G2Rail

Pune (formerly spelt Poona) is in Maharashtra, India. It is considered the state's cultural capital and is the second largest city in the state.

Pune is known for its educational tourism and has a blend of cultural, business, health, cuisine tourism background. The large student population in the city makes for a lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere. Pune also houses fantastic restaurants, good museums, and hill forts which offer panoramic views.

Pu La Deshpande Garden

Since Pune is in the state of Maharashtra, most of the residents are Marathis (or Maharashtrians). The city contains the headquarters of the Pune administrative division. Pune has history that stretches back nearly 1600 years. Pataleshwar caves (Near Jangli Maharaj Road) from the 5th century are evidence to Pune’s old settlements.

Pune is a gateway to knowledge about the past with opportunities to learn from the help of forts, monuments, museums and higher-learning institutions. From the medieval Maratha history of King Shivaji to a visit to Aga Khan Palace to learn about Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent freedom struggle, there is much to learn here. If the quote "Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it!" sounds interesting, make a visit to Gayakwadwada museum. If interested in ancient Indian history or Indology, then Deccan college, Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute are the places of research and learning and house their own museums as well.

Pune has been called the "Oxford of the East". It is a university town. There are many colleges and institutes here that offer everything from engineering to fine arts. These establishments boast a large number of foreign students in addition to locals.

Osho Garden The climate of Pune is quite pleasant. Pune has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Summers are typically hot with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C. The warmest month in Pune is generally April as compared to the rest of the Deccan Plateau where it is May.

Pune does not get very hot. Even during the peak of summer the air is cool and standing under a tree can give respite from the heat. However, as the frequent sunlight can cause sunburn, be sure to carry and use sunscreens (above SPF-30). The nights in Pune are significantly cooler than most other parts in this region due to its high altitude.

The average rainfall is approx 550mm. The city often receives thundershowers with heavy downpours in May, which brings down the temperature. The rainy season can sometimes be gloomy, with cloud cover for many days in a row. In winter, day temperatures can be as low as 24 - 28°C and temperatures at night as low as 5 - 8°C. Winters are generally dry. Normally, the climate in Pune is pleasant during the month of November.

Attitudes in Pune are liberal. The city used to be very traditional and conservative, but times have changed. The city is not the conservative small-town of old, but now is a much more open-minded developed city.

Osho Ashram, Pune Pune is a fairly cosmopolitan city. Although Marathi is the official language of the city and also the most common language spoken on the streets, most people also speak Hindi along with English.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum building Sinhagad fort Aga Khan Palace Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden

Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The Marathi film industry is also based here.

Aga Khan Palace, Pune Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar. This historical landmark's architecture features Italian arches, salons, suites and spacious lawns. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, the British interned Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi here. The palace belonged to Aga Khan, prince and head of Khoja sect, who later donated the palace to erect a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his wife. Must see is an exhibition of very rare black-and-white photos and paintings from various epochs in the freedom movement, but descriptions are sparse so it helps if you already have background to the story. Also worth seeing is the Samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi in the backyard. Foreigners ₹100, extra for photos.
Chatushrungi Mata Temple, Senapati Bapat Rd.
Pataleshwar Caves, Revenue Colony, Shivajinaga. This 8th-century temple is hidden in the heart of the city, nestled between modern high-rise structures and developments. Reminiscent of Ellora, the temple and its massive pillars, a Shiva shrine, and a Nandi bull, have been carved out of a single boulder of massive size. The temple is used by worshippers even today.
Savitribai Phule Pune University. The site of Poona University was the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. The campus features mansions built in Italian-Gothic style. A 300-m-high tower beckons to all these who come here in the pursuit of higher education. It is one of the oldest universities of India.
Shaniwar Wada, Shaniwar Peth. This palace was built by the successors of Shivaji, the Peshwas in 1736. A massive fire destroyed the building in 1827. Most of the palace interiors were destroyed and all that remains is the old fortified wall. The brass studded gates and lotus pools have also withstood the ravages of time. This palace is situated in the heart of the city next to Deccan Gymkhana, Shivajinagar, and Laxmi Road. There is a 'Light & Sound Show' in three languages (Marathi, Hindi and English) every evening at the wada. It details the history of the Maratha empire and the significance of the role the Shaniwar played.
Vishrambaug Wada, RB Kumthekar Rd, Perugate, Sadashiv Peth. The remains of this palace stand in the heart of the old city. It was built during the 18th century by a descendant of Bajirao Peshwa. It is well known for its elaborate wooden façade.

Aga Khan Palace, Pune Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar. This historical landmark's architecture features Italian arches, salons, suites and spacious lawns. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, the British interned Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi here. The palace belonged to Aga Khan, prince and head of Khoja sect, who later donated the palace to erect a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his wife. Must see is an exhibition of very rare black-and-white photos and paintings from various epochs in the freedom movement, but descriptions are sparse so it helps if you already have background to the story. Also worth seeing is the Samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi in the backyard. Foreigners ₹100, extra for photos.

Chatushrungi Mata Temple, Senapati Bapat Rd.

Pataleshwar Caves, Revenue Colony, Shivajinaga. This 8th-century temple is hidden in the heart of the city, nestled between modern high-rise structures and developments. Reminiscent of [[Ellora]], the temple and its massive pillars, a Shiva shrine, and a Nandi bull, have been carved out of a single boulder of massive size. The temple is used by worshippers even today.

Savitribai Phule Pune University. The site of Poona University was the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. The campus features mansions built in Italian-Gothic style. A 300-m-high tower beckons to all these who come here in the pursuit of higher education. It is one of the oldest universities of India.

Shaniwar Wada, Shaniwar Peth. This palace was built by the successors of Shivaji, the Peshwas in 1736. A massive fire destroyed the building in 1827. Most of the palace interiors were destroyed and all that remains is the old fortified wall. The brass studded gates and lotus pools have also withstood the ravages of time. This palace is situated in the heart of the city next to Deccan Gymkhana, Shivajinagar, and Laxmi Road. There is a 'Light & Sound Show' in three languages (Marathi, Hindi and English) every evening at the wada. It details the history of the Maratha empire and the significance of the role the Shaniwar played.

Vishrambaug Wada, RB Kumthekar Rd, Perugate, Sadashiv Peth. The remains of this palace stand in the heart of the old city. It was built during the 18th century by a descendant of Bajirao Peshwa. It is well known for its elaborate wooden façade.

Balgandharva rang mandir, Deccan, shivajinagar (It is situated close to Pune Municipal corporation office. Theatre and art gallery. The place is maintained by Pune Municipal corporation and has an air-conditioned theatre. Most of the famous Marathi plays are performed here. The theatre is named after famous Marathi artist Bal Gandharv.
Darshan Museum, HH Prince Aga Khan Rd, Sangamvadi. This museum is a light and sound show that uses 3D holographic technology. It's a 100-minute show that takes you through the saint Sadhu Vaswani's life story via different sets. It uses probably the only implementation in the country to use a technique called Pepper's Ghost to create realistic 3D. The sets are real but the people who enact the scene are projections of light. The museum also houses a huge spectrum of artwork that's used to build the sets. A place for the entire family, the Darshan Museum is a must visit for anyone visiting the city. It is close to the Pune Railway Station at Sadhu Vaswani Chowk.
Fortune Art Gallery, 86/1, Erandwana, Deccan Gymkhana.
Mahatma Phule Museum, 10 411004, 1204/10, Ghole Rd, Shivajinagar. You can see various industrial products, agricultural and handicraft articles in this museum, which was established in 1890.
Parvati Hill temples and museum, Wagh Jai Rd, Parvati Paytha. A few temples and a museum are seated on top of this tall hill which offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding area. A steep flight of 108 narrow steps leads to the hill top temple built by Balaji Baji Rao. ‘Nagarkjana’ drum house is the temple of Parvati and Devdeveshwar. This was once the private shrine of the Peshwas. It is also the final resting place of Nana Saheb Peshwa. The Parvati museum houses portraits of Peshwas, old manuscripts, coins, and other artifacts.
Pune Music Cultural Centre, 459/1, Sadashiv Peth..
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, 1377-78, Off. Bajirao Rd, Natu Baug, Shukrawar Peth. The museum is housed in a Rajasthani style building situated close to the hustle and bustle of the busy Bajirao Road. The artifacts in the museum were once part of a personal collection. It is now open to the public and houses over 20,000 objects of which roughly 2,500 are displayed. There are 36 sections to the museum and the objects within range from carved palace and temple doors, 2,000 year old pottery, traditional Indian lamps, and 17th century paintings.

