A view from a vehicle of a winding highway next to a forested area with many trees. Numerous vehicles can be seen on the highway, indicating a journey from Mumbai to Pune by road.

The Ultimate Mumbai to Pune Trip: From Peshwa Palaces to Pune’s Premier Water Park

A Mumbai-to-Pune trip is one of Maharashtra's most popular quick escapes. Pune packs heritage monuments, scenic viewpoints, vibrant cafes, and some of Maharashtra's best water parks into a single city, all within about a 3-hour drive from Mumbai.

For families or groups looking to make the most of a quick break, the outing can easily revolve around a full day at a major water and adventure park, where high-energy rides, wave pools, and thrill activities turn a simple drive into an action-packed one-day trip to Pune from Mumbai.

A view from afar of Aga Khan Palace with a manicured garden and trees in the foreground and the palace and a fountain in the background. This palace is a popular destination during a one-day trip to Pune from Mumbai.

Why is Pune Popular for a Quick Getaway


Pune has earned its place as Maharashtra's most visited weekend destination for travellers. Pune’s rich history and culture are on full display at Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort, and the serene Osho International Meditation Resort. Add to this Koregaon Park's cafe-lined streets, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum's extraordinary collection, and Parvati Hill's sweeping city views, and it is easy to see why a one-day trip to Pune from Mumbai rarely feels like enough. But if you are travelling with family or a group and want maximum value from a single stop, Diamond Parks delivers an entire day of water, adventure, food, and fun, no itinerary juggling required.

Mumbai to Pune by Road


The Mumbai to Pune by road journey covers about 150 km and offers two main routes:

1. Mumbai-Pune Expressway (Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway):
India's first six-lane access-controlled highway, spanning about 94.5 km from Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai to Kiwale near Pune
  • Travel time: 2 to 3 hours under normal traffic
  • Toll: Approx. INR 320 for cars (one way)
This route is widely considered the fastest and most efficient option.

2. Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH 48):
The scenic ghat route via Khandala
  • Distance: About 160 km
  • Travel Time: About 5 hours
This toll-free alternative takes much longer, especially in the rainy season when landslide hazards frequently affect the winding ghat roads.

A view from a top of a 6 lane highway as seen during twilight with many cars travelling on it and street lights in the centre.
A view of a toll booth with many road blockers kept near the lanes and vehicles entering the booth in the distance.

Practical Tips for the Mumbai to Pune Trip


Follow these practical tips to maximise your travel time and avoid common delays on the expressway.

  • Timing: Depart Mumbai by 6:30 - 7:00 AM to avoid expressway peak congestion near Khandala ghat; aim to reach Pune by 9:00 - 9:30 AM.
  • Toll: Use FASTag for toll payment to avoid cash lane queues on weekends.
  • Fuel Cost: Approx. INR 400 - INR 500 one way with an average mileage of 15 kmpl
  • Tickets: Book tickets online in advance through the various booking websites.

What to Do in Pune on a One-day Trip


When in Pune, ensure to visit these places close to the city centre for a complete experience:

  • Osho International Meditation Resort (~3 km): This world-renowned spiritual wellness retreat in Koregaon Park offers gardens, meditation halls, and recreational facilities. It’s open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Shaniwar Wada (~4 km): This 18th-century Peshwa-era palace fort features an evening light and sound show and is open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Aga Khan Palace (~5 km): Open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, this palace is a national monument where Mahatma Gandhi was interned in 1942 and houses the Gandhi National Memorial.

An overview of Aga Khan Palace with a manicured garden and a cobbled pathway leading to the palace in front of it. It is a must-visit on your Mumbai to Pune trip.
A view from afar of the view point inside Sinhagad Fort in the distance with many people looking at the vistas.

  • Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (~5 km): Housing over 20,000 artefacts of the daily life of people spanning centuries, this museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
  • Parvati Hill (~8 km): This short 103-step climb offers panoramic views of the city, with an 18th-century Peshwa-era temple complex at the summit. This hill is open to visitors from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Sinhagad Fort (~33 km): This 2,000-year-old hilltop fortress at over 1,300 m boasts panoramic Sahyadri views and is famous for local snacks. It’s open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

One-day Trip to Pune from Mumbai with Water and Adventure


Located in Lohegaon, about 17 km from Pune junction, Diamond Parks is one of the few theme parks in the city. It’s the ultimate stop for those wanting a jam-packed itinerary on their Mumbai-to-Pune trip without the hassle of planning multiple stops. This all-in-one destination combines a water park, adventure sports, and carnival games with on-site dining and camping for a full day of entertainment.

An aerial view of the restaurant inside Diamond Parks, Pune with al-fresco seating and greenery surrounding it. It is one of the Hidden Places in Pune to visit.
Two people riding inflatable tube through the wave pool with slides in the background at Diamond Parks, Pune - A Hidden Gem in Pune.

Water Park

  • A large recreational wave pool and water slides ranging from high-speed thrills to family-friendly variants
  • Dedicated toddler splash zones for young children, including a kids' pool
     

Adventure Park

  • 8 activities for adults, including zip-lining, rope course, and rocket bungee
  • All activities supervised; safety equipment provided on-site
     

Kids AC Play Zone and Carnival Games


Facilities and Guest Experiences at Diamond Parks

 
  • Dining: Copa De Colina, a multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian and continental delicacies
  • Camping: Overnight stays in pitched tents with bedding, suited for groups and adventure seekers and an evening campfire
  • Packages: A diverse selection of packages, ranging from high-energy water and adventure activities to overnight camping and professional corporate retreats

Two men sitting inside a tent placed on a lawn area, while one person plays a guitar during night camping in Pune at Diamond Parks, Pune.

Whether you are here for the history, the views, or the water slides, a Mumbai-to-Pune trip delivers one of Maharashtra's most rewarding day experiences. And if a full day of water, adventure, food, and fun in one place is what you are after, Diamond Parks is your answer.

Leave Mumbai early, arrive refreshed, and let Diamond Parks handle the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. How long does the Mumbai-to-Pune trip take by road?
Via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (94.5 km), the trip takes about 2.5 hours. Via the old NH 48 highway through the ghats, expect 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and weather.

2. When is the best time to leave for a one-day trip to Pune from Mumbai?
Depart by 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM to bypass Mumbai’s peak traffic and reach Pune by 9:00 AM, maximising your time for sightseeing or a water park visit.

3. What are the top sightseeing places to visit on a one-day trip to Pune from Mumbai?
Top spots to visit include Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Osho International Meditation Resort, Sinhagad Fort, and Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. For a full-day family outing, Diamond Parks in Lohegaon is the top pick.

4. What is Diamond Parks, and where is it located?
Diamond Parks is Pune's leading water and adventure park, located at Lohegaon, approximately 17 km from Pune junction and 10 km from Pune International Airport.

5. What activities are available at Diamond Parks?
Diamond Parks offers water rides, including a wave pool, 8 adult adventure activities, a kids' AC indoor play zone, carnival games, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and on-site camping.

6. Can I stay overnight at Diamond Parks after the trip?
Yes, Diamond Parks offers tent camping with a bonfire for guests extending their one-day trip to Pune from Mumbai into an overnight getaway.

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