Pune, the second largest city and capital of Maharashtra, is known for its multiple tourist destinations. The picturesque landscapes and pleasant weather enable the tourists to enjoy their time here. Learning about some of Pune's most popular tourist destinations will help you out here.

Are you planning a vacation in Pune? Read this article to find out more about tourist places in Pune.

1. Western Ghats

It is one of the most popular tourist spots because of its natural beauty, which has gained a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is a perfect escape from urban life with dense forests, misty mountains, stunning valleys and a wide range of flowers. You are likely to witness multiple waterfalls while taking strolls across the ghats.

Moreover, you can enjoy photography around the breathtaking flora and fauna, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March will be ideal for enjoying the pleasant and calm climate.
• Operational Hours: It is open to tourists all day. However, it is advisable to visit this place during the day.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost.
• Attractions: Forest, Grasslands, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Waterfalls and birds.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

2. Shivneri Fort

As the birthplace of Shivaji, a Maratha emperor, the Shivneri Fort has gained significance as one of the most famous places in Pune. It is situated on a 300-metre tall hill and has immense historical importance as it was built in the 16th century. There is a statue of Shivaji next to a lake named Badami Talav here. You can also enjoy trekking here because of its terrain.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March and the monsoon months can be ideal for visiting this place.
• Operational Hours: Open from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM all week.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost.
• Attractions: The large fort and its seven doors, Shivai Devi Temple, Jijabai’s Wada, Statues of Maasaheb and Bal Shivaji.
• How to Reach:  You can reach via air, road and railways.

3. Aga Khan Palace

This palace can be a perfect destination if you enjoy exploring historical remains and learning from them. Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III built it in 1892, intending to help the neighbourhood that suffered from the famine.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March can be ideal for this place.
• Operational Hours: Open from 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM all week.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 5 for Indian adults and ₹ 2 for children. Foreigners need to pay ₹ 100.
• Attractions: Historical significance, Italian arches and expansive lawns, Gandhi National Memorial Society.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

4. Parvati Hill Temple

Parvati hill is a famous landmark of Pune, which includes ancient temples built in the 17th century. These worship Hindu Gods like Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesh and Kartikeya. It is about 2100 feet above sea level, which provides stunning views of landscapes and sunsets. You can also explore the beautiful lush green hill and enjoy trekking here. 

• Best Time to Visit: You can visit from October-March, as the climate is pleasant during this time.
• Operational Hours: It is open from 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM for devotees.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost.
• Attractions: Connoisseurs, Devotional Site, Flora and Fauna Abundance, Hindu temples, Stunning views.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

5. Rajgad Fort

If you are a fan of ancient forts and trekking, Rajgad will interest you. The Rajgad hill is tall, standing at 4600 feet. Tourists usually prefer camping on the mountain after trekking so high to visit the fort. Here, you will find two temples where camping facilities will be available.

• Best Time to Visit: Tourists prefer October to March while staying here since the monsoon is not suitable for trekking.
• Operational Hours: While it is open all day, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM is considered an ideal time to visit. 
• Entry Fee: Free of cost.
• Attractions: Padmavat Temple, Saibai’s Tomb, Rameshwar Temple, Padmavati Lake, Sanjivani machi.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

6. Lal Mahal

Shivaji Maharaj's father, Shahaji Bhosle, established this building in 1630 AD. It has a great historical significance, as it was the childhood home for Chhatrapati Shivaji and the iconic encounter between Shivaji and Shaista Khan.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March will be ideal for enjoying this place in a pleasant climate.
• Operational Hours: Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed between 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM).
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 5 for all.
• Attractions: Red bricks visual, Large oil paintings, Historical remains.
• How to Reach: You can take buses from any part of Pune. It is only 3 km away from Pune Railway Station.

7. The Empress Garden

Empress Garden in Pune will win your heart if you are a nature lover. The Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India manages this garden. It sprawls over 39 acres of land with various rare species of trees and flowers. It often organises flower shows for the audience.

• Best Time to Visit: Tourists find it ideal to visit this place between October and March, as winter is pleasant here.
• Operational Hours: Open from 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM all week.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 15 for those who are older than three.
• Attractions: Buds and Blooms flower show, Basant Utsav, Historical significance, Flora and fauna collection.
• How to Reach: You can hire cabs from Pune. It is only 3 km away from Pune Railway Station.

8. Sinhagad Fort

This fort has a historical value, as it has witnessed multiple battles, including the 1670 Battle of Sinhagad. These mountains are at 750 metres, making them ideal for trekking. You will also find Rajaram’s tomb, some temples and breweries in the surroundings.

