Pune

Drink

Hindavi Swarajya Fruits & Juices, JM Road, Opposite to JM mandir.

Refreshing Indian drinks such as Jal Jeera (a cumin seed drink) and Nimbu Pani (lemon water/soda) are sold on the sidewalk for around ₹5 per glass. Alcohol is easily available all over town, though most of the bars are in Koregaon Park and upmarket areas. Most bars open in the afternoon and close an hour or two after midnight. Also check out the major hotel bars such as at the Sheraton Grand, Sagar Plaza, JW Marriott, Deccan Rendezvous and The Westin.

Sleep

Pune offers a wide range of accommodation options suitable for all budgets, from simple guesthouses to luxury hotels. Travellers can choose between lively neighbourhoods like Koregaon Park and Viman Nagar, business‑focused districts such as Hinjawadi and Baner, or central areas like Shivajinagar and Deccan that provide easy access to major attractions and transport links. Prices vary widely depending on the season, with higher demand during festivals, conferences, and university admissions, so booking ahead is often advisable.

A double room tends to be priced at US$200-400 per night. During the lean season, good discounts are available.

Stay safe

Pune is by and large a very safe place. Violent crime is low, although it's important to keep an eye on your belongings in public, as petty theft can occur. Do report any such activity to the police. Keep away from the touts and beggars. At times, on Fergusson Road, JM Road or in touristy places, plain-clothed people may approach you, pretending to be tourists who ran out of money or missed their bus or train, asking for money to buy a ticket to go home or to feed their children (who may be accompanying them). Most likely it is going to be a scam. A polite but firm "No" will suffice to get rid of them.

Chain-snatching has become the most infamous nuisance. Elderly women need to be particularly careful. Preventive measures include not wearing jewellery even in the daytime.

Locals are by and large friendly and mild-mannered, though incidents of mugging have been reported on the outskirts of Pune, especially on highways and desolate stretches. If you face a vehicle breakdown after dark, it's best to stay in the vehicle and phone for help.

Although Pune is generally safe for women, it's advisable not to venture out alone into dark and isolated places. Hiring cabs at night without one or more companions is not recommended. Climbing the surrounding hills alone is tempting but unwise-and this goes for both sexes! Having said that, women can confidently walk the streets or visit the shops/pubs/restaurants in popular residential or commercial areas after sunset.

Driving in Pune i…

Respect

Attitudes in Pune are liberal. The city used to be very traditional and conservative, but times have changed. The city is not the conservative small town of old but now is a much more open-minded developed city.