Best way to spend 3 days in Pune - India’s quintessential college town

Let’s keep it simple, this blog is about Pune itineraries. Since we want you to come and stay with us at The Hosteller, Pune, we will help you plan the best itinerary possible for different durations of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days.

Now, before we begin talking about the ifs and buts, here’s a disclaimer: this blog would be one of the first times we use ‘quintessential’ to describe a city. Pune is a quintessential college town with a laid back atmosphere. Alsipan is in the air everywhere, but it still feels nice. Here’s how to spend your time in Pune in the best way possible.

Pune itinerary for 1 day

Parvati Hill:
If you are all in for views along with some history, start your day with Parvati hill. It is second-highest point in Pune and the views from here are amazing. Additionally, there are temples here that date back to the days of Peshwas of the Maratha empire.

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park:
On your way back, take a break at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, also known as Katraj Zoo. Apart from all the wildlife, the park also has garden areas to get lazy and food stalls to keep your stomach happy.

A Turtle relaxing in Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Aga Khan Palace:
If you are not a history buff, skip this place. But if you love to dig into the past, you’re going to love Aga Khan Palace. This applies specifically for those interested in the legacy of our freedom fighters, specifically Mahatma Gandhi.

Shaniwar Wada Palace:
Historically what used to serve as the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire, today stands as the ruins of the empire who lost it to the British East India Company in 1818. The palace also featured in Bajirao Mastani which featured Ranvir Singh as Bajirao Peshwa & Deepika Padukone as Mastani.

Diwali at Shaniwar Wada

Try a Chicken Thali:
Ask the locals and find a good place to eat. A local dhaba with some age and experience and a good thali. Preferably, try their chicken thali and you’d not have to eat anything the entire day. If you are a vegetarian, go for Marathi thali.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum:
After lunch, head straight to Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum in Shukrawar Peth. It stands as a legacy of one man - Dr. Dinkar Kelkar and his passion for collecting artefacts. His collection featuring over 20000 artefacts has been touted as one of the largest one-man collections in the world.

Try the jumbo burgers at a local joint called “BURGERS”:
Lastly, before your dinner, here’s a place you have to be at - The Budger House in Koregaon Park, just a few steps from the Westin Hotel. It’s a complete vibe check. Gives you that old coke and pepsi ad vibes.

Camp Burger Pune| Credits: @pune_food_diary

Expert tip: Rent a bike. Bus ka wait karoge to jaha ho wahi reh jaoge and autos here are damn expensive. And (speaking from a Mumbai wala’s POV) auto wala meter se nahi jayega. You’ll hardly find saints like that.

Pune itinerary for 2 days

Day 2 has to be a little relaxed compared to day 1. So here’s the itinerary.

Osho International Meditation Resort:
Start with some meditation at the Osho International Meditation Resort. The center offers programs in meditation and yoga.

Savitribai Phule Pune University:
Savitribai Phule Pune University is one of the biggest universities in India. Spend your pre-noon exploring the campus consisting of beautiful, British-colonial buildings. Rent a bicycle. It’s a huge campus.

Savitribai Phule University, Pune

Breakfast at a local Poha thela:
Before you continue your day, have breakfast. Find a nearby stall with some crowd and order poha and chai. Perfect puneri breakfast.

Rock-carved Shiva temple at Pataleshwar Cave:
It is an ancient temple carved out of rock. It stands at around 3Kms from Pune Railway station. It is also known as Panchaleshvara or Bamburde Temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Street-style shopping on FC Road:
After returning from the temple, drive to FC Road and engage in local shopping. Specifically for women, the shops here offer a variety of clothing options at a steal-deal price.

Pay a visit to Dagdusheth Halwai Temple:
Pune aaye aur Dagdusheth se na mile to your visit is incomplete. Built in 1893 by Dagdusheth Halwai after he lost his son to plague. Since then, everyone in the community has been celebrating Ganpati festival with deep faith and enthusiasm.

Seek blessings from Bappa at Dagdusheth Halwai

Find a cafe to relax and have a good time.
There are some good cafes in Viman Nagar, Kalyani Nagar and Koregaon Park. Check for Swiggy Dineout offers and find a club that suits you. Order a drink and relax.

Itinerary for 3 days

Day 3 can be for exploring places near Pune. The list is quite long so we’ll take the liberty of choosing for you. You can spend the day exploring Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. There’s a long list of things to do. We’ll name them all here.

Start with a visit to Mapro Garden. Taste fresh strawberries there. Try their wood oven/fire wood pizza. Eat fresh bread and take a tour of their factory.

Landscapes of Mahabaleshwar

Visit the Mahabaleshwar temple. Seek blessings from Lord Shiva, try local food and return for sightseeing.

Drive a little further and you’ll reach scenic Wilson Point which will give you a wide view of the entire valley.

Visit Venna Lake and enjoy boating or a serene lakeside stroll. You can also grab breakfast from nearby food stalls.

Charming farm in Mahabaleshwar

If you can take out one more day, there are a few more things to discover, including Sinhagad Fort, Rajmachi Waterfalls, Pawna lake and so on. For a detailed list of weekend getaways from Pune, read our blog.