Start your day with a visit to Shaniwar Wada, a historical fortification in the heart of Pune city. Built-in 1732, the fort served as the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire until 1818 when it was destroyed by a fire. In the morning, you can take an audio tour of the fort to learn about its rich history and architecture. Afterward, you can head to the nearby Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Here, you can witness the morning aarti and seek blessings from the deity. In the afternoon, visit the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which houses over 20,000 artifacts ranging from carved palace doors to intricate pottery. In the evening, head to the FC Road for some local shopping and street food.
On your second day, start your morning with a visit to the Katraj Snake Park, which is home to a variety of snake species, including Indian rock python and king cobra. The park also has a snake rescue and rehabilitation center, where you can learn about snake conservation efforts. In the afternoon, visit the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, which houses over 160 species of animals, including tigers, leopards, and elephants. You can take a safari ride to see the animals up close. In the evening, head to the Osho Ashram, a spiritual center that offers meditation classes and workshops.
If you have time, you can visit the Aga Khan Palace, a historical monument that served as a prison for prominent Indian leaders during the Indian independence movement. The palace also has a museum that showcases the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi. For a side trip, you can visit the hill station of Lonavala, which is about 1.5 hours from Pune. Lonavala is known for its scenic views, waterfalls, and ancient caves. To maximize your fun, try some of the local street food, such as vada pav, misal pav, and bhel puri. Also, make sure to try the famous Pune-style Mastani, a thick milkshake topped with dry fruits and ice cream.