Everyone wants a break from routine life, but sometimes, it's hard to afford the time and money. Some of us may not want to leave the city but still have a relaxing getaway. Fortunately, Pune has many options when you need a change of scenery and want to spend some time with your family and friends. The city has lots of scenic spots that are ideal for picnics. There are historical places for the ones who love history, and there are activities for adventure enthusiasts. So, if you are looking for places, here is a list of the 10 best picnic spots in Pune, with all the necessary information.
10 Picnic Spots In Pune For A Serene Break From Your Everyday Hustle
Here's a list of 10 best picnic spots in Pune
Aga Khan Palace
You’ve got to visit the beautiful and mystical Aga Khan Palace in Kalyani Nagar, which also holds a tragic history within its walls. The palace served as the prison for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai, and the nightingale of India, Sarojini Naidu.
Situated on the Pune-Nagar road, not that from away from Viman Nagar, Aga Khan Palace is a grand old spatial palace that may as well be from the Victorian times, a perfect place to have a picnic. With lush green sprawling gardens, long corridors, arched roofs and intricately designed pillars, it comes with an ironic historical detail attached to it. This palace was built in 1892 by Imma Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III who donated this property way back in 1969 to Pune. The entry fee for Indian citizens is INR 20 and for foreigners, it is INR 250.
Timings: 9 AM -5.30 PM
How To Reach: You can take an auto or cab or even public transport. The closest metro station is Ramwadi and the nearest bus stop is Shastri Nagar.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the winter months or on any pleasant day to fully enjoy the palace’s outdoor areas.
Activities To Try: Visit Gandhi National Memorial and take a stroll through the spacious lawns.
Pro Tip: Know more here.
Kamala Nehru Park
Established in 1956, Kamla Nehru Park was named after Kamala Nehru, who was a freedom fighter and wife of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The park covers an area of 16,000 square metres and is owned by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The park is a great picnic destination near Pune and includes a jogging track, a playground, a fountain, and two lawns. One of the lawns also has a military jet on display. A variety of flowers and sculptures can also be found in the park. Kamla Nehru Park has a total of 330 trees, providing perfect shade for a good picnic.
Timings: 6 AM - 11 AM, 4 PM - 8.30 PM
How To Reach: You can take an auto or a metro. The nearest metro station is Deccan Gymkhana.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime from June to March.
Activities To Try: Join Pune Reads, a silent reading community, on Saturday at 8 AM for a reading session. Bring your own book and mat.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a 130-acre project in Pune. Along with being a recreational centre for locals, the zoo is also a conservation and wildlife research centre. The zoo is home to around 66 species of animals and reptiles. A major chunk of the animals that are here in the various enclosures have their natural habitat in the Western Ghats. The zoo is also famed for its various snakes. You will find the royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephants, sloth bears, and ungulates, among others. Along with these animals, you will also find Asiatic lions, leopards, jungle cats, rusty spotted cats, giant squirrels, mouse deer, foxes, wild dogs, hyenas, and lion-tailed macaques. The zoo also has various birds in its enclaves, including peacocks, vultures, eagles, parakeets, and other exotic birds.
The entry fee is INR 40 per adult and INR 25 per child. With the plastic ban in place, the zoo is strict on the rules so it's best to carry steel or Tupperware water bottles. And, there's an extra charge for cameras.
Timings: 9.30 AM - 5 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
How To Reach: You can take the MSRTC bus to the Katraj bus stop. You can also book an auto or cab.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime throughout the year.
Activities To Try: Learn about wildlife conservation and indulge in animal feeding sessions.
Pawna Lake
Pawna Lake is a perfect picnic spot near Pune. This artificial water reservoir is known for its scenic beauty, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located within 100 km of Pune, it's one of the top destinations to visit nearby. Additionally, Pawna Lake is a great place to camp. You can spend the night under the starry sky, enjoy a barbecue and campfire, listen to live music, and play games. There are camping packages that provide one tent stay, food, and activities. You can check out Pawnacamp and stay in the loop with their socials.
Timings: 24/7
How To Reach: The best way to get here is by car.
