Pune Reunion Trip 2026: Six Days of Friendship, Adventure, Food and Travel Reflections

Solo Travel or Group Travel? The Question that started my Pune journey – It has been almost six years since you left me. Since then, I have learnt to live alone and travel solo. Over time, I have gradually developed resilience, independence and courage. As a result, I eat alone, travel alone and make most decisions myself. Yet, despite everything, your presence continues to give me strength whenever life becomes difficult.

Recently, one question began occupying my thoughts: Solo Travel or Group Travel? Which suits me at this stage of life? That question became meaningful after reconnecting with my engineering college batchmates after 35 years. We met at a batchmate’s housewarming and revived old memories. I had previously shared my solo travel experience in Mizoram. That conversation, in turn, sparked an idea among us—to plan a trip together and rediscover the joy of travelling as a group.

Planning Our Pune Reunion Trip

Four of us travelled from Chennai: Prem, Balaji M, Ravi and me. Three Pune-based batchmates joined us: our Colonel friend, Venkat and Edwin. Our objective was simple. We wanted to travel together, share stories, enjoy good food and revisit three decades of life after college. Since we were all over 50, we planned our Pune reunion trip with flexibility rather than following a rigid itinerary. This approach gave us enough structure while leaving room for spontaneous travel experiences, unexpected detours and memorable moments. That decision became one of the best parts of our Pune reunion trip.

Day 1 – Chennai to Pune

We met at Chennai Airport and flew to Pune via Hyderabad. We landed that afternoon, and Pune’s rain gave us a beautiful welcome. Our cab took us to the Officers’ Mess. Our Colonel friend had arranged our stay.

After freshening up, we prepared for something unexpected. We were heading to the army workshop. Since it was a military establishment, we dressed formally and wore leather shoes. When we arrived, the Colonel welcomed us and explained his responsibilities. For four civilians, entering a military workshop felt extraordinary. Later, we visited our Colonel’s home for tea and walked around his garden.

That evening, Venkat invited us for dinner. We enjoyed drinks, chicken biryani and paper roast. We then visited Edwin’s home nearby. College memories immediately came alive. Stories flowed freely, laughter grew louder and 35 years suddenly disappeared. That first evening gave us a glimpse of what Solo Travel or Group Travel could mean.

Day 2 – Shaniwar Wada, Dagdusheth Ganpati and Pune’s Local Vibe

After our packed first day, we woke up to Pune’s pleasant weather. We enjoyed breakfast at the officers’ mess before starting our Pune travel itinerary. Our first destination was the historic Shaniwar Wada.

Visiting Shaniwar Wada felt like entering another chapter of Pune’s history. We entered through the imposing Delhi Darwaza, the fort’s main entrance. Its massive wooden doors immediately caught our attention. The gate faced north towards Delhi and featured strong defensive elements. We learnt that Shaniwar Wada originally had five important gates. Each gate served a different purpose during the Peshwa era.

Mastani Darwaza was associated with Mastani. Khidki Darwaza received its name from its armoured window. Ganesh Darwaza connected with Ganesh Rang Mahal and Kasba Ganapati Temple. Jambhul or Narayan Darwaza carried the tragic story of Narayanrao Peshwa. As I walked through the fort, I imagined its former grandeur. The silent walls seemed to hold countless stories. Our Shaniwar Wada visit gave us a memorable introduction to Pune’s rich heritage.

Walking Towards Dagdusheth Ganpati – Instead of taking our vehicle, we started walking towards Dagdusheth Ganpati. The walk itself became part of our Pune travel experience. We passed busy streets filled with shops, vendors and pedestrians. The atmosphere changed as we approached the temple. Devotion, colour and constant movement surrounded this famous spiritual landmark. We had moved from Peshwa history into Pune’s vibrant religious life.

After visiting the temple area, we continued towards Laxmi Road. The famous shopping street offered another glimpse into everyday Pune. Crowded lanes, one-way traffic and local shops created a lively atmosphere. Along the way, we stopped at a small spiritual stall. We bought sacred wrist threads as simple souvenirs. The purchase felt more meaningful than an ordinary tourist keepsake. It became a small reminder of our Pune reunion.

