Surrounded by the Western Ghats and the Sahyadri Mountain Range, Pune has a lot to offer to all kinds of travellers. Based on your interests, you can explore everything here, right from the magnificent forts, modern theme parks, well-preserved museums, huge lakes & dams, clear beaches, milky waterfalls, and zoological wonders to adventure activities, including camping & trekking. With so many scenic places, you are sure to have a great time roaming around the city with your friends. Here is a short but definite bucket list of places to hangout in Pune with friends.
Top 10 Hangout Places to Visit in Pune with Friends
- Parvati Hill Temple
- Aga Khan Palace
- Bund Garden
- Pashan Lake
- Vetal Tekdi
- National Defence Academy
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
- Panshet Water Park
- Mix@36
- Area 51
Places to Visit in Pune with Friends
The weather in Pune is usually rewarding for the early risers. If you start your day early, there are abundant places that you can explore. However, to cover all the best places to visit in Pune with friends, you might need quite a few days or weekends. For your quick reference, we have divided these places based on interest groups:
Temples, Churches & Forts (For History Lovers)
# Best Places to Visit in Pune with Friends | Temples, Churches & Forts (For History Lovers)
1. Parvati Hill Temple, Pune
Rising to 2100 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats, Parvati Hill Temple, located at the top of the hillock, is revered as one of the most picturesque places to visit in Pune. It is also among the oldest heritage structure built by the Peshwa dynasty. The hill can actually be called as a consolidation of temples considering the great number of temples that it houses. Visiting all these temples along with the samadhi of Nanasaheb Peshwa can take quite some time. The trek is marked with 103 wide and long steps which would take you hardly 20 minutes to cover. However, to enjoy the temples and the scenic spots on the way to the top, it should take you at least an hour or two.
- Visiting Days: Any
- Timings: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
2. Aga Khan Palace, Pune
This palace has great historical significance; it depicts the political prowess of Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III who built the palace in 1892 and later served as the president of the League of Nations. It has also played an important role in India’s freedom movement as Gandhiji along with his wife & secretary were imprisoned at this place for about 2 years following the Quit India Movement. The samadhis of both – his wife & secretary are also located in the campus. Some more attractions include the picture gallery & museum exhibiting the important events that took place in the time that Gandhiji spent here with his family. Read more – Aga Khan Palace
Surrounded by an expansive garden, the place also has meditative effect. Various events & public functions are also organized here including:
- Martyr’s Day on 30th January
- Kasturba’s death anniversary on Mahashivratri
- Independence Day on 15th August
- Republic Day on 26th August
- Gandhiji’s birth anniversary & awards ceremony on 2nd October
- Visiting Days: Any
- Timings: 09:00 am to 05:30 pm
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Adults, Rs. 2 for Kids & Rs. 100 for Foreigners
3. Shaniwar Wada, Pune
Built way back in the early 18th century, Shaniwar wada once served as the fortified seat of the Peshwa empire until they lost control to the British East India Company in the early 19th century. Post that, there was an unexplained fire here that destroyed large parts of the fort. However, the remnants have been maintained as a tourist site.
The love story of Bajirao and Kashi began here and so did the unfinished love story of Bajirao-Mastani. The palace has been widely acclaimed for its ancient architecture. However, in the recent times, paranormal activities have been reported here. To showcase the rich history of ancient India, light and sound shows are organized here in the evenings every day. Marathi show timings are from 7:15 pm to 8:10 pm and English show timings are from 8:15 pm to 9:10 pm. There is a nominal ticket price of Rs. 25 per head for these shows.
- Visiting Days: Any
- Timing: 0800 hours to 1830 hours
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs. 5 for Indians & Rs. 125 for Foreigners (doesn’t include the fee for the Light & Sound Show)
4. Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Pune
Dating to the 8th century, Pataleshwar Cave Temple attracts tourists and architecture enthusiasts from far and wide. The temple is carved out from a single rock and houses the God of the Underworld (Patal). The carvings and drawings from more than a millennium ago add splendour to the monolithic creation. The seating arrangement inside the temple provides you enough space, silence and time to wonder about the true magnificence of this structure. The museum here has a single preserved grain of rice with 5000 letters inscribed on it; something that has been recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. Read more – Temples in Pune
- Visiting Days: Any
- Timings: 08:00 am to 5:30 pm
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
5. Lal Mahal, Pune
Once home to the great Shivaji Maharaj, Lal Mahal or Red Palace is among the most famous tourist attractions in Pune. Shivaji Maharaj’s father Shahaji Bhosale is said to have established this for his wife Jijabai and son Shivaji. Jijamata Garden in the palace compound is a peaceful play area. Shivaji’s famous war with Shaiste Khan is believed to have happened here in which in order to save his childhood house, Shivaji cut the fingers of Shaiste Khan while he was trying to escape the palace. Major occasions from the childhood life of Shivaji can be seen here in the form of pictorial representations on the walls.
