A place that has everything you would want if you are an adventurer at heart is Pune. Surrounded by the Western Ghats and Sahyadri hills, the city has street markets, forts, eating joints that are forever brimming with people and places that beckon you to explore them with your friends or as they say in Marathi, your ‘mandali’ or ‘punter log’. This list is what I followed when I was in the city and trust me it will not only give you a good time with your friends but will let you explore the city well too.
- Vaishali
A good day starts with a good meal and if you haven’t started yours standing in line at this restaurant, you haven’t done justice to your visit to Pune. Vaishali at FC road is known for…wait for it…everything that is there on their menu, right from dosas to coffee to its vadas. The servers, who can give any manager and acrobat a run for their money, manage the tables and the food-laden plates with superb efficiency. So this is one place you must go to with your gang.
- Vetal Tekdi
Now this one is for the daredevils who are looking for plain simple fun with a little dose of adrenaline rush. Vetal Tekdi is the highest point in Pune, at a height of 2600 feet above sea level. Make the climb with your friends and make sure that one of you is carrying his guitar and the DSLR for some panoramic pics and a session of soulful music at the top.
- Shaniwar Wada
For all you romantics at heart, Shaniwar Wada is sure to grab your attention with an epic love story etched deep within its walls, the love story of Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani Bai. The architecture of the place is magnificent but more than that what pulls you to this place is the paranormal phenomenon attached to it.
- Koregaon Park
Well, for starters, this place has the iconic Osho Ashram and along with that some fabulous eating joints that will satiate the foodie in you. The Osho Ashram hosts a number of theater workshops and meditation sessions which are quite intriguing. You can listen to some interesting travel tales of foreigners who flock this area over a cup of coffee. And don’t forget to buy the world famous Osho chappals while you are there.
- Sinhagad Fort
Perched atop the cliffs of Bhuleswar range, Sinhagad fort promises to give you a gorgeous view of the green foliage covered valley below. The mystical ruins of the fort are a must visit with your friends who are trekking fanatics like you.
- Mulshi Dam
Pack those picnic baskets, for that, is what you will need for your trip to Mulshi dam. The lake which has formed with the water of the dam has several resorts around it and the luxurious flora and fauna here present a scenic spot for you to reminisce about life with your friends.
- Khadakwasla Dam
This dam is around 20 km from Pune city but this should not deter you at all from planning a trip to this place with your gang and if you are a biker group then the drive would be totally worth it. Neelkanteshwar, Peacock Bay, and Kudje village are some of the pitstops you must make to capture some Instagram worthy pics.
- Bike ride to Lavasa
Shout out to all the biker gang of friends heading to Pune. Gear up, suit up and fill your tanks for the drive to Lavasa which is 57 -km from Pune. The exotic drive on the winding path dotted with mountains and dense forests will give you a road trip that you shall forever cherish.
- Appu Ghar Amusement park
Bring out the child in you while you let your hair down, literally, at this amusement park in Pune. If you are not much of a roller coaster person, you can simply beat the heat at this water park.
- Kayani Bakery and Budhani Chips
You must visit these two eateries to eat to your heart’s content and pack a lot of stuff too. Hanging out with friends is complete only after you share a cup of tea with them along with some Shrewsberry biscuits.