An Evening of College Memories – That evening, we dressed in semi formals and headed towards the Army officers’ club. The evening became another reunion within our Pune reunion. We revisited memories from our engineering college days. Old crushes, youthful mischief and forgotten stories suddenly returned. Decades disappeared as we laughed about moments from our younger years. Good food made the conversations even more enjoyable. The dinner spread included fish, mutton, chicken, paneer and several other dishes. We finally left around 10:30 PM. Our Colonel dropped us back at the accommodation.

However, our evening was far from over. Conversations continued, more stories emerged and laughter filled the room. Nobody seemed ready to sleep. We finally called it a night around 1 AM. Day 2 gave us history, spirituality, local streets and unforgettable friendships. It also showed why Solo Travel or Group travel creates completely different experiences.

Day 3 – Lonavala Vistadome and an Unexpected Mumbai Road Trip

The next morning brought another unexpected adventure. We decided to take the train to Lonavala rather than drive. We boarded the Pragati Express and settled into the Vistadome coach. Enjoying the Vistadome Journey. The journey itself became part of the attraction. Large windows and a glass roof offered wonderful views of the changing landscape.

Pune gradually disappeared as green hills and valleys came into view. Rocky slopes and the Western Ghats scenery added to the experience. We enjoyed breakfast, conversation and plenty of photographs along the way. There was no traffic to worry about.

The train simply carried us through the beautiful landscape, reminding me why I enjoy slow travel. Sometimes, reaching the destination matters less than enjoying the journey.

Lonavala and Tiger Point

Our Colonel friend waited for us at Lonavala station. We quickly got into his car and headed towards Tiger Point.

The winding roads and cool weather immediately lifted everyone’s mood. Mountain views appeared around every turn. We spent time at Tiger Point, enjoying the scenery and taking photographs. None of us expected the day to become much bigger.

From Lonavala to Mumbai

Our Colonel suddenly suggested continuing towards Atal Setu. One suggestion quickly led to another. Before we realised it, our Lonavala outing had become an unexpected Mumbai road trip. We continued towards Mumbai and reached Atal Setu. The enormous bridge looked impressive from the road. Crossing Atal Setu added another exciting experience to our adventurous day. We eventually reached Colaba, where our plans suddenly took an unexpected turn.

Just after reaching Colaba, our car tyre got punctured. We had to spend some time arranging for the damaged tyre to be replaced. The delay tested our patience after such a long day. However, nobody allowed the situation to spoil our mood. We treated it as another unexpected part of our travel story. Once the tyre was replaced, we continued towards Colaba. By then, lunch had become our immediate priority.

We stopped at the famous Leopold Café and enjoyed a well-deserved meal. After lunch, we spent some time enjoying the atmosphere before beginning our long drive back to Pune.

Travel rarely follows the itinerary exactly as planned. Sometimes, an unexpected puncture becomes part of the story you remember most.

The return journey became another memorable part of our Mumbai road trip. We had covered Lonavala, Tiger Point, Atal Setu, Mumbai and Colaba. By around 8:30 PM, we finally reached Pune. It had been a long and tiring day. Yet it became one of the most memorable days of our Pune reunion trip.

What started as a simple Lonavala Vistadome journey became an unexpected Maharashtra adventure. The day brought trains, mountains, highways, Mumbai, good food and even a punctured tyre. Looking back, that unexpected detour made the journey even more memorable. Sometimes, the best travel memories come from moments that never appeared in the original plan.

Day 4 – Sinhagad Fort, Khadakwasla Dam and NDA Pune

The next morning brought another exciting day in our Pune travel itinerary. Our Colonel friend picked us up and drove towards Sinhagad Fort. Our plan included CME, Sinhagad Fort, Khadakwasla Dam and NDA Pune. The morning drive offered scenic views and plenty of conversation.

An Unexpected Start at Sinhagad Fort. We reached Sinhagad Fort and prepared for the security check. Our plans suddenly took an unexpected turn. The authorities discovered a few Budweisers in our vehicle. We had carried them for later without checking the local regulations. The security team stopped us and removed it .We certainly did not expect that interruption.

