Pune is a city that maintains the fine line between tradition and modernity, located in the Western Ghats of India. Pune is the land of education and called as an “Oxford of the East” because of multiple educational institutes but apart from students Pune has more vibrancy with culture, history and food. Pune, a city that effortlessly blends history with modern-day vibrancy, beckons travelers big and small to discover its hidden gems. It is one of the most visited places in India, not only because of its scenic beauty but also because rich heritage. Come, grab a bag, and explore the flavourful culture of Pune with me!
How to have Culture and Local Experience of Pune
The culture of Pune is a tapestry woven with threads of history, art, and tradition. The best way to know this is simply by indulging yourself in the cultural traditions and festivals of the city. Ganesh Chaturthi — A grand festival that the city celebrates! During this time, streets become vibrant displays of elaborate ornaments; music and laughter fill the air while devotees are giving praise. During this time, if you happen to be in town, you must not miss the enthusiastic processions and the delight of relishing modaks that are traditionally sweet dumplings offered to Lord Ganesha.
Pune also has a host of cultural establishments other than festivals. For a peek into the artistry of Indian craftsmen, head to the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum which has an impressive collection of everything from musical instruments to textiles. On top of that, the Pune International Film Festival is also going on, with thousands of cinephiles checking out the city. A great time to be in town.
If you are looking for a hands-on experience, join a local cooking class or a heritage walk. You get to learn about the daily lives of Pune citizens, and hey, you might also learn a few Marathi words along the way!
Must-Try Cuisine
Ah, the food! Foodies, there is no other place quite like this city — where diversity reflects its heritage. Begin your culinary expedition with some Misal Pav, a spicy curry with soft bread rolls, best when served at the legendary ‘Shivaji Nagar Misal’. A hearty burger alternative in Pune is another item you have to eat called Vada Pav. Check this local favorite near ‘Anand Stall’ besides VIT College.
You can never leave Pune without eating Bakarwadi, A crispy, spicy snack which is a perfect companion for tea. To round off on a sweet note, go to ‘Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale’ for their signature Puran Poli and if you still have space in the tummy — Karanji*!
To know more about what to eat while in Pune, you can read Thrillophilia laid down a complete guide on food that one must try in Pune [8] and Nikhil Kumar has shared an amazing vlog of his food journey together with an appetizing YouTube video; the dish he tried as well.
Shopping Spots
Shopping in Pune is as lively and spirited as the city itself. From light textiles to handmade pottery, it has items both traditional and modern for all tastes. The real journey for shopping begins at the famous marketplace of Laxmi Road, known for its vibrancy in textile and jewelry shops. Sarees—beautiful sarees for perfect souvenirs
– For Handicrafts visit FC Road local artisans are available here for many handmade works from pottery to woodwork. For something more trendy, head to Phoenix Marketcity, home to a blend of high-street fashion and luxe brands.
Do visit the Tulsi Baug Market for iconic Maharashtrian artifacts, bangles and accessories at affordable prices. To travel deeper [here] and find hidden gems, visit the shopping guide on TripAdvisor.
Suggestions for Getting the Most Out of Your Pune Trip
- Travel Smart: A good tip, is to book your flight tickets and hotels via sites such as MakeMyTrip or Cleartrip or EaseMyTrip. This helps you waste less time and also involves finding the maximum deals.
- Local Transport:Rickshaws and buses — Pune is a well-connected city. What about going through lyf or zha to book rides?
- It can get hot especially in summer too, so stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring.
- Tip #03: Talk With Local If you meet the friendly locals just never hesitate to start a conversation with them. They can give you tips on places to eat or visit.
- Check Out Memories:Architecture and beauty of Pune is Instagram worthy. Be sure to click a lot of photos, especially at the Ganesh Festival!!!
- Draft your itinerary: While flexibility is a great thing, you need to make a rough itinerary that will help you cover more places and keep you from missing out on the key attractions.
Pune — Pune is a city that calls you to explore its culture, food and shopping. From history lovers to foodies or shoppers, there is something unique Pune has in store for you.
So why wait? Plan your adventure in this great city today!
Meanwhile, do check out the amazing YouTube channel Travel with Riya for her Pune experiences and travel tips along with fabulous places to explore in different parts of India by Exploring India. Happy travels!
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