Pune does not rush. That’s optimistic since you can’t see everything in two days. You will have to choose between the new city and the old forts. Visit during the cool months of October through February. Get your day started early.
Day One: Walking Through Maratha Glory
Visit the Pataleshwar Cave Temple to begin your day. It was cut from a single big rock in the eighth century. Surrounded by smaller shrines, a cube-shaped room has a Shiva lingam. Because the carvers struck rock fault lines, the temple is unfinished. In fact, you can see where they stopped working.
Next, go to Shaniwar Wada. The skilled craftsmen and engineers, under the vision of Peshwa Bajirao I, started building it on a Saturday in 1730, so that’s how it got its name. There’s a sound and light show at 7:15 pm in Marathi or 8:15 pm in English that narrates the story. You’ll hear about Peshwa Bajirao I and the massive fire in 1828 that burned everything wooden. People say the ghost of Narayanrao still calls for help here. Entry is ₹5 for Indians, ₹125 for foreigners, and gates close at 6:30 pm.
Spend your afternoon at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. Dr. Kelkar spent 60 years collecting around 20,000 everyday items like hookahs, lamps, and musical instruments. There’s a rebuilt Mastani Mahal that shows how Bajirao’s lover lived. The museum has three floors with 42 sections. Give yourself at least two hours here.
Day Two: Forts and Freedom
On the second day, an early start to Sinpahadi Fort. It is only an hour to drive to the base and make the final steep 2 km transcend. Or you may walk the entire 16km way up Donje Gaon, which is 4-5 hours. The fort is named so because of the words of Shivaji on the occasion of the death of his general Tanaji, at this place: The fort is taken, but the lion is lost. The panorama from the top is worth the climb.
After exploring the majestic Sinpahadi Fort, visit Aga Khan Palace in Yerwada. It was constructed in 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah to assist those affected by famine. It was also the prison of Gandhi who spent 21 months in it during the Quit India Movement. Here, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai breathe their last. In the gardens, they have their memorials. The museum displays the personal objects and photographs of the freedom struggle of Gandhi.
Where to Stay and How to Move
In the case of hotel stays, you will find good ones in areas around Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar. The localities have good restaurants and nightlife. In case you would like to keep close to the historical locations, choose a place in the old city around Shaniwar Wada. The majority of hotels provide breakfast and could book cabs in the morning. The airport is well connected and taxi to the city centre is pre-paid and costs Rs. 300-400.
Practical Bits That Actually Help
Some practical tips:
- Carry cash for entry fees. Most places don’t take digital payments.
- Aga Khan Palace closes at 5:30 pm and is shut on Sundays.
- Check the timings for Shaniwar Wada’s sound and light show as it changes seasonally.
- Street food near Sarafa Market is delicious, but eat where you see locals lining up.
Your two days in Pune will be perfectly fulfilling as you can explore areas like the Maratha forts, Gandhi’s jail, and the museum’s everyday artwork. Your short stay will leave you with vivid memories of Pune’s rich past and vibrant culture.