Pune - Agha Khan and Shaniwar Wada & Pataleshwar From Mumbai - Pune - Mumbai

Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai

Around 200 km from Mumbai, Pune is a perfect one day getaway from Mumbai. Leave by 6.30 am from your hotel, breakfast on the road in a highway ‘dhaba’ where authentic Indian breakfast will be served. Along the way, discover the natural beauty of an Indian road trip with breath-taking, endless sceneries and villages still engulfed in its cultures and architecture through centuries. Average time to reach Pune from Mumbai is 3/3.5 hours.

Reach Pune by 10.30 am, start by visiting the Aga Khan Palace, is considered to be one of the greatest palaces in Maharashtra. The Palace was built by Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892 AD. The palace was an act of charity by the Sultan who wanted to help the poor in the neighbouring areas of Pune, who were drastically hit by famine. The palace is closely linked to the Indian independence movement as it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadeobhai Desai and Sarojini Naidu during the Quit India Movement in 1942 AD.

After an hour or so, head to Shaniwar Wada, an ancient palace fort situated in the center of Pune. Built in 1732 AD, Shaniwar Wada was the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire until 1818 AD when the Peshwas surrendered to the British after the Third Anglo-Maratha War. Following the rise of the Maratha Empire, the palace became the center of Indian politics in the 18th century. Shaniwar Wada was originally built as the residence of the Peshwas.

By 1230pm, it’s time to fuel up at Sukanta, an ultimate restaurant for Gujarati thali, a lavishing pure authentic fine cuisine.

Roam around on JM Road (which is exactly where Sukanta is), do some shopping, etc. – mithaiwale and famous bakarwadis (sweets), and a narrow lane called Hong Kong lane where you can purchase all the craft stuff.

By 230pm, it’s time to discover the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is situated on Bajirao Road, Shukrawar Peth in Pune. The museum was founded by Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar in remembrance of his only son, Raja Dinkar in 1962. Raj Dinkar Kelkar Museum houses various sculptures dating back to the 14th century. The three storey museum contains nearly 20,000 objects like paintings, handicrafts, armour-suits, musical instruments and many other objects of art and artefacts collected from all over the world.

By 330pm discover the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is an ancient rock cut cave temple located on Jangli Maharaj road in Shivajinagar area of Pune. The temple is also known as Panchaleshvara or Bamburde Temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The rock-cut cave temple was carved out in the 8th century AD, during the Rashtrakutas Period.

By 0430pm, hit the road to return to Mumbai. A stopover for refreshments or dinner is highly recommended as the evening traffic in Mumbai can be hectic. Your chauffeur will do his best and aim to drop you at your hotel latest by 0830pm.