Pune: 5 Amazing Places we visited with Kids

When we travel, travel especially with kids, our effort is always towards offering them experiences which are outside their daily life. We try to bring fun into their lives through these experiences. Now these usually are a mix of ‘trending’ places, new finds, and tourist attractions. But if you are traveling to a place where you spent your childhood, there’s an interesting twist! You also try to incorporate experiences that you have lived as a child!

Here I am going to share the 5 experiences, which are a yummy mix of all the above :P some trending, some new, some from the good old days! So let me transport you to the city that's so close to my heart - Pune (and read it as पुणे not पुने ;) ) We were in Pune with kids for a few days and out of all the places we went, listing the top 5 based on kids' rating. And food? While it deserves a separate write-up altogether, it will sure find its way here and there in this write-up :P 

Let the virtual tour begin!

1. The Railway Museum: 

A private museum that has a beautiful miniature set up of train exhibits. The best part is, the museum is not just a 'look-see' place. They have weaved information in a story format and the entire show takes about 25 minutes with packed with action and sound effects. With steam engines running, ropeways operating, the city coming to life with the sun and the start lit sky as the sun sets, is a wonderful experience in itself. Suitable for kids and adults alike. The ticket costs Rs 120 per person above 3 yrs. One can also purchase miniature trains/ engines and souvenirs at the museum.

2. The Loop: Taljai to Parvati: Taljai and Parvati are two hills amidst the city. Each Taljai and Parvati have their own attractions. 

Taljai: Go from Sahakarnagar side and the well-laid road will take you right at the top of the hill. Plenty of benches, watch towers to pause on the way. One can walk/ cycle or simply drive right up. Atop, you will find Taljai temple and besides that plenty of food stalls selling fresh produce and food! What did we eat? Umm, let me show you. 

After the hearty breakfast, you can head over to the tree park run by the forest department. There is also a lake and some ducks for younger ones to look at.

One can explore the park, there's something for everyone, whether you are here for fitness, bird watching, admiring nature, play or simply a calming walk.

Note: Cycles are not allowed inside the park.

Parvati hill: Ascend 108 steps and you will reach to the top of Parvati hill! Adorned by temples and the Peshwa Museum, it is a beautiful place to enjoy the city views- spotting your favorite places! Sending the view for you right here! 

Note: No proper washroom at the top.

What did we do? We went up to Taljai, and through the forest reserve, crossing वाघजाई temple reached Parvati top spotting many insects, peacocks, and birds on the way. The total distance was about 3.5 km and it was not a difficult trail even considering kids. We visited the Peshwa Museum on Parvati, and what disappointed uswas the missing दांडपट्टा (weapon commonly used during Peshwa empire). But otherwise is a small little informative museum.  

We then descended Parvati which was super fun with the slope helping us speed up!

3. Sinhagad Fort: Truth be told, it was the urge to eat the authentic कांदा भजी, पिठलं भाकरी that too during monsoon made us pull towards Sinhagad. Now you have two options, you can drive up or trek. We decided to trek, Two adults, one teen, and 2 tweens, we started in the morning and reached up in time for breakfast! The trek was not too hard either. With lots of people trekking along and encouraging, the ascend becomes fun rather. With refreshment stalls at regular intervals, one can hydrate effortlessly with the lemon juice, buttermilk, cucumbers, raw mangoes, and gooseberries! One can easily spend a few hours on the top. We enjoyyyyyed the गरमा गरम bhajis and all the preparations with a valley view :) 

On the way back, we stopped at the Khadakwasla dam for some woodfire cooked भुट्टा and ice gola! (Bhel here was a disappointment)

4. Vetal Tekdi: Are you on a hunt for cycle-friendly places? This is a beautiful place, especially if you enjoy mountain biking! While the boys raced away, me and Vibha walked through the woods to Vetal temple and then right to the quarry. The rains have turned the quarry into a perfect picnic spot! Slopes and ponds, trees to rest, and fish in the pond for some quick fish spa! 

This place is open and free for all, closer to Ideal colony metro station. There is ample of parking space too. 

Pro Tip :) If you are climbing up/down through Kanchangalli- you can enjoy some really good quality chaat at Kalyan Bhel!

Note: There are no food stalls/ washrooms here. 

5. Peshwe Adventure Park: In 3 words? We loveeeed it! Amazing place for kids between 3-16 years. The park focuses on renewable energy and has age-wise sections carved out for activities. From balancing, swinging, pulling, and jumping, the equipments cater to different needs. The park also has a toy train ride. 

The park is amidst lush green trees, thronged with a variety of birds. The park is almost empty on weekdays - the best time to plan if kids want to really give each section some justice. Our kids loved the zip line and had a great time playing. 

Note: Carry mosquito repellant. Washroom was not very clean.

They say Pune has it all! The city is blessed to have a water source, mountains, hills, greenery, lovely people too. Apart from the above list we also explored the metro, a few parks, met friends and family, made new friends, ate all the 'must haves', kids tried and loved 'Mallakhamb', went for daily yoga classes at Sharada Math And that's how we lived the city truly! Grateful to all the people who were a part of these experiences and made this Pune visit extra special!

This list of top 5 was planned based on the needs of our unschooling kids at the moment (they are 8 yrs) and I hope you would enjoy these places during your next Pune visit too! Cheers!