Balgandharva rang mandir, Deccan, shivajinagar (It is situated close to Pune Municipal corporation office. Theatre and art gallery. The place is maintained by Pune Municipal corporation and has an air-conditioned theatre. Most of the famous Marathi plays are performed here. The theatre is named after famous Marathi artist Bal Gandharv.

Darshan Museum, HH Prince Aga Khan Rd, Sangamvadi. This museum is a light and sound show that uses 3D holographic technology. It's a 100-minute show that takes you through the saint Sadhu Vaswani's life story via different sets. It uses probably the only implementation in the country to use a technique called Pepper's Ghost to create realistic 3D. The sets are real but the people who enact the scene are projections of light. The museum also houses a huge spectrum of artwork that's used to build the sets. A place for the entire family, the Darshan Museum is a must visit for anyone visiting the city. It is close to the Pune Railway Station at Sadhu Vaswani Chowk.

Fortune Art Gallery, 86/1, Erandwana, Deccan Gymkhana.

Mahatma Phule Museum, 10 411004, 1204/10, Ghole Rd, Shivajinagar. You can see various industrial products, agricultural and handicraft articles in this museum, which was established in 1890.

Parvati Hill temples and museum, Wagh Jai Rd, Parvati Paytha. A few temples and a museum are seated on top of this tall hill which offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding area. A steep flight of 108 narrow steps leads to the hill top temple built by Balaji Baji Rao. ‘Nagarkjana’ drum house is the temple of Parvati and Devdeveshwar. This was once the private shrine of the Peshwas. It is also the final resting place of Nana Saheb Peshwa. The Parvati museum houses portraits of Peshwas, old manuscripts, coins, and other artifacts.

Pune Music Cultural Centre, 459/1, Sadashiv Peth..

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, 1377-78, Off. Bajirao Rd, Natu Baug, Shukrawar Peth. The museum is housed in a Rajasthani style building situated close to the hustle and bustle of the busy Bajirao Road. The artifacts in the museum were once part of a personal collection. It is now open to the public and houses over 20,000 objects of which roughly 2,500 are displayed. There are 36 sections to the museum and the objects within range from carved palace and temple doors, 2,000 year old pottery, traditional Indian lamps, and 17th century paintings.

Tekdi - is the Marathi word for hill. There are many small scenic hills in the city used for trekking and birdwatching. Notable among are Taljai (Near Parvati), Hanuman & Vetal Tekdi (near Law College Road, Paud Phata).

Fergusson College, Fergusson College Rd. Built in 1885, the college has a beautiful tree-lined campus with smooth rolling hills in the background.
National War Memorial, Prince of Wales Dr Rd, Ghorpuri Lines, Dobarwadi, Ghorpadi. The National War Memorial is a 8-m (25-foot) stone pillar dedicated to post-Independence war heroes. It is surrounded by a garden and has paved pathways. The memorial was funded entirely by the citizens of Pune, under the sponsorship of the Express Citizens' Forum. The foundation was laid in November 1997 and inaugurated in October 1998.
Pashan Lake, Sutarwadi Rd.. An artificial lake, once a source for drinking water has become heavily silted and degraded by pollution. Efforts are underway to rectify these issues. This lake remains to be a bird watchers spot due to the variety of birds found in the area.
Pu La Deshpande garden, Sinhgad Rd. One of the largest gardens in Pune, modelled after Okayama's Kōraku-en Garden.
Saras Baug, 2170 Sadashiv Peth. A Ganesh Temple stands in the middle of the garden in a lake. It was built by Peshwa Bajirao II. This area has been developed into a park.
Sinhagad Fort, Sinhagad Ghat Rd, Thoptewadi. This fort is a roughly 29-km drive to the southwest of Pune. It has historical importance dating back to the King Shivaji era. The surroundings are beautiful in the rainy season and on clear days you can see a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
Vetal Hill. The highest hill inside the city limits. The walk up to the Vetal Baba Mandir (temple) provides good views of the city but the best views are obstructed by trees and the radio transmitter building. The trail goes through scrub and forest maintained by local nature volunteers. There is a car park on Gokhalenagar Rd but if you start lower down from Kanchan Galli you will also pass the small temple Hanuman Mandir. There is also a chance of seeing wild Peacocks in the area.

Fergusson College, Fergusson College Rd. Built in 1885, the college has a beautiful tree-lined campus with smooth rolling hills in the background.

National War Memorial, Prince of Wales Dr Rd, Ghorpuri Lines, Dobarwadi, Ghorpadi. The National War Memorial is a 8-m (25-foot) stone pillar dedicated to post-Independence war heroes. It is surrounded by a garden and has paved pathways. The memorial was funded entirely by the citizens of Pune, under the sponsorship of the Express Citizens' Forum. The foundation was laid in November 1997 and inaugurated in October 1998.

Pashan Lake, Sutarwadi Rd.. An artificial lake, once a source for drinking water has become heavily silted and degraded by pollution. Efforts are underway to rectify these issues. This lake remains to be a bird watchers spot due to the variety of birds found in the area.

Pu La Deshpande garden, Sinhgad Rd. One of the largest gardens in Pune, modelled after Okayama's Kōraku-en Garden.

Saras Baug, 2170 Sadashiv Peth. A Ganesh Temple stands in the middle of the garden in a lake. It was built by Peshwa Bajirao II. This area has been developed into a park.

Sinhagad Fort, Sinhagad Ghat Rd, Thoptewadi. This fort is a roughly 29-km drive to the southwest of Pune. It has historical importance dating back to the King Shivaji era. The surroundings are beautiful in the rainy season and on clear days you can see a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

Vetal Hill. The highest hill inside the city limits. The walk up to the Vetal Baba Mandir (temple) provides good views of the city but the best views are obstructed by trees and the radio transmitter building. The trail goes through scrub and forest maintained by local nature volunteers. There is a car park on Gokhalenagar Rd but if you start lower down from Kanchan Galli you will also pass the small temple Hanuman Mandir. There is also a chance of seeing wild Peacocks in the area.

Bird Watching: Enjoy boating and bird viewing in some of the city parks of Pune. Migratory parks can viewed throughout the year in Pune. At the right time you can see many migrated birds in the parks.
Gliding Centre Pune, Hadapsar Airport. Go for a joy ride in a glider and experience flying like a bird. Get an aerial view of Pune at a cost of ₹187. You can also learn to fly gliders at the Gliding Centre, which is India's oldest and till date the most active hub for gliding. It's at Hadapsar on the eastern side of the city. Flying activity is conducted from Sunday through Thursday.
Horse riding. And go out for horse treks with Digvijay Pratishthan.
Japalouppe Equestrian Center, somatne phata, mumbai pune highway, talegaon Dabhade, +91 9890920183. 6AM to 7PM. Punes Premier Riding school, Japalouppe is spread out over a picturesque 19 acres, with a team of 60 horses catering to a wide skill set of riders, from basic trotting and school work to advanced jumping and dressage.
Panshet Water Park. At a nearby dam, the tourism department has setup a water sports park.
Paragliding School & Flying Club. A 1-hr drive from Pune at Kamshet. Para-glide lessons with Nirvana India's oldest and largest residential paragliding school. Flying activity is on from October - June.
Trekking: Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary in Pune, offers a thrilling and amazing trekking experience for the nature lovers. This wildlife sanctuary has two trekking trails available Seedi Ghat and Ganpati Ghat, out of these two Ganpati Ghat is a longer and less dangerous trekking path.

Pune has a full calendar of events, ranging from Classical Music to Rock Concerts. However, Pune's most famous festival is the Pune Festival, which is held during the Ganesha Mahotsav.

The Chatushrungi Fair is an annual event. It is held overnight on Navratri at Senapati Bapat Road. Giant-wheels are the main attractions but the food sold at the stalls is delicious too.
The Ganesh Utsav or Ganeshotsav initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, today is celebrated with great enthusiasm, as city interiors almost remain blocked for ten days. This is usually around the month of September and dates vary based on Hindu calendar. Pune has more than 2000 mandals with Dagdusheth Halwai being the biggest and most famous one.
The Osho Festival is another international crowd puller in Pune. Held in the Osho Aashram in Koregaon Park, disciples and followers of Bhagwaan Rajneesh make it a point to attend this festival.
The Pune International Film Festival - takes place annually and attracts some splendid films from around the world. This festival which generally takes place in January, lasts for a week and is a treat for film lovers in the city. Passes for single day or for entire duration are available at any of the multiplexes hosting the festival at reasonable rates.
Sawai Gandharva classical music festival, which started back in the 1960s, has had every Indian and international artist perform and has given rise to a number of budding ones too. It is held in the months of December from dawn to dusk over three days.