• Best Time to Visit: You should visit between October and March and avoid the monsoon season for a pleasant vacation.
• Operational Hours: Open from 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM all week.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 20 for all.
• Attractions: Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort and the Purandar Fort, Rajaram’s tomb, Temples and breweries.
• How to reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

9. Peshwa Udyan Zoo

This zoo is a must-visit place in Pune, next to Saras Baug. If you are looking for a relaxing yet entertaining tourist spot, especially travelling with kids, this zoo can be the perfect spot. It includes a well-mentioned garden with large sprawling lawns, properly paved pathways and tall, dense trees. Moreover, you will find various species of birds, animals and reptiles in the zoo.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March will be ideal for visiting and enjoying this place in a pleasant climate.
• Operational hours: Open from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM).
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 20 for adults and ₹ 10 for children.
• Attractions: Multiple species of animals, Temples from the 17th century, Local street food, Saras Baug, Chowpatty and Parvati in the surroundings.
• How to reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

10. Shaniwar Wada Palace

 If you are a history enthusiast, this 286-year-old mansion will gain your interest. It is a seven-storied capital building of the Peshwas, known for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance. Peshwa Bajirao-I established it on a large 625-acre land.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March will be preferable to avoid the rainfall.
• Operational Hours: Open from 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM all week.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 5 for Indians and ₹ 125 for foreigners.
• Attractions: A massive 7-storey stone structure, Teak doors and Persian rugs, Beautiful chandeliers, Thora Rayancha Diwankhana and Naachacha Diwankhana.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

11. Vishrambaug Wada

Peshwa Bajirao the Second built this massive mansion in 1811. Its Maratha-styled architecture and historical significance have attracted tourists from all over India. It helps to uplift rich culture and grandeur from the ancient Indian royalty. 

• Best Time to Visit: October-March is ideal for a pleasant vacation here.
• Operational Hours: Open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM all week. 
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 5 for all.
• Attractions: Maratha style of architecture, Royal pillar and ceiling decorations, Historical significance.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

12. Purandar Fort

If you prefer trekking and adventure during a holiday, you can visit the Purandar Fort. Here, you find the twin forts Purandar and Vajragad. These are situated on the hilltop, about 4472 feet from sea level. This makes it ideal for trekking.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March will be preferable to avoid the rainfall.
• Operational Hours: Open from 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM all week.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost.
• Attractions: Trekking routes, Temples and Catholic Church, National Cadet Corps Academy, Stunning views.
• How to Reach: You can take the NH4 route from Pune to Naraynapur to get to this fort.

13. Okayama Friendship Garden

It is the most extensive Japanese garden in Pune, also called the Pu. La. Deshpande Udyan, inspired by the Marathi writer Pu La Deshpande. Here, you will experience a perfect blend of nature and concrete. There are artificial pools and waterfalls besides a natural canal passing through the garden.

• Best Time to visit: You can visit between October and June to enjoy the park's beauty.
• Operational Hours: Open from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM all week (closed between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM). 
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 5 for all.
• Attractions: Japanese-styled park from the 1700s, Ponds and pools, Waterfalls, Stone lanterns, Water basins and statues.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

14. Vetal Hill

Vetal Tekdi is considered a famous landmark for the best tourist places in Pune. It envelops the entire city, making it a stunning tourist destination. Its highest point of elevation is about 2600 feet. Adventure seekers prefer trekking on these hills and enjoy a serene environment. You will also find the Vetala Temple on top of the hills.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March is ideal to avoid rainfall risks while trekking.
• Operational Hours: Open all day.
• Entry Fee: Free of cost.
• Attractions: Vetala Temple, Beautiful flora and fauna, Trekking path up to 2600 feet, Stunning sunrise and sunset views.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

15. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

You can consider this park if you are looking for an excellent recreational attraction in Pune. It covers an area of 130 acres, known as a large zoo. This park is near Katraj Lake and provides a soothing and beautiful environment.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March is ideal, as the weather is pleasant.
• Operational Hours: Open from 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM all week.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 10 for Indian children and students and ₹ 40 for adults. for forigner visitors, the fee is ₹ 100.
• Attractions: Animal Orphanage, Katraj Lake, Snake Park, 140 endangered species of animals.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

16. Saras Baug

A popular tourist attraction, Saras Baug is a lake at the foothills of Parvati. It sprawls over 25 acres, with a temple in the centre worshipping Lord Ganesh. This lake also has historical significance as it was built during the era of Peshwa rule.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March is ideal to avoid the risks of rainfall here.
• Operational Hours: Open from 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM all week (closed between 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM).
• Entry Fee: Free of cost.
• Attractions: A beautiful and serene ambience, Well-maintained pathway and lawns, Ganesh Temple, Delicious street food.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

17. Sentosa Water Park

If you are travelling with kids, this park will be your best tourist destination. It is located near Pimpri Chinchwad, and has gained popularity for being one of the most amusing water parks in Pune. However, even adults can enjoy its adventurous rides. Some popular rides include Tube Twister Slides, Magical Mat Slides, Water Play System, Kiddie Pool, Leisure Pool and Waterfall. Apart from the rides, you can also enjoy delicious food items here.

• Best Time to Visit: October-March is ideal for visiting this park and enjoying the rides without experiencing rainfall.
• Operational Hours: Open from 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM (closed between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM).
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹400 for all.
• Attractions: Fun and adventurous rides, Rain Dance With Live DJ, Water slides, Leisure pool, Delicious food.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.

18. Mahatma Phule Museum

 This museum preserves the memory of Jyotiba Phule, an activist for women's rights in pre-independent India. The museum frequently conducts seminars and workshops with educational talks to spread historical knowledge among the visitors. This place features some stunning artefacts and displays from the colonial era.

• Best Time to Visit: You can visit any time of the year.
• Operational Hour: Open from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: The entry fee is ₹ 10 for adults and ₹ 5 for children under 12 years.
• Attractions: Study of pictures, machines, models and science dummies, Artefacts on geology and minerals, handicrafts and cottage industries, armoury and much more.
• How to Reach: You can reach via air, road and railways.