Pune Visitor Guide 2023: Everything you need to know

Maharashtra's second city, Pune, is one of India's fastest-growing cities and is a center for the region's industry and manufacturing. Despite rapidly developing into one of the country's most technological cities, Pune also boasts some of the top cultural and historical attractions in western India. Due to the presence of many universities and other educational institutions, Pune is sometimes referred to as the "Oxford of the East."

Whether you're visiting Pune for the weekend or you're spending the summer in the city, you won't be short of activities to keep you entertained, from the city's vibrant nightlife to lavish Hindu temples. Before touring the city, consider keeping your luggage safe by visiting a Pune suitcase storage service with Bounce.

A weekend in Pune

Whisking your significant other away for a weekend in Pune? "The Queen of the Deccan" offers some of the best attractions in Maharashtra and is excellent if you're looking to avoid the bustling streets of Bollywood. Check in at a Pune luggage locker, and then head to one of these popular Pune excursions.

• Learn about Indian history at the Shaniwar Wada. Built during the 17th century, the Shaniwar Wada has historical significance as it served as the seat of the Maratha Empire during the 18th century, until the British East India Company took control of India in 1818. 
• Sample some local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Pune. Some of the most popular places to chow down in the city include Paasha, Chingari, and Feast. 
• Take a tour of the Aga Khan Palace. Originally constructed in the late 19th century under Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III's orders, the Aga Khan Palace is famous for serving as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife during the Indian independence movement.

Pune lockers

Pune is a sprawling city that experiences scorching temperatures, so you may want to travel light unless you’re willing to work up a sweat. Bounce offers the best luggage storage services in Pune, where you can lighten your load before taking a tour of the "Oxford of the East." Check out the Bounce app, and you'll notice several Pune luggage lockers just a stone's throw from the top attractions in the city, where you can securely store your valuables before discovering the best of Pune.

Off the beaten path in Pune

Like most major cities in India, Pune can be hectic, with large crowds flocking to the city's best attractions. Luckily, there are plenty of nature parks and hidden gems in and around Pune where you can escape the busy streets.

• Take a peaceful hike through the Taljai Hills. These lush forested hills are located right at the center of Pune, providing the perfect place for respite without leaving the downtown area.
• Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Pashan lake. Situated to the northeast of Pune, this artificial lake is a favorite location for birdwatching, with dozens of species of migratory birds frequenting the area.
• Be bowled over by the Blades of Glory Cricket Museum. This museum is dedicated to India's favorite sport and features over 38,000 objects from signed bats to World Cup medals. The vast collection also includes personal items belonging to Sachin Tendulkar, Sir Don Bradman, and Sir Viv Richards.

What to do alone in Pune

As one of the IT capitals of India, business professionals will undoubtedly be looking for a way to spend their time in between meetings. Luckily, Pune has plenty of museums and landmarks to keep you entertained during your trip. Keep your bags safe by dropping them at a luggage locker in Pune, and then check out these attractions for solo sightseers.

• Discover exotic animals at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. One of the largest zoos in Maharashtra, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park boasts a variety of rare critters, including sloth bears, Bengal tigers, and 13-foot king cobra.
• Admire the breathtaking Shreemant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple. This lavish temple is dedicated to Ganesh and features an ornate 2-meter-tall Ganesh idol and an extravagant gilded interior.
• Peruse the remarkable collection of artifacts at the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. A private collection once belonging to Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar, the museum contains over 20,000 objects dating back to the 14th century, from swords to puppets to musical instruments. 

The best souvenirs in Pune

India is unlike anywhere else on Earth, from its vibrant culture to delicious foods. To remember your trip to the subcontinent, you'll want to pick up a few mementos. You'll find several street markets across Pune, which are ideal for picking up a unique souvenir. For example, the Fashion Street market is the perfect place to pick up an embroidered saree with over 450 stalls available. 

If you're looking for an Indian artifact, stop off at the Juna Bazar, where you can find everything from ancient coins to antique furniture. One of the most popular markets in Pune is on Laxmi Road and offers an eclectic range of stalls and shops offering designer clothes, cosmetics, roadside snacks, and much more.