We laughed about it later, but the incident taught us an important travel lesson. Always check local rules before carrying personal items during sightseeing.

After resolving the issue, we continued our visit. Sinhagad Fort rewarded us with fascinating history and spectacular mountain views.

From Sinhagad Fort to Khadakwasla Dam

We then drove towards Khadakwasla Dam. Its peaceful surroundings offered a pleasant contrast to the fort. After enjoying the area, we continued towards NDA Pune. Travelling with our Colonel friend made this part especially interesting.

His experiences gave us a different perspective on the places around us. His stories also added depth to our sightseeing experience. By lunchtime, our morning adventure had created another priority. We were ready for some serious food! A Hearty Maharashtrian Lunch.

Our Colonel recommended Maratha Samrat for lunch. After walking, driving and sightseeing, a traditional Maharashtrian meal sounded perfect.

We enjoyed a hearty Maratha-style lunch while discussing the morning’s experiences. We came here to try their famous mutton and chicken thali, and it turned out to be one of the best meals of our trip. The food was simply outstanding and, for the first time, I experienced what I would call an authentic taste. Each dish had its own distinct flavour, unlike many restaurants where the same curry base appears across multiple dishes. The meal provided the perfect break before returning to our accommodation. Later returned back to our stay. We rested for some time before planning our evening.

Evening at the War Memorial: A Moving Light and Sound Experience

After a much-needed afternoon rest, we got ready for our evening outing. By then, the day had already taken us through forts, scenic landscapes, military history, and an unforgettable Maharashtrian lunch. Our next destination was the War Memorial, where we planned to attend the Light and Sound Show scheduled for 7:00 pm. Since our day had already been closely connected with the military, this evening visit felt like a natural continuation of our Pune experience.

We reached the War Memorial in time for the evening programme. As the surroundings gradually became darker, the atmosphere changed completely. The lights, narration, and carefully presented visuals created a setting that was both impressive and reflective.

The Light and Sound Show at the War Memorial offered more than entertainment. It reminded us of the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers and the courage with which they have served the nation. Listening to the stories of bravery in such surroundings made the experience particularly meaningful.

Later, we decided to explore the local Cantonment atmosphere. We took a cab towards an Iranian café for a relaxed evening. We expected food, conversation and drinks. However, the café mainly served families and did not serve alcohol. Our plan needed a quick adjustment. We found a nearby liquor shop and bought our drinks separately. We then ordered food from Blue Nile Takeaway. Soon, we returned to our accommodation and settled in.

The evening became one of the most relaxed moments of our Pune reunion trip. We enjoyed our drinks and shared the Iranian dishes. Conversation flowed naturally between food, friendship and old stories. Nobody needed an elaborate plan or special destination. We were simply four friends enjoying each other’s company after a long day. These simple moments often become the strongest travel memories.

Day 4 combined history, adventure, military connections, local food and unexpected moments. It reminded me why Solo Travel or Group travel feels so different. With friends, even an unexpected mishap can become a story worth remembering.

Day 5 – St Patrick’s Cathedral and Tomatina Festival Pune

Sunday began quietly. I was the only one awake early, so I started the morning with a peaceful walk. My destination was St Patrick’s Cathedral. The quiet streets gave me valuable time alone before another busy day. After visiting the cathedral, I enjoyed a simple roadside breakfast. It tasted even better after the morning walk.

A Road Trip to Talegaon

Soon, my friends were ready. Our Colonel friend picked us up, and we headed towards Talegaon, around 35–40 kilometres from Pune.

This day offered something completely different. We had explored temples, forts and military establishments. Now, we were heading to the Tomatina Festival Pune. The festival promised tomato battles, music, games, food and a pool party. For friends in our 50s, the idea sounded wonderfully wild. After several days of sightseeing, we were ready to simply have fun.

