So now that you are going to Pune , you are probably researching on things to do, places to eat and food that you should not be missing out on. I have been traveling across major cities of India and have put together comprehensive guides for this. Today I will be showing you how to travel Pune.
Intro and Geography
Starting from this blog, I am starting a series where I am going to be spending a weekend in all the major cities of India Like, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmadabad and many more. In the process, I am going to be showing you the best things to see, do and eat in these cities. Today we are starting with Pune
Pune is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra. It is also called as the Oxford of the east. The large student population in the city makes for a lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere. Pune also houses fantastic restaurants, good museums and is well known for its surrounding hill forts which offer panoramic bird’s-eye views. Pune comes up consistently as one one of the best places to live in India. This is because of the low cost of living and high quality of life. With urban comforts and spectacular natural surroundings, Pune is definitely a city to explore for all Indians at least once.
Accommodation :
Pune has a lot of places to stay. But we stayed at Holiday Inn Express as it provided with a very convenient location for us get in and out of Pune. It has a very quick check in and check out process. It literally took us 2.30 minutes to check in. It has everything you need and nothing that you don’t. Clean and comfortable beds. 24 hours gym and work out area. Essentials like hairdryer and USB plug points so that you can pack light. Nice cosy rooms with coffee maker, refrigerator, laptop friendly work place so that I can keep editing and writing blogs on the go. Goof Wi-Fi connectivity so that I can update my followers on Instagram with my stories. Warm shower to relax after a day full of travel in the city. In room dining if you just want to relax and do not feel like stepping out. Also the most important thing – Breakfast. They have the best spread of Indian and continental breakfast for price you pay. Over all, I think it is the perfect place if you plan on staying in the city for a couple of days. If you have a few meetings, some work or are just exploring the city like me. For 3500 Rs, i think it is incredible value for money and I highly recommend it.
If you want to stay at Holiday Inn Express, check out the link here. They have branches in cities like Ahmadabad, Nashik, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi and many more coming soon.
Holiday inn express also comes under the IHG. Which means that you gain points by staying here and can redeem it across all their hotels anywhere in the world.
Bright and comfy rooms. 
Perfect cosy rooms. 
Bird’s eye view of the hotel. 
Lobby area for breakfast. 
Plenty seating for guests. 
Breakfast area.
Things To Do, See and Eat in Pune
So in no particular order, I am going to list down all the places divided into the categories like Food & Nightlife, Shopping, Culture and Nature. Please do not go in the comments section if something places over lap the category. This is just for the sake of organization
Food:
Food is a super important part of exploring any city. Pune has its very own flavors and favorites. If you cannot go to all the places mentioned below that is fine. Try and go to local places as much as possible
For breakfast, I would recommend you go to places like – Good Luck Cafe, Wadeshwar, Vohuman Cafe and Joshi wadewale.
For Lunch, you can go to places like Shabree (Authentic Maharashtrian Thali), Vaishali and Rupali
For evening snack or bites you can check out places like the German Bakery and the Kayani Baker – Shrewsbury biscuit and mava cake are a must try.
When it comes to food, the Koregaon Park area is very famous and has more than 50 restaurants on the same road, so check that place out to satisfy the foodie in you.
As Pune has a lot of students and youngsters, the nightlife is very vibrant. There are tons of pubs, bars and clubs to keep you partying till the morning hours. As we had only one night in Pune, we decided to check out this place called as the Mint Leaf Cafe, which has a nice panoramic view of the city
Thali Peeth. Must try 
One of many party places in Pune 
MIsal Pav and Kothimbir Vadi must try when in Pune
Culture:
One thing becomes very clear when in Pune, is the pure Maharashtrian culture that you see in everyone’s day to day life. Experiencing that is super important when you are visiting Pune. A large number of Pune’s residents are Maharashtrians and are very passionate about their city and culture.
If you have the chance, come to Pune to Ganesh Mahotsav. The city really comes alive with colour, festivities and large dhols on the streets.
Apart from this you must visit places like Shaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace to learn about the history, culture and origins of this city.
Aga Khan Palace 
Shaniwar Wada 
Ganesh Chaturthi in Pune !
Shopping:
Shopping is an integral part of the city experience. Pune has options from high labels in the Phoenix Market city Mall to the street shopping in FC Road.
Some of the must go places for shopping in Pune are FC Road, MG Road and JM Road. Let me know if I have missed out on any in the comments section below.
Shopping at FC Road 
Shopping at JM Road 
Shopping at MG Road
Nature:
Once you are done with shopping, you want to get away from the city. Pune has so many one day trip around the city. Pune is surrounded by mountain ranges and hills that every weekend can lead you to a new place to explore.
Just to name few fort and treks nearby
- Singhgad 26KM
- Purandar- vajragad 50KM
- Karnala 120KM
- Harishchandragad 164KM
- Lohagadh / Visapur 58 KM
- Murud / Janjira 215KM
- Pratapgadh 140 KM
- Raigad 134 KM
- Rajgad 26KM
- Rajmachi 80 KM
- Shivneri 100KM
- Sudhagad Fort 123KM
- Torna Fort 40 KM
- Tung / Tikona 62KM
Apart from treks there are hill stations likes Lavasa, Malshej and Rajmachi which are just perfect weekend getaways from Pune.
Although Pune itself has a lot of green cover. One place to really find peace in the city is OSHO gardens and ashram. Nestled between the dense trees, it is the perfect place to meditate and find yourself
One of Many lakes nearby 
Mountains and lakes nearby the city 
This place is called as the peacock bay
So that brings up to the end of this blog. Pune is definitely a city that every Indian must come and visit. It has food, culture, nightlife and nature. Spending 2 nights and 3 days in this place is enough and Holiday Inn Express has been a great place to stay for me. For a more visual experience, check out my video below. More blogs about other cities of India coming soon. Until the next time, keep on traveling ! ! !
Doctourer - Doctor by Profession, Wanderlust by Heart 