A number of college festivals have become very commercialised, but still attract big crowds and a very high degree of competition from colleges all over Pune. Verve organised by Express Youth Forum is the biggest inter-collegiate cultural festival in India while Concepts organized by the Pune Institute of Computer Technology (PICT) is a very popular engineering (technical) event. The College of Engineering, Pune also organizes a technical festival which attracts participants from all over India. So all year round, there is enough excitement to keep Puneites and tourists on their toes!

The Chatushrungi Fair is an annual event. It is held overnight on Navratri at Senapati Bapat Road. Giant-wheels are the main attractions but the food sold at the stalls is delicious too.

The Ganesh Utsav or Ganeshotsav initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, today is celebrated with great enthusiasm, as city interiors almost remain blocked for ten days. This is usually around the month of September and dates vary based on Hindu calendar. Pune has more than 2000 mandals with Dagdusheth Halwai being the biggest and most famous one.

The Osho Festival is another international crowd puller in Pune. Held in the Osho Aashram in Koregaon Park, disciples and followers of Bhagwaan Rajneesh make it a point to attend this festival.

The Pune International Film Festival - takes place annually and attracts some splendid films from around the world. This festival which generally takes place in January, lasts for a week and is a treat for film lovers in the city. Passes for single day or for entire duration are available at any of the multiplexes hosting the festival at reasonable rates.

Sawai Gandharva classical music festival, which started back in the 1960s, has had every Indian and international artist perform and has given rise to a number of budding ones too. It is held in the months of December from dawn to dusk over three days.

A day trip from Pune

Pune - Bhuleshwar - Purandar - Sinhagad - Pune

This round trip takes in some of the interesting hill forts around Pune. Total distance is about 220 km and will take 6 hours just to drive the loop, with lunch and sightseeing added on. The full trip could take up to 12 hours so leave a full day. It is suggested that this trip is undertaken either by motorcycle or 4WD due to the state of some of the roads that are encountered. It is possible to make the journey in a regular car (and many do - even auto ricks) but it will take longer and there will be a heavy toll on the cars suspension. To be as safe as possible you would also want some experience on driving on broken or unsurfaced roads and dealing with the challenges of driving in India.

Leave Pune on the National Highway 9 (Pune Solapur Highway) which passes the racecourse. This is a toll road and also very busy with cars and trucks. If you have taken a motorcycle be very careful.

The turn off to Bhuleshwar is about 35 km from Pune and shortly after the second toll booth (about 2 km before Yavat village). A concrete bridge crosses a canal and the turn off is to the right just before the bridge. There is no sign in English, but there is a sign to Deccan Industrial Explosives pte. After 5 km or so the road will climb into some ghats, where the road becomes quite broken. Once you reach the top of the ghats you will see the temple and a prominent radio mast to the right. The turn to the temple is the next right, the road becomes quite steep at some points.

After visiting the temple and fort (allow 30 to 40 min), return to the road and turn right where you turned off. This road will take you to Saswad (or Sasvad on some maps). There are several turnoffs, keep heading west, but also plenty of people to ask the way, nearly everyone knows Saswad. The scenery is quite flat though enlivened by scenes of Indian rural life. The road is paved but quite rough. You can take lunch when you reach the town.

Thereafter, ask the way for Purandar itself or Nasrapur which is where the road goes. Many people know it. The road is the Diwale to Narayanpur road. In fact the hill itself is easy to spot as it towers above Narayanpur. After 5 km after the turnoff from you will reach a left fork which is signed (not in English). Take this and follow the twisty road to Purandar. As of October 2009, the majority of the road was totally unsurfaced (awaiting surfacing) so would be muddy during rain and there is also the possibility of dealing with the resurfacing activity. Allow 30 minutes to enjoy the views and look at the abandoned army buildings and another 1½ hours to climb to the top and explore.

It will take about 15 minutes to regain the main road if you have a motorbike. Turn left when you reach it and enjoy the smooth tarmac and twists of the road as you pass between the two hills. Eventually you will reach National Highway 4 (also a toll road), turn right and again pay attention to the road hazards.

Approximately 12 km later at Khed take a left turn towards Shivapur. Pass through towards Kondapur, where you take a right fork, thereafter at the T-junction take the left which leads to Sinhagad Fort.

In terms of time to spend here it is best to gauge your stamina and enthusiasm against the amount of light you have left, as it is better to end the journey in daylight rather than drive at night.

Retrace your steps to NH4 and then follow this back to Pune. You will arrive in the Bibvewadi area in the south of the city.

Bhuleshwar-a very beautiful 1100-year-old hill temple near Yavat in the Saswad region. The patterns and beautiful stone statues inside the temple are stunning. This place is around 60 km via Saswad-the closest and most beautiful route. This place and the surrounding areas of Saswad are praised by one British General, the Duke of Welligton as “one of the best peaceful place in the Deccan plateau and the region of beautiful temples”
Nil Kantheshwar

Bhuleshwar-a very beautiful 1100-year-old hill temple near Yavat in the Saswad region. The patterns and beautiful stone statues inside the temple are stunning. This place is around 60 km via Saswad-the closest and most beautiful route. This place and the surrounding areas of Saswad are praised by one British General, the Duke of Welligton as “one of the best peaceful place in the Deccan plateau and the region of beautiful temples”

Nil Kantheshwar

Bird Watching: Enjoy boating and bird viewing in some of the city parks of Pune. Migratory parks can viewed throughout the year in Pune. At the right time you can see many migrated birds in the parks.

Gliding Centre Pune, Hadapsar Airport. Go for a joy ride in a glider and experience flying like a bird. Get an aerial view of Pune at a cost of ₹187. You can also learn to fly gliders at the Gliding Centre, which is India's oldest and till date the most active hub for gliding. It's at Hadapsar on the eastern side of the city. Flying activity is conducted from Sunday through Thursday.

Horse riding. And go out for horse treks with Digvijay Pratishthan.

Japalouppe Equestrian Center, somatne phata, mumbai pune highway, talegaon Dabhade, +91 9890920183. 6AM to 7PM. Punes Premier Riding school, Japalouppe is spread out over a picturesque 19 acres, with a team of 60 horses catering to a wide skill set of riders, from basic trotting and school work to advanced jumping and dressage.

Panshet Water Park. At a nearby dam, the tourism department has setup a water sports park.

Paragliding School & Flying Club. A 1-hr drive from Pune at Kamshet. Para-glide lessons with Nirvana India's oldest and largest residential paragliding school. Flying activity is on from October - June.

Trekking: Bhimashankar wildlife sanctuary in Pune, offers a thrilling and amazing trekking experience for the nature lovers. This wildlife sanctuary has two trekking trails available Seedi Ghat and Ganpati Ghat, out of these two Ganpati Ghat is a longer and less dangerous trekking path.

Pune shopping street Pune is a city where you will find an excellent range of streetside shops as well as a few outstanding malls. Pune is a good place to pick up some Indian slippers made of rubber. Soft, comfortable Kolhapuri chappals (leather sandals), that are manufactured in the town of Kolhapur, can be found in many of the street shops in Pune.

All the places listed here are places where you can bargain hard and get some good stuff off the pavement for rock-bottom prices. There are several roads and areas that have clusters of shopping in them.

Fashion Street. In the Pune Camp Area, near M.G. Road. This market has lots of inexpensive readymade garments, footwear, leather items and fashion accessories. Be sure to bargain to get the best prices.
Hongkong Lane. In Deccan, near the Garware Bridge. The lane has a blink-and-you-will-miss-it entrance. This small street has large offerings, including bags, clothes, accessories, books and footwear.
Juna Bazar. Near the Pune Railway Station (enroute to the Pune Municipal Corporation). The market is held every Wednesday and Sunday on the street approx 9AM to 6PM. It is similar to a flea market and you can purchase a variety of interesting objects for throw-away prices including old rare coins, gramophone records, and other such unique paraphernalia.
Koregaon Park. One of the several boutiques on North Main Road and its by-lanes in Koregaon Park. These are small, exclusive boutiques and have a good collection. Expect to pay more for these clothes, but you may find the occasional great bargain.
Laxmi Road. A very huge market selling gold jewellery and clothes.
M.G. Road. Any items such as shoes, clothing, pots, pans, electronics, stationary, furniture, kitchen sinks etc. can be found at Modelina Grant Road, known to locals as M.G. Road.
Tulshi Baug. On the Bajirao Road, near Maharashtra Bank. It is a must visit and also favourite household items such as crockery, vegetable stands. Very cheap ladies garments, footwear and other items required for daily use are available at low prices.
Vishram Baug Wada. There is a shop inside Vishram baug wada where you get variety of decorative as well as daily use items. The highlight of this shop is all the goods are created by small groups of women (Mahila Bachat Gata). Most of the items are handmade and exclusive variety. We must support such groups of women who are fighting against all odds to become independent.

