Pune, formerly called Poona, is a large city in the state of Maharashtra in India. It is among the most vibrant cities of the state and even the second largest one in the state after Mumbai. Pune is known for its educational institutions and its cultural heritage. It is also a major center of trade and commerce. Whether for business travel or exploration on a leisure trip, Pune offers ample opportunities for an entertaining trip. For the best experience of Pune, you can book our Pune Local Sightseeing Tour Packages.
The city of Pune has a long history dating back to the 6th century CE. It was ruled by the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Yadavas before being conquered by the Mughals in the 16th century. The Marathas took control of the city in the 17th century and it eventually became part of the British Raj. The city has several unique sightseeing points where you can unearth its historical past.
The origins of ancient Poona and the imperial era of Maratha rule can be witnessed around the city. You can explore these prominent places in Pune with the Pune Local Sightseeing Tour Packages by Holidays DNA. To make your trip convenient and stress-free we also share details of local cab vendors. We also provide customized packages for other prominent cities such as Delhi Local Sightseeing Tour Packages, Mumbai Local Sightseeing Tour Packages, Hyderabad Local Sightseeing Tour Packages, and many more.
Our Pune Local Sightseeing Tour Packages include details of cab service providers and sightseeing places in Pune. Our packages cater to all your needs whether you are traveling with family or friends. You can also customize our Pune sightseeing packages to include places and activities in Pune as per your interest. To add comfort to your trip we also provide a rental car along with local drivers who take you to the best sightseeing places in Pune.
Top Places to Visit in Pune Local Sightseeing Tour Packages
The best places in Pune included in a local sightseeing tour package are:
1. Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada is a superb illustration of the Maratha Imperial architecture that was prevalent in India at the time. It chronicles the history of the Maratha Kingdom. It was created by the Peshwas as a representation of the Marathas' valiant hearts and their tireless efforts to preserve their glory.
Amidst the relics from the past are several untold stories about the brave troops led by the Marathas. You can see the substantial stone walls built to surround the stunning Shaniwar Wada.
2. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple is a divine place dedicated to Lord Ganapati. The temple houses a 2.2-meter-tall by a 1-meter-wide idol of Lord Ganapati. It is covered in about 40 kilograms of gold.
Each day a huge number of devotees visit this temple to participate in Lord Ganesha’s Pooja and Aarti. It is well-known for its annual religious celebrations.
3. Lal Mahal
Lal Mahal is a historical relic from the 16th century. It is located close to Shaniwar Wada in Pune. The palace has interesting tales to tell about being the target of numerous invasions and a brief resurrection. It is an architectural wonder that captures the style and craftsmanship of the era.
Shahaji Bhosle, the father of Shivaji Maharaj, had initially renovated the palace in the 1630s so that his family could live there. The red-colored building served as Chhatrapati Shivaji's childhood home before he confronted Shaistekhan. The Lal Mahal, which has an illustrious past, emphasizes the bravery of the emperors and leaders of that era.
4. Saras Baug
Pune's Saras Baug is a well-known tourist destination. It was formerly a lake at the base of the Parvati Mountains. The exposed area was turned into a park and given the name Saras Baug once the lake's water dried up.
The attraction has a 25-acre area and a temple. The shrine is devoted to Lord Ganesh and is also known as Talyatla Ganpati because it was constructed in the middle of a lake. Due to their construction during the Peshwa period, the Baug and the temple also have some historical value.
5. Chaturshringi Mandir
The Chaturshringi Mandir is one of Pune's most revered temples. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and Shri Chaturshringi. It is situated on Senapati Bapat Road in Gokhale Nagar close to Pune University.
The name of the temple comes from the word ‘Chattu’ meaning a ‘Mountain with Four Peaks’. It stands on a hillslope that is roughly 125 feet wide and 90 feet high, depicting strength and faith. Additionally, there are idols of Ganesha, Ashtavinayaka, and Goddess Durga in the main shrine. The well-maintained shrine is now under the care of the Chaturshringi Mandir Trust.
6. National Defence Academy
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces. Cadets of the three services, the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force train together at this prestigious academy before they go on to pre-commissioning training in their respective service academies.
The NDA campus is located in Khadakwasla, which is in southwest Pune. It spans over 7000 acres and is the first tri-service academy in the world. The academy is known for its academic program, physical fitness regime, and well-disciplined “cadet” lifestyle. It prepares cadets for commissioning into the armed forces of India by imparting quality education and training to them.
7. Sri Balaji Mandir
Sri Balaji Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Pune. The temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji, also known as Venkateswara. The temple was inaugurated by Mahant Sri Dharamdasji Maharaj on February 21, 2009. The temple has a unique feature of a five-foot-tall statue of Lord Balaji which is made out of a single black granite stone.
The temple complex also houses a number of other shrines and facilities, including an auditorium, a library, and a canteen. In the complex, you can offer prayers to Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati.
8. St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pune. The church was built in 1610 by the Portuguese and is one of the oldest churches in India. It is also one of the largest churches in Asia. The church has a capacity of around 10,000 people and is located in the heart of Pune city.
The church is known for its beauty. It blends British, Indian, and Gothic architecture. You can witness the stained glass and regimental flags. The remains of Sir Robert Grant, the Governor of Bombay, have also been preserved at the Church.
9. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a well-known tourist and recreational destination in Pune. The zoo spans an area of 130 acres on average. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, birds, and reptiles. Its proximity to Katraj Lake makes it a popular destination for picnics and trips.
Nature enthusiasts visit the Zoo to spend quality time with their loved ones. It is also considered an educational attraction because visitors may learn more about the animals and explore the natural surroundings. The park has a wide range of facilities for visitors including a children's zoo, an aviary, a butterfly garden, and a reptile house.
10. Bund Garden
Visiting the Bund Garden is one of the most calming things to do in Pune. Natural magnificence, well-maintained swings and desks, horse riding activities, and magic acts are just a few of the reasons to come here. The park is also referred to as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan.
It is bustling in the evenings and early mornings with walkers and joggers. The park is easily accessible due to its proximity to the Pune camp area. You can take a long walk around the park or have a picnic with family and friends.
Besides these sightseeing places, you can visit several other interesting places on your Pune local sightseeing tour. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a must-visit spot for those interested in the region’s history. Our Pune city tour packages can be customized as per your preferences. You can include other sightseeing spots in our Pune local sightseeing tour packages based on your interest. Many more places can be covered if you spare some more time.
Some of these places are Osho Ashram, Joshi's Museum of Miniature Railways, Shinde’s Chatri, Vetal Tekdi, and Baner Pashan Biodiversity Park. If you have more time on hand after spending an entire day in Pune you can also explore some other popular attractions of the city. Pune Okayama Friendship Garden and Khadakwasla Dam are the best sightseeing places to visit in Pune.
Visitors who wish to explore more interesting places can visit the tourist places located just a few kilometers away from the city. If you have more time on hand you can explore the popular sightseeing places such as Sinhagad Fort, Mulshi Lake and Dam, Rajmachi Fort, Panshet Dam, Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort, and Rasalgad Fort.
