3-Day Road Trip Itinerary in Pune: City Experiences and Nature Retreats

Day 1: City Discoveries

Pune, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Goodluck

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this iconic Pune eatery famous for its Irani chai and bun maska.
Drive or take an auto-rickshaw to Café Goodluck, located in the bustling Viman Nagar area.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Aga Khan Palace

Explore the historical Aga Khan Palace, which is a testament to India's freedom struggle and an architectural marvel.
A short drive (15 mins) from Café Goodluck to the palace in Yerwada.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Pune’s Culture at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

Delve into the rich heritage of Maharashtra by exploring the unique collections of traditional artifacts.
A brief 10-minute drive from the Aga Khan Palace to the museum.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vaishali

Indulge in South Indian delicacies at this popular vegetarian restaurant frequented by locals.
About 15 minutes away from the museum by car, located on Fergusson College Road.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Shaniwar Wada

Discover the historic Shaniwar Wada fort, a symbol of Pune's Maratha heritage.
A short 10-minute drive from Vaishali to Shaniwar Wada.
INR 25, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Saras Baug

Take a leisurely stroll in this lush garden, ideal for unwinding amidst nature and observing local life.
Just 10 minutes away by car from Shaniwar Wada.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

End Day 1 with a delightful buffet dinner featuring grilled dishes and a variety of Indian and international cuisines.
Drive 20 minutes to Barbeque Nation, located on the busy Bund Garden Road.
INR 1200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature Retreats

Lonavala, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Fariyas

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at this scenic hotel in Lonavala before heading out to explore.
Drive 1 hour from Pune to Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune expressway.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Visit Lion's Point

Witness the breathtaking views from Lion's Point and take some stunning pictures of the surrounding hills.
Drive 20 minutes from the hotel to Lion's Point.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Bhushi Dam

Spend time enjoying the serene beauty at Bhushi Dam, especially lovely during monsoon season.
A 15-minute drive from Lion’s Point.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Parsi Dhinea

Savour authentic Parsi cuisine at this quaint eatery during your exploration of Lonavala.
A 15-minute drive from Bhushi Dam to the restaurant.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Karla Caves

Discover the rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC, showcasing ancient Buddhist architecture.
A 30-minute drive from The Parsi Dhinea to Karla Caves.
INR 250, 2 hours

5:00PM

Chikki Shopping at Lonavala

Indulge your sweet tooth and buy some iconic Lonavala chikki to take back home.
Drive back about 20 minutes to the local market.
INR 500, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Sunny Da Dhaba

End your day with hearty Punjabi food at this roadside dhaba, a favourite among locals.
Drive 5 minutes from the market to the dhaba.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Scenic Khandala

Khandala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Hilltop

Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the scenic valleys of Khandala.
Drive 30 minutes from Lonavala to Khandala.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Rajmachi Fort

Hike to the historic Rajmachi Fort, a perfect blend of adventure and historical exploration with panoramic views.
Drive about 30 minutes to the base of the trek, then a hike up to the fort.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Dukes Retreat

Take a break and enjoy a serene lunch at this resort, famous for its stunning views of the Western Ghats.
Drive back 30 minutes from the fort to the restaurant.
INR 900, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Khandala Sunset Point

Spend your afternoon marvelling at picturesque sunset views enveloped in nature's beauty.
Just a 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Bhushi Lake

Relax by the tranquil Bhushi Lake and take in the surrounding flora and fauna.
A 15-minute drive from Sunset Point to the lake.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Return to Pune and Dinner at Hotel Malhar

After a fulfilling day, return to Pune and relish a farewell dinner at a contemporary cuisine restaurant.
Drive back to Pune from Khandala, approximately 1 hour.
INR 800, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability