Pune, Maharashtra’s Cultural Capital
Layout and Cityscape
peths or districts into which the city is still divided were begun under the Marathas in the 17th Century. Pune’s old core – referred to as the ‘Old City’ – dates from this era. The area’s most ancient neighbourhood is the Kasba Peth , which is located on the banks of the Mutha. Here, newcomers can explore the Shaniwar Wada and some of the city’s earliest fortifications. Expanding outward from this spot, travellers will find that the bulk of Pune’s attractions are located directly south and east of this district, towards Koregaon Park, with the city’s Aga Khan Palace positioned across from this area.
The Sights of Central Pune
saris and jewellery. Peace is at a premium in central Pune, but Osho Garden – which features its own ashram – offers respite from the city. For those interested in 20th Century Indian history, the nearby Aga Khan Palace is worth a visit. Gandhi was interned here in the 1940s and the building now houses an exhibition on the Indian freedom movement and a memorial to the country’s founding father.
Restaurants, Bars and Hotels in Pune
Panipuri and the multi-layered bhel puri are the favoured street snacks here, but the city also offers a huge range of pan-Asian and foreign fare. When it comes to bars, again, the Fergusson College Road and Koregaon Park areas as well as the East Street/Mumbai Highway district are your best bet for a night out. In terms of accommodation – as with its eateries – Pune’s hotels offer something for everyone. Swanky global chains dot the Koregaon Park area, but for something different, look toward Pune’s Fergusson College Road for independent hotel options. This area offers a selection of cheaper accommodations as well as a handful of B&Bs, making it popular with travellers looking for a budget hotel in Pune.
Pune Excursions