Immersive walking tour in Pune for cultural immersion with guide

Pune , India

Immersive walking tour in Pune for cultural immersion with guide

Active

(35 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Pune is a city with a very rich cultural heritage which is best experienced over a walking tour. In this walking tour we visit Shaniwarwada the haunted fort and seat of power of the Peshwas, the magnificent Lal Mahal built by the father of Shivaji Maharaj, Dagdu Sheth temple of Lord Ganesh built by a sweet meet maker, Kasba Ganpati whose idol was installed by Shivaji Maharaj and Laxmi market the popular bazaar for bargain shopping.

Available options

Group tour without pick up

Walking tour in a group: Guests meet our guide at the starting location

Private tour with pick up

With pick up from city hotels : Excludes Wakad, Hinjewadi, Chinchwad<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Local guide

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

We start the walking tour at Shaniwar Wada, the seat of power of the Peshwas or Prime Ministers of the powerful Maratha Empire which was a dominant power in India between the 17th and 19th centuries. This Palace was built in 1730 in honor of Peshwa Bajirao Ballal Balaji Bhat for services rendered to the Maratha Empire. Shaniwarwada is considered as the most haunted place in Pune! More about this during the tour.

Dagdu Sheth, is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh and arguably the most famous one in Pune. A sweet maker who lost his son to the plague built this temple in 1892. The temple played a crucial role in inspiring Lokmanya Tilaorganizeanise the annual Ganesh festival to unite Indians to fight for freedom from the British.

We walk through Laxmi Market, the haven for shoppers! We visit quaint shops in the most famous bazaar and flea market of Pune. It has been aptly named after the Hindu goddess of wealth.

130PM- Drop off at Laxmi market.

History comes alive at this iconic temple. The idol of Ganesh was installed by none other than Shivaji Maharaj and his mother Jija bai in 1630. The temple is the presiding deity of Pune city and has the privilege of the first immersion during the Ganpati festival.

Lal Mahal or the Red Palace was established in 1630 by Shahaji Bhosle, the father of Shivaji Maharaj. It is famous for the encounter between Shivaji Maharaj and Shaista Khan. While the original building fell into ruins, the present building is a reconstruction and has oil paintings which depict significant events in the life of Shivaji Maharaj.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

31 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women

Meeting point

Our guide will meet you at 930 at the entrance

About Pune

Pune is a vibrant city nestled in the Western Ghats, known for its rich Marathi culture, educational institutions, and historic landmarks. It offers a blend of traditional heritage and modern attractions, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Shaniwar Wada

A historic fortification that was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. It is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 10-50

Aga Khan Palace

A beautiful palace built by the Aga Khan III, known for its architecture and its role in Indian history, particularly during the Indian independence movement.

Historical 1-2 hours INR 50-100

Osho Ashram

A spiritual retreat center founded by Osho, offering meditation and wellness programs in a serene environment.

Religious 2-3 hours INR 200-500 (varies by activity)

Pune National Park

A beautiful park offering a peaceful retreat from the city, with walking trails, picnic spots, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Nature 2-3 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Vada Pav

A popular street food item consisting of a spiced potato fritter (vada) sandwiched in a bun (pav).

Snack Vegetarian

Misal Pav

A spicy curry made with sprouted mung beans, served with bread (pav).

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian

Pav Bhaji

A thick vegetable curry (bhaji) served with a buttered bun (pav).

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Paragliding Spa treatments Yoga Meditation Visiting historical sites Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Pune as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Marathi, English
Widely spoken: Hindi, English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Pune is generally safe for travelers, but common precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Pune International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Pune Junction, Shivajinagar Station

By bus

Swargate Bus Depot, Pune Station Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

PMPML buses are the primary mode of public transport in Pune, covering most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Koregaon Park Fergusson College Road MG Road

Day trips

Lonavala and Khandala

60 km from Pune • Half day to full day

These hill stations offer beautiful views, waterfalls, and scenic walks. They are popular weekend getaways from Pune.

Sinhagad Fort

30 km from Pune • Half day

A historic fort with a rich history and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for hiking and history enthusiasts.

Matheran

80 km from Pune • Full day to overnight

A small hill station known for its car-free environment, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere. It is a popular weekend getaway from Pune.

Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi • August/September (dates vary by year) Diwali • October/November (dates vary by year) Pune International Film Festival • January (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Visit the German Bakery in Koregaon Park for a taste of European-style breads and pastries, and to soak in the historic atmosphere.
Explore the vibrant street art scene in Pune, with murals and installations throughout the city, particularly in areas like MG Road and Fergusson College Road.
Attend a traditional Marathi theater performance at the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir for a unique cultural experience.
Take a day trip to the nearby hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala for stunning views, waterfalls, and scenic walks.
Visit the Aga Khan Palace to learn about the palace's history and its role in the Indian independence movement, as well as to see the beautiful gardens.