Uncover the best places to visit and dine in Pune, India

Kasba Ganpati Mandir. Photo by Gayathri menon, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Explore Pune's fascinating history and lively culture on the Kasba Heritage Walk. Kasba means market-town, and it tells the story of the Maratha empire, how it grew under Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwas. In these neighborhoods, you'll find numerous iconic landmarks, like the Ganpati Temple and Lal Mahal, as well as several vibrant bazaars selling a wide variety of goods. The tour starts at the impressive fortress of Shaniwarwada and ends at Vishrambaug Wada, where you can find eco-friendly souvenirs to remember your journey.

Total walking time: 2 hours
Pricing: $10 per person for groups of 7-10. Includes a knowledgeable guide, entrance fees to Shaniwarwada, and all taxes. Reservation in advance is required.
Book the tour here

Nestled in the picturesque lanes of Koregaon Park, Malaka Spice is a true culinary find, brimming with recipes imported from Southeast Asia by its owners, Mr. and Mrs. Chandavarkar. As you dine al fresco, you'll be enveloped in the ambiance of a tropical oasis, complete with twinkling white Chinese lanterns and the gentle shade of overhanging trees.

Their menu is a delightful departure from traditional Indian fare, featuring tantalizing options like tangy lotus stem slices and stuffed vegetable murtabak pancakes. Don't miss their signature duck paitan ramen or vibrant Thai curry bursting with customizable toppings. For dessert and cocktail lovers, get ready to be impressed with mahua & rum baked cheesecake paired with one of their specialty drinks – for example, Starfruit Mojito.

Average bill – $28

The Welcome center of the Osho Ashram. Image by OSHO International Foundation on www.osho.com

Tucked away in Pune, the Osho Ashram is like a hidden nook where luxury relaxation meets spiritual awakening and immersion into the teachings of the revered master. At the ashram, there's a quirky charm to the rules – like the dress code of flowing maroon garments (which you can snag at the entrance) and the use of special cards for all transactions, making it feel like a world of its own. Here, you can choose from a variety of courses, such as meditation sessions, yoga classes or serene contemplative practices. The landscape is simply enchanting, with spacious halls, verdant gardens, refreshing pools, and the delightful chirping of tropical birds all around.

Timings: Opens from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Price: The approximate price for 1- and 2-day entry stickers for foreigners – $23 per day
Location: coordinates on Google maps
Learn more here

Drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of Italy's famous region, Toscano Pune in Koregaon Park has become a magnet for European visitors to the Osho Ashram seeking a taste of home in a foreign land. Led by two chefs, one from Nice and the other from Chennai, this eatery sparked a culinary revolution in the city a few years back and has since become a go-to spot for Italian cuisine, wine, and, of course, mouthwatering pizza.

Their menu boasts signature dishes like goat cheese salad, smoked salmon involtini, classic thin-crust, lava stone-baked pizzas, spinach ravioli, duck confit, mushroom risotto, and much more. And for dessert, diners with a bit of room left after their feast indulge in delicate tiramisu and chocolate Kahlua mousse, paired perfectly with a bottle of imported wine.

Average bill – $35

The main hall in the Karla Caves. Photo by Krishnam Kumawat, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The Karla Caves are like a time capsule from 160 BCE, when they were carved right into the earth and rocks. Located just an hour's drive northwest of Pune, these caves are a treasure trove of ancient artistry and spirituality. Inside, you'll discover faded faces of gods and mythical creatures etched into the rock, old writings in Brahmi script, and prayer halls where yogis once sought enlightenment.
And the grandeur doesn't stop there – towering stupas, especially the awe-inspiring Great Chaitya, stand as monuments to the reverence of monks and the sacred relics of Buddhism, showcasing the remarkable engineering prowess of historic India.

