By Master James 
Camping near Pune is a bustling Maharashtra metropolis that ranks first in India for the comfort of life. It is a nexus of varied people and activities and is fast emerging into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country. Pune is a city that brilliantly balances modernity and history, laced with colonial-era elegance, and it deserves the title of Maharashtra’s cultural capital.
Although frequently overshadowed by its neighbour Mumbai, the city of Pune in Maharashtra is rich in both natural and historical features. Pune, India’s first high-tech metropolis, is also an educational centre. Pune’s proximity to various hill stations makes it perfect for adventurous road trips.
How to Reach?
Pune has an airport and is well-connected by air to the rest of India’s cities. The railway station in Pune is also well-connected to the rest of India. Frequent buses run from adjacent towns in Maharashtra as well as places such as Bangalore, Surat, and Ahmedabad.
Pune has its own airport, which is roughly 10-11 kilometres from the city centre and handles both domestic and international flights. All of the main airlines operate direct flights from India’s major metropolises.
A motorway connects the city to Mumbai, which is 150 kilometres away. Tickets for direct buses from Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Nashik, Udaipur, and Indore are easily available online.
Pune Junction is easily accessible by train from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, among others.
Best time to visit Pune?
Pune is captivating in both the monsoons and the winters, thus the months of July to February are ideal for visiting this enormous Maharashtra city. The weather stays cool and pleasant. The month of December is a happy period in the city since it holds the famed Sawai Gandharva Sangeeth Mahotsav, which draws Indian classical music enthusiasts from all across the country. Summers, on the other hand, are best avoided because the temperature is oppressive and may interfere with your travel plans.
Places to Visit
- Sinhagad Fort-Sinhagad Fort, located in the Sahyadri Mountains, is an ancient fortress recognised for its historical significance and architecture. It was previously known as Kondhana and has seen a number of wars, including the 1670 Battle of Sinhagad. The name “Sinhagad” literally means “Lion’s Fort,” indicating the fortress’s light and brightness. The structure, which is located at a height of nearly 750 metres in the Sahyadri Mountains, is now an ideal landmark for trekkers. In fact, the fort is strategically located in the middle of a line of Maratha forts constructed in the Sahyadris. The Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort, and Purandar Fort are among these citadels. Photographers and nature enthusiasts frequent the area as well.
- Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple-Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple is a heavenly place of devotion dedicated to Lord Ganapati and is located in Pune, Maharashtra. Every day, a large number of devotees visit the temple to perform the daily pooja, abhisheka, and Arti of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganapati’s idol is 2.2 metres high and 1 metre wide, and it is decked with about 40 kg of gold. Every day, the temple receives gold and monetary contributions from Lord Ganapati’s worshippers, which are deposited in the temple’s trust. The temple is open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Pune Okayama Friendship Garden-Welcome to Pune’s Japanese Garden. The Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is the largest Japanese garden in Asia outside of Japan. It is also known as the Pu. La. Deshpande Udyan, after the famed Marathi writer and humorist Pu La Deshpande, was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1990. This garden, inspired by Japan’s 300-year-old Okayama Korakuen Garden, reflects on the Indo-Japanese friendship.
Hotels in Pune
Pune, Maharashtra’s cultural centre, is a melting pot of people and activities. With a wealth of activities and places to visit, the city has something for everyone. Yet, staying at one of the camping sites away from the city’s hustle and bustle would make your visit to Pune unique. If you want to visit Pune’s more artistic or historical side, Deccan is the right spot to stay. There are many affordable and mid-range hotels in the area, which is adjacent to Shanivar Wada, Pune University, and the Kelkar Museum. Apart from inexpensive hotels, Deccan has the most restaurants and food places in the city.
If you’re looking for premium hotels, North Main Road and Koregaon Park are prominent options. There are numerous luxury hotels in the surrounding areas, each with cutting-edge amenities, outstanding hospitality, and delectable Maharashtrian food. With so many clubs, restaurants, shopping malls, and theatres, staying in these locations is your best chance for enjoying Pune’s nightlife.
Camping sites in Hinjewadi are ideal for large groups searching for unique accommodation choices. In addition to adequate amenities and food, the venues include outdoor activities, a live barbeque, and a bonfire. There are a few heritage resorts in the area, however, they are only accessible by private vehicle. Accommodations in Viman Nagar near the airport are ideal choices for business travellers.
Pune cuisine
Pune is a vibrant city with a diverse range of cuisines and various dining alternatives. The native food and the city’s specialities, on the other hand, are the most colourful and bright. Misal Paav, Bhel Puri, Pav Bhaji, Pithla Bhakri, Vada Paav, Poha, Dabeli, and Puran Poli are among them. As staple street food items, these foods are immensely popular, with their flavours and smells filling the streets of the city. Try the Mastani, a creamy milkshake adorned with dry fruits that is one of the town’s most delectable savouries.
In Pune, the adventure never ends as you can embark on an amazing underwater journey in the Sangam safari and, if you’re feeling brave, explore Crocodile Island. Even if you are unfamiliar with the adventures available, don’t be discouraged because there are many places near Pune where you can start at a beginner level, such as the Kundalika river, which is ideal for beginners in rafting, or the famous Rajmachi fort, which is ideal for people who want to begin on an easy trek.