Fashion Street. In the Pune Camp Area, near M.G. Road. This market has lots of inexpensive readymade garments, footwear, leather items and fashion accessories. Be sure to bargain to get the best prices.

Hongkong Lane. In Deccan, near the Garware Bridge. The lane has a blink-and-you-will-miss-it entrance. This small street has large offerings, including bags, clothes, accessories, books and footwear.

Juna Bazar. Near the Pune Railway Station (enroute to the Pune Municipal Corporation). The market is held every Wednesday and Sunday on the street approx 9AM to 6PM. It is similar to a flea market and you can purchase a variety of interesting objects for throw-away prices including old rare coins, gramophone records, and other such unique paraphernalia.

Koregaon Park. One of the several boutiques on North Main Road and its by-lanes in Koregaon Park. These are small, exclusive boutiques and have a good collection. Expect to pay more for these clothes, but you may find the occasional great bargain.

Laxmi Road. A very huge market selling gold jewellery and clothes.

M.G. Road. Any items such as shoes, clothing, pots, pans, electronics, stationary, furniture, kitchen sinks etc. can be found at Modelina Grant Road, known to locals as M.G. Road.

Tulshi Baug. On the Bajirao Road, near Maharashtra Bank. It is a must visit and also favourite household items such as crockery, vegetable stands. Very cheap ladies garments, footwear and other items required for daily use are available at low prices.

Vishram Baug Wada. There is a shop inside Vishram baug wada where you get variety of decorative as well as daily use items. The highlight of this shop is all the goods are created by small groups of women (Mahila Bachat Gata). Most of the items are handmade and exclusive variety. We must support such groups of women who are fighting against all odds to become independent.

Puneites are crazy about books. This shows in the number of excellent bookshops scattered throughout the city. The area known as 'Appa Balwant Chowk' is famous for various big and small book shops. Some of them specialize in subjects like law, management, religion, computer, or music.

Birds of Pune available from Centre for Environment Education and Kalpavriksh

Ajit Law Book Depot. Appa Balwant Chowk.
Book Space, 593, Ganesh Peth.
Book World, Basement, Sagar Arcade, FC Road.
The Crossword chain of bookshops has 8 branches in Pune.
Landmark. SGS Mall, Molendina Rd.
Popular Book Shop, Deccan Gymkhana.
Utkarsh Book Depot, Deccan Gymkhana, Near Garware Bridge.
The WORD bookshop, Boottee St, Camp.

Ajit Law Book Depot. Appa Balwant Chowk.

Book Space, 593, Ganesh Peth.

Book World, Basement, Sagar Arcade, FC Road.

The Crossword chain of bookshops has 8 branches in Pune.

Landmark. SGS Mall, Molendina Rd.

Popular Book Shop, Deccan Gymkhana.

Utkarsh Book Depot, Deccan Gymkhana, Near Garware Bridge.

The WORD bookshop, Boottee St, Camp.

Pune is a technology hub and is home to IT, ITES, and BPO professionals. Pune also has one of the highest densities of Engineers and Management graduates pursuing studies. Sony World, House of Laptops, Croma are electronics chains dishing out the goodies.

Being a student town, Pune has a good selection of mid-priced hair salons.

Lizzes Hairdressers, E Square Multiplex, The Gordan House Hotel, S No 132/A, 6th Floor, University Road, Ganeshkhind (Entrance from down the side of E-Square, take the elevator up, +91 20 66044100, +91 20 66044114. English understood well. ₹450 for a good men's hair cut (no shampoo).

Lizzes Hairdressers, E Square Multiplex, The Gordan House Hotel, S No 132/A, 6th Floor, University Road, Ganeshkhind (Entrance from down the side of E-Square, take the elevator up, +91 20 66044100, +91 20 66044114. English understood well. ₹450 for a good men's hair cut (no shampoo).

Pune people love to chappathis with crunchy fried fish

Pune is undoubtedly a great place to eat. Fergusson College Road is full of budget eateries serving delicious hot food at nominal charges. Almost all restaurants open and close at similar hours. 10AM-11PM is the usual. Of course, restaurant bars stay open till at least midnight. Misals are a Pune favourite, if you can stomach the spice in them. They are a tasty meal and a visit to Bedekar Misal or Shree Uphar Gruha is a must. They are in the Peth areas and are famous. Shree Uphar Gruha is at Tulsi Baug. Its a small joint but dishes out tasty Misal and fritters.

For variety, head out to Koregaon Park. North Main Road is a lane with more than 50 restaurants. It offers a choice of cuisine including Italian, French, Mexican, Thai, Japanese and a variety of local Indian food; there is a restaurant to fit every taste and mood. ABC farms in Koregaon Park has many restaurants at one place - ideal when you cannot decide before leaving for dinner. Koregaon Park is known as the Restaurant Suburb, and holds a similar status to Pune that Bandra holds to Mumbai.

Home Delivery, Pune, +91 33006464. Online ordering. Food delivery from over 200 restaurants in Pune. Pay online, or cash on delivery.

Ande Ka Funda, Paud road. The only place for eggeterian. Serves 26 egg items.
Badshahi Lodging and Boarding, Tilak Road. noon-2:30PM, 8PM-10:30PM. One of the oldest boarding place in pune its almost a century old place and it serves very nice and authentic Maharashtrian Pure Veg Thali (Brahmani). There thali rate is ₹60 per person. its a nice and clean place.
Bapat Upahar Gruha, 1376, Bajirao Road, (Near Raja kelkar Museum, +91 88550 87888. Excellent Maharashtrian Food and very affordable.
Chaitanya(vegetarian)/Tawas and Tandoors(non-vegetarian), at F.C. Road. Serves quite cheap stuffed parathas(layered chapattis), rice.Has combos of chicken/mutton/fish curries and dal(lentils)+parathas;biryanis;tandoor snacks on offer at very reasonable prices.
Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. Outlets in the city are also a must go for a variety of sweetmeats and snack items. The Gulabjamun with sprinkled sugar which is a dessert dish and the famous Bakarwadi which is a fried chickpea flour preparation, are something worth trying while visiting Pune.
Delhi Kitchen. Serves cheap and delightful Punjabi food. Curries available in different serving sizes; a 'quarter' curry being sufficient for one person.
Godbole's Suswaram. Very good Maharashtrian snacks like Khichadi, pohe, vada pav, sheera. Also serves very good lunch.
Good Luck Cafe, Good Luck Chowk (Square), F.C Road.. One of the oldest and among the most popular restaurants in Pune, it serves Iranian/Punjabi dishes, but is well known for its tea and butter bread. Mostly frequented by collegians, it's a cool place to hang out.
JJ Garden Vada Pav, MG Road, Camp. Serves one of the best Vada Pav with green chutney. A must-have when you are in Pune.
Kohinoor Restaurant, 242, MG Road, Camp.
Laxminarayan Best Chiwda'. They are famous for their Rice flakes Chiwda, Cornflakes Chiwda and Potato Chiwda.
Marzorin, Main Street, Camp. Famous for sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
Manmeet Chat Center, +91 64001088. On east side of F.C. Road next to Subway and opposite F.C. College Junior wing entrance, near Sant Tukaram Chouk. Delicious chat. 'Popular basket chat' is ₹50 and is a tasty filling meal or great for sharing. The 'extra special' costs ₹5 more.
Mehendale Garage, Mehendale Garage, Kothrud.. Clean authentic home-made maharashtrian food with some delicious Bharit-Bhakri (Eggplant dish similar to the Greek Babaganoush served with Jowar or Bajra Bread) or even Kadhi-Khichadi (rice-lentil porridge). Finish up with a glass of Taak (buttermilk) or Solkadhi (Kokum + Coconut Milk).
Steamy affair, JM Rd (between Balgandharv and Deccan Bus stand. Serves steam idli, fried idli, veg idli, corn idli, kutti idli, pepper idli and dahi idli among the 15 varieties. The speciality is the varaya idli which is served exclusively on Thursdays and Saturdays for people who observe fast. Another unique type of idli served here is the kadhi idli. Spicy chutneys served along with these sumptuous snacks make the dish even more interesting. All the idlis are ₹12-22.
Tilak, Tilak road (just behind MES Boys High School in a lane, easy to miss. Best quality tea and Vadapav; an any time snack and other mouth lingering varieties at most affordable price. No waiter and no tips. Just a service counter based on token system. ₹10-75.
Top in Town, Garvare Bridge (behind Chitale Opp Deccan Gymkhana. Amazing non-veg food items. Do not miss fish and Chicken here.
Vaishali, 1218/1, Shivaji Nagar, Fergusson College Rd. A popular youth joint serving amazing South Indian dishes. Their Sambhar is arguably the best in the City.
Vohuman, 34, Sassoon Rd.. An awesome Iranian place serving delicious omelettes. Good for breakfast. Right next to the Jehangir Hospital. Try the cheese omelettes and bun maska of this place.
Wadeshwar, Fergusson College Rd.. Another popular eating place. The best fast food you will get here inlcludes appe, vada-sambhar, and pav bhaji. Another branch of wadeshwar is also there on Bajirao road, Shukrawar peth, which serves very good idlis and uttapa, and alu paratha.worth a try.

