Best things to do in Pune

Visit the temple of Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, known for its lavishly decorated idol, which is insured for $150,000. The temple was constructed in 1893 by a wealthy Pune businessman who lost his son in an epidemic, and he dedicated it to Lord Ganesh, the Hindu god with the head of an elephant. Admire the elaborate detailing of the imposing temple structure, illuminated with shimmering lights in the evening, and view the massive Ganesh image, decorated with 8 kg (17 lb) of gold.

Visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum to witness a part of the staggering amount of artifacts and objects collected by a local doctor. Dinkar G. Kelkar started collecting objects in the 1920s, and went on to found the museum 1962 in memory of his son Raja who died at the age of seven. Admire the vast array of relics, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries, with origins from all over India. See artworks, decorative items, utensils, musical instruments, and a multitude of other pieces that form the eclectic display.

Perched on a remote hill, Sinhagad Fort served as the site of many historic battles, including the famous 1671 Battle of Sinhagad. The carvings found within the fort's temple suggest the structure could have been built 2,000 years ago. Take an uphill climbing route, along which locals sell boiled eggs and salted butter. See the military stables, old wells, historic gates, a brewery, a statue of the god Hanuman, and a temple dedicated to Hindu goddess Kali. Look for the bust of Tanaji--a general who lost his life in the Battle of Sinhagad--and a tomb of his younger brother Rajaram. Nature lovers will enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, flights of different spices of birds, and a rose garden.

Have fun trying out the rides and games of Imagicaa, an amusement park that boasts India’s largest roller coaster. Take in the lively atmosphere as you traverse the park’s themed zones, such as the European, African, and Indian areas, each with their own set of attractions. You’ll encounter adrenaline-inducing roller coasters and thrill rides, but also games for children and rides suitable for the whole family. You can watch a plethora of entertainers and actors plying their skills throughout the park, then take a break and refresh in a number of eateries.

An immersive journey into the life of Sadhu Vaswani, Darshan Museum offers a spiritual and educational insight in to the life of the Sindhi scholar. Explore 8 zones of didactic displays including holographic projections, performances, and participatory exhibits, allowing you to learn the story of the Indian educator's life and work. The museum serves as a hub for promoting Vaswani's teachings and for exploring his notions of unity, love, and compassion.

See an important landmark and monument of Indian national history at Aga Khan Palace, a building linked to the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and his family. Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai were held prisoner here following the launch of the Indian independence movement in 1942. Kasturba and Desai passed away while in captivity, and today their samadhis (tombs) represent major sites of pilgrimage. The Italian-influenced palace, built in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, now houses the national memorial to Gandhi, with photographs and paintings capturing moments from his life and the independence movement he inspired.

Pay your respects to Chaturshringi, the presiding goddess of Pune, at Chaturshrungi Temple. You'll need to climb up the 100 steps to reach the shrine, reputedly built in the 17th century by a money lender upon the goddess' instruction. Admire the vibrantly painted West Indian-style temple, enjoy the peaceful setting in the lush green hills, and gaze upon the entire city of Pune from the attractive mountainside location.

Elegant and crimson colored, Sarasbaug Ganesh Temple makes a popular spot for tourists and devotees. Built in 1784 on an island in the middle of a lake, the temple offers blessings for worshippers of the Lord Ganesha--10,000 visit each day. The temple lies some 1 km (0.6 mi) from the Swargate bus stand, with many good street food outlets nearby.

Adorned with towers and decorative pillars, ISKCON NVCC Temple features a red-and-white color scheme that makes it stand out from its otherwise unexceptional surroundings. Step inside to see a range of colorful works of art, from the scenes painted on the inside of the dome, to icons and figurines dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna. The temple hosts an array of services and prayers, so be sure to check the website for information and schedules.

Admire nature's majesty and panoramic views from Lion's Point, a breezy spot 650 m (2,133 ft) above sea level. You can see dozens of small waterfalls gushing out of the steep cliffs, green conical hills, and scenic Western Ghats from there. Monkeys, cows, and bulls will keep you company at the spot, most likely asking for food. Small vendors sell tea, cold drinks, bhutta, and snacks, so all you have to bring is a good pair of shoes for the uphill climb.

Visit Pataleshwar Cave Temple, a hermetic rock-cut complex dedicated to Hindu deities Pataleshwar and Shiva. Because of its construction during the Rashtrakuta period (700 to 800 CE), the site now enjoys protection as a religious monument. Explore the circular nandi mandapa, a pillared outdoor hall that stands in front of the cave. Outside of the basalt stone entryway hangs a brass bell, while the cube-shaped inner sanctum decorated with symbols of Shiva calls devotees to pray and make offerings. Visit the museum nearby, especially since it houses a peculiar Guinness World Record holder: a single grain of rice with 5,000 characters inscribed on it.

Try a whole range of activities at Della Adventure Park, a large adventure park. Spread over an extensive site, the park includes nearly 100 games and experiences, with an emphasis on adrenaline-pumping activities that encourage you to test your limits and bond with your party along the way. Go quad biking, paintballing, ziplining, rappelling, and more. The grounds also include racetracks, themed shooting ranges, high-quality sports fields, and a gaming center.

A refreshing green space, Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden spreads across 4 hectares (10 acres) irrigated by a natural flow of a canal. Soak in the nature among colorful flowers and other plants, enjoying water and masterfully landscaped, gently undulating green areas, small hillocks, and carp ponds. Inspired by a 300-year-old Japanese garden, this green patch is also a symbol of Pune-Okayama friendship. Keep in mind, you cannot picnic or walk on the lawn here.