Best Places to Visit in Pune Cantonment (Pune Camp), Pune, Maharashtra [Updated-2025]

Best Places to Visit in Pune Cantonment (Pune Camp), Pune, Maharashtra

Here are the must‑visit spots in Pune Cantonment (Camp area)—a delightful blend of history, heritage, dining, and green retreats:

Heritage & Spiritual Sites

• St. Mary’s Church – Known as the “mother church of the Deccan,” this 1825 Protestant church features memorial plaques and colonial-era architecture

• Shinde Chhatri – A grand 18th-century memorial honoring Maratha general Mahadji Shinde, showcasing Rajasthani-Marattha design and serene ambience

• National War Memorial, Southern Command – A poignant tribute to India’s post-Independence martyrs, complete with MiG‑23 and INS Trishul exhibits, plus a sound-and-light show on weekends

Parks & Open Spaces

• Empress Botanical Garden – A leafy haven just ~1.7 km away, perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst diverse plant life

• Golibar Maidan & Surabhi Garden – Local favorites for morning walks, informal cricket sessions, and community time

Shopping & Streetscapes

• MG Road & East Street – Classic Camp shopping zones with boutiques, street stalls, and colonial‑era buildings

• Clover Centre & The Bombay Store – Great for ethnic wear, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods

Cafes & Eateries

• Marz-O-Rin – A 1960s heritage café renowned for plum cake, chutney sandwiches, and vegan options

• Chung Fa – A beloved local spot for classic Chinese dishes in a cozy setting

• The Place – Touche the Sizzler – Known since 1965 for its hearty sizzlers, a Camp institution

• Reddit recs for hidden gems:

  “Near shivaji market inside the lane … try pk burger … akhtar samosas … Garden Vadapao” 
  “Morning walk at Salisbury Park; Breakfast at Irani Cafe/Blue Nile Cafe”

Recreation & Culture Nearby

• Pune Race Course – A lush 118‑acre turf venue from 1830, home to the Pune Derby and other classic races

• Aga Khan Palace – Just ~9 km away, this Italian-style historic site housed Gandhi and Kasturba during India’s freedom struggle .

• Shaniwar Wada – Iconic Peshwa-era fort palace, ~6 km away, featuring a famous light-and-sound show .

Suggested Walkaround Itinerary

1. Morning: Stroll through Empress Garden → Walk to St. Mary’s Church and Shinde Chhatri

2. Midday: Lunch at Marz-O-Rin or Chung Fa → Explore MG Road/East Street for shopping

3. Afternoon: Visit the National War Memorial → Relax at Golibar Maidan

4. Evening: Head to Pune Race Course (if open) → Sunset at Aga Khan Palace or Shaniwar Wada

Insider Tips

• Weekends see the War Memorial light‑and‑sound show—perfect for evening reflection

• Cafés often open by 8:30 AM, good for a heritage breakfast followed by markets before the midday heat.

• For deeper insights, local heritage walks (offered by INTACH and private guides) cover Camp’s British-era architecture and cultural evolution