Things to do in  Pune

A popular day trip from Mumbai, the Karla Caves is a series of Buddhist shrines that were carved from a hillside thousands of years ago, with many dating back to the first century BCE. Here you'll find beautifully preserved prayer halls and monasteries, many decorated with intricate sculptures of elephants, horses, and people.

SItuated in the Western Ghats, and within day-tripping distance of Mumbai, the Bhaja Caves is a series of 22 rock-hewn cave structures dating back to the 2nd century BC. They're worth visiting for their beautifully carved prayer halls, stupas, and relics, along with their depictions of scenes from Indian mythology.

Lake views, picnicking spots, and the Sinhagad Fort nearby draw travelers to Khadakwasla Dam, a feat of local engineering on the Mutha River on the outskirts of Pune near Khadakwasla Village. Equal parts water source and tourist attraction, the dam offers lovely views over the lake/reservoir—especially at sunset from the official viewpoint.

Among Hindu temples in India, Shree Narayani Dham is a relative novice, built around 2010. Yet this religious complex spread over 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares), roughly the size of four American football fields, is a major spiritual retreat in Lonavala. Its modern hall with marble floors fans out to a rose garden, dining halls, and enough housing for dozens of guests and devotees.

Also called the Pu La Deshpande Garden, the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is among the largest public gardens in Pune, India. Established as a symbol of friendship between the sister cities Pune and Okayama in Japan, this landscaped space is said to be the largest Japanese-style garden outside of Japan, and offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Pune’s city life.

By some accounts, this historic road stretching from Alka Square to Quarter Gate Square in the heart of Pune is named after Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity—hence, the road bazaar overflows with shops and stalls where you can bargain for almost anything, from clothing to textiles and jewelry.

The Wet’n Joy Water Park is a fun, family-friendly destination and a great place to cool down. The large water park features a variety of waterslides, a wave pool, a rain dance area, and may types of water games. Extreme water slides appeal to teenagers and adults, while gentler areas are suitable for even the youngest kids.

A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh—the Hindu god with the head of an elephant—lies in the center of Saras Baug, a locally-beloved park featuring manicured gardens and walking paths. Arrive here early to see locals take morning walks and perhaps prayers, and don’t leave before checking out the small museum displaying hundreds of idols of the elephant-like deity.