Pune – City full of life
Pune Airport Directory (PNQ)
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Depending on who you are and where you go, you may see Pune either as a pensioner’s paradise or a young, chirpy student town. The city wears both these identities with ease. If zen is what you’re out for, it has plenty of options, including the very famous Osho Ashram. If a night about town is more your scene, Pune is full of clubs, restaurants and breweries. If old-school classical music gives you peace, it has one of India’s most iconic music events, and in NH7 Weekender, it hosts one of the youngest and happiest indie music festivals. How then do you pick the best places to visit in Pune? Here’s our guide for you.
Best time to visit: November to February is the ideal to enjoy the best weather in Pune.
How to reach
By Air: Pune International Airport is the main airport, located 10km away from the city. IndiGo operates more than 150 weekly, non-stop flights to Pune to many key locations in the country.
By Train: Pune Railway Station connected the city with the rest of the country via several express trains like Pune - Patna Express, Howrah Duronto Express etc.
By Bus: Pune is well-connected to all major cities in Maharashtra and other cities and town of the country through a vast network of bus services run by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation and private operators.
Getting around/Transport in Pune:
Pune has a robust local bus-network provided by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation as well as privates operators. You can also opt for auto rickshaws, private cabs and taxis or the app-based cab services such as Ola and Uber.
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Places to visit in Pune
- Shaniwar Wada: If you have a nose for history, Pune will serve you well. It is the seat of the Maratha empire, which led the rout of the Mughal dynasty. The most important attraction is the Shaniwar Wada, the home of the mighty Peshwas. The 18th-century fort has a rich history of the arts, but also strife, sabotage and war. The fact that it sits at the heart of the city makes it even more unmissable.
- Aga Khan Palace: Younger in the years, the Aga Khan Palace, built-in 1892, also has stories to tell. During the British Raj, it served as a prison where Mahatma Gandhi and wife Kasturba Gandhi, were incarcerated.
- National War Museum: Museum-lovers should visit the National War Museum, which has a MIG fighter aircraft on the premises, as well as tableaus and dioramas that detail India’s military exploits.
- Prabhat Museum: Film buffs should visit the Prabhat Museum, which houses artefacts of the now-shuttered Prabhat Film Company, and is run by the Film and Television Institute of India.
- Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati temple: Pune is full of Ganesh temples—there’s one at virtually every street corner. But the most famous among them all is the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati temple, where the gold-adorned idol is a sight to behold. Pataleshwar Caves which feature a temple carved into the rock centuries ago is another religious site that will leave you spellbound.
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park : A perfect spot to bring your kids is this park where a number of animals can be spotted. The zoo is enormous in size hence an entire day should be spare if you are planning to visit here.
- Bund Garden : Bund garden is a popular picnic spot in the city of Pune. For people who love to spend time closr go nature and greenery, you can spend some time here in this garden.
Places to eat in Pune
Café Good Luck, Camp
Don’t get distracted by the south Indian selection, rolls and other items on the menu. Go straight for the excellent kheema pav, to be washed down with a fresh lime soda or cold coffee.
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Dario’s, Koregaon Park and Fatima Nagar
The two outlets of this chain serve authentic Italian food, courtesy chef Dario Dezio, who brought in his family recipes from Sicily. Dario places a high premium on quality ingredients, which invariably result in soul-satisfying meals. Whatever else you order, don’t skip the wood-fired pizzas.
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Fish Curry Rice, Law College Road and Budhwar Peth
For simple Malvani food that scores high on flavour, visit one of Fish Curry Rice’s two locations in the city. Get the sukka pomfret fry or prawn koliwada before ordering a fish curry with rice, or try one of the set thalis at lunch or dinner.
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Garden Vada Pav Centre, Camp
The menu may list five items, but the only reason to stop by is the iconic vada pav, which comes in a crusty yet pliant pav bun.
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Krishna Dining Hall, Law College Road
Serving only a daily thali, the Maharashtrian fare at Krishna Dining Hall is unmissable. Open for both lunch and dinner; the all-veg spread will leave you in awe for its variety and range of flavours.
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Malaka Spice, Koregaon Park
Popular for its Thai curries and other Asian favourites, Malaka Spice is a hit with locals and tourists alike. With its primary coloured walls, authentic food and al fresco seating, you’ll be tempted to lounge a bit.
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The Place-Touche, The Sizzler, Camp
This place claims to have invented the sizzler. Whether or not that is true, their offering is easily the best in town.
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Terttulia, Koregaon Park
With outdoor seating, a mean martini and some delicious thin crust pizzas, Terttulia has been a Pune favourite for years. It worked so well for them that they’ve replicated the formula in Mumbai too.
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Shopping in Pune
High-end shopping/luxury shopping/shopping malls in Pune
- Shopping malls: If its malls you’re looking to shop at, Phoenix MarketCity and Amanora Town Centre are the most popular shopping centres. At both, you’ll find international and local high-street brands for everything from clothing to food and beyond.
Street/local shopping in Pune
- Nitesh Hub: Like MarketCity, also in Koregaon Park, you can make your way to Nitesh Hub, for a day of shopping, which you can cap with a meal at Mamagoto, the Asian eatery.
- Phule Market: If you’re looking to take photos, or stock up on groceries, make your way to Phule Market, where you can pick up fruits and vegetables directly from wholesalers.
- Dorabjee’s: During a walk around the Camp area, which is full of Parsi and Irani influences, you can make a stop at Dorabjee’s, a modern supermarket to pick up the essentials.
