Are you looking for an ideal weekend destination in India that fulfils everything you expect from life without actually getting lost in time? According to a recent survey, Pune is the lowest cost destination among the list of cities considered perfect for a three-day vacation in the country.  Conducted by research firm TNS for TripAdvisors 6th annual edition of TripIndex Cities, the list also includes Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad.

How Pune made it to the top?

Pune is the gateway to Deccan India, featuring as the central destination for travellers coming from all parts of the country. With its luscious green plains and fertile slopes, the city offers some of the best driveways into forests, lakes, caves and agro-tourism localities. Known for its rich Maratha tradition and Anglo-Indian bastion, the city, continues to enjoy its tag of the most “cost-effective” tourism destination in India.

Pune’s rise as the cheapest 3-day weekend vacation destination is attributed to the availability of great hotels and lodging options in and around the city. With major tourist spots just a couple of hours away from the city centre, tourists have their hands full when choosing a stay in the city. Thanks to good connectivity by road, rail and air, reaching Pune is far cheaper than what it would cost you compared to other cities.

Planning Tips for a 3-day trip to Pune

Whether you are travelling alone or with your spouse and family, Pune is a minefield of amazing weekend spots. Right from the moment you land into the city perimeter, the rustic hospitality and Puneri flavour will grip your senses. The city sweetly switches from a medieval township into a smart city as you explore your way out.

Here is a model 3-day weekend planner for you covering the famous spots in and around Pune.

Day 1— Medieval Pune

– Shanivaar Vada and Peths
– Dagadu Seth Halwai Temple
– Agha Khan Palace
– Osho Ashram
– Chaturshringi Temple
– Parvati Hill
– Pataleshwar Cave Temple
– Raja Dinkar Kelkar Temple
– Vetal Hills
– St Andrews Church & War Cemetery
– St. Mary’s Church
– National War Memorial

Day 2– Fort Bastions and dams

Reserved exclusively for Fort hunting and trekking, you can enjoy adventure sports at the backdrop of agro-tourism. With over 20 famous forts and as many dams within the radius of 100 kilometres, you can engage in various outdoor activities—rock climbing, fort exploration, camping, scuba diving, boating, white water rafting and many more, covered as part of your stay in best agro-tourism spots in and around Pune.

Day 3— Honeymoon Spots

Rightly called the Deccan Mussoorie, Lavasa is Pune’s iconic weekend gateway for couples. Pune’s proximity to other scenic hill stations like Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Amboli, Lonavala-Khandala and Matheran make it refreshingly cool and exciting for professionals and nature bounty hunters who have a hard time negotiating life during the weekdays.

Stay in Farms—Experience the Rustic Puneri Hospitality

Staying in farms and vacation houses close to theses spots for a 3-day trip is a delectable offer, organised in collaboration with the local villagers who take special care of everything—your food, boarding, parking, security and even medical emergency. Add to it the comfort of staying in AC cottages with food cooked in a most hygienic way using only farm-fresh items.

Budget Packages for Everyone

For individuals and groups wanting to stay in rather secluded but premium farmhouses away from the hustle bustle of the city, there are many budget-friendly options. Depending on the size of the group, per day stay in the farmhouses could cost you anywhere between INR 1000 to INR 5000. Not to miss, the culinary blend of Konkani, Maratha, Nawabi and Mughlai cuisine served with a smile every time you head to Pune.