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily
Pricing: $2.50 for foreigners
Note: For the best experience, visit the caves during the monsoon (July to September) or winter (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are lush and green.
Learn more about the Karla Caves here
Location: coordinates on Google maps

Just a short 10-minute drive from Karla Caves, you'll discover The Kinara Village Dhaba – not just a place to indulge in authentic Indian cuisine crafted from traditional recipes, but also a haven for antique enthusiasts. For 40 years, the Kinara family has been curating a remarkable collection of old furniture and decor items, giving the place a unique charm. And if you fancy, you can even spend the night in one of their cozy rooms, adorned with these fascinating relics.

But even if you're just popping in for a meal, it's an experience in itself. With four unique dining areas to choose from, you can indulge in their signature dishes like mutton bhuna masala, palak paneer, mushroom kadai, and an array of other traditional delights. Savor your meal accompanied by soulful ghazal melodies, while the little ones have a blast in the play zones scattered around.

Average bill – $20

King cobra at the Katraj Snake Park. Photo by Greg Hume, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of Pune's most exciting adventures awaits in this lush green natural area, where a fascinating world of reptiles unfolds before your eyes. As part of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, the exhibit boasts over 20 snake species, including pythons, vipers, boas, and the real star of the show – a magnificent 9-foot king cobra. As you explore the zoo, you'll encounter a menagerie of other exotic creatures, from majestic white tigers and sleek leopards to gentle giants like elephants and playful monkeys. And don't forget to keep an eye out for a pair of rare Asiatic lions – their arrival has made this park the talk of the town.

Entry fee: $1.50 for foreigners
Opening hours: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm daily, except Wednesdays
Location: coordinates on Google maps

As you journey back from the zoo to Pune's heart, make a pit stop at Blue Nile Restaurant – a rare gem serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine in India. This place has garnered numerous accolades, including the esteemed Restaurant Guru sticker, a testament to its top-notch food, service, and ambiance.

Almost every dish here comes with Injera bread – a soft, spongy pancake made from teff flour, traditionally paired with stews, salads, meat dishes, and sauces. Whether you're craving vegetarian foods like yemisir wot – a red lentil stew in berbere sauce, or meaty dishes such as sautéed lamb cubes in various sauces and dulet – an Ethiopian delicacy with multiple meat varieties, Blue Nile has you covered. And don't miss their generous special platters, perfect for sharing with the whole family.

Average bill – $18

The ancient Parvati temple on the hill. Photo by Siddhesh Nampurkar, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

This picturesque hill, draped in lush greenery, stands as one of Pune's must-visit spots. It's not just a haven for nature lovers and hikers, but also home to the ancient Parvati temple, perched majestically atop its summit, surrounded by four more shrines honoring significant Indian gods. But the real magic happens at sunset. Climb 103 steps to reach the peak and be rewarded with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Pune and the valley stretching out below. And before you leave, don't forget to explore the museum, where you can delve into the fascinating lives of the Peshwa rulers through photographs and artifacts.

How to get there: The simplest way is to hail a taxi or auto-rickshaw, or hop on a bus from the Swargate bus stop
Opening hours: The hill is open daily from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm, but the temples will be open from 05:00 am to 08:00 pm
Pricing: no entry fee
Location: coordinates on Google maps

After a trek up Parvati Hill, if you opt for a city bus ride back, recharge at Laa Unico – an Indian restaurant conveniently located near the Swargate bus stop. Even if you're a staunch carnivore, you'll find plenty to relish here – the chefs have mastered the art of conjuring up vegetarian dishes that are both filling and flavorful.

Savor crispy panipuri, try signature jain pav bhaji fondue, or explore a wide range of chaats served with your favorite Indian bread, and irresistible heart-shaped pizza. And get ready to be amazed by their creative mixologist, who can craft one of the unique cocktails such as the Chemical Locha, served in a beaker reminiscent of a school science lab.

Average bill – $15

In India, boredom is simply not an option. With every corner explored according to this guide, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of excitement. And to elevate your experience further, delve into our other articles about this vibrant city – from another travel guide to a curated list of the finest dining spots in Pune you'll want to savor.