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season
Activities To Try: Camping, sightseeing, and water sports.
Pune Okayama Friendship Garden
The garden was built in the inspiration of 300-year-old Okayama's Kōraku-en Garden, so it is also called as Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden. This Japanese garden has been named after Pu La Deshpande, a well-known Marathi writer from Maharashtra. This park is huge and covered with trees. Along with a mogul garden next to it, there is a small children's play area. Plus, it has a huge parking place.
Timings: 6 AM - 10.30 AM, 4 PM- 8 PM
How To Reach: The best way to get here is by car. There is ample parking space. You can also get an auto or cab.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime throughout the year, but preferably early morning or early evening.
Activities To Try: Witness traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, and Ikebana (flower arrangement) exhibitions.
Sinhagad Fort
Historically known for being a battleground, Sinhagad Fort is popular for trekking, sightseeing, and panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadris. If you don’t want to trek up, you can go on their special rides which will take you right to the top. This place is extremely popular on weekends and in the monsoon and winter seasons. Also, don't miss out on the delicious Pitla Bhakri, Kanda Bhaji, and more at the local stalls.
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
How To Reach: You can reach there by car and PMPML buses that ply here from Swargate/Shaniwar Wada.
Best Time To Visit: Go early in the morning to explore every nook
Activities To Try: Trekking and sightseeing.
Late Sanjay Mahadeo Nimhan Gram Sanskruti Udyan
Located in Pashan, it is the perfect place for kids to play and learn at the same time making it a good picnic destination near Pune. Also called Village Park, the Late Sanjay Mahadeo Nimhan Gram Sanskruti Udyan pays homage to rural Indian culture. They aim to give an overall experience of village life in Maharashtra through 68 themes including 555 sculptures. You can see sculptures of a carpenter, a blacksmith, a barber, an astrologer, a farmer, a tailor, a cobbler, a goldsmith, and others. They each depict a caste-based system of occupation in a village. Furthermore, this place provides students with a glimpse into village life through field trips. The entry fee for adults is INR 50 and INR 30 for children.
Timings: 10 AM - 8.30 PM
How To Reach: You can take an auto or public transport. The nearest bus stop is Shivaji Nagar Bus Depot.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime throughout the year, but visit in the evening or early morning.
Activities To Try: Learn about the city's rich history, cultural importance, and communal harmony.
Khadakwasla Lake
Khadakwasla Dam is a popular tourist attraction that is built on the River Mutha. The dam creates a reservoir called Khadakwasla Lake, a pleasant and preferred picnic spot. Among cyclists, the roads surrounding the dam are a favorite route. Monsoons draw many people to Khadakwasla Lake. They mostly visit to see the transformation of the landscapes and also enjoy the breathtaking views.
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
How To Reach: The best way is to drive or book a cab.
Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season
Activities To Try: Water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, and water scooters.
Parvati Hill
The Parvati Hill is part of the Maratha history, reminding us of the Peshwas' rule in the region. It is one of the oldest structures in the city and there is an ancient temple called Devdeveshwar that's more than 200 years old. It takes over 100 steps to reach the top of the hill, which offers a stunning view of Pune and its surrounding areas. Since Parvati Hill tends to get crowded later in the day, we recommend you arrive early. Also, make sure to carry food, snacks, and water with you.
Timings: 5 AM - 8 PM
How To Reach: You can drive or take a cab. Parvati Hill is about 2 KM away from Swargate bus stop.
Best Time To Visit: Anytime between August and February.
Activities To Try: Take an early morning trek, and explore the Peshwa Museum.
Empress Botanical Garden
Empress Botanical Garden is a great place to get away from the city enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about the history and culture of Pune. It was named after Queen Victoria, who was at the time the Empress of India. Empress Botanical Garden is one of Pune's oldest and most popular tourist attractions and a great picnic spot as well.
Timings: 9 AM - 5.30 PM
How To Reach: The garden is about 3 KM from the Pune railway station, and you can easily reach here by auto or cab.
Best Time To Visit: September to February
Activities To Try: Attend the annual fruit flower and vegetable show that is being organised here.