Ande Ka Funda, Paud road. The only place for eggeterian. Serves 26 egg items.

Badshahi Lodging and Boarding, Tilak Road. noon-2:30PM, 8PM-10:30PM. One of the oldest boarding place in pune its almost a century old place and it serves very nice and authentic Maharashtrian Pure Veg Thali (Brahmani). There thali rate is ₹60 per person. its a nice and clean place.

Bapat Upahar Gruha, 1376, Bajirao Road, (Near Raja kelkar Museum, +91 88550 87888. Excellent Maharashtrian Food and very affordable.

Chaitanya(vegetarian)/Tawas and Tandoors(non-vegetarian), at F.C. Road. Serves quite cheap stuffed parathas(layered chapattis), rice.Has combos of chicken/mutton/fish curries and dal(lentils)+parathas;biryanis;tandoor snacks on offer at very reasonable prices.

Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. Outlets in the city are also a must go for a variety of sweetmeats and snack items. The Gulabjamun with sprinkled sugar which is a dessert dish and the famous Bakarwadi which is a fried chickpea flour preparation, are something worth trying while visiting Pune.

Delhi Kitchen. Serves cheap and delightful Punjabi food. Curries available in different serving sizes; a 'quarter' curry being sufficient for one person.

Godbole's Suswaram. Very good Maharashtrian snacks like Khichadi, pohe, vada pav, sheera. Also serves very good lunch.

Good Luck Cafe, Good Luck Chowk (Square), F.C Road.. One of the oldest and among the most popular restaurants in Pune, it serves Iranian/Punjabi dishes, but is well known for its tea and butter bread. Mostly frequented by collegians, it's a cool place to hang out.

JJ Garden Vada Pav, MG Road, Camp. Serves one of the best Vada Pav with green chutney. A must-have when you are in Pune.

Kohinoor Restaurant, 242, MG Road, Camp.

Laxminarayan Best Chiwda'. They are famous for their Rice flakes Chiwda, Cornflakes Chiwda and Potato Chiwda.

Marzorin, Main Street, Camp. Famous for sandwiches, cakes and pastries.

Manmeet Chat Center, +91 64001088. On east side of F.C. Road next to Subway and opposite F.C. College Junior wing entrance, near Sant Tukaram Chouk. Delicious chat. 'Popular basket chat' is ₹50 and is a tasty filling meal or great for sharing. The 'extra special' costs ₹5 more.

Mehendale Garage, Mehendale Garage, Kothrud.. Clean authentic home-made maharashtrian food with some delicious Bharit-Bhakri (Eggplant dish similar to the Greek Babaganoush served with Jowar or Bajra Bread) or even Kadhi-Khichadi (rice-lentil porridge). Finish up with a glass of Taak (buttermilk) or Solkadhi (Kokum + Coconut Milk).

Steamy affair, JM Rd (between Balgandharv and Deccan Bus stand. Serves steam idli, fried idli, veg idli, corn idli, kutti idli, pepper idli and dahi idli among the 15 varieties. The speciality is the varaya idli which is served exclusively on Thursdays and Saturdays for people who observe fast. Another unique type of idli served here is the kadhi idli. Spicy chutneys served along with these sumptuous snacks make the dish even more interesting. All the idlis are ₹12-22.

Tilak, Tilak road (just behind MES Boys High School in a lane, easy to miss. Best quality tea and Vadapav; an any time snack and other mouth lingering varieties at most affordable price. No waiter and no tips. Just a service counter based on token system. ₹10-75.

Top in Town, Garvare Bridge (behind Chitale Opp Deccan Gymkhana. Amazing non-veg food items. Do not miss fish and Chicken here.

Vaishali, 1218/1, Shivaji Nagar, Fergusson College Rd. A popular youth joint serving amazing South Indian dishes. Their Sambhar is arguably the best in the City.

Vohuman, 34, Sassoon Rd.. An awesome Iranian place serving delicious omelettes. Good for breakfast. Right next to the Jehangir Hospital. Try the cheese omelettes and bun maska of this place.

Wadeshwar, Fergusson College Rd.. Another popular eating place. The best fast food you will get here inlcludes appe, vada-sambhar, and pav bhaji. Another branch of wadeshwar is also there on Bajirao road, Shukrawar peth, which serves very good idlis and uttapa, and alu paratha.worth a try.

Asha Dining Hall, Apte Road. Good Marathi thali at a very reasonable price and a clean dining place.
Blue Nile. Long running Mughlai cuisine restaurant famous for its Biryani, Prawns Fry and Chelo Kebabs. Runs busy most days, justifiably so.
Chaitanya (vegetarian), Tawas and Tandoors (non-vegetarian), F.C. Road. Serves quite cheap stuffed parathas(layered chapattis), rice. Has combos of chicken/mutton/fish curries and dal (lentils) and parathas; biryanis; tandoor snacks on offer at very reasonable prices.
. Serves cheap and delightful Punjabi food. Curries available in different serving sizes; a 'quarter' curry being sufficient for one person.
The Green Villa. This is an Arab-themed restaurant quite popular with the youth and foreigners. They serve authentic Mughlai and Lebanese food along with Hookah.
Janaseva. Traditional Maharashtrian Thali, very famous and visited by many Maharashtrians visiting Pune.
Kayani Bakery, East St.. Famous for its Shrewsbury biscuits, Walnut Cake and Sponge Cake, many mouth watering bakery items here disappear almost instantly over the counter.
Manmeet Chat Center, +91 64001088. On east side of F.C. Road next to Subway and opposite F.C. College Junior wing entrance, near Sant Tukaram Chouk. Delicious chat. 'Popular basket chat' is ₹50 and is a tasty filling meal or great for sharing. The 'extra special' costs ₹5 more.
Nisarg Vada Paav. The best Vada Paav in Pune, but the place not at all clean.
Sarangi. Famous for North Indian dishes. The food is authentic, economical and very tasty.
Satguru Punjabi Rasoi. North Indian food, also at Destination Center, Magarpatta City, Hadapsar.
Sharvaree, 1199/1A FC Road (corner of FC Road and Ghole Road, +91 20 25531511. Sharvaree is upstairs and famous for traditional Maharashtrian 'thalipeeth', a savoury multigrain pancake snack. Downstairs is Shabree which is multicuisine but specialises in Maharashtrian thali (₹150). The food is good and the restaurant is very clean and pleasant.
Shreyas, Apte Road.. Serves very good local Marathi cuisine thali (all you can eat set menu) at a reasonable price and a clean dining place. Amras and Ukadiche Modak (steamed sweet coconut filled rice dumplings) not to be missed during mango season and Ganesh festival respectively. ₹300-400 per person.
Sukanta. Famous for Thali. The food is very tasty.
Vaishali, 1218/1, Shivaji Nagar, Fergusson College Rd.. A popular youth joint serving amazing South Indian dishes. Their Sambhar is arguably the best in the City.
Vasu Vada Pav, Bhel Chowk, Pradhikaran. Serves one of the best Vada Pav. A must-have when you are in Pimpri Chinchwad.
Vohuman, 34, Sassoon Rd.. An awesome Iranian place serving delicious omelettes. Good for breakfast. Right next to the Jehangir Hospital.
Wadeshwar, Fergusson College Rd.. Another popular eating place. The best fast food you will get here inlcludes appe, vada-sambhar, and pav bhaji. Another branch of wadeshwar is also there on Bajirao road, Shukrawar peth, which serves very good idlis and uttapa, and alu paratha.worth a try.
The Yogi Tree Cafe, North Main Road, Koregaon Park. Wholesome pancakes, sandwiches and salads make this the favourite brunch destination of the Osho Ashram crowd ever since German Bakery shut down.
Copa Cabana, Aundh Wakad Road,Vishal Nagar, Samarth Colony, Pimple Nilak, +91 20 4674 2928. Good and wide selection of food with very pleasant covered and garden dining areas away from the hectic main road.
Curry on the Roof, F.P No. 42B, C.T.S No. 114B, Prabhat Road, Erandwane, +91 20 2546 6793. Good choice of India food. Good service
Mezza9 Lounge, T Park Phase 1, Hinjewadi, +91 88 88851818. Good Indian food. Has a nice outside dining area.

