Pune is more than a stop between Mumbai and the hills — it is a city of forts, palaces, temples, and quiet lakes, with a history that stretches back centuries. For travellers arriving by cab, the city is easy to explore in a day or two, especially when a trained driver handles the traffic and parking. This guide covers six places to visit in Pune that work well on a single sightseeing route, with distances, best times, and entry fees so you can plan with confidence.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a weekend break, or a business trip with an extra day to spare, a car rental with driver in Pune gives you the flexibility to stop where you want and move at your own pace. Here is how to make the most of it.
Top Places to Visit in Pune
Shaniwar Wada
Built in the 18th century as the seat of the Peshwa rulers, Shaniwar Wada is one of Pune's most recognisable landmarks. The massive gates, stone walls, and remains of the palace courtyard give a real sense of the city's Maratha history. An evening light-and-sound show tells the story of the fort in an engaging, family-friendly way.
Sinhagad Fort
About 35 km from the city centre, Sinhagad Fort sits on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Sahyadri range. It is especially popular during the monsoon, when the hills turn green and the fort's trails fill with trekkers. Even if you stay near the parking area, the drive up is scenic, and local stalls at the top serve fresh pithla-bhakri and kanda bhaji.
Aga Khan Palace
A grand palace set in peaceful gardens, Aga Khan Palace is closely tied to India's freedom movement — Mahatma Gandhi was interned here in the 1940s. Today it houses a small museum and is a calm, shaded stop for families and history buffs. The lawns make it a good mid-day break between busier sights.
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
One of Pune's most visited temples, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is in the heart of the old city and draws devotees throughout the year. The idol is beautifully decorated, and the surrounding streets are full of shops and local food stalls. Early mornings and weekday afternoons are the calmest times to visit.
Pashan Lake
A quiet lake on the western edge of the city, Pashan Lake is a welcome escape from Pune's traffic. It is a favourite with birdwatchers, especially in winter when migratory birds arrive. A slow morning walk along the lake makes a gentle break between more crowded sights.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
Carved out of a single rock in the 8th century, Pataleshwar Cave Temple sits quietly in the middle of the modern city. The shrine is still in active use, and the contrast between the ancient stone and the busy streets around it is striking. It is a quick, worthwhile stop on the way to or from Shaniwar Wada.
Pune Sightseeing at a Glance
| Place | Distance from city centre | Best time to visit | Entry fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaniwar Wada | 3 km | Oct to Feb | ₹25 |
| Sinhagad Fort | 35 km | Jul to Sep | Free (parking extra) |
| Aga Khan Palace | 6 km | Oct to Mar | ₹25 |
| Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple | 2 km | All year | Free |
| Pashan Lake | 12 km | Nov to Feb | Free |
| Pataleshwar Cave Temple | 4 km | Oct to Feb | Free |
How to Plan Pune Sightseeing by Cab
The best way to see Pune in a day is to group nearby sights together. A typical full-day route starts at Shaniwar Wada and Pataleshwar Cave Temple in the old city, continues to Dagdusheth Ganpati and Aga Khan Palace, and ends with Sinhagad Fort in the late afternoon. A half-day trip works well for a shorter list — say, Shaniwar Wada, Dagdusheth Ganpati, and Aga Khan Palace.
For this kind of multi-stop day, a car rental with driver in Pune is far more comfortable than switching between autos and app cabs. You keep the same car and driver for the whole day, and you can adjust the plan on the go. Fares depend on the car type and the package you choose — see the cab tariff for current rates, or call 7972451528 to plan a custom route.
