Are you joining us in Pune this November for the Global Sanitation Economy Summit 18-21 November? We brought together the greatest minds we know in Pune to compile this list of must-see and must-taste experiences in Pune India. If you haven’t yet booked your flights – be sure you allocate some time for exploration!
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN PUNE, INDIA (when not at the Global Sanitation Economy Summit)
1. Visit Great State Brewery on an open house Sunday. This local brewery works sustainability to provide new and interesting beers to the community, while championing beer brewed from millets, a common Indian grain.
2. Aga Khan Palace was built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III to aid the poor in Pune after a famine. It is famous for its beautiful architecture and served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai and Sarojini Naidu. It is also the place where Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai died.
3. Garden Centre Vada Pav is always bustling with people, this food joint sells close to about 2,000 vada pavs a day, and has been an unbeatable local favorite since 1972.
4. Visit Corinthians the oldest brew pub in India and taste Dolally on tap
5. Over 286-year-old, Shaniwar Wada continues to be a reflection of the proud Maratha empire. Built in 1732, Shaniwar Wada was the magnificent seven-story capital building of then Maratha Empire. Despite several fires, Shaniwar Wada continues to be one of the greatest architectural masterpieces in Indian history.
6. The world’s best mawa cake and Shrewsbury biscuits can be found at Kayani Bakery. This bakery has been opened for decades and is a favorite among Pune locals.
7. Being the throne of the Peshwa dynasty, Pune is peppered with old historical places which are of tremendous architectural and sentimental significance. Pune’s rich culture owes much to the Maratha and Peshwa dynasty. Located near Shaniwar Wada, Nana Wada is one of the oldest heritage sites in Pune city. Built in 1780, the Wada is almost entirely constructed with timber. The highlights of this Wada include timber ceiling, arches, carved patterns on the wall and ceiling, columns which look like Cyprus trees.
8. OSHO ashram is a resort for meditation and yoga – located on a lush green 32 acre campus in Koregaon Park. It is a delightful place to learn and practice meditation. Address: 17, 1st lane, Koregaon Park, Pune
9. Pataleshwar Temple carved into rock and nestled in the heart of Pune, the ancient Pataleshwar cave temple on JM Road has been featured in the Guinness Book Of World Records for a grain of rice with 5,000 characters inscribed on it.
10. Visit Tulsi-baug (next to it is Mahatma Phule Mandi) the oldest vegetable/fruit market in the city
BONUS recommendation: Eat a traditional Bun Maska and Chai at Irani Café or Cafe Goodluck.
