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Pune Travel Guide – History, Food, and Local Life

Pune Travel Guide – History, Food, and Local Life
Pune is one of India’s most livable cities — a blend of student life, history, hills, IT hubs, and Maharashtrian tradition. Once the center of the Maratha Empire, Pune is now known for its universities, mild weather, and laid-back lifestyle. Whether you're here for a short visit or staying longer, this guide will help you discover what makes Pune unique — from forts and museums to street food and nature escapes.

About Pune

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.

 

A Short History of Pune

  1. Ancient Era: References to Pune date back to the 8th century, when it was a small agricultural settlement called “Punnaka.”

  2. 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.

  3. British Period: Pune was a prominent British cantonment. Many colonial-era buildings, churches, and colleges still exist.

  4. Post-Independence: Pune grew rapidly in education and industry. Today, it’s a major urban center while still preserving a strong local identity.

 

Top Places to Visit in Pune

  1. Shaniwar Wada

    • Historic fort built in 1732 by the Peshwas

    • Known for its massive gates and rumored ghost stories

    • Location: Bajirao Road, Old Pune

  2. Sinhagad Fort

    • Popular trekking spot with panoramic views

    • Site of key Maratha battles

    • Location: 30 km from Pune, accessible by road or trek

  3. Aga Khan Palace

    • Built in 1892; served as a prison for Gandhi during the freedom struggle

    • Well-maintained gardens and museum

    • Location: Nagar Road

  4. Pataleshwar Cave Temple

    • 8th-century rock-cut temple dedicated to Shiva

    • Lesser known but centrally located

    • Location: Jangli Maharaj Road

  5. 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

  6. Osho Ashram (OSHO International Meditation Resort)

    • A spiritual and wellness center in Koregaon Park

    • Entry restricted without prior registration

    • Location: Koregaon Park

  7. Parvati Hill Temple

    • A short climb leads to temples and great city views

    • Best for sunrise or sunset

    • Location: Parvati Paytha

 

Things to Do in Pune

  1. Take a heritage walk through Old Pune – Visit Shaniwar Wada, Nana Wada, and temples in the old city

  2. Trek to Sinhagad or Lohagad Fort – Great for morning hikes

  3. Shop at Tulshibaug and Laxmi Road – Affordable clothes, accessories, and sweets

  4. Visit FC Road and Viman Nagar cafés – Popular hangouts for students and young travelers

  5. Attend a classical music event – Look out for Sawai Gandharva Festival (December)

  6. Join a yoga or meditation class – Especially in Koregaon Park

  7. Explore the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden – Inspired by Japanese design, peaceful and well-kept

 

What to Eat in Pune

Pune’s food scene is both traditional and modern. You’ll find Maharashtrian dishes, street snacks, and international cafés.

Must-Try Local Foods:

  1. Misal Pav – Spicy sprouted curry with bread

  2. Vada Pav – Maharashtra’s classic street burger

  3. Bakarwadi – Sweet-spicy snack roll

  4. Sabudana Khichdi – Tapioca pearls with peanuts and spices

  5. Kande Pohe – Flattened rice breakfast dish

  6. Puran Poli – Sweet lentil-stuffed flatbread, often festive

  7. 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

 

Where to Stay in Pune

Budget Options:

  1. Zostel Pune – For backpackers, near Koregaon Park

  2. Backpacker Panda – Simple dorms and private rooms

  3. Treebo Trend Hotels – Basic and reliable

Mid-Range:

  1. The Centurion Hotel – Close to old city landmarks

  2. Ibis Pune Viman Nagar – Good for airport access

  3. Shantai Hotel – Family-friendly and affordable

Luxury Stays:

  1. Conrad Pune – High-end stay with rooftop pool

  2. JW Marriott – Close to business and shopping areas

  3. Hyatt Pune – Near Koregaon Park and airport

 

Travel Tips for Pune

  • 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

 

Hidden Gems in Pune

  1. Bhide Wada – Home of the first Indian girls’ school

  2. Baner Hills – Quiet spot for sunrise or light treks

  3. Gram Sanskruti Udyan – A life-size rural village model park

  4. Taljai Hills – A nature reserve within city limits

  5. Chatushrungi Temple – Important local religious spot on a hill

  6. ABC Farms – Food and lifestyle complex with live music

  7. Pashan Lake – Birdwatching early in the morning

 

Useful Local Phrases

  • 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.

 

How to Reach Pune

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.

 

Final Thoughts

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.

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