Poona is how the city was known as before it got its present name of Pune. The city is the heart of Maharashtra, with it being the second biggest city in the state. Pune has additionally earned itself the moniker ‘Oxford of the East’ as a result of the various Educational Institutions that are a part of the city alongside a vast student populace. However, the city doesn’t trust in all work and no play, which is evident by the plenty of picnic spots in and around it. So, pack your snacks and your sacks, for we give you some incredible weekend places near Pune.

1. Shaniwar Wada, Pune

This magnificent stronghold goes back to 1732, to the period of the Peshwas of the famous Maratha Empire. The founding stone for this thirteen-floored fortification was set by Peshwa Bajirao, and the fort was a house to more than ten thousand people. The entrance to the fort is set apart by a unique sculpture of Peshwa Bajirao himself, who appears to welcome the visitors seeking for a brief look into the history while having a great time with their loved ones.

Where is it? Shaniwar Peth, Pune
Timings: 9 AM to 6:30 PM; Light show timings: 7:15 PM till 8:10 PM (Marathi) and 8:15 PM till 9:10 PM (English)
Entrance Fee: ₹25 for the light show and ₹5 for Fort Visit
What’s best here? Taking a selfie before the spiked Dilli Darwaza and the two-hour light and sound show

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2. Okayama Friendship Garden, Pune

Greenery in Okayama Friendship Garden, pune

This 30-year-old garden is still as new as it could be. Its garden was designed by drawing motivation from one of the three astonishing Japanese nurseries called Okayama’s Koraku-in Garden. The nursery has now added another segment to it which has been designed according to the celebrated Mughal Gardens that effortlessness the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. An ideal area to plan an outing, these manicured laws will doubtlessly wow you with their brilliance.

Where is it? Singhal Road
Timings: 6:00 AM till 10:30 AM, 4:00 PM till 8:30 PM
Entrance Fees: ₹5
What’s best here? Replica Mughal Garden

3. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Pune

What better way to go through a day unwinding with family at a place where widely varied flowers meet up! The star attractions of this zoo are a white tiger and a male Bengal tiger, Tanaji. For a nature lover, the place is a temple as you will discover creatures like sloth bears, Indian Rock Python and Indian Star Tortoise. Also known as the snake park, it draws a lot of people for its thirteen-foot-long King Cobra.

Where is it? Katraj, Pune.
Timings: 9:30 AM till 5:00 PM
Passage Fees: ₹40 for Adults and ₹25 for kids
What’s best here? The lofty Asiatic Lions

4. Sovereign Botanical Garden, Pune

This picnic place in the city is the gem of the town. While you sit and enjoy the athletic excellence around you, the children can make some great memories with horse riding or at the swings. The older folks of the family can have a relaxed walk around Nana-Nani Park. There are some paid activities for the children like the trampoline bouncing, toy trains, and little paddling boats also. Jump onto the toy train for an exciting ride around the park. Nature lovers crowd the park in January when a yearly flower show is presented here.

Where is it? Off Solapur Road, Near Cantonment Area
Timings: 9:30 AM till 6:30 PM
Section Fees: ₹15
What’s best here? Buds N’ Blooms flower show.

5. Shantivan-Lake, Pune

Set at a vantage point that gives you an astonishing view of the lake, Shantivan gives you the chance to escape from the busy city and to spend some quality time with loved ones. The place was established in 1990 and kept on exciting the people of the neighbouring city. It is on the banks of the Khadakwasla Dam. There are so many things to do for Kids that it will keep them hooked in for the whole day. Right from a trampoline, to swings, rope climbing and a ropeway connect; and so on, and they have everything here at Shantivan. It is also the most place to have school picnics, birthday celebrations, commemorations, and corporate occasions. Madhuram Restaurant inside Shantivan offers delightful vegan food.

The distance of Shantivan from Pune: 25 km
Timings: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
Entrance Fees: ₹550 for grown-ups and ₹390 for youngsters
What’s best here? Jungle Book and Aquarium
Time Required: One day

6. Kamshet, Pune

The best trek that takes you to the highest point of the slopes here offers you the perfect rhythm of peace and relaxation. You can plan a day out with friends here, if adventure activities are at the forefront of your thoughts as well, alongside a cookout. Kamshet is situated at the height of 2200 ft above sea level, on the banks of Pawana lake. You can also enjoy many adventure activities here like paragliding, water sports and rock climbing. Perhaps the most established cave of Maharashtra, Bhedsa Caves are at a little distance from here and if time permits you can go there too.

The distance of Kamshet from Pune: 48 km
Timings: NA
Entrance Fees: NA
What’s best here? Kondeshwar Temple, Bhairi Caves, and Pavana Dam
Time Required: One day

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7. Rajah, Pune

The name of this fort actually means the “King of Forts” in English, and it truly meets its name. Rajgadh Fort is roosted at the height of 4600 ft above sea level and is a well known day trek or picnic spot for the people from Pune. It is another gem of the Sahyadri range, this fort was under the attack of the Maratha Empire for more than a quarter-century. The fort ranges over a vast territory, and The Padmavati Temple inside the fortress itself is sufficiently large to fill around fifty people. The trek is most suitable for children above nine years or more. To take advantage of the beautiful trek, we encourage to begin quickly in the morning and reach back by night.

The distance of Rajgadh from Pune: 65 km
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Entrance Fees: Free
What’s best here? Ride on the ropeway.
Time Required: One day

Well, there are obviously many places around Pune for a perfect weekend getaway. It is an ideal fit for all, be it for Families, Kids, Adventure enthusiasts or Solo Riders. Just pack your bags with Pickyourtrail and get set for perfect picnic time.