 5 minutes’ drive
10.15 am – 12.00 pm: Learn about the region’s history at Shaniwar Wada Palace
Shaniwar Wada, the erstwhile seat of the Peshwa Empire, is a splendid example of the Maratha architecture. And guess what? This 18th-century palace-cum-fort was where Bajirao and Mastani fell in love with each other.
- Timings: 8.00 am to 6.30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 for Indians; ₹ 125 for foreigners
Once you have captured the charm of the palace, set out to explore a few attractions located around it.
By walk: 5 to 10 minutes
12:00 pm – 3.00 pm: Take a quick tour through the top attractions in and around Shaniwar Peth
Shaniwar Peth and its surrounding areas are home to several tourist attractions including historical monuments, temples, and a bustling crossroad which is known as the open street library of Pune. You can walk your way to these attractions as they are all located within walking distance of one another.
What to see
- Vishrambaug Wada
- Lal Mahal
- Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir
- ABC Chowk
Don’t forget to take a break and enjoy a quick lunch at one of the top restaurants in the area.
Where to eat
- R Bhagat Tarrachand
- Agatya Pure Veg
- Supreme Sandwich Corner
- Archana Pure Veg
- Maitricha Katta
- Aamhi Pohekar
- Satkar
Feeling energized? Now, proceed to Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum where you can continue your rendezvous with Pune’s illustrious past.
- By road: 5 minutes’ drive
3.15 pm – 4.45 pm: Check out the displays at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a tribute to the Indian way of life. Take a look at the expansive collection of sculptures, paintings, war weapons, musical instruments, door frames, and ornaments displayed here.
- Timings: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 50 (Indian adults); ₹ 5 (Indian kids); ₹ 200 (foreign adults); ₹ 50 (foreign kids)
Had enough of history? Make your way to Okayama Friendship Garden to take a break and relax.
- By road: 10 minutes’ drive
5.00 pm – 6.00 pm: Laze your evening away at Okayama Friendship Garden
Spread across 10 acres, the sprawling garden is dotted with lush green lawns, artificial hills, plants, flowers, pergolas, and a natural water canal with a small bridge. It makes for a great place to stroll around or just sit back and relax.
- Timings: 6.00 am to 10.30 am and 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 per head
Now that you are relaxed enough, head towards one of the top shopping and dining hubs in Pune – FC Road.
- By road: 20 minutes’ drive
6.30 pm – 8.00 pm: Proceed to FC Road for a quick bite/coffee followed by retail therapy
Welcome to Fergusson College Road aka FC Road, a haven for shopaholics and foodies! Go on a shopping spree and pamper your taste buds at the quirky eateries, cafes, and restaurants speckled along the street.
Where to eat
- Cafés
- Tea Villa Café
- Café Good Luck
- Café Kathaa
Street food joints
- Hotel Vaishali
- Wadeshwar FC
8.00 pm onwards: Revive yourself with a few drinks and lip-smacking food at the pubs in FC Road
The nightlife of Pune is something you must not miss out on. Since FC Road has several pubs and bars, you can end your first day here with a couple of drinks and yummy food.
Where to eat
- Culture Pune
- Thikana
- BarBerry
- FC Grill House
- FC Road Social
Once you are done, head back to your hotel room – you could take a good night’s sleep as we have more attractions planned for the second day.
DAY 2
8.30 am – 9.45 am: Enjoy your breakfast at Pune’s iconic Vohuman Café
How about kick-starting your second-day with a satiating breakfast at the famous Vohuman Café? Don’t forget to try their special Irani Chai along with Bun Maska and other mouth-watering treats.
- Timings: 6.00 am to 8.00 pm; every day
- Must-try items: Bun Maska, Cheese Omelette, Cheese Toast, Cream Plate
Once done, continue your tryst with Pune’s major attractions, starting with the National War Museum.
- By road: 10 to 15 minutes’ drive
10.00 am – 11.30 pm: Pay tribute to the country’s war martyrs at the National War Museum
The National War Museum is dedicated to those brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the post-independence wars. The exhibits here include military tanks, guns, captured war equipment, rockets, a replica of the warship INS Trishul, and MIG 23 BN (a jet fighter used in the Kargil War), to name a few.
- Timings: 9.30 am to 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: Free
After visiting the museum, make your way to Aga Khan Palace, your next stop.
- By road: 20 minutes’ drive
12.00 pm – 1.30 pm: Take a walk through the saga of Indian Independence at Aga Khan Palace
The 125-year-old Aga Khan Palace is a magnificent structure surrounded by an expansive garden. A testament to the country’s struggle for freedom, this sprawling palace was where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi were kept imprisoned for about 2 years. Today, it houses the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society.
- Timings: 9.00 am to 5.30 pm; every day
- Entry Fee: ₹ 5 for Indians; ₹ 2 for children; ₹ 100 for foreigners
Feeling low on energy? How about enjoying a relaxed lunch at one of the restaurants in Kalyani Nagar, another food haven in Pune?
- By road: 5 minutes’ drive
1.30 pm – 2.30 pm: Head off to Kalyani Nagar for a lavish lunch
Located a short drive away from Aga Khan Palace, Kalyani Nagar has many restaurants to delight foodies with a world of delicacies.
Where to eat
- Barbeque Nation
- Kalyani Veg Restaurant
- German Bakery Wunderbar
- Barbeque Ville
- China Toss
- Mineority By Saby
- Kerala Café
- Onesta
Post lunch, it’s time to shop like a local! Head off to Tulsi Baug Market and indulge in some budget shopping.
- By road: 25 minutes’ drive
3.00 pm – 5.00 pm: Shop like a local at Tulsi Baug Market and Laxmi Road
Tulsi Baug Market is to Pune what Chandni Chowk is to Delhi. A shopaholic’s paradise, this local market and the adjoining Laxmi Road are full of shops selling all kinds of merchandise at throwaway prices.
- What to buy: Household items, copper idols, traditional wear
Tulsi Baug is also home to some of the best food joints in town where you can grab a quick bite after shopping.
Where to eat
- Agatya Veg Restaurant
- Durga Bhawan
- Vighneshwara Pure Veg
- Bhagat Tarrachand
- Abachi Thali
Now, proceed to Parvati Hill to enjoy some serene moments and say goodbye to the setting sun.
- By road: 20 minutes’ drive
5.30 pm – 7.00 pm: Catch a captivating sunset at Parvati Hill
Parvati Hill is one of the best viewpoints to enjoy glorious sunsets and breath-taking views of the city. Located at 2100 feet above sea level, it is also home to several shrines and a museum dedicated to the Peshwas.
- Timings: 5.00 am to 8.00 pm; every day
After a long day, it’s time to unwind and end your trip on a happy note. So, head to Koregaon Park to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Pune.
- By road: 30 minutes’ drive
7.30 onwards: End your trip in high ‘spirits’ at one of the pubs in Koregaon Park
Dotted with several popular restaurants and pubs of Pune, Koregaon Park is where you can let your hair down and enjoy all night.
Where to wine and dine
- The Sassy Spoon
- Boteco – Restaurante Brasileiro
- Cafe London Dreams
- Moshi Moshi
- The Bar Stock Exchange
- Murphies
- Harry’s Bar and Kitchen
Eat, drink, and make merry for as long as you want. Once you have had your fill, call it a day and return to your hotel with absolute contentment – you have covered the best of Pune in just 48 hours!