Asha Dining Hall, Apte Road. Good Marathi thali at a very reasonable price and a clean dining place.

Blue Nile. Long running Mughlai cuisine restaurant famous for its Biryani, Prawns Fry and Chelo Kebabs. Runs busy most days, justifiably so.

Chaitanya (vegetarian), Tawas and Tandoors (non-vegetarian), F.C. Road. Serves quite cheap stuffed parathas(layered chapattis), rice. Has combos of chicken/mutton/fish curries and dal (lentils) and parathas; biryanis; tandoor snacks on offer at very reasonable prices.

The Green Villa. This is an Arab-themed restaurant quite popular with the youth and foreigners. They serve authentic Mughlai and Lebanese food along with Hookah.

Janaseva. Traditional Maharashtrian Thali, very famous and visited by many Maharashtrians visiting Pune.

Kayani Bakery, East St.. Famous for its Shrewsbury biscuits, Walnut Cake and Sponge Cake, many mouth watering bakery items here disappear almost instantly over the counter.

Nisarg Vada Paav. The best Vada Paav in Pune, but the place not at all clean.

Sarangi. Famous for North Indian dishes. The food is authentic, economical and very tasty.

Satguru Punjabi Rasoi. North Indian food, also at Destination Center, Magarpatta City, Hadapsar.

Sharvaree, 1199/1A FC Road (corner of FC Road and Ghole Road, +91 20 25531511. Sharvaree is upstairs and famous for traditional Maharashtrian 'thalipeeth', a savoury multigrain pancake snack. Downstairs is Shabree which is multicuisine but specialises in Maharashtrian thali (₹150). The food is good and the restaurant is very clean and pleasant.

Shreyas, Apte Road.. Serves very good local Marathi cuisine thali (all you can eat set menu) at a reasonable price and a clean dining place. Amras and Ukadiche Modak (steamed sweet coconut filled rice dumplings) not to be missed during mango season and Ganesh festival respectively. ₹300-400 per person.

Sukanta. Famous for Thali. The food is very tasty.

Vaishali, 1218/1, Shivaji Nagar, Fergusson College Rd.. A popular youth joint serving amazing South Indian dishes. Their Sambhar is arguably the best in the City.

Vasu Vada Pav, Bhel Chowk, Pradhikaran. Serves one of the best Vada Pav. A must-have when you are in Pimpri Chinchwad.

Vohuman, 34, Sassoon Rd.. An awesome Iranian place serving delicious omelettes. Good for breakfast. Right next to the Jehangir Hospital.

The Yogi Tree Cafe, North Main Road, Koregaon Park. Wholesome pancakes, sandwiches and salads make this the favourite brunch destination of the Osho Ashram crowd ever since German Bakery shut down.

Copa Cabana, Aundh Wakad Road,Vishal Nagar, Samarth Colony, Pimple Nilak, +91 20 4674 2928. Good and wide selection of food with very pleasant covered and garden dining areas away from the hectic main road.

Curry on the Roof, F.P No. 42B, C.T.S No. 114B, Prabhat Road, Erandwane, +91 20 2546 6793. Good choice of India food. Good service

Mezza9 Lounge, T Park Phase 1, Hinjewadi, +91 88 88851818. Good Indian food. Has a nice outside dining area.

Barberque Nation, Kalyani Nagar & Pune Bypass Wakad (Near Indira College. Offers a vast & delicious variety of concept dining menu. Really worth paying for, specially for the unlimited servings of prawns, crabs, chicken, mutton, fish and also equally delicious Veg food. Rotate skewered dishes yourself with grill built into the table. Good 8-10 variety of desserts to finish your meal.
CAD-B Ice-cream Magic, Near Karishma Society, Kothrud, Pune or Opp. Kamala Nehru Park, Bhadarkar Road, Pune.ice cream magic,e-square food court level 2. A must-have when in Pune. For chocolate lovers.
La Dolce Vita, City Point, Dhole Patil Rd.. Serves authentic cuisine from Tuscany, Italy. The menu has an extensive list of Italian wines.
Flags, INOX Multiplex, Bund Garden Rd, Camp. Has a very interesting menu.
Kabab Factory. Package comes in both veg and non-veg formats costing ₹325 and ₹375 + taxes, respectively. Package include unlimited delicious kababs (6-7 different types), Roti, Dal, Biryani and desserts (4-5 different types to choose from) every item listed is unlimited.
Kangan, Plot no 36/3B, Mundhawa Road, Ghorpadi. Indian restaurant (dinner)
La Pizzeria, 361/5, Bund Garden Rd, Camp (Opp E-Square in Hotel Srimaan, +91 20 26133535. Has amazing Italian cuisine, pizzas and garlic bread, and it is run by an Italian. Has a fine-dining ambience.
Mahesh Lunch Home. Hands down wins the top spot for Pune's best seafood.
Malaka Spice, Koregaon Park. Lip smacking Thai and continental food.
Mastani, Sujata Mastani, Nimbalkar Talim Chowk, 1260, Sadashiv Peth, +91 20-24474641. A must have when in Pune. For ice cream lovers. It's like milkshake with icecream.
Nisarg, Nal Stop Junction (Off karve Road. Erandwane serves excellent Malvan/Goan style Sea Food specially crabs & lobsters.
Oh Calcutta, City Point, Dhole Patil Rd.. A fantastic spread of Bengali cuisine.
The Orient, Sun n Sand, NH 4.. Serves authentic Chinese food in a laid-back atmosphere with soft music in the background. Quite similar to the Whispering Bamboo in the Taj.
le plasir, Shop No.4 B, Lane 6 Intersection, Bhandarkar Road, Deccan Gymkhana. A small French bistro, where you can get very delicious pastas and salads. Macroons and eclairs of this place are must to try
Prego, at 36/3-B, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhawa Road, Ghorpadi.
Seasonal Tastes, at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. for buffet and Sunday brunch
Shangrila, 14th Lane, Prabhat Road. Spicy Kolhapuri veg. and non-veg. cuisine. The mutton pickle is worth a try.
Sigree, City Point, Dhole Patil Rd. delicious North Indian food.
Spice Island. serves North Indian cuisine and is ideal for fine dining. There is a live band in the evenings.
Spice Kitchen, Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, +91 66833333. 24.
Taj Blue Diamond, 11, Koregaon Rd, Koregaon Park. This Taj hotel has three restaurants and a bar. Classy and reliable.
Terttulia, South Main Road, Koregaon Park. Impeccable continental fare including pizzas, pastas and steaks served with cocktails in a European-style outdoor cafe.
The Yellow Chilli, Sanskriti Lifestyle Complex, Lane No. 7, Koregaon Park, +91 20 41285454, +91 20 41285757. Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor dishes up a wide variety of interpretations of Maharashtrian and northern Indian cuisines. Choose between the outside veranda with a bar-b-q buffet, or venture into the stylish modern interior for à la carte. The choc chip kulfi is listed as a must try - this is no exaggeration!
The Place - Touche the Sizzler, 7 Clover Center, Moledina Road, Camp Area. The Place is an old stalwart among the sizzler outlets in Pune. Reasonably priced with an old school ambience, they are known for Chicken Sizzlers. Garlic Chicken Strips and Sopa De Catolena are recommended frequently.

Barberque Nation, Kalyani Nagar & Pune Bypass Wakad (Near Indira College. Offers a vast & delicious variety of concept dining menu. Really worth paying for, specially for the unlimited servings of prawns, crabs, chicken, mutton, fish and also equally delicious Veg food. Rotate skewered dishes yourself with grill built into the table. Good 8-10 variety of desserts to finish your meal.