Experiencing Tomatina Festival Pune

The festival atmosphere felt energetic from the moment we arrived. Music, laughter and colourful activities created an exciting environment. The tomato battle quickly became the highlight. Throwing tomatoes at each other brought out the child in everyone. For a while, we forgot our age and enjoyed the madness. The colourful experience became one of our Pune reunion trip’s most memorable moments.

After days filled with history and sightseeing, the festival offered a refreshing change. Sometimes, travel needs a day without monuments or schedules.

Chai, Conversations and Packing

After the festival, we had lunch before visiting our Colonel’s home. We relaxed over chai and shared our experiences from the trip. Gradually, we realised our reunion was almost over. That thought felt strange after spending several wonderful days together.

Later, our Colonel dropped us back at our accommodation. We finally faced the task we had been avoiding. It was time to pack!

As I packed my bags, I realised how quickly those five days had passed. Together, we explored Pune, Lonavala and Mumbai. We visited forts, temples and military establishments, travelled by train and drove across cities. Incredible food added another memorable dimension to our journey.

More importantly, we laughed, argued, teased each other and created memories that will stay with us. After 35 years, our engineering college friendship had gained another beautiful chapter.

The bags were ready, but none of us was truly ready to leave. Our reunion had reminded me that Solo Travel or Group travel offers very different experiences.

Solo travel gives me independence and personal freedom. Group travel brings companionship, laughter and shared memories. Perhaps that is the real beauty of travelling with friends. The destination becomes only part of the experience. The people beside us often become the most important part.

This journey proved that even after 35 years, old friendships can still create fresh adventures, new stories and unforgettable memories.

Day 6 – Back to Chennai and My Travel Reflection

Goodbye Pune and the Question of Solo Travel or Group Travel. Day 6 arrived far too quickly. We packed our bags, said goodbye and headed towards Pune Airport. The flight to Chennai gave me quiet time to reflect. I also noticed something amusing. I seemed to have gained some weight! Maratha food, Army hospitality, chai and generous meals had clearly worked their magic. I was not complaining. Food had become an important part of our Pune reunion. Every meal brought conversations, laughter and new memories.

As I settled into the flight, one question returned to my mind: Solo Travel or Group Travel?

Solo Travel or Group Travel – Which Is Better?

Solo Travel – Freedom and Self-Discovery

I decide where to go, when to wake up and where to eat. Plans can change whenever I want, without consulting anyone. Spending hours at one place or leaving within minutes is entirely my choice. Nobody waits for me or questions my decisions. Solo travel also gives me valuable time with myself. I observe more, interact naturally with locals and notice smaller details.

However, everything becomes my responsibility. I manage transport, accommodation, navigation, safety and meals. When something goes wrong, nobody shares the problem. Even a beautiful sunset can sometimes feel different when experienced alone.

Group Travel – Friendship and Shared Memories

Group travel offers less freedom but greater companionship. You may compromise on timings, restaurants and destinations. Yet something wonderful happens. Individual experiences become shared memories. Our Pune reunion demonstrated this perfectly. The Vistadome journey became a shared experience. The Mumbai road trip became a memorable story.

The Sinhagad fine became a running joke. The Tomatina Festival became another colourful memory. Even our silly arguments became part of the story. That is the beauty of travelling with friends. A beautiful view becomes a photograph. A funny incident becomes a story. An ordinary meal becomes a cherished memory. Most importantly, thirty-five-year-old friendships suddenly felt young again.

After experiencing both, I believe there is no single answer.

My Opinion

Solo travel gives me freedom, reflection and personal discovery. Group travel gives me friendship, laughter and shared experiences. Solo travel lets me follow my own rhythm. Group travel creates memories that belong to everyone. At this stage of my life, I do not want to choose permanently. I want both.

I want the freedom of travelling alone and the happiness of travelling with old friends. Our Pune reunion taught me that travel goes beyond destinations. It connects people, creates stories and builds lasting memories. Sometimes, we travel to discover places. Sometimes, we travel to rediscover ourselves. After 35 years, we travelled together and created completely new memories. As our aircraft left Pune, the question remained: Solo Travel or Group travel?

Perhaps I finally had my answer. I do not have to choose. I can enjoy both, depending on where life takes me next.