Pune is one of the most popular cities in India situated at the confluence of Mula and Mutha Rivers. Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, Pune is a city that perfectly blends modernity and traditions. As the second-largest city in Maharashtra, Pune is rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country with multifarious people residing in it. A laid-back yet a lively town, Pune’s young and lively vibe welcomes all its visitors with its arms wide open.
However, there is a lot more to Pune than just its youthful vigor. Look beyond the commercialization and you will find remnants of the old city, which thrives to this day in its temples and palaces. Use this ready-made guide from Savaari when you take a road trip from Bangalore to Pune. We will take you through two gorgeous routes with breathtaking monuments, hidden gems eateries. Let’s get started already!
Traveling from Bangalore to Pune by car
There are three ways of traveling from Bangalore to Pune but the best way is by road, and for the ultimate experience, you can book the Savaari Bangalore car rental service. It is more fun and interesting, and also flexible, allowing you to take detours and customize your itinerary. By taking a road trip from Bangalore to Pune you will be able to truly experience the changes in people and landscape. This flexibility is often limited when choosing the other two options – flight and train.
Thus, experience the joy of being on the road by booking a cab service in Bangalore from Savaari.
Best time to take a road trip from Bangalore to Pune by car
Pune is breathtakingly beautiful during monsoons as well as winters. Hence, the months from July to February would be the best time to take a road trip from Bangalore to Pune. The weather remains cool and pleasant. It is best to avoid the torrid weather during the summer months that usually lasts from March till the end of June.
Some of the best routes which can help you reach Pune from Bangalore and at the same time explore some popular places along the way are:
Route 1: Distance and Time taken from Bangalore to Pune via NH 48
| Bangalore — Tumkur — Hubli — Belgaum — Kolhapur — Satara — Khandala — Pune |
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Route Mapper
Vital Statistics – Distance, Time & Highway Quality
Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:
- Devarayana Durga, Tumkur – Built in Dravidian style, this temple is perched at an altitude of 1204 meters. One has to climb 176 steps to reach the beautiful temple. One can also visit the nearby temples including Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha temples.
- Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, Tumkur – Located in theTumkur district of Bangalore, Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve is the only protected area of about 798 acres which has the largest population of blackbucks. Banashankari Temple, Hubli – Built in the 17th Century, Banashankari temple in Hubli is a marvelous example of the Chalukya period art and stone sculpting prowess.
- Nrupatunga Hill, Hubli – Enjoy a great view from the hill point which is also a very famous picnic spot.
- Gokak Falls, Belgaum – One can go on a trek to reach the most splendid views of white waters gushing down the rocks.
- Panhala Fort, Kolhapur – Built in 1050 A.D, this fort takes you back in time. A perfect weekend getaway spot only at about 21 km from Kolhapur, major attractions of this fort include Deen Darvaza, Sajji Kothi, Amber Khana and various mausoleums.
- Ajjinkyatra Fort, Satara – Get a magnificent view of the entire Satara Valley through the fort which is 3,300 ft high at Ajjinkyatra Mountain. Kaas Plateau, Satara – If you are visiting during the monsoon months, then this is a must-visit stop. Only about 25 km from Satara, this place is a biodiversity hotspot and looks heavenly with flowers blooming in every color imaginable.
- Rajmachi Fort, Khandala – Rajmachi Fort is spread across two peaks. Decorated with artistic sculptures, carved pillars, paintings and water compounds; Rajmachi Fort can truly give a beautiful view of the entire town of Khandala.
Places to eat along this route:
- Prithvi Veg Restaurant, Tumkur – This restaurant is a great option for a quick breakfast of idli, dosa and filter coffee. It also has North Indian options to choose from.
- Zaara Cafe and Restaurant, Belgaum – Treat yourself to some nice Hyderabadi Biryani and chicken kebabs here.
- Patlachawada, Kolhapur -Stop at this Maharashtrian restaurant for some authentic Kolhapuri dishes. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Route 2: Distance and Time taken from Bangalore to Pune via NH 44
| Bangalore — Anantapur — Gulbarga — Solapur — Kurkumbh — Pune |
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Route Mapper
Vital Statistics – Distance, Time & Highway Quality
Popular sights/monuments that you will encounter along this route:
- Gooty Fort, Anantapur – This 7th Century architectural marvel houses 15 forts and is rightly called the king of forts. Originally built by Vijaynagar kings, Gooty Fort is a paradise for photography buffs and nature lovers who get to enjoy panoramic views.
- Lepakshi, Anantapur – Even though it is quite far from Anantapur, Lepakshi is a must-visit site if you are crossing Anantapur. Situated 110 km from Anantapur, Lepakshi has 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Out of the 108 temples, Lord Veerbhadhra Temple is an outstanding example of craftsmanship of the 16th Century artisans.
- Gulbarga Fort, Gulbarga – Gulbarga Fort is a magnificent fort and was built in the 12th Century. Expanded in the 14th Century, it is one of the earliest examples of Persian and Indian architectural design.
- Shri Siddheshwar Temple, Solapur – Shri Siddheshwar Temple hosts one of the biggest fairs of Maharashtra in January. This temple takes you into a unique state of mind and should not be missed out.
- Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Solapur – Get a glimpse of the Great Indian Bustard along with some foreign species like Eurasian Dove and Monitor Lizard.
- Solapur Fort, Solapur – Visit the Solapur Fort for the legacy attached with it and to witness the marvellous architecture of the fort.
