Hotel Viraj

About Hotel Viraj

The 2-star property on Katraj Kondhwa Road places you within a short distance of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. It suits those arriving by car or requiring a shuttle to get around. The hotel provides free car parking and a shuttle service, making it easy to reach local sights or the airport. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are listed, which is useful for guests with mobility needs. This is a no-frills option focused on essential comfort and convenience.

This is a 2-star hotel, so the stay is simple and functional. The official rating reflects basic amenities without extra frills. Rooms are likely to be clean and adequate for a short visit. The listed facilities include free parking, a shuttle service and wheelchair accessibility. You should confirm the shuttle schedule and any surcharges directly with the property. The hotel is best for budget-conscious travellers, late arrivals or those visiting the nearby zoo. It is not a luxury or resort-style stay but a reliable base in a residential part of Pune.

Rooms and listed facilities

The rooms at Hotel Viraj are not described in detail by the supplier, but as a 2-star hotel they are expected to be simple and functional. The listed facilities include free car parking, a shuttle service and wheelchair accessibility. For couples, the hotel offers a no-fuss base. Families will appreciate the parking and shuttle for local trips. Business travellers can use the shuttle to reach meetings. Late arrivals benefit from the parking and shuttle. You should confirm room types, bedding and any extra charges with the property directly.

The setting

Hotel Viraj is located on Katraj Kondhwa Road in Kondhwa, a residential area in South Pune. In a straight line, the hotel is about 6.1 km from Swargate bus station, 8.3 km from Shaniwar Wada, 8.7 km from Pune Junction railway station and 9.4 km from Koregaon Park. Pune International Airport is roughly 14.9 km away, and Hinjewadi IT Park is about 22 km away. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj is only 2.5 km from the hotel, making it a convenient stop for a visit. The area is mainly residential with local shops and eateries nearby.

Location and neighbourhood

South Pune stretches along Sinhagad Road and Katraj, a corridor that leads towards the hills and the Khadakwasla lake. This part of the city feels less dense than the centre, with wider roads and a growing number of residential complexes. The area is a practical base for first-time visitors who want to explore the southern forts and the zoo without crossing the entire city. Parvati Hill rises nearby, and the old Peshwa-era temples are a short drive away. The neighbourhood is quieter at night, which suits travellers who prefer a calm return after a day of sightseeing. Local buses and auto-rickshaws connect the main junctions, and the metro does not yet reach this part of Pune.

First-time visitors will find that South Pune offers a mix of urban convenience and quick access to green spaces. The Okayama Friendship Garden, also called Pu La Deshpande garden, is a large Japanese-style park with lawns and water features. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj includes a zoo, a snake park and a butterfly garden. Parvati Hill, with its stone stairway and temple complex, gives a panoramic view of the city. Sarasbaug, a lake and garden with the Talyatla Ganpati temple, is another local landmark. These sights are within a few kilometres of each other, making a full day of exploration possible without long travel.

Getting there and around

Pune International Airport is 14.9 km away, about 40 to 60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. Pune Junction railway station is 8.7 km from the area, reachable by auto-rickshaw or bus in about 30 minutes. Local buses run along Sinhagad Road and Katraj, but auto-rickshaws are the most flexible option for short trips. Ride-hailing apps work reliably here. For longer journeys towards Sinhagad fort or Khadakwasla lake, hire a taxi for the day.

Nearby sights and food

Parvati Hill is the most prominent sight in South Pune, with a temple complex at the top reached by a long stone stairway. The view from the summit covers the entire city and the hills beyond. Pu La Deshpande garden, a Japanese-style park, has walking paths, a large pond and seasonal flower displays. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj houses a variety of animals and a reptile house. Sarasbaug, a lake and garden, surrounds the Talyatla Ganpati temple. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, though slightly north, holds a large collection of everyday artefacts and is worth the short trip.

South Pune is a good area for trying local Maharashtrian food. Misal pav, a spicy curry with fried bread, is a common breakfast or lunch dish. Vada pav, a potato fritter in a bun, is sold at roadside stalls. Bakarwadi, a crisp spiral snack, is widely available. Mastani, a thick milkshake with ice cream, is a popular dessert. Irani cafés and small restaurants serve these dishes, and many places offer a Puneri thali for a full meal. The area has several bakeries that sell Shrewsbury biscuits, a legacy of the city's colonial past.

A day from Hotel Viraj

A day from Hotel Viraj can begin with a visit to Parvati Hill, climbing the steps early to avoid the heat and enjoy the morning view. From there, head to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj, which opens mid-morning and allows a couple of hours for the zoo and the butterfly garden. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, walk through the Pu La Deshpande garden, where the Japanese-style landscaping is best in the late afternoon light. End the day at Sarasbaug, walking around the lake and visiting the Talyatla Ganpati temple. Return to Hotel Viraj for a rest before dinner. If time permits, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a short auto-rickshaw ride north and stays open until evening. Hotel Viraj's staff can help plan the route and suggest a reliable taxi for the day.

Distances

Facilities listed by the supplier

As listed by the booking supplier; a facility not listed here may still exist. Confirm anything important with the property.

• Free car parking
• Shuttle service
• Wheelchair accessible