Pune, also referred to as ‘Oxford of the East’ is a city that combines exquisite sights complete with rich history and impressive architecture. Everything present in this city lies in perfect coexistence. For the most sophisticated scholars and historians, to people fond of beautiful natural landscapes or those with the metropolitan lifestyle, the boulevards in the city of Pune make it appealing for all. We will address the ways to actually go to Pune, its railway station terminals and the best sites to visit in the next document.
How to Reach Pune: A Comprehensive Guide
Being an important city from a transportation point of view, Pune can be reached by air, road and rail from all parts of India. Here are some popular ways of reaching this beautiful city:
By Air:
Travelers arriving in Pune via air have to board their flights to the Lohegaon Airport, or Pune international airport that is located about 15 kilometers away from the city-center. The domestic connections cover almost all major cities of India such as Delhi and other towns like Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Jaipur which can be connected through the major airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, GoAir, and SpiceJet. Visiting from abroad includes destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi heading in and out and also from Air India Express and Lufthansa to Frankfurt. Taxis, app-based cabs, as well as local travel buses will be available at the arrival airports for guests as they head to their respective destinations.
By Bus:
The bus ride to Pune is quite well connected for those who want to travel by road. There is a good network of roads to major cities like Mumbai (140 km), Ahmednagar (121 km), Aurangabad (215 km), and Bijapur (275 km). Regular AC, non-AC, sleeper, and Volvo buses to Pune are operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and by private operators like RedBus, VRL, Neeta Travels, etc. There are a number of bus terminals in the city, including Swargate, Shivajinagar, and Pune Station, which are convenient for passenger travel.
By Train:
Pune Junction Railway Station houses several fast and express trains which run quite frequently between Pune-the city for some-and all the major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata-to mention just a few. Such trains include the Deccan Express, Shatabdi Express, or Pune-Mumbai Intercity Express among others as the major trains plying on this route. The taxi, auto-rickshaw, and local bus services are available right outside the railway station for the convenience of the passengers arriving and departing from Pune.
Exploring Nearest Railway Station to Pune
Pune has several train stations which serve various parts of the city. Here is an extensive guide on some of them:
- The Pune Junction, counted as one of the busiest railway stations in Pune, is located at Agarkar Nagar, hardly 3 km from the downtown. It is restricted to major transit through direct train links between Mumbai and Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore. The station is equipped with a waiting room; some food stalls and bookshops; prepaid taxi services; and easy access to app-based cabs to make the journey hassle-free.
- The Shivajinagar Railway Station is located very close to Shivajinagar; hence, it is just about 2 kilometers from the city center. This station mainly supports the suburban and regional train routes. This could be termed a very small station as compared to Pune Junction, being more of an essential basic station that offers the very basic waiting areas, ticket counters, and parking facilities. Most likely, it is the station that people take to travel within the State of Maharashtra.
- Khadki Railway Station serves as yet another important railway junction 7 kilometers from the city center. It renders services to outstation and regional trains. The basic facilities at the station include a small waiting area and ticket counters, from where easy access to local modes of transport is granted, thus favoring inbound outbound passengers going to northern areas of Pune.
| Railway Station | Distance from City Center | Major Connections | Key Amenities |
| Pune Junction | 3 km | Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore | Waiting rooms, food stalls, taxis, app-based cabs |
| Shivajinagar Station | 2 km | Regional connections | Basic waiting areas, ticket counters, parking |
| Khadki Station | 7 km | Local and regional routes | Ticket counters, small waiting area |
Top Places to Visit in Pune
Historical and cultural beauty combined with panoramic views at places for recreational value. Here are epic and graceful places to visit in Pune:
Aga Khan Palace
Dating back to 1892 when this historical site was being constructed, the Aga Khan Palace is a national treasure. The monument is unique because this enhanced colonial structure, built in the Mars style, served the Father of the Nation and other political leaders during their quest for freedom from colonial rule. In Pune, this stunning and grand structure is appreciated as a museum that undertakes to store several different items illustrating Gandhi’s long life held in historical photographs. Aga Khan Palace is situated at Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar in Pune.
Shaniwar Wada
Encompassed within the fortification of the Shaniwar Wada has been the erstwhile stronghold of the Peshwas, the legendary Maratha pradhans (prime ministers). Its grand gates and lush gardens are popular reasons for its widespread literary praise concerning the very architecture of the building. The fortifications are depicted in a light-and-sound show organized by the Peshwa dynasty family. Shaniwar Wada is situated at Shaniwar Peth, Pune.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
The museum has a large collection of ancient Indian objects, art, decorative pieces, musical instruments and weapons of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries along with ordinary household items. Dr. Dinkar Kelkar is the founder of this museum and seeks to explore the exploration of Indian art and traditions in it. Visitors can find Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum at Natu Baug, Off. Bajirao Road, Shukrawar Peth, Pune.
Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden
Modeled after the one in Okayama, Japan, this garden finds its place where peace and tranquility detour the bustling city. Trimmed greens carpeted with Japanese garden landscaping and wide paths for walking all around the park enclosed at Fitler Square make it perfect for people seeking rest and recreation. It is situated at Sinhagad Road, Dattawadi, Pune.
Lal Mahal
During the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Lal Mahal was erected by Shahaji Bhosale in the year 1630 AD serving as a resplendent present for his consort Queen Jijabai and son Shivaji Bhonsle. The Lal Mahal which has seen many frontage changes remains a classic Victorian style building with subtle hints of the life of Shivaji Maharaj clad in wall paintings all over. Visitors can find Lal Mahal at Kasba Peth, Pune.
Parvati Hill
Perfectly rounded with the total, breathtaking Pune view is the tour at Parvati Hill. It rises with the Parvati Temple, the holy pilgrimage site for the Hindus. Climbing up the sacred hill for a hundred and more steps leads the vacationers to be among peaceful surroundings with a splendid view of the kind-of-mesmerizing city. Parvati Hill is located at Parvati Paytha, Pune.
Holding history, culture, and modernity at one point, Pune attracts tourists for being an awe-inspiring city. Walking through the historic forts, lush gardens, or the busy streets gives Pune experiences that will soon spellbind you.