CAD-B Ice-cream Magic, Near Karishma Society, Kothrud, Pune or Opp. Kamala Nehru Park, Bhadarkar Road, Pune.ice cream magic,e-square food court level 2. A must-have when in Pune. For chocolate lovers.

La Dolce Vita, City Point, Dhole Patil Rd.. Serves authentic cuisine from Tuscany, Italy. The menu has an extensive list of Italian wines.

Flags, INOX Multiplex, Bund Garden Rd, Camp. Has a very interesting menu.

Kabab Factory. Package comes in both veg and non-veg formats costing ₹325 and ₹375 + taxes, respectively. Package include unlimited delicious kababs (6-7 different types), Roti, Dal, Biryani and desserts (4-5 different types to choose from) every item listed is unlimited.

Kangan, Plot no 36/3B, Mundhawa Road, Ghorpadi. Indian restaurant (dinner)

La Pizzeria, 361/5, Bund Garden Rd, Camp (Opp E-Square in Hotel Srimaan, +91 20 26133535. Has amazing Italian cuisine, pizzas and garlic bread, and it is run by an Italian. Has a fine-dining ambience.

Mahesh Lunch Home. Hands down wins the top spot for Pune's best seafood.

Malaka Spice, Koregaon Park. Lip smacking Thai and continental food.

Mastani, Sujata Mastani, Nimbalkar Talim Chowk, 1260, Sadashiv Peth, +91 20-24474641. A must have when in Pune. For ice cream lovers. It's like milkshake with icecream.

Nisarg, Nal Stop Junction (Off karve Road. Erandwane serves excellent Malvan/Goan style Sea Food specially crabs & lobsters.

Oh Calcutta, City Point, Dhole Patil Rd.. A fantastic spread of Bengali cuisine.

The Orient, Sun n Sand, NH 4.. Serves authentic Chinese food in a laid-back atmosphere with soft music in the background. Quite similar to the Whispering Bamboo in the Taj.

le plasir, Shop No.4 B, Lane 6 Intersection, Bhandarkar Road, Deccan Gymkhana. A small French bistro, where you can get very delicious pastas and salads. Macroons and eclairs of this place are must to try

Prego, at 36/3-B, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhawa Road, Ghorpadi.

Seasonal Tastes, at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. for buffet and Sunday brunch

Shangrila, 14th Lane, Prabhat Road. Spicy Kolhapuri veg. and non-veg. cuisine. The mutton pickle is worth a try.

Sigree, City Point, Dhole Patil Rd. delicious North Indian food.

Spice Island. serves North Indian cuisine and is ideal for fine dining. There is a live band in the evenings.

Spice Kitchen, Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, +91 66833333. 24.

Taj Blue Diamond, 11, Koregaon Rd, Koregaon Park. This Taj hotel has three restaurants and a bar. Classy and reliable.

Terttulia, South Main Road, Koregaon Park. Impeccable continental fare including pizzas, pastas and steaks served with cocktails in a European-style outdoor cafe.

The Yellow Chilli, Sanskriti Lifestyle Complex, Lane No. 7, Koregaon Park, +91 20 41285454, +91 20 41285757. Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor dishes up a wide variety of interpretations of Maharashtrian and northern Indian cuisines. Choose between the outside veranda with a bar-b-q buffet, or venture into the stylish modern interior for à la carte. The choc chip kulfi is listed as a must try - this is no exaggeration!

The Place - Touche the Sizzler, 7 Clover Center, Moledina Road, Camp Area. The Place is an old stalwart among the sizzler outlets in Pune. Reasonably priced with an old school ambience, they are known for Chicken Sizzlers. Garlic Chicken Strips and Sopa De Catolena are recommended frequently.

Home Delivery, Pune, +91 33006464. Online ordering. Food delivery from over 200 restaurants in Pune. Pay online, or cash on delivery.

Refreshing Indian drinks such as Jal Jeera (a cumin seed drink) and Nimbu Pani (lemon water/soda) are sold on the sidewalk for around ₹5 per glass.

Alcohol is easily available all over town, though most of the bars are in Koregaon Park and upmarket areas. Most bars open in the afternoon and close an hour or two after midnight.

Doolally's The 1st brewhouse.
Hard Rock Cafe, Plot No. 81/82, East Main Road, Koregaon Park Extension, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhwa, +91 20-4015-8888. Open daily noon - 11:30PM.
Shailaja, 1325, Jangali Maharaj Road, Shivaji Nagar, (opposite Surabhi Hotel, +91 20 2553 3754. Wonderful food like Surmai and crab. Place for serious drinkers. Place has been around for 50 years.
Ten Downing Street, City Point Complex, City Bay Building 101&102, Street No 17, Boat Club Road, Sangamvadi.
Thousand Oaks, 2417, East St, Camp., +91 20 2634 3194.
Toons, 26, Wonderland Basement, 7 MG Road, Camp Area, +91 98231 23073.
The Flying Saucer Sky Bar, 9th Floor, Sky Vista Building, New Airport Rd, Viman Nagar, +91 90215 45468.
WTF Bar and Pub, 209, 2nd Floor, Phoenix Market City Mall, East Block, Viman Nagar, +91 77387 33358.
Irish Village Brewery, Mundhwa Road, Opp Raga Lawns, Koregaon Park, +91 20 3016 2282.
Euriska, N Main Rd, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhwa (Next to Koregaon Park Plaza, +91 90491 59911.
Kiva Brew Pub, +91 90146 32125.

Also check out the major hotel bars such as at the Sheraton Grand, Sagar Plaza, JW Marriott, Deccan Rendezvous and The Westin (see below sleep section).

Independence Brewing Company, 79/1, Zero One Complex, Pingale Vasti, Near Passport Seva Kendra, Mundhwa, Pune, Maharashtra 411036.

There is no lack of coffee shops in the city. Some of the restaurants listed above serve good coffee, or head to a branch of the Barista or Cafe Coffee Day chains, both of which have numerous locations around town. The FC Road and MG Road branches of Barista are wi-fi hotspots.

Cafe Good Luck, End of FC Road, +91 20 2567 6893. Oldest Iranian restaurant. Famous for bread items and Mutton Kheema.
Coffee House, M.G. Rd.. Enjoy their Channa Bhathura.
Coffee Stop. Enjoy cold coffee here
Dorabji, FC road (at Goodluck. Famous for coffee and its products. Don't forget to enjoy bun-maska (bread with butter) with Irani tea
Durga, Paud Road. A popular joint for coffee.
Juice World, M.G. Rd/ East St.. Serves wonderful parathas and pav bhaji.

Cafe Good Luck, End of FC Road, +91 20 2567 6893. Oldest Iranian restaurant. Famous for bread items and Mutton Kheema.

Coffee House, M.G. Rd.. Enjoy their Channa Bhathura.

Coffee Stop. Enjoy cold coffee here

Dorabji, FC road (at Goodluck. Famous for coffee and its products. Don't forget to enjoy bun-maska (bread with butter) with Irani tea

Durga, Paud Road. A popular joint for coffee.

Juice World, M.G. Rd/ East St.. Serves wonderful parathas and pav bhaji.

Doolally's The 1st brewhouse.

Hard Rock Cafe, Plot No. 81/82, East Main Road, Koregaon Park Extension, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhwa, +91 20-4015-8888. Open daily noon - 11:30PM.

Shailaja, 1325, Jangali Maharaj Road, Shivaji Nagar, (opposite Surabhi Hotel, +91 20 2553 3754. Wonderful food like Surmai and crab. Place for serious drinkers. Place has been around for 50 years.

Ten Downing Street, City Point Complex, City Bay Building 101&102, Street No 17, Boat Club Road, Sangamvadi.

Thousand Oaks, 2417, East St, Camp., +91 20 2634 3194.

Toons, 26, Wonderland Basement, 7 MG Road, Camp Area, +91 98231 23073.

The Flying Saucer Sky Bar, 9th Floor, Sky Vista Building, New Airport Rd, Viman Nagar, +91 90215 45468.

WTF Bar and Pub, 209, 2nd Floor, Phoenix Market City Mall, East Block, Viman Nagar, +91 77387 33358.

Irish Village Brewery, Mundhwa Road, Opp Raga Lawns, Koregaon Park, +91 20 3016 2282.

Euriska, N Main Rd, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhwa (Next to Koregaon Park Plaza, +91 90491 59911.

Kiva Brew Pub, +91 90146 32125.

Independence Brewing Company, 79/1, Zero One Complex, Pingale Vasti, Near Passport Seva Kendra, Mundhwa, Pune, Maharashtra 411036.

