Weekend getaway from Mumbai · #7 of 10
Pune
Maharashtra's cultural capital: Shaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace, museums, misal and Irani cafes, and buzzing eat streets around Fergusson College Road and Koregaon Park. Shivneri buses leave every 15 minutes.
Think of Pune as Mumbai's chilled-out, artsy sibling. Hop on a Shivneri Volvo and you will be there in no time. Day one is all about Peshwa history, grand mansions, and fiery food in the old town. Day two pivots to leafy walks, Gandhi's serene sanctuary, and the city's coolest cafe-to-cocktail strip.
Getting there
Cheap, super punctual, and easy to book online for roughly Rs 320. At the depot, just ignore the private bus touts - they will make you wait forever.
Chugging through the lush ghats past Lonavala is pure magic. Snag your train tickets early though, because weekend seats sell out fast.
Day 1 - The Peshwa old city
Fiery street eats, historic mansions, and chaotic temple bazaars in the ancient heart of Pune- 17:00 AMDrive
Shivneri bus from Mumbai
Grab an early seat on the MSRTC Shivneri. These comfortable buses run every 15 minutes, rarely run late, and will get you into the city center just in time for a hearty brunch.
📍 Dadar, Mumbai
Tip · Book your ticket online the night before. Double-check that it is an official MSRTC coach, not a private copycat.
- 211:00 AMFood
Misal brunch at Bedekar
Kick off like a local with a bowl of tongue-scorching misal and soft pav at Bedekar. Tucked away in the old quarter, it is easily one of the absolute best misal spots in town.
📍 Bedekar Misal, Pune
Tip · This stuff is seriously fiery. Do not ask for a milder version - just order extra pav and a glass of cooling buttermilk to survive it.
- 312:30 PMSight
Shaniwar Wada
Step into the epic seat of the Peshwas, founded by Bajirao I in 1730. Wander through the massive gates and green gardens that hold the secrets of Pune's imperial past.
📍 Shaniwar Wada, Pune
Tip · If you are around after sunset, loop back here for the sound-and-light show. It brings the old fort's history to life beautifully.
- 42:15 PMSight
Lal Mahal
A stone's throw away is this striking red palace where Shivaji grew up and clashed with Shaista Khan. It is a quick but fascinating dive into history.
📍 Lal Mahal, Pune
- 53:15 PMSight
Vishrambaug Wada and Tulshibaug bazaar
Admire the gorgeous 1811 carved teak facade of the mansion, then dive into the bustling Tulshibaug bazaar. Feeling peckish? Grab a quick bite at the legendary Shree Uphar Gruha.
📍 Vishrambaug Wada, Pune
Tip · Tulshibaug is a treasure trove for cheap steel utensils, toys, and colorful bangles. Keep your bargaining game strong and friendly!
- 65:30 PMSight
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Visit Pune's most iconic Ganpati shrine to see the massive 2.2-meter gold-laden idol. Dropping by during the evening aarti is an absolute must for the spiritual energy.
📍 Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
- 78:00 PMFood
Dinner on Fergusson College Road
FC Road and nearby JM Road are a food lover's dream, packed with student hangouts and legendary eateries. Graze your way down the street and wash it down with fresh lime juice.
📍 Fergusson College Road, Pune
Tip · Peth restaurants wrap up by 11 PM. If you are not ready for bed, the chic bars over in Koregaon Park stay open much later.
Day 2 - Gandhi, museums and Koregaon Park
A stunning palace with historic ties, a treasure chest of unique artifacts, and trendy strolls on the leafy east side- 89:00 AMSight
Aga Khan Palace
Wander the peaceful 19-acre palace where Gandhi was imprisoned. Now a serene memorial, you can still see khadi being spun and take a quiet walk through the lovely gardens.
📍 Aga Khan Palace, Pune
Tip · Get here right when the gates open to beat the tour buses that start rolling in by mid-morning.
- 911:30 AMSight
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Explore a massive, eccentric collection of everyday Indian art spread across three floors of a Rajasthani-style building. From vintage lamps to musical instruments, it is wild.
📍 Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune
- 101:00 PMFood
Lunch on JM Road
Pop into any of the bustling restaurants on JM Road for a massive thali or crispy dosas. This lively stretch is where half of Pune refuels at lunchtime.
📍 JM Road, Pune
- 112:30 PMSight
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
Discover an 8th-century rock-cut Shiva temple hidden right below street level. Its pillar-filled hall is an oasis of cool, quiet calm in the middle of the busy city.
📍 Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Pune
- 124:30 PMSight
Koregaon Park stroll
Stroll through Pune's prettiest, leafiest neighborhood. Spot the famous Osho commune gates, browse stylish boutiques, and grab a fantastic third-wave coffee at a local cafe.
📍 Koregaon Park, Pune
- 136:30 PMFood
Early dinner and drinks
Koregaon Park is the epicenter of Pune's nightlife. Pick a cool spot for an early dinner and a craft cocktail before you head back to reality.
📍 Koregaon Park, Pune
- 148:30 PMDrive
Shivneri or train back to Mumbai
With buses heading out every few minutes late into the night, there is zero need to stress. Curl up for a nap on the expressway and wake up back in Mumbai before midnight.
📍 Pune, Maharashtra
Tip · If you are driving, expect some Sunday-night congestion near the ghats. Hitting the road by 8 PM will help you beat the worst of the traffic.
Where to eat
The absolute gold standard for misal in the old quarters. They are tiny, always packed, and serve up a legendary, mouth-watering kick.
These parallel avenues are packed with budget-friendly college hangouts and delicious street-food stalls, busy from mid-morning until late.
Pune's favorite neighborhood for a night out, where you will find great bars pouring drinks well past midnight.
These refreshing street-side coolers cost next to nothing and are the ultimate way to beat the heat between sightseeing stops.
When to go
Thanks to its high altitude, Pune is always a breeze cooler than humid Mumbai, with nights that actually feel wonderfully crisp.
The rains paint the ghats a brilliant, lush green and make the journey up spectacular. Just pack an umbrella for your urban wandering.
Afternoons get pretty warm, especially in April. Get your sightseeing done early, then hide out in cool museums and air-conditioned cafes.
Good to know
- Book the Shivneri online and stick strictly to MSRTC buses. Don't let depot touts steer you onto late-leaving private rides.
- Ganeshotsav around August-September is Pune at its absolute best but incredibly crowded. Lock in your stay months in advance.
- Getting around is cheap and easy with autos or Uber. Use the local train line if you are heading out towards Lonavala.
- Most museums and historical mansions close early. Get your indoor sightseeing done before 5 PM to avoid disappointment.
