Fabhotel Sri Sai

About Fabhotel Sri Sai

Fabhotel Sri Sai suits travellers who need a straightforward base in South Pune. The hotel is in the Dhankawadi neighbourhood of Katraj, close to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and the Katraj area. It works for those visiting the southern parts of the city or passing through on the way to Satara or Bangalore. The 24-hour front desk helps with late arrivals.

This is a 3-star hotel with a practical set of listed facilities. The property provides wheelchair access, a safe for valuables, and round-the-clock front desk service. The star rating reflects a basic level of comfort and service.

Rooms and listed facilities

The hotel may suit couples or families who need simple accommodation. Business travellers can use the safe for documents. Late arrivals benefit from the front desk being open all night.

The setting

Fabhotel Sri Sai is on Nitiyandhan Society Road in Dhankawadi, Katraj, a residential area in South Pune. The hotel is about 4.3 km in a straight line from Swargate bus station and 6.2 km from Shaniwar Wada. Parvati Hill and Sarasbaug are within 4 km, making them reachable by auto-rickshaw.

Location and neighbourhood

The streets are wide and the air feels cleaner than in the centre. You are close to the Katraj ghat, where the road begins its climb towards Sinhagad and the hill forts. Evenings here are calm, with a steady flow of families heading to the zoo gardens or the lakeside. The neighbourhood has a suburban, relaxed pace, yet you are never far from the city's energy.

Katraj's location makes it a practical choice for travellers who plan to explore the southern forts or the city's cultural core. The area has grown rapidly, with new housing and commercial strips lining the main roads. You will find local markets, small eateries and sweet shops within walking distance of most hotels. The zoo and the garden are the main draws for visitors, but the streets themselves offer a slice of everyday Puneri life. In the evening, the ghat road lights up with food stalls and tea vendors. It is a base that rewards those who prefer local flavours over tourist hubs. The pace is unhurried, and the surroundings are green for much of the year.

Getting there and around

Getting to Katraj from the airport takes around 14.6 km by road, depending on traffic. Pune Junction is roughly 7.4 km away, and the city centre is around 6.2 km to the north. You can reach the area by bus, auto-rickshaw or app-based taxi. The Satara road is a major arterial route, so connections are frequent. For local travel, auto-rickshaws are easy to find near the zoo and the main market. Buses run along the Satara road to Swargate and other parts of the city. The metro does not yet reach Katraj, so plan for road travel. Check the current network for any extensions. If you drive, parking is available at most public spots, though it fills up on weekends. Allow extra time during peak hours, especially on the ghat road.

Nearby sights and food

The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is the area's landmark, spread over a hill with a snake park and a lake. Pu La Deshpande garden, also called the Okayama Friendship Garden, offers manicured lawns and water features. Parvati Hill, with its Peshwa-era temples and long stone stairway, gives sweeping views of the city. Sarasbaug and the Talyatla Ganpati temple sit around a lake, a popular evening spot. The Katraj ghat itself is a scenic drive, especially in the monsoon when the hills turn green. These sights are within a short ride from most hotels. You can easily combine two or three in a half-day trip. The zoo is best visited in the morning, while the gardens are pleasant after sunset.

Food in Katraj leans towards Maharashtrian and South Indian staples. Try misal pav, a spicy sprouted bean curry with bread, or vada pav for a quick bite. Local eateries serve Puneri thali, a full meal with rice, bread, lentils and vegetables. For something sweet, look for bakarwadi, a crisp savoury-sweet snack, or Shrewsbury biscuits from Camp bakeries. Irani cafés in the area offer chai and bun maska. In the evening, roadside stalls sell corn on the cob, bhajiyas and sugarcane juice. The ghat road has a line of food carts that draw locals after dark. You will also find family-run restaurants serving North Indian and Chinese fare. Keep room for a mastani, a thick milkshake with ice cream, from a local shop.

A day from Fabhotel Sri Sai

A day from Fabhotel Sri Sai could begin with a morning visit to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. Spend two hours walking the animal enclosures and the snake park. From there, drive to Pu La Deshpande garden for a leisurely stroll among the flowers and fountains. For lunch, stop at a local eatery for misal pav or a Puneri thali. In the afternoon, head to Parvati Hill and climb the stone steps to the temple complex. The view over Pune is worth the effort. Later, visit Sarasbaug and the Talyatla Ganpati, where you can sit by the lake as the light fades. End the day with an evening drive along the Katraj ghat, stopping at a food stall for bhajiyas and chai. Return to Fabhotel Sri Sai after dark, with the city lights below. If you have energy, explore the local market for snacks to take back to Fabhotel Sri Sai.

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.

• 24 Hour Front Desk
• Reception area
• Safe
• Smoking area
• Surcharge
• Wheelchair accessible