- Visiting Days: All days of the weak
- Timings: 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Entry Fee: Free
Lakes, Dams & Hills (For Photo Fanatics & Nature Lovers)
# Best Places to Visit in Pune with Friends | Lakes, Dams & Hills (For Photo Fanatics & Nature Lovers)
6. Bund Garden, Pune
A serene garden right in the heart of the city is home to exotic migratory birds during winters. Horse riding sessions and magic shows are also hosted in this unique garden that is surrounded by mini dams built over the Mula River. While here, you can also go boating across the river. Dam, translated to Bund in Hindi, is where the garden derives its name from. It is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan as it spans across the river till the Gandhi National Memorial. With its tranquil ambiance and majestic natural beauty, it is most definitely one of the best places to visit in Pune with friends in the evenings.
- Visiting Days: Any
- Timings: 06:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
7. Pashan Lake, Pune
This manmade lake is the favourite flocking place for a variety of migratory birds. Some of the exotic birds that you can spot here include white-breasted kingfisher, gray heron, open billed stork, etc. December to February is generally a great time to visit this place for picnics and gatherings or even for some solitude from the hustle-bustle of the main city. This definitely tops the list of places to visit in Pune for couples. With lush green surroundings and cool breeze, you are bound to be mesmerized by the great landscape around.
- Visit Days: All days of the weak
- Timings: 08:00 am to 11:30 pm
- Duration: Based on your convenience
- Entry Fee: Free
8. Vetal Tekdi, Pune
With an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, Vetal Hill is the highest point in Pune. The hill attracts a great number of bird watchers, photographers and joggers. This is one of the best hangout places in Pune for friends to enjoy each other’s company and spend quality time capturing panoramic views of the city. The hill dawns a new look every season and with its rich flora, it can rightly be called as the ‘Lung of the City’.
- Visiting Days: All days of the weak
- Timings: 05:00 am to 09:30 pm
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
Museums, Ashrams & Theme Parks (For Spiritual Seekers & Fun Lovers)
# Best Places to Visit in Pune with Friends | Museums, Ashrams & Theme Parks (For Spiritual Seekers & Fun Lovers)
9. National Defence Academy, Pune
NDA situated about 15 km away from the city, is one of the most unique places to visit near Pune. It stands tall as the only academy in the world that provides training together to all three forces – Army, Navy & Air Force. Motivational tours to the academy are open only on Sundays for educational institutions and organized groups. Proper formals are required to maintain the sanctity of the place. The guided tour includes movie screening of ‘NDA Revealed’ and visits to museum, mess & training teams. Prior application is required to be submitted along with the proposed date and number of people.
- Visiting Days: Sunday
- Timings: 10:30 am to 01:00 pm
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
10. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune
With over 20,000 artefacts, this place stands tall as one of the most artistic museums across the country. Built by Baba Dinkar Kelkar in 1962, the museum was later donated to the Maharashtra Government in 1975. The sculptures, musical instruments, paintings, carvings and ornaments exhibited here date back to the 14th century and cover the important art pieces from the Mughal and the Maratha eras. It is a must visit for art lovers to experience the rich taste of the emperors & artists who once lived in the region.
- Visiting Days: All days of the weak
- Timings: 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs. 50 for adults, Rs. 10 for kids (below 12 years), Rs. 200 for adult foreigners, Rs. 50 for for foreigner kids (below 12 years)
11. Darshan Museum, Pune
A relatively new museum inaugurated by Aamir Khan in 2011, this is a biographical museum celebrating the life of Sindhi saint & scholar T.L.Vaswani. It provides a unique experience through audio-visual shows with 3D Holographics, lifelike statues and other modern technologies. The museum is a fine example of imparting spiritually uplifting experience by harnessing cutting edge technologies.
