7 reasons why Pune should be your next travel destination

There’s a famous saying in Marathi that goes, ‘Pune tithe kay une,’ which roughly means, ‘Pune lacks nothing.’ And honestly, it’s true, well almost. Sure, Pune doesn't have a sea (hi, Mumbaikars!), but who needs salty air? Pune offers buttery Puneri misal and a cultural vibe that makes every other city feel like it’s trying too hard. In true Puneri fashion, this blog pays homage to Pune and its people, complete with the sarcasm and unapologetic honesty that make this city one of a kind.

Let’s understand why ‘Pune is jagaat bhari’ and why it should be your next spot to visit.

It’s full of rich history and culture

Remember the epic Bollywood movie Bajirao Mastani? With the grand sets, dramatic dialogues and beautiful depiction of Maharashtrian culture, it was, without a doubt, a masterpiece! Do you want to experience this kind of peshwai (lavishness)? Then you HAVE to visit Pune, where the real history actually happened.

Pune is like walking through a history book, but with a side of sass. Take Shaniwar Wada, for instance. It’s not just a historic fort; it’s the place for spooky ghost stories (yes, people say you can still hear Narayanrao’s screams at night). Then there’s Saras Baug, where Punekars go to chill and offer prayers to the talyatla ganpati (Ganpati Bappa temple in the lake), followed by a mandatory plate of bhel.

But wait, Pune isn’t just about monuments; it’s also about the Puneri vibe. From the thunderous beats of Puneri dhol to boys confidently rocking those bhikbali earrings, it’s a whole mood. Oh and the legendary Puneri Marathi accent, it’s an emotion. Visit Pune and experience Maharashtrian culture in its most authentic and vibrant form!

Visit the historic Shaniwar Wada in Pune for a glimpse into the glory of the Maratha Empire.

Because the weather is always perfect

Let’s talk about the weather, shall we? Situated at the foothills of Sahyadri mountains, Pune is blessed with pleasant weather all year round. Mornings are cool enough for a cup of chai on the balcony, afternoons are breezy (without drenching you in sweat. Yes, that’s a dig at Mumbai, hehe!), and nights? Nights are straight-up cozy. Pune has nailed that sweet spot perfectly. For travellers, this means endless exploring without worrying about melting in the heat or layering up like an onion. Just grab your backpack and you’re good to go!

A scenic view of the Sahyadri mountain range, the secret behind Pune’s pleasant weather!

For the delicious Maharashtrian food

Pune is perfect for a full-on feast! From the legendary Misal Pav that brings the perfect combo of spice and crunch to the creamy, dreamy Mastani (a milkshake so thick it’s practically a meal), every bite here is pure bliss. Don’t forget the Bhakarwadi (Preferably from Chitale’s), the ultimate snack for every Punekar, or the Sabudana Vada that’s so good, you’ll forget it’s meant for fasting. Oh, and if you haven’t had a plate of Puran Poli or a steaming hot Vada Pav from a roadside stall, are you even doing Pune right? Foodies, consider this your personal paradise! To know more about the food in Pune, refer to our food blog here.

Try the velvety Mastani, a milkshake so indulgent it’s almost too good to be true! (Credits- @eatthestreet)

For Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Bappa!

If nothing else, do it for Bappa, yaar! The iconic Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is one of the most respected in Pune. The temple is absolutely grand, with Bappa decorated in stunning gold jewellery and a beautiful, elaborate setup that draws thousands of devotees every year, especially during Ganeshotsav. This temple has a heartfelt history. Dagdusheth Halwai, a sweet merchant, established it in the 1890s after losing his son during a plague epidemic, which led to the temple's creation, seeking solace through devotion. Today, it’s more than just a place of worship; it’s a cultural landmark where people come to pray, enjoy music, and seek blessings. Oh, and don’t miss the prasad, it’s famous for all the right reasons!

Seek blessings from the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati bappa!

