Located in Maharashtra, about 3 hours from Mumbai, Pune is both historical and youthful. It's often called the Oxford of the East because of its many universities and research centers. But it also has a deep cultural heritage. Pune was the seat of the Peshwas during the Maratha era and has retained its regional pride.
Over the years, Pune has evolved into a hub for education, startups, and IT companies. Still, it hasn’t lost its charm. Local bakeries, street bazaars, and peaceful hills are just as much a part of the city as business parks and malls.
It’s the kind of city where you can visit an 18th-century fort in the morning and attend a film screening or food festival in the evening.
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Ancient Era: References to Pune date back to the 8th century, when it was a small agricultural settlement called “Punnaka.”
Maratha Rule: In the 17th century, Chhatrapati Shivaji established Pune as a key base. The city later became the seat of the Peshwas, the powerful ministers of the Maratha Empire.
British Period: Pune was a prominent British cantonment. Many colonial-era buildings, churches, and colleges still exist.
Post-Independence: Pune grew rapidly in education and industry. Today, it’s a major urban center while still preserving a strong local identity.
Shaniwar Wada
Historic fort built in 1732 by the Peshwas
Known for its massive gates and rumored ghost stories
Location: Bajirao Road, Old Pune
Sinhagad Fort
Popular trekking spot with panoramic views
Site of key Maratha battles
Location: 30 km from Pune, accessible by road or trek
Aga Khan Palace
Built in 1892; served as a prison for Gandhi during the freedom struggle
Well-maintained gardens and museum
Location: Nagar Road
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
8th-century rock-cut temple dedicated to Shiva
Lesser known but centrally located
Location: Jangli Maharaj Road
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Personal collection of Dr. D.G. Kelkar with over 20,000 artifacts
Showcases daily life and culture of old India
Location: Shukrawar Peth
Osho Ashram (OSHO International Meditation Resort)
A spiritual and wellness center in Koregaon Park
Entry restricted without prior registration
Location: Koregaon Park
Parvati Hill Temple
A short climb leads to temples and great city views
Best for sunrise or sunset
Location: Parvati Paytha
Take a heritage walk through Old Pune – Visit Shaniwar Wada, Nana Wada, and temples in the old city
Trek to Sinhagad or Lohagad Fort – Great for morning hikes
Shop at Tulshibaug and Laxmi Road – Affordable clothes, accessories, and sweets
Visit FC Road and Viman Nagar cafés – Popular hangouts for students and young travelers
Attend a classical music event – Look out for Sawai Gandharva Festival (December)
Join a yoga or meditation class – Especially in Koregaon Park
Explore the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden – Inspired by Japanese design, peaceful and well-kept
Pune’s food scene is both traditional and modern. You’ll find Maharashtrian dishes, street snacks, and international cafés.
Must-Try Local Foods:
Misal Pav – Spicy sprouted curry with bread
Vada Pav – Maharashtra’s classic street burger
Bakarwadi – Sweet-spicy snack roll
Sabudana Khichdi – Tapioca pearls with peanuts and spices
Kande Pohe – Flattened rice breakfast dish
Puran Poli – Sweet lentil-stuffed flatbread, often festive
Mastani – Thick milkshake with dry fruits and ice cream
Recommended Places to Eat:
Vaishali & Roopali – Old-school South Indian cafés on FC Road
Bedekar Misal – Famous for authentic misal pav
Goodluck Café – For bun maska, chai, and Irani charm
Kayani Bakery – Legendary for Shrewsbury biscuits
The Urban Foundry / German Bakery / Vohuman Café – Modern options
Budget Options:
Zostel Pune – For backpackers, near Koregaon Park
Backpacker Panda – Simple dorms and private rooms
Treebo Trend Hotels – Basic and reliable
Mid-Range:
The Centurion Hotel – Close to old city landmarks
Ibis Pune Viman Nagar – Good for airport access
Shantai Hotel – Family-friendly and affordable
Luxury Stays:
Conrad Pune – High-end stay with rooftop pool
JW Marriott – Close to business and shopping areas
Hyatt Pune – Near Koregaon Park and airport
Best Time to Visit: October to February (pleasant and dry)
Avoid: May–June (hot), July–August (heavy rains)
Transport: Auto-rickshaws, Uber/Ola available; local buses are slow
SIM Cards: Available at the airport or local shops with ID
Water: Stick to bottled water
Language: Marathi is local, Hindi is common, English widely spoken
Safety: Generally safe, but avoid empty lanes at night
Connectivity: 4G is widely available, cafes have Wi-Fi
Student Discounts: Many museums and events offer discounts with ID
Bhide Wada – Home of the first Indian girls’ school
Baner Hills – Quiet spot for sunrise or light treks
Gram Sanskruti Udyan – A life-size rural village model park
Taljai Hills – A nature reserve within city limits
Chatushrungi Temple – Important local religious spot on a hill
ABC Farms – Food and lifestyle complex with live music
Pashan Lake – Birdwatching early in the morning
Namaskar – Hello (Marathi greeting)
Kasa Kay? – How are you?
Baray aahe – I’m good
He kiti aahe? – How much is this?
Paani ahe ka? – Do you have water?
Chaha milto ka? – Can I get tea?
Dhanyawaad – Thank you
Shubh yatra – Safe journey
Locals are helpful and many understand basic English, especially in urban areas.
By Air:
Pune International Airport (PNQ) connects with major Indian cities and a few international locations.
By Train:
Pune Junction is well-connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.
Book in advance during weekends and holidays.
By Road:
Pune is a 3-hour drive (150 km) from Mumbai via the expressway.
Bus services by MSRTC, private operators, and shared taxis are frequent.
Pune may not have the glamour of Mumbai or the historic pull of Delhi, but it’s one of the most balanced cities in India. It’s youthful yet rooted, modern but deeply traditional.
You can go from a quiet temple to a noisy film screening in one day. Have misal pav for breakfast, attend a book reading, trek a fort, and end your evening with bun maska and chai.
If you’re looking for a city that grows on you — where you slowly discover stories in every corner — Pune is your place. Whether you're here for work, study, or leisure, give yourself time to explore beyond the obvious. You’ll leave with more than you expected.