Pune in Two Days: A Local’s Guide

1. Day 1: Shivneri Fort
   1 hour 30 minutes (60 km) from Pune

   Start your day early with a trip to Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. Explore the fort's massive walls, gates, and numerous water tanks. Learn about the history of Shivaji and his legacy, which still echoes in the region. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby Lenyadri Caves, a group of Buddhist caves dating back to the 3rd century BCE. These ancient caves are famous for their intricate rock-cut architecture and beautiful carvings of Buddhist deities. In the evening, head back to Pune and grab a bite at the famous Vaishali restaurant, which is known for its delicious South Indian food.

2. Day 2: Aga Khan Palace
   20 minutes (5 km) from Pune

   Start your day with a trip to the Aga Khan Palace, a beautiful historical monument that served as a prison during India's struggle for independence. Learn about the palace's fascinating history and its connection to Mahatma Gandhi, who was imprisoned here with his wife Kasturba Gandhi. In the afternoon, visit the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, one of the best museums in the city, which houses one of the largest collections of Indian artifacts in the world. In the evening, head to the Osho Ashram, a spiritual center known for its tranquil gardens and meditation programs.

Recommendations

While in Pune, you should also consider visiting the Sinhagad Fort, a historic hill fortress located 30 km southwest of Pune. If you have time, take a day trip to the beautiful hill station of Lonavala or the ancient city of Ajanta and Ellora, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

To maximize your fun, consider taking a food tour of Pune, which will introduce you to the city's unique cuisine and vibrant food culture. Don't forget to try the famous Pune Misal, a spicy curry made with sprouts and served with bread.

For more ideas and suggestions, feel free to ask your local tour guide or check out the Pune Tourism website.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Shivneri Fort (3 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Lenyadri Caves (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Vaishali Restaurant (1 hour, INR 500 for two people)
• Aga Khan Palace (2 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (2-3 hours, INR 100 per person)
• Osho Ashram (1-2 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Food Tour (3-4 hours, INR 1500 per person)
• Sinhagad Fort (4-5 hours, INR 200 per person)
• Lonavala (day trip, INR 1500 per person)
• Ajanta and Ellora (day trip, INR 3000 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 7400 per person