Pune is well covered by mobile phone networks. Idea (GSM), Airtel (GSM), BSNL (GSM),Vodafone (GSM), Tata (GSM/CDMA), Reliance (GSM/CDMA), Telenor (Formerly Uninor) (GSM),Aircel & Reliance JIO (GSM).
To call a Mumbai number, the phone does not require STD. Simply dial 022 followed by the 8 digit number.
STD/ISD booths, which are public pay phones are more or less extinct.
The format of a Pune landline number is +91 20-2xxxxxxx (BSNL) / 3xxxxxxx (Reliance) / 4xxxxxxx (Airtel) / 6xxxxxxx (TATA Indicom)

A large number of internet cafes dot the city. Most private cafes charge about ₹10-₹25 an hour. However, the Reliance World chain of cyber cafes run by Reliance Communications offer fast broadband connections at around a US dollar per hour. There are 8 branches in Pune

Plot 69, Sec 27A, Nigdi.
Plot 19/20, Swajos Complex, Aundh.
Ishwarlal Palace, Plot 293/294, Pimpri.
Hotel Regency, Dhole Patil Rd.
19/20, Rahul Complex, Paud Rd.
917/2A, FC Rd, Deccan Gymkhana.
1358/A, Shukrawar Peth, Bajirao Rd.
Shop 4, Sterling Centre, M.G. Rd, Camp.

Pune is by and large a very safe place. Violent crime is low, although it's important to keep an eye on your belongings in public, as petty theft can occur. Do report any such activity to the police. Keep away from the touts.

Chain-snatching has become the most infamous nuisance. Especially elder women need to be careful. Preventive measure include curbing the desire to wear and flaunt jewelery even in day time.

Locals are by and large friendly and mild mannered, though incidents of mugging have been reported on the outskirts of Pune, especially on highways and desolate stretches. If you face a vehicle breakdown after dark, its best to stay in the vehicle and phone for help.

Although Pune is generally safe for women, it's advisable not to venture out alone into dark and isolated places. Hiring cabs at night without one or more companions is not recommended. Climbing the surrounding hills alone is tempting but unwise-and this goes for both sexes! Having said that, women can confidently walk the streets or visit the shops/pubs/restaurants in the popular residential or commercial areas after sunset.

Driving in Pune is not for the weak-hearted. Like other Indian metros, Pune has seen an virtual explosion in traffic in recent years, and the infrastructure is struggling to keep pace. Lack of discipline especially during overtaking and driving on the wrong side is rampant in the city and on highways. Its common to see rude and impatient drivers at intersections honking away at pedestrians. Enforcement of traffic rules leaves a lot to be desired, unlike Mumbai or other major cities. Road conditions deteriorate especially in heavy traffic areas during monsoon. In 2008, 1,617 people suffered injuries and 477 fatalities in road accidents occurred in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. If you are driving, its a good idea to drive defensively. Be courteous to fellow motorists and maintain lane discipline. Though the helmet rule is not strictly enforced, its always a good idea to wear a helmet while riding a two wheeler.

Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC), Pune Central Building, +91 20-26126867.
Tourist Info Booth, Pune City Station.

Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC), Pune Central Building, +91 20-26126867.

Tourist Info Booth, Pune City Station.

Police -100
Fire -101
Ambulance - 102
Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) - 108
Accident and trauma - 1099

Police -100

Fire -101

Ambulance - 102

Maharashtra Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance) - 108

Accident and trauma - 1099

Bhimashankar — Wildlife Sanctuary
Jejuri — A 49-km drive to the southeast from Pune, this small city's best known landmark is the Khandoba Temple.
Lavasa - Lavasa is a private, planned city being built near Pune. It is stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino, with a street and several buildings bearing the name of that town.
Lohagad — 52 km northwest of Pune, this fort's walls and structures are more intact than other, neighboring forts. The fort rests on the top of a hill and is beautiful in the rainy season.
Lonavla — the second-most visited hill station in Maharashtra. It is on the way from Pune to Mumbai.
Mahabaleshwar — This is the largest hill station in the Sahyadri mountains and is about 115 km southwest of Pune.
Malshej Ghat — Amidst the Sahyadri Hills, it is about a 119-km drive from Pune. This beautiful hill station has many scenic vistas and beautiful waterfalls.
Mulshi — To the west of Pune lies Munshi, near the town of Lonavala. Mulshi and the surroundings are abundant with natural beauty that includes a dam, the hilly region of Sahyadri's deep forests and forts like Dhangad and Koraigadh. The water from the dam is used for generating electricity.
Narayanpur(Purandar Fort) — 40 km southwest of Pune.
Nashik — An ancient holy city about 210 km from Pune.
Neel Kantheshwar — 35 km from Pune, this hill temple is near the source of the Mutha river. At this hill station are hundreds of statues that describe scenes from Hindu scriptures and Puranas. The scenery offers a view of three major dams from its top.
Rajgad — This is a hill fort about 50 km southwest of Pune.
Rajmachi (Udhewadi) — This small village is a roughly 78-km drive from Pune, in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri. There are two forts which were built by Shivaji Emperor during the 17th century. In the rainy season there are giant waterfalls and an abundance of greenery. Rajmachi can be reached by 2 ways, the tough route from Kondivade village, near Karjat, and the other easy but long route from Lonavla. It an excellent place for trekking and is about a 15-km hike from Lonavla.
Shirdi — Shirdi is a town in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra in India. There are many buses connecting Shirdi to Pune which is 200 km away, about a 5-hour trip. Shirdi is where the saint Sai Baba lived till his samadhi in 1918. Today, it is a pilgrimage center and millions of his devotees from all over the world pay their respects each year.
Torna — To reach this fort requires a steep climb. The village Velhe, at the base of the climb, is about 50 km southwest of Pune.
Visapur Fort — It is less than 4 km from Lohagad and about 60 km from Pune.

Alibag
Aakshi
Diveagar
Harihareshwar
Kamshet
Kashid
Lonavala and Khandala
Mahabaleshwar
Matheran
Murud
Nagaon
Shrivardhan

[[Bhimashankar]] — Wildlife Sanctuary

Jejuri — A 49-km drive to the southeast from Pune, this small city's best known landmark is the Khandoba Temple.

[[Lohgad | Lohagad]] — 52 km northwest of Pune, this fort's walls and structures are more intact than other, neighboring forts. The fort rests on the top of a hill and is beautiful in the rainy season.

[[Lonavla]] — the second-most visited hill station in Maharashtra. It is on the way from Pune to [[Mumbai]].

[[Mahabaleshwar]] — This is the largest hill station in the Sahyadri mountains and is about 115 km southwest of Pune.

Malshej Ghat — Amidst the Sahyadri Hills, it is about a 119-km drive from Pune. This beautiful hill station has many scenic vistas and beautiful waterfalls.

Mulshi — To the west of Pune lies Munshi, near the town of [[Lonavala]]. Mulshi and the surroundings are abundant with natural beauty that includes a dam, the hilly region of Sahyadri's deep forests and forts like Dhangad and Koraigadh. The water from the dam is used for generating electricity.

[[Narayanpur]](Purandar Fort) — 40 km southwest of Pune.

[[Nashik]] — An ancient holy city about 210 km from Pune.

Neel Kantheshwar — 35 km from Pune, this hill temple is near the source of the Mutha river. At this hill station are hundreds of statues that describe scenes from Hindu scriptures and Puranas. The scenery offers a view of three major dams from its top.

[[Rajgad]] — This is a hill fort about 50 km southwest of Pune.

Rajmachi (Udhewadi) — This small village is a roughly 78-km drive from Pune, in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri. There are two forts which were built by Shivaji Emperor during the 17th century. In the rainy season there are giant waterfalls and an abundance of greenery. Rajmachi can be reached by 2 ways, the tough route from Kondivade village, near [[Karjat]], and the other easy but long route from [[Lonavla]]. It an excellent place for trekking and is about a 15-km hike from [[Lonavla]].

[[Shirdi]] — Shirdi is a town in the [[Ahmednagar]] district of Maharashtra in India. There are many buses connecting Shirdi to Pune which is 200 km away, about a 5-hour trip. Shirdi is where the saint Sai Baba lived till his samadhi in 1918. Today, it is a pilgrimage center and millions of his devotees from all over the world pay their respects each year.

[[Torna]] — To reach this fort requires a steep climb. The village Velhe, at the base of the climb, is about 50 km southwest of Pune.

Visapur Fort — It is less than 4 km from [[Lohgad | Lohagad]] and about 60 km from Pune.