- Visiting Days: All days except Thursdays
- Timings: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fee: Free (registration is required at the gate though)
12. Osho Ashram, Pune
Featuring the world’s largest meditation hall, this place is well known as a meditation resort. People from all parts of the world flock here in search of inner peace. Spanning over 32 acres, it has a guest house if you want to stay on campus, a spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, and a tennis court. Various meditation courses such as Nadabrahma, Nataraj, Kundalini, etc. are offered here for different rates. This is a must-visit place for an intense spiritual and peaceful experience.
- Visiting Days: All days of the weak
- Timings: Check the course & program timings
- Duration: Based on your convenience & activities/programs you choose
- Entry Fee: Rs. 60 per person (separate for programs and compulsory medical test)
13. Panshet Water Park, Pune
Surrounded by dams on either side, this is a beautiful water park right in the Sahyadri Range of mountains. Amidst all the regular rides, the water park has several water sports options including kayaking, water scooters, speed boating, wind surfing, etc. With serene backdrop and lush greenery, this is bound to be a thrilling getaway with friends.
- Visiting Days: All days of the weak
- Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
- Duration: 3-6 hours
- Entry Fee: Weekdays – Rs. 170 for kids and Rs. 250 for adults
- Weekends – Rs. 230 for kids and Rs. 300 for adults
14. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune
Divided in three parts – snake park, zoo and animal orphanage, this zoological park is a house to various species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. Among the exotic animals, the zoo has Asiatic lions, a white tiger, king cobra, peafowl, blackbucks, etc. This is a great place to learn more about various animals as it provides detailed information on all the species that it is home to.
- Visiting Days: All days except Wednesday
- Timings: 09:30 am to 06:00 pm
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Adults and Rs. 5 for Kids
Places to Visit in Pune with Friends at Night
Places to Visit in Pune with Friends at Night
Acclaimed as the cultural hub of Maharashtra, you are sure to be spoilt for choices when it comes to having a bucket list of things to do in Pune at night. With scrumptious meals and interesting cocktails, you can enjoy good music and dance parties till early in the morning at most of the bars & pubs here. There are more than 100 nightclubs near hotels in Pune, but here is a list of some unique places that you would definitely love to hang out with your friends:
15. Swig, Pune
For someone who loves relaxing with live music and Continental cuisine, this is the best place to visit. With enthusiastic young crowd, you are sure to encounter thriving artists around. The club invites painters, sculptors, dancers and other artists during theme-based nights. This club turned lounge tops the list when it comes to having a casual getaway with friends.
- Recommended Visiting Time: 07:00 pm to 11:30 pm
- Average Cost for Two: Rs. 1400
16. Mix@36, Pune
Located in Westin Hotel, this is rather on the expensive side. However, if you are someone who enjoys retro beats with the city in your backdrop while sipping some delicious handcrafted cocktails, this is one of the best places to visit in Pune with friends at night. Also, surrounded by the Mula-Mutha River and lush greenery, you are in for an ecstatic time with your friends.
- Recommended Visiting Time: 08:00 pm to 01:00 am
- Average Cost for Two: Rs. 4000
17. High Spirits, Pune
This café hosts the best gigs in the city and tops the list in terms of experimental and offbeat music. The drinks are affordably priced and a large number of students from the town flock this place with friends to dance and enjoy the daily gigs. The gigs range from R&B and Rock to House and Trance.
- Recommended Visiting Time: 08:00 pm to 11:30 pm
- Average Cost for Two: Rs. 1500
18. Area 51, Pune
Built like a spaceship, this is perhaps the most unique nightclub in Pune. Located on a hillock in Baner, Area 51 is a perfect spot to dance the night out with your friends. It spans over a huge area divided in two levels. The thumping dance floor, cool music, and pleasing ambiance will definitely make your night worth remembering.
- Recommended Visit Time: 08:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Average Cost for Two: Rs. 1500
With all these interesting hangout places in Pune, the city is rightly revered as the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra. While here, you must also explore some surreal weekend getaways near Pune including Mulshi Dam, Igatpuri, Bhandardara, Bhaja Caves, Kolad, etc. Not far from the Bollywood capital, while in Pune, you might as well want to check out some interesting places to visit in Mumbai with friends.
This post was last modified on 07-Aug-2023