As we travel to new places, for whatever reason it may be, no matter for how long, there are always things that we want to find, things that we need, things to do and things to avoid. Now, let's look at Pune. Pune, formerly named Poona, meaning ‘the blessed city’. Situated in the shadows of its big cousin, Mumbai (also known as Bombay), Pune previously known as the place for retirement, away from the craze and buzz of its cousin, presently it broke away from the shakes of this odious comparison, the Pune we see today is full of life, teeming with all the best things that any metropolis offers, gratefully it still retains its old charm. Not surprisingly then, it has been regarded as the cultural capital of Maharashtra (Mumbai as the cousin, didn't take this too well! haha). Pune is home to many religious, spiritual and holistic places, though vast majority being Hindu, there are many different temples, arguably one of the most noble would be Halwai Ganpati temple and Parvati temple, on Parvati hill. Certainly, for anyone interested in more religious places with more historic significance there is; Dakshinamurthy temple, confluence between the Bhima, Indrayani and Bhama; the three rivers, any architecture fan would of course want to see the worlds famous Pataleshwar, the rock-cut temple complex built in the 8th century (Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwarwada, Shri Radha Kunjbihari temple and Lal Mahal is also not to be missed) If you're not religious but spiritually inclined, of course there is the world famous Osho Ashram, named by its founder, it is a huge International Meditations Resort, on the outskirts of the city, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh fondly known as Osho preached ‘free love’ through his teachings, his retreats are one the most popular spiritual retreats, attracting visitors from hundreds of counties, so don't be surprised not to see many locals (that are not staff) there and mostly international crowds. (just be careful with the guys that want to show you magic tricks and if you don't want to give your money away to someone for nothing, walk away and don't make any contact, however if you do want to do something goods using the money you save there, buy some food or water, hand it to the ones you see and are actually in need). There are many public memorials, museums and monuments that you will see spread across the city (e.g. La Deshpande Garden, Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum, War Memorial Museum). Nonetheless, Pune naturally, is home to many environment friendly places, so be sure among the many, to see the Kamala Nehru Park and the Shahu Udyan as the two NOT TO BE MISSED.
Here is where your other senses will open, Food wise, Pune offers vegetarians paradise with many signature dishes known all over the country. (most famous Dabeli- the Indian Burger found sold on street corners across the city but can also be found in hotels and fast-food joints just as easily, definitely try the Misal Pav, and Mastani, a thick dried fruit milkshake (make sure to ask its origin). This and much more will be explained and showed during our amazing Food Tours of Pune, weekly. When it come to the nightlife, please speak to our guides and be sure to join our pub crawl, as there is no better way to find out than to join us in person, the more the merrier, cheeeerrs!