The Lohegaon International Airport, also known as Pune International Airport, serves cheap flights to Pune from various important cities around the world, besides handling domestic flights between Pune and other Indian cities. The convenient amenities offered by the airport include duty-free shops and popular food chains. After the arrival of your Pune flights, you have to travel for about 9 kilometres into the heart of the city. You can take a prepaid cab or auto-rickshaw to get there, or a coach service connects the airport to the main areas in Pune. Visitors can also avail of car rental services from within the airport.
There is a public bus service plying on several routes within Pune, but it is overcrowded and very slow. With cheap tickets to Pune, you can rely on auto-rickshaws or cabs to get around the city. A word of caution here – confirm with the driver before setting off that the metre will be used to determine the fare. It is better to flag down an empty auto rickshaw or cab running on the street than one waiting at the taxi stand, since the latter usually charges a higher far. Some drivers charge an extra fare for late night journeys; up to 1.5 times is acceptable. Pune’s roads are known for unruly traffic, mainly consisting of locals on two-wheelers; you will find their faces covered to avoid the high pollution levels.
If you love adventure, you will enjoy a trip to the Sinhagad Fortress in Pune, situated atop a solitary cliff in the Sahyadri Mountains. Although the fortifications are now in partial ruins, they give a glimpse into Maratha history and the many important battles having been fought here. Visitors undertake leisurely treks while cadets from the National Defence Academy undergo regular endurance training. Going about 33 kilometres out of Pune city takes you to Mulshi Dam and its surrounding lake; this is a popular picnic spot for families and the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can enjoy the scenic views of lush greenery covering the Sahyadri Mountain Range in the distance. Cheap flights to Pune allow you to experience Lavasa, India’s first planned hill city not far from Mulshi Dam. The entire complex is constructed over seven adjoining hills, each having its own lake. The stone bridges and the lakeside promenade make postcard-worthy pictures.
There are several large malls along the Mahatma Gandhi (M.G.) road in Pune, where you can find top brands in clothing and electronics. However, if you want to make the most of your cheap airfares, you should visit the small, noisy shops along Tulsi Baug for better discounts. Hong Kong lane is famous for selling imported junk jewellery, bags, Kolhapuri sandals and other trinkets. Locals and tourists relishing spicy Maharashtrian snacks at the street stalls is a common sight in Pune. The younger crowd hangs out at the cafes and fast food joints along the Fergusson College Road. Pune’s restaurants are known for their reasonably-priced Indian and Chinese meals, and quick, hospitable service. Koregaon Park offers several fine dining experiences, like the fashionable Arthur’s Theme restaurant that has been serving delicious international fare for years.
You can expect a very happening nightlife in Pune, thanks to a vast student community and the influence of the metropolitan neighbouring city of Mumbai. Pune flights bring you to one of the few cities in India where bars and discotheques are open all nights of the week and you can party into the wee hours of the morning.