Places to eat along this route:
- Radha’s Kitchen, Gulbarga – Hop into this quaint restaurant inside Kandoor Mall to enjoy a sumptuous meal of South Indian Dishes
- Zaiqa Restaurant, Gulbarga – Head straight to Zaiqa Restaurant for a worthwhile culinary experience. The restaurant is a perfect stop for some snacks and drinks. Regulars at this place mostly prefer Banjara Kebab which is their speciality. Apart from this, Zaiqa is also known for the authentic seafood that it serves.
- Vaishali, Solapur – For some fast-food, stop at Vaishali. They have been doing a great job with all kinds of fast food in Solapur.
Book a cab from Bangalore to Pune
Other ways of getting to Pune from Bangalore:
Bangalore to Pune by Flight:
The fastest way of traveling from Bangalore to Pune is by flight. The aerial distance between the two cities is about 720 km. The time taken is anything between 1 and a half to two hours. There are lots of flights that fly between the two cities. After concluding your trip and returning to Bangalore via flight, book our Bangalore airport taxi to facilitate a convenient and comfortable journey to your desired location. For more details, you can check various online platforms that suit your requirements.
Bangalore to Pune by Train:
You can also travel from Bangalore to Pune by train. The distance between the two cities is around 938 km. Traveling from one city to the other is quite easy due to the efficient rail connectivity between the two cities. On a daily basis, only 1 train runs between Bangalore and Pune. On a weekly basis, the count shoots up to 23.
The first train that leaves Bangalore and takes you to Pune is 06589 Yesvantpur Junction Miraj Junction Express. It departs from Bangalore at 00:10 AM and reaches Pune at 19:30 PM. The last train that leaves Bangalore for Pune is 16210 Ajmer Express. It leaves at 21:55 PM and reaches the destination at 18:40 PM. 19567 Vivek Express is the fastest train that will take you from Bangalore to Pune. It takes 17h 25m and leaves Bangalore at 11:30. The Chalukya Express 11006 takes the maximum time at 45h 25m. It departs from Bangalore at 04:45. Of all the trains that operate between Bangalore and Pune,17 originate from Bangalore while the rest 7 pass from Bangalore. For more details, visit the IRCTC website for updated information.
Explore Pune like a local – Sightseeing in Pune
Pune houses many palaces and temples which serve to remind us of the city’s ancient heritage. A hub of multifarious people and activities have turned Pune into a cultural capital of Maharashtra. The beautiful city is known for its temples, good food, amazing weather and some of the popular weekend getaways near it. Pune has something for everyone. From the lovers of history and architecture to the party hoppers, Pune has been attracting highly diverse crowd alike. Walk through the lush green lanes of Pune, explore centuries-old palaces and forts, soak in the beauty of Sahyadri and take home one of the finest experiences.
Popular Attractions in Pune for sightseeing
Some of the most popular attractions in Pune are the Shaniwar Wada palace and the Aga Khan palace. Constructed by Peshwa Baji Rao I after his victory in the Third Anglo Maratha War, Shaniwar Wada palace is a sprawling monument that used to serve as the seat of power for the Peshwa rulers during the Maratha Empire. This palace is no less than an architectural marvel. With nine bastions, five gateways, intricate latticework and a beautiful mountain; the Shaniwar Wada Palace lets you go back in time and gives you a glimpse into the history and architecture of the Peshwas.
The Aga Khan Palace is has an extraordinary history. Constructed by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, this palace is an important tourist attraction for history buffs. What makes this palace quite special is the fact that it has witnessed countless important events in the Indian war of independence, including the imprisonment of Mahatma Gandhi and other important freedom fighters. Walkthrough the beautiful lush green lawns and large hallways, displaying exhibits from the lives of various freedom fighters.
Another must-visit spot in Pune is the Singhagad Fort. It offers excellent trekking trails to the top of the cliffs due to its location on the Bhuleshwar Range of the Sahyadri Mountains. Once a very important military outpost during the Maratha reign, it is now merely a fading remnant of the glorious past. For the lovers of adventure, the Singhagad fort is a must-visit tourist attraction.
Pune is replete with temples and some important temples you must visit are – the Dagaduseth Halwai Ganpati Temple, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, and the Chaturshringi Temple.
Savaari recommends – Popular places to eat in Pune
Pune has plenty of options for eating, ranging from street food to high-class restaurants where you can enjoy all kinds of cuisines.
Some of the cities specialities include – Misal Paav, Bhel Puri, Pav Bhaji, Pithla Bhakri, Vada Paav, Poha, Dabeli and Puran Poli. Head to these popular food joints for tasting some divine food –
- Kayani Bakery: A must-visit Bakery offering old school Parsi/continental breakfast.
- The Place: Touche the Sizzler – Continental
- Vaishali: South Indian food
- Flags: Mexican
- Dario’s: Italian
- Malaka Spice: Asian
Hotels and resorts – Accommodation in Pune
| Hotel Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Hyatt Pune | 88 Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar Adjacent to Aga Khan Palace, Pune, Maharashtra 411006. Ph: 020 4141 1234 |
| Novotel Pune Nagar Road | Weikfield IT City Infopark Survey No 30/3 Ramwadi, Viman Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014. Ph: 020 6705 6000 |
| The Pride Hotel Pune | 5, University Rd, Narveer Tanaji Wadi, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005. Phone No: 020 6647 1471 |
| Ginger Hotel | Near, Indira College Rd, Kala Khadak, Wakad, Pune, Maharashtra 411057. Ph: 020 6677 3333 |