Because they’ve jagaat bhari ‘Puneri patya’

Punekars have mastered the art of delivering messages in the shortest, most brutally honest, and straightforward way possible! ‘Puneri Patya,’ which literally means Pune’s signposts, are more than just warnings, they’re packed with a casual sass that’s hilarious, not threatening. You’ve got to check out these examples of Puneri Patya; they’re not just witty but downright iconic! (Insert examples below)

Funny and sassy Puneri Paati (Credits- @puneri_patya_official)

The above board literally means don’t play any kind of “games” in the park, subtly addressing the park couples

Funny and sassy Puneri Paati (Credits- @puneri_patya_official)

Funny and sassy Puneri Paati (Credits- @puneri_patya_official) 

The above board literally means- not sure if sharing a plate of Misal will double the love, but it will definitely add Rs.30 to your bill!

Funny and sassy Puneri Paati (Credits- @puneri_patya_official) 

Above board means - Our Shantanu is in 10th standard this year don’t call to play

Funny and sassy Puneri Paati (Credits- @puneri_patya_official) 

This one is not a board but the message is on a dust covered car and it says “Mala pusa nahitar vika!” meaning either clean me or sell me, hillarious!

Because nature is just a thought away

Another reason to visit Pune? Well, here, nature is just a thought away! There are so many places in and around the city where you can slow down and take a breather. Looking for a peaceful escape? Go to Parvati Hill and inhale some fresh air. You’ll have to climb a little, but it’s totally worth it for the views, dude! Sinhagad? Oh, that’s where you hike to feel all heroic like Tanaji Malusare, only to end up at a food stall for piping hot kanda bhaji and chilled taak. For a quick break, head to Khadakwasla Lake, perfect for a chai-and-chat session. And if you’re up for a longer drive, Lonavala and Mulshi are right around the corner. Basically, wherever you look, there’s greenery calling you to chill and relax!

Don't miss the stunning views from the top of Sinhagad fort 

For the love of shopping!

If you haven’t been to Tulshibaug in Pune, you’re seriously missing out! It’s the city’s one-stop shopping solution where everything you need, from trendy clothes to quirky antiques, sparkling jewellery to local spices, is available. Bargain for the best deals or just enjoy the street vibes, because Tulshibaug knows how to keep you hooked!

Pro tip: While you’re busy shopping, don’t forget to take darshan of Ganpati Bappa! This is the ‘manacha chautha Ganpati’ (4th most respected Ganpati of Pune). The shopkeepers of Tulshibaug believe that Bappa is the reason for their flourishing business. The 14-feet tall idol in the temple is a total showstopper, especially during Ganeshotsav when thousands of devotees flock here.

Other iconic shopping spots in Pune include Laxmi Road for some serious retail therapy, MG Road for a more laid-back vibe and Fergusson College Road for quirky buys and casual strolls. Seriously, if you’ve got a shopping itch, Pune’s markets have got your back!

Tulshi Baug- Pune’s go-to market for budget-friendly shopping (Credits- @iya.iya.oo)

How to reach Pune?

We hope we’ve enticed you enough to pack your bags and head to Pune. But wait, how will you get here? Don’t worry! We’ve done the research so that you don’t have to!

By road: From Mumbai, it’s a breezy 3-4 hour drive along the scenic Mumbai-Pune Expressway. A lot of people take a road trip in their own car. You can also book a private cab through apps like Ola or Uber. Another option is popular buses like Shivneri and Neeta, which are comfortable and frequent. If you're traveling from Bangalore, you can opt for private buses with both A/C and non-A/C options available.

By train: Several trains connect Mumbai to Pune daily, including the Deccan Queen, Indrayani Express and Pragati Express. If you're traveling from Delhi, trains like the Sampark Kranti Express or Jhelum Express are good options. From Bangalore, you can take the Udyan Express or Sanghamitra Express, which connect to Pune in around 12-14 hours.

By flight: All the major cities are connected to Pune International Airport, making it a quick and convenient option to reach the city.

We could go on and on about why Pune deserves a spot on your travel list, but honestly, no blog can do it justice. So here’s a thought, why not pack your bags and experience it yourself? Explore the history, enjoy the food, vibe with the culture and find your own reasons to fall in love with the city. Oh, and don’t stress about where to stay. With The Hosteller Pune, your accommodation is totally sorted, bro! Just keep an eye out for the launch date, and we’ll see you here!