- Laxmi Road and Tulsi Baug: A must-visit for the fashion-savvy is Laxmi Road, where you can find jewellery stores, sari stores and more. Another street to walk down is Tulsi Baug, which is overflowing with everything from jewellery to clothes and more.
- Cuero and Coppre: Also, worth checking out is city-based Cuero, which makes shoes for men and women, and Coppre, a store where you can find a range of items handcrafted out of copper.
Nightlife in Pune
Pune has a range of options when it comes to partying in the city. From dive-like live music venues to clubs in luxury hotels, you have many ways to spend your evening (and your money) over the weekend.
- Hard Rock Café, Koregaon Park: Known the world over for its music memorabilia and live music shows, Hard Rock Café brings a little bit of Americana to Pune with a menu that features burgers, onion rings and more.
- High Spirits, Mundhwa: Popular for its freewheeling vibe and the gigs hosts, this venue near Koregaon Park is where you catch live music while sipping on a range of beers and cocktails. Independence Brewing Company, Mundhwa: One of the many microbreweries that have ushered in the craft beer revolution, Independence Brewing Company’s rotating beers on tap, meaning you always have something new to try.
- Mi-A-Mi, SB Road: This nightclub at the JW Marriott Pune is spread across 15,000 sq ft and features an expansive cocktail menu. Chances are though that you are there for the lively music, and to dance the night away.
- Mix@36, Mundhwa: A bar that offers both indoor and outdoor seating, we’re partial to the views of the city from Mix@36, at the Westin hotel. Order some hummus and labneh, with your drinks and look out over the city.
Where to stay in Pune
Hotel Aurora Towers Popular with those who want to explore the area around Pune Camp, Aurora Towers is a comfortable, well-located property that is in walking distance of the famous Kayani Bakery. Relax on its pool deck, after a long day spent exploring the city.
JW Marriott A luxury hotel known for its eco-friendly credentials, its expansive banqueting space, large nightclub and a popular vegetarian restaurant mean there’s something for everyone.
Keys Prima Hotel Parc Estique Situated near the Phoenix MarketCity mall, this hotel is perfect for those that want to take a quick shopping trip. The property offers three restaurants and a rooftop pool in addition to large, well-appointed rooms.
Radisson Blu Hotel Located near the airport and close to EON IT Park and the World Trade Centre, this hotel is popular with business travellers. If you’re looking to explore the city, the hotel is also close enough to the major sights to get around as well.
Smart Inn A hotel that offers complimentary Wi-Fi and touchscreen check-in, Smart Inn is a located off Fergusson College Road. Start your day with a wholesome vegetarian breakfast before stepping out.
More reasons to visit and top things to do in Pune
Osho Ashram
If you’re visiting Pune, a short stay at the Osho Ashram is an opportunity to centre yourself and explore an irreverent version of spirituality.
Race course
If you want to test your luck, hit the historic 19th-century racecourse, and punt on the horses. The season extends from July to October, and the Independence Cup and RWITC Gold Cup are the highlights of the calendar.
Katraj Snake Park
Animal lovers should visit the Katraj Snake Park, which plays host to a range of snake species, including the King Cobra, and where interactive sessions and educational talks let you learn more about the slithering reptiles.
ABC Farms
Lastly, make sure to take a trip to ABC Farms, where you can eat at one of the five restaurants and stop by to pick up some local cheese. (If you’re visiting in November or December, you have the annual cheese festival to look forward too.)
Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
For something off the beaten path, consider taking an Astronomy workshop at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Depending on your interests, you can learn about the night sky, how to make a telescope and lots more.
Take a camp
One cannot visit Pune and not attend Camp, the cantonment area, which still shows signs of its colonial past. Take time out to catch a movie at Victory Theatre, a single-screen that was popular with British officers. Opposite the theatre is Kayani Bakery, which you must pick up a packet of their freshly made Shrewsbury biscuits.
Places to visit near Pune
Sinhagad
For those who want a bit of adventure, Pune offers some excellent treks nearby. Sinhagad Fort, the site of a bloody battle in 1670, is just a few minutes out of the city. During the monsoon, you can look out from the fort at a spectacular green ridge, though be careful; the ground can get slippery too. Lohgad is another option for those looking for an adventurous daylong trip.
Mulshi Dam and Pawana Lake
These are the two other favourite getaways, best visited when the rains drape a fine mist that hangs over the area.
Kamshet
From Pune, Kamshet offers paragliding to those looking for some adrenaline rush. Moreover, luscious, lush greenery, calm lakes and beautiful hilly terrains make it a perfect weekend destination.
Mahabaleshwar
If you have more than a day to spare, escape to the Mahabaleshwar, which retains vestiges of its past as a British summer retreat. In winter, you can go strawberry picking in the fields, and have them with fresh cream, English style.
Lonavla
A picturesque hill station in the stunning Western Ghats, lies between Pune and Mumbai. Apart from its natural beauty, Lonavla is famous for its uniquely beautiful golf course and superb adventure activities, including hot air balloon rides; and in recent years has been drawing innumerable adventure enthusiasts from all over India and the world.
Festivals in Pune
Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival
Pune is home to the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival, which takes place every December. This is India’s largest classical music festival and has been running for over 60 years.
NH7 Weekender
If contemporary music is your scene, mark your calendars for the NH7 Weekender, scheduled towards the latter half of the year.
Ganeshotsav
But Pune’s most iconic cultural event is Ganeshotsav—the best of Marathi song, dance and food are on display during this 10-day extravaganza.
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