An ever-changing kaleidoscope of art, culture and inner-city parks, Pune is host to world-renowned universities and hi-tech IT hubs. It’s also full of ashrams, museums, bustling markets and a historic palace that once imprisoned Mahatma Gandhi.
Things to do in Pune
Start your Pure holiday by visiting Aga Khan Palace, where you can walk in the footsteps of Gandhi and explore an on-site museum displaying photographs and memorabilia depicting his life. Not far from the palace, you can don a robe and practice meditation or yoga inside Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain ashram. Head to the Tribal Cultural Museum for a fascinating look at tribal communities of Maharashtra, complete with musical instruments, jewellery and black-magic objects.
Not for the fainthearted, Katraj Snake Park is home to about 160 species of snakes, including the Brown Palm Civet, a rare King Cobra transported from Sunderbans. Thrill-seekers can descend on Della Adventure, a game park with ATV mud-track racing and zip-lining.
Take a 30-minute drive outside the city to explore Karla Caves, which date back to the 2nd century BC and India’s golden period of Buddhism. You’ll find a Buddhist monastery hidden inside the caves along with a carved prayer hall and sculptures depicting lions, elephants and humans.
Delve deep into modern-day Pune at Tulsi Baug’s market, a somewhat chaotic bazaar selling everything from traditional Maharashtrian clothing to cosmetics and handmade jewellery. Visit Doolally on Tap for German sausages and microbrews. In the evening, splurge on upscale Indian and continental cuisine at Latitude in Koregaon Park.
Getting around Pune
Car rentals, bicycles and motorbikes are common ways to get around Pune. You can also ride a bus or interurban train or flag down a taxi or auto-rickshaw.