There’s something special about exploring Pune in comfort. The city has the pace of a metropolis but the charm of a hill town. Its leafy boulevards, colonial bungalows, student cafés, and forts perched on the edge of the Sahyadris create a blend of energy and calm that’s rare to find. And when you’re being driven around in a car with driver, the experience changes completely. You can sit back, roll down the window, and watch the city unfold like a travel film.
Whether you’re in Pune for work or a weekend, here are five places that deserve a slow drive and a little extra comfort.
1. Shaniwar Wada
Begin your day in the historic centre of the city. Shaniwar Wada, the former seat of the Peshwas, is more than just a monument; it is a piece of living history. The grand entrance, massive stone walls, and gardens evoke memories of the Maratha Empire.
The best time to arrive here is early in the morning, before the crowds and traffic take over. As your chauffeur drives through the narrow streets of the old city, you can see glimpses of Pune’s older rhythm: people buying flowers, vendors setting up tea stalls and schoolchildren passing by with steel tiffins.
Park nearby and spend your time exploring. The sound-and-light show in the evening is worth returning for, especially if you enjoy a bit of theatre while travelling.
2. Aga Khan Palace
Aga Khan Palace isn’t just beautiful; it’s deeply moving. Built in 1892, it became a place of quiet strength during India’s freedom struggle when Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi were held here. The palace stands on sprawling lawns, framed by old trees and quiet pathways that still carry a sense of peace.
Arriving here in a chauffeur driven car means you don’t have to worry about parking or directions. You can step straight out of your seat and into history. Spend an hour or two wandering through the museum, then sit under the shade and let the city’s bustle fade away for a moment.
3. Mulshi Lake
If you want a break from the city, drive out to Mulshi Lake. It’s around two hours from the city centre, but with a good driver and an easy playlist, the road feels like part of the adventure. The route winds past green valleys, small villages, and patches of forest that open suddenly to reveal the calm blue of the reservoir.
You can stop for chai at roadside cafés, take photos at viewpoints, or just let the breeze in. If you rent a car with driver, the journey becomes all about soaking in the views rather than keeping your eyes on the road.
Once you get there, you can enjoy lunch at a lakeside resort or simply sit by the water. It’s one of those places where time slows down, and you realize why Pune is loved for its proximity to nature.
4. FC Road and Koregaon Park
We’re doing a little bit of cheating here by combining two locations, but we can’t leave it out. Back in the heart of Pune, spend an afternoon discovering two of its most lively neighborhoods. Fergusson College Road or simply FC Road, hums with youthful energy. From bookshops and cafés to street fashion and spicy vada pavs, it’s a quick masterclass in the city’s college culture.
Just a short drive away, Koregaon Park offers a completely different mood. Lined with rain trees and elegant old bungalows, it’s chic, leafy and calm all at once. Here you’ll find designer boutiques, wellness retreats and restaurants that serve everything from sushi to Mediterranean fare.
When you have a car with driver, it’s easy to move between the two worlds, grab coffee on FC Road, then end your evening with dinner under the soft lights of Koregaon Park.
5. Sinhagad Fort
No visit to Pune feels complete without a trip to Sinhagad Fort. Perched high in the Sahyadris, it offers panoramic views of the valleys below. The drive to the top is winding and steep in parts, but incredibly scenic.
With a reliable driver at the wheel, you can simply enjoy the journey. Stop at Khadakwasla Dam. Once at the fort, the short hike up rewards you with history, fresh air, and the kind of view that makes you feel miles away from the city. Also, try the world famous Khekada Bhaji.
If you start early, you can be back by late afternoon, just in time for a relaxed meal in the city.
Travel in Style
Exploring Pune becomes much easier when you don’t have to drive yourself. Whether it’s a business trip, a relaxing weekend, or a family outing, a chauffeured car provides comfort and convenience. You can plan your route, stop wherever you want and enjoy the freedom of the journey without being concerned about the details.
For those visiting the city, car rental in Pune is an easy way to get around. The drivers understand the city’s rhythms, from the morning rush to the quiet backroads, allowing you to make the most of your day. If you prefer to rent a car with a chauffeur, you can easily reserve one for city tours or day trips to the outskirts.
