Located in the Northwest of Pune, Baner is one of those laid back neighborhoods of the city that focuses more on the relaxing part and less on the rushing everywhere part. Laden with nature, this one-day itinerary of Baner lets you revel in nature and enjoy good food for an entire day!
Hike At Baner-Pashan Biodiversity Park
Let’s be honest here, how many days do we wake up to go on a hike or a walk? Change that for just one morning and wake up to go on a hike at Baner-Pashan Biodiversity Park. Sprawling over 200 hectares, this park is built to protect the biodiversity of Baner and Pashan.
Known for its natural beauty, you can walk along the narrow paths created especially for walking, hiking, or cycling with trees shading you from the rays of the sun. Don’t be surprised if you come across some interesting species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. If you’re not much of a morning person, there are picnic spots where you can rest amongst nature on a carpet.
Trek Through Baner Hills
The Baner Hills are the third-highest point in the city. Trek to the northern foothills to visit a temple and get magnificent views of both Baner and Pashan. Being a hidden gem, you can enjoy a quiet morning in seclusion and solace.
The trek trail will take you to a height of 2,224 ft and is an easy one! Except for during monsoons, the path might get slippery and muddy. But, during any other season, you can even take children with you and enjoy a safe walk towards the mountain top.
Breakfast At Irani Cafe
After so much walking, you’re going to be finished. And when your stomach is grumbling, you don’t settle for just anything you see. Head to the Irani Cafe in Baner and enjoy the best of the breakfast.
Covered in red checkered tablecloths and bustling with people visiting with friends and family, this Irani Cafe brings the Parsi culture back to Baner. You have to have their Irani chai and bun maska – a soft bun smeared with smooth butter. Apart from the traditional menu, you can also try their Chicken Keema or order one of the many yummy cheesecakes. After filling your tummy, your productive morning will surely be worth it.
Cost For Two: INR 300
Address: Shop C 1-1, Survey 107, Ground Floor, Wing G, Emirus Building, Near Syngenta IT Park, Baner
Seek Blessings At Baneshwar Cave Temple
Once you’re done with breakfast, you can go up the Tukai Hill. While you can visit the Tukai Mata Temple, keep an eye out for an obscure entrance right beside the foot of the hill. Venture inside and you’ll end up inside a hidden cave. According to legend, the Pandavas lived in this cave during their exile over 5,000 years ago.
Inside this cave is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cool interiors and a spring gurgling away in the cave make for an experience that’s both tranquil and primal.
Lunch At The Flour Works
It’s time for food again! Located very close to Baner Hills, this cutesy restaurant in Baner has both indoor and outdoor seating. The space is a bungalow turned into an eatery and they have an all-day breakfast available.
Flour Works serve European and Italian cuisine and have a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Because you’re already practicing a healthy day, you can order one of their tempting salads like the Greek salad or the Rucola salad with apples, blue cheese, and candied walnuts. Or ditch being calorie-conscious and enjoy a pesto chicken and bell pepper pizza. You can also order a Sangria or a wine to make your lunch a whole lot better.
Cost For Two: INR 1,200
Address: 6/1/1, Deron Hills, Hill Road, Opposite Bata Showroom, Baner
Visit Pashan Lake
Dating back to the British times, this manmade lake was built to provide water in the nearby neighborhoods. But now, it’s become a picturesque destination for you to spot many migratory birds. So, get your camera ready to capture birds like gray herons, little egrets, white-breasted kingfishers, and open-billed storks.
Timings: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Dinner At The GreedyMan Bar & Pizzeria
Get greedy and order everything you like as you end the day on an unhealthy note. Order Neapolitan-style pizzas with cheesy loaded fries. Their artichoke and basil pizza, jerk chicken, or pepperoni pizza are absolutely indulging. They even have special treats for the Potterheads. You can order a Butterbeer to wash down your meal!
Cost Per Order: INR 200
Address: Capital Building, Shop No.8 & 9, Baner – Pashan Link Road
Summing Up
A day in Baner with this itinerary is surely going to be a day well spent. You can rejuvenate your soul and make it happy by feeding it yummy food dishes. It’s going to be a getaway that prepares you to face the world again.
FAQs
Why Is Baner Famous In Pune?
Baner is famous for its biodiversity park that’s been known to protect a lot of species and has hiking trails for both locals and tourists.
How Big Is Baner?
Baner is only 10.15 km long, making it an ideal destination for relaxing and reconnecting with nature.
