Called the 'Oxford of the East' owing to its educational institutes and student population, Pune is a city located in the Deccan, where academic fervour is very strong. Once the cultural capital of the proud Marathas, the city is steeped in rich legacies. Its historical, cultural, social and political importance earned it the moniker of the 'Queen of the Deccan'.

The city's attractiveness is enhanced by the convergence of its past and present, making it an appealing destination for all travellers. Once you are in this city, you will never run out of things to do!

We've compiled a list of the most fantastic tourist attractions in Pune to satisfy your wanderlust! Book your flight right here with Akasa Air 

1. Shaniwar Wada Palace

Shaniwar Wada, a major historical monument, is regarded as one of the top tourist attractions in Pune. It is a magnificent fortification that served as the capital of the Peshwas (of the Maratha Empire) from 1732 till 1818.

The fort got wrecked by a massive fire in 1828, and the ruins were later repurposed into a tourist attraction. This historical structure is surrounded by the old city part of Pune, also famous for its markets such as Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, and Ravivar Peth. The Palace gained more recognition from the Bollywood movie – Bajirao Mastani, based on the Peshwa of Shaniwar Wada.

2. Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort is an old fortress recognised for its historical importance and architecture. It was earlier called Kondana, but after the battle of Sinhagad in 1670, the fort was renamed. The name Sinhagad literally means Lion's Fort, indicating the fortress's strength.

The monument, situated at a height of nearly 750 metres in the Sahyadri Mountains, is an ideal landmark for hikers. The fort is located in the middle of a stretch of Maratha forts such as the Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort, and Purandar Fort, making it an ideal spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. You can get a wide view of the city from the Sinhagad Fort, making it one of the best places to visit in Pune with friends to relax and enjoy leisure time. 

3. Aga Khan Palace

Aga Khan Palace used to be the prison where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, and Mahadev Desai were detained. This Palace is well recognised for its architectural beauty and historical relevance and is another famous tourist attraction in Pune.

In the honour of Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai, architect Charles Correa built memorials on the royal grounds. It is believed that the remains of Mahatma Gandhi have also been buried here.

4. Dagdusheth Temple

Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple, a holy place of devotion dedicated to Lord Ganapati, is famous for its religious festivities and is located in the old part of the city.

Shri Dagdusheth Halwai, a sweet maker along with his wife, Lakshmibai, is said to have founded the temple about 125 years ago.

Lord Ganapati's idol is decorated with about 40 kg of gold and jewels of precious stones like diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Every day, the temple receives jewels and monetary contributions from Lord Ganapati's worshippers, which are placed in the temple's trust. The Dagdusheth temple is one of the richest temples in India after Tirupati Balaji! A large number of pilgrims visit the temple to participate in the daily aarti of Lord Ganesh.

During the Ganesh festival, the temple is lavishly decorated with colourful lights, attracting residents and tourists who come to watch the spectacular events.

5. Osho Ashram

Osho Ashram, situated in the streets of Koregaon Park, a posh locality of Pune, is popular for its peacefulness and extraordinary l rituals of meditation and compassion to achieve enlightenment. It is generally known as the Osho Meditation Resort – a one-of-a-kind fusion of meditation and the Greek notion of lodge stay. The Ashram is a serene setting that transports you to the core of peace, mindfulness, and harmony.

Osho Ashram was founded in 1974 and receives many visitors year-round, mainly tourists. Members can participate in various active meditation programmes and therapies throughout the day.

6. Pashan Lake

Panshet dam, also known as the Tanajisagar Dam is built on the Ambi river, that supplies water to the city of Pune, and is an attractive getaway.  Panshet Dam is surrounded by greenery and adorned with stunning waterfalls, situated in the bosom of the Sahyadris, and is one of the best places to visit in Pune. It offers a wide range of adventure sports which draws the attention of many adventure seekers. 

7. St. Mary's Chruch

St. Mary's Church is an age-old church in the city that was constructed and founded in 1825 by Bishop Heber. It was built to serve as a place of worship for British commanders and soldiers. In addition to Gothic design, the church combines British and Indian architectural styles and is a lovely area to visit and enjoy with your familyThe church also has regimental flags of the British Army in addition to a stained glass installed at the altar in the honour of Lieutenant trotter

8. Okayama Friendship Garden

Located away from the city, the Okayama Friendship Garden looks pleasantly green for as far as the eye can reach! This 10-acre park was influenced by a 300-year-old Japanese Korakuen garden established by the Ikeda Royal family in Okayama, Japan. 

This is the largest Japanese garden ever built outside of Japan and has been a part of many Indian films. The garden has become a popular tourist attraction in Pune. It  is admirable because of its natural scenery and man-made additions. The canal that runs through the garden is teeming with colourful fishes. Themoon bridge over the waterway is an excellent placeto observe the brilliant orange fish swimming around and also includes a waterfall, a pond, lanterns, artificial hillocks, and a forest. The garden is filled with Pergolas, where you can sit, rest, and breathe in the serenity. 

The Okayama Garden is cautiously maintained, and guests are not permitted to eat or promenade through the lawn. The huge, dense trees and countless species of floral vegetation at Pune Okayama Garden are extremely refreshing. 

9. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is home to a variety of species of animals and, for maintenance, has been separated into four sections –Katraj Lake, the Zoo, an Animal Orphanage, and a Snake Park. Currently, about 100 people are involved in the upkeep of the Zoo, which holds 362 animals, including endangered species. Visitors can tour all of these sections and take a view of the most fascinating set of marsupials and mammals.

The Central Zoo Authority classifies the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park as a major Zoo. Its proximity to Katraj Lake makes it an excellent destination for picnics. As a result, it is frequently visited by residents, particularly animal and nature enthusiasts. The Zoo is also an educational site for visitors interested in learning about animals.

10. Adlabs Imagica

Adlabs Imagica, a renowned theme park, is a major attraction in Pune.  The park is a miniature counterpart of Mumbai's Essel World, and features a variety of shows, water rides, and other attractions. The adventure park, located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is open all year (except during intense monsoons). 

Try out the rides and attractions at the theme park, take photos with the cartoon characters, and watch magicians, stunt performers, jugglers, and clowns perform to their glory!