Pune has a bit of everything: Maratha history, amusement parks, a proper zoo, quiet Japanese-style gardens and some of the friendliest people you will meet in India. The city is also considered among the safer ones for travellers, which makes it easy to explore even in the evenings.
I keep updating this list as I visit new places, so bookmark it if you are planning a Pune trip. Here are my picks.
1. Shaniwar Wada
Pune’s most famous historical monument, built by Bajirao I in 1736. The five massive darwajas (gates) are the highlight, and each has its own story. Then there is the legend locals still talk about: the cry of “Kaka mala vachva” said to echo here on full moon nights. History lovers can easily spend two hours exploring the fort walls and gardens.
Good for: history lovers, families, photography
Plan with: My full Shaniwar Wada guide: timings, entry fee and the story of all five gates →
2. Appu Ghar
Pune’s own ‘Mini Disneyland’ in Nigdi, running since 1989 with rides imported from Italy. The roller coaster and Appu Columbus are the crowd favourites, and there is a cricket net zone and fish spa too. Entry starts at just ₹100, which makes it one of the cheapest family outings in the city.
Good for: kids, families, budget outings
Plan with: My full Appu Ghar guide: 2026 ticket prices, ride list and my honest review →
3. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (Katraj Zoo)
Spread over a large campus in Katraj with tigers, leopards, a well-known snake house and a lake with plenty of birdlife. Kids get a close look at animals they have only seen in books, and the walking trails make it a half-day outing. Note: the zoo stays closed on Wednesdays, so plan around that.
Good for: kids, wildlife lovers, half-day trips
Plan with: My full Katraj Zoo guide: timings, ticket price and what to see first →
4. Rainbow Trampoline Park
Foam pits, a dodgeball court, ninja warrior course and wall-to-wall trampolines with music playing throughout. It works well for birthday parties and school groups too, and they offer discounts for large groups. Expect to leave sweaty and happy.
Good for: kids, teenagers, birthday parties
Plan with: My full Rainbow Trampoline Park guide: prices, slots and party booking →
5. Saras Baug
A garden built around the famous Talyatla Ganpati temple near Parvati Hill. During Ganesh Chaturthi, thousands of devotees line up here. On normal evenings it is a local favourite: food stalls at the entrance, open lawns where kids run around, and the temple at the centre. Go around sunset.
Good for: families, devotees, evening visits
Plan with: My full Saras Baug guide: temple timings and what to eat nearby →
6. Okayama Friendship Garden
A 10-acre Japanese-style garden, easily the quietest spot on this list. Water streams, wooden seating, and landscaping done in proper Japanese tradition. This is where you go when you want a slow morning, not an activity-packed day. Couples and older visitors love it.
Good for: couples, peaceful walks, morning visits
Plan with: My full Okayama Friendship Garden guide: timings, entry fee and best photo spots →
7. Empress Botanical Garden
Best known for its annual flower show and a huge collection of trees and plants, some of them over a century old. There is a separate Nana Nani park for senior citizens, a kids’ play area, and cafes inside. The garden also runs plantation drives and nature workshops through the year.
Good for: plant lovers, senior citizens, families
Plan with: My full Empress Botanical Garden guide: timings, flower show dates and entry fee →
8. BAPS Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
One of the most impressive modern temples in Pune, with detailed carved architecture that photographs beautifully. The campus is spotless and calm, and evening aarti is the best time to experience it. Dress modestly and keep phones on silent inside the main mandir.
Good for: devotees, architecture lovers, evening visits
Plan with: My full BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir guide: darshan timings and visit tips →
9. Aga Khan Palace
The palace where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai were imprisoned during the Quit India movement. Gandhiji’s clothes, books and personal belongings are preserved here, and Kasturba’s samadhi is on the campus. It is a quiet, moving place rather than a fun outing, and worth every minute.
Good for: history lovers, students, quiet visits
Full guide coming soon on Hey Pune.
10. Ramdhara Temple
A peaceful temple spot outside the main city, linked by local belief to the travels of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The lake, the trees and the calm make it popular with devotees, and Mahashivratri draws big crowds here. Combine it with a countryside drive.
Good for: devotees, weekend drives
Full guide coming soon on Hey Pune.
11. Seven Wonders Dream Park
A theme park with replicas of the Seven Wonders of the World, a kids’ activity zone and plenty of photo spots. It is an easy, low-cost outing where children stay busy for hours and the replicas make for fun family pictures.
Good for: kids, photo lovers, budget outings
Full guide coming soon on Hey Pune.
How to plan your Pune trip
If you have one day: Shaniwar Wada in the morning, Saras Baug at sunset, and dinner in the old city. With kids, swap the morning for Appu Ghar or the zoo (just not on a Wednesday, the zoo is shut). For a slow, no-rush day, pair the Okayama Garden with Empress Garden and end with evening aarti at the BAPS mandir.
Every guide linked above has the current ticket prices, timings and photos I clicked myself, so you will not land somewhere with wrong information. Heypuneofficial