Pune guide- Everything you need to know before coming to Pune

"Pune - Jo ithe aala, ithlach jhala." This Marathi quote translates to: "Whoever came here, became one with this place." Curious why? Read on to find out!

The world knows Pune as the Oxford of the East, the IT hub. Pune is not just an IT hub or educational center; it’s also a city rich in culture and heritage. So, if you're shifting to Pune for studies, a job, or just want to explore the city, here's the ultimate guide about Pune: what to eat, where to stay, the culture, and everything you need to know about this city.

What makes Punekars jagaat bhari?

• They sleep between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, no matter what happens. You'll see quieter roads and shops shut down in the afternoon.
• They have shortcut codes for everything: SPDP (Sev Puri-Dahi Puri), FC Road (Fergusson College Road), KP (Koregaon Park), and more.
• Punekars learn sarcasm in school. Especially senior citizens! You'll spot Puneri Patya (instruction boards) full of sarcasm and taunts.

Funny Puneri Paati (Credits- @puneri_patya_official) 

Come home once, which means come home just once

• Pune runs on two-wheelers. From college students zipping around on scooters to senior citizens on cycles, you'll see more two-wheelers than cars on the road. (They often drive recklessly, so stay alert on the roads.) 
• You’ll always get the most direct route when asking for directions. Instead of saying, "Take the next left, and you'll reach," they'll send you on a mini treasure hunt. If you ask, "How far is it?" they'll say, "Bas samorach aahe" (It’s just ahead), which might mean 2 kilometers!

Where to stay in Pune?

There are many options to confuse you, from hotels and hostels to homestays. But why be confused? Arrey mitra, The Hosteller is here for you! Here’s why you should choose The Hosteller:

• We are budget-friendly.
• You will get to meet many travelers like yourself and explore the city with them.
• We are at a prime location, easily accessible from major hubspots of Pune.

Dorm rooms of The Hosteller

How to reach Pune?

As a tier-1 city, traveling to Pune is easy and convenient. There are several ways to reach the city:

By air
Flights might be the most expensive option, but they’re better for those traveling long distances. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, located about 30 minutes from the city center.

By road
Pune has excellent road connectivity to major cities, with well-maintained highways. However, traffic within the city (city mein) can be quite heavy.

By bus
There are Maharashtra government AC, non-AC, and sleeper buses available with great frequency. You can find buses from major tier-1 and tier-2 cities almost every hour and from remote locations with slightly less frequency.

By train
Pune Junction Railway Station connects the city to all major destinations across India. If you’re coming from far, a train can often be a better option than flights or buses in terms of comfort and cost.

How long should you plan for?

A 3-day trip is usually enough to explore the city and nearby tourist attractions (check out our blog about the Pune itinerary). However, if you want to dive deeper into Pune’s culture and cuisine, you’ll need a week.

When to visit Pune?

There’s no specific time to visit Pune—the weather is always pleasant! However, if you plan to explore nearby places like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and others, it’s best to visit during the monsoon or winter seasons.

Puneri cuisine

Pune's food scene is primarily vegetarian, influenced by Brahmin and Maratha cooking styles. However, a few non-vegetarian dishes like Mutton or Chicken Sukka are delicious and worth trying. Here, we’re diving into the traditional dishes cooked in a typical Puneri household. If you want to explore street food, read our blog, Local Street Food and Cafe Guides!

Fun fact: Punekars love peanuts. From curries to Misal, Poha, Salads, and Chutneys, Punekars add shengdana (peanuts) to almost everything. So, if you’re allergic to peanuts—good luck!

Bhakri

Though Pune doesn’t grow its crops, jowar and bajra are widely grown in the surrounding areas. As a result, jowar and bajra bhakri are common in Puneri households.

Bharli Vangi

Bharli vangi is made with small brinjals stuffed with a flavorful mix of peanuts, onions, and spices. Pair it with bhakri and kadhi for a wholesome meal.

Bharli Vangi

Indrayani rice

Once you try this, you will forget about basmati rice. Slightly sticky, sweet, and aromatic, it’s perfect with non-veg curries or amti (a tangy, spiced lentil curry).

Zunka and Pithla with Bhakri

They are like siblings—both are gram flour-based dishes cooked with onions, chilies, and garlic. They’re simple to make and taste amazing with bhakri.

Delicious Zunka Bhakri and Thecha

Gavran Chicken / Mutton

“Gavran” means village-style. Slow-cooked meat with dry spices, onion, and coconut. It's rich, smoky, and pairs beautifully with bhakri.

Hurda party

Hurda is an early-stage crop of tender jowar. The stalks are roasted and served with chutney made from coconut, garlic, and red chilies. It’s a delightful gathering around a campfire—a unique experience not to be missed. You’ll need to pre-book your session for this, as it usually takes place in restaurants outside the city.

Preparation for Hurda party

These are just a few dishes you must try, but we know there are plenty more we haven’t mentioned. So, head to any khanawal (authentic eatery) in Pune and explore everything on their menu.

Festivals and events 

Since the city has a rich history, so Punekars are always enthusiastic about events.

Gudi Padwa

Gudi Padwa marks the New Year for Maharashtrians. On this day, a gudi is hung at the entrance or balcony of houses. A gudi is a bamboo stick draped with a silk cloth, adorned with a kalash (copper or silver pot) and sweets on top. You’ll also witness vibrant rallies across the city.

Gudi Padwa celebration in Pune

Diwali

The city lights up beautifully during the 3–4 days of Diwali. Just grab a scooty and roam around to soak in the festive vibes. Don’t forget to try the delicious Faral (traditional snacks prepared especially during Diwali).

Here are two events you shouldn’t miss during Diwali:

• Diwali Pahat
  A cultural music program is held at various venues like Sarasbaug, Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, and Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium.
•  Deepotsav
  The festival is held at Sarasbaug and Shaniwar Wada. The lawns are lit with thousands of diyas and adorned with huge rangolis across the floor.
  Note: This event happens early in the morning. People arrive as early as 3:30 AM, and the space fills up quickly.

Deepotsav at Shaniwar Wada

Ganeshotsav

Ganeshotsav in Pune is an unparalleled experience, with iconic celebrations at pandals like Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati and Tulsibaug Ganesh Mandal. Originally, it was a private affair celebrated at home, but Lokmanya Tilak, who organized the first Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in Pune in 1893, transformed it into a public festival. Since then, the celebration has grown massively.

Here are some iconic Ganesh pandals you shouldn’t miss:

• Kasba Ganpati
• Tambdi Jogeshwari
• Tulsibaug Ganesh Mandal
• Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati

Ganpati visarjan

Bhimthadi Jatra

This is a rural cultural flea market that celebrates rural aesthetics It’s a platform where women showcase their skills in handicrafts, souvenirs, textiles, music, and food. You’ll experience Maharashtrian culture through events, folk dances, shopping, and delicious authentic Maharashtrian food.

That's all about Pune. But wait—there’s so much more to explore here! You need to visit to experience everything this city has to offer. And as we said earlier, Jo ithe aala, ithlach jhala.

And if you’re still unsure about planning a trip, check out our blog, "7 Reasons Why Pune Should Be Your Next Travel Destination."

See you at The Hosteller Pune!