Pune
IndiaAw
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
केला टिळक सहसा होतू | One who hopes is a fool (Marathi proverb)
Why visit
Pune offers a far more relaxed introduction to India than Mumbai. Visit Shaniwar Wada, the burned-out gate complex of the Peshwa palace, and the exquisite Aga Khan Palace where Mahatma and Kasturba Gandhi were imprisoned. The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum holds 20,000+ items of everyday Indian art. Use Pune as a base for the Sahyadri Mountains' monsoon waterfalls and Maratha hill forts (Sinhagad, Rajgad, Lohagad). The Osho International Meditation Resort still draws spiritual seekers, and the city's craft beer scene, German Bakery cafe culture, and modern dining are excellent.
When to avoid
Pune's traffic is notoriously chaotic, use Uber or Ola rather than driving. Air quality plummets in winter (October to February). Skip street food unless from a busy stall. Avoid the Mumbai to Pune Expressway during fog season. Be cautious around the Camp/MG Road area at night. Don't visit during monsoon's peak (July to August) if you can't tolerate constant rain. Pickpocketing is common on local trains and at Pune Junction station.