Getting Lost In Pune For a Whole Day: No GPS, No Guide, Just Pure Adventure
Starting the Day: The Heart of Pune – Shivajinagar
Abandoning the hypothetical adventure for a moment, picture waking up in Shivaji Nagar, one of the buzzing areas of Pune. As a warm up to this imaginary day, going with the flow seems to help. Following the initial stream of people would bring you to a street-side vendor where you could enjoy some freshly brewed tea along with a delicious serving of Vada Pav or Poha. Not only would you be amazed at the rich taste of Maharashtrian food, but your taste buds would be thanking you too.
Continuing on, you will approximately find the Shaniwar Wada, a fortification built by Peshwas in the 18 th century. If you do not have a map, the structure itself will guide you. The Maratha brave stories along with the exquisite architecture and large gates will take you back to that era instantly. You can spend a good hour or two imagining the glory of the Peshwa period and explore the astonishing ruins.
Kasba Peth Exploration
From Shaniwar Wada, you can follow your curiosity to the winding and narrow lanes of Kasba Peth, which is one of the oldest residential regions of Pune. You can reach there by following the ringing of temple bells and the vibrant bazaars. This area is home to the renowned Kasba Ganpati Temple, which is the Ganesh idol of Pune. There are chances you would join the locals in offering prayers and soaking into the spiritual feel.
As you stroll through the captivating alleys, it would be hard to miss the small boutiques selling traditional Maharashtrian clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. There is plenty of vivid color and activity that helps capture the beauty of the market. If you do not have access to a map then you would have to rely on your instinct as a navigational tool, affording you a chance to discover hidden treasures such as a 100-year-old sweet shop and their highly recommended purankachi or shrikhand.
Afternoon: A Hidden Lunch Gem in Koregaon Park
Around noon, there are high chances that your legs will take you to Koregaon Park, a heritage area renowned for its cafes and eclectic shops. You can find many art murals so if you do not have a map, then it is wise to follow the wafts of freshly baked bread. It is easy to lose yourself among the several different cultures that exist in Koregaon Park; sitting in one of the small corner cafes, sipping on a warm beverage while devouring a delicious Mediterranean or Indian dish is irresistible. The place also serves mouth-watering vegan bowls and gourmet burgers.
Once you are done unhinging your jaw, you could walk around savoring the sight of tree-lined streets, beautiful colonial bungalows and contemporary apartments. Mapped or unmapped, you are granted creativity as you wander around with the energy of the area being your best friend and guide. If you are 'lucky' enough you might stumble upon the tranquil space that is Osho International Meditation Resort, a beautiful sanctuary in what seems to be an ever chaotic city.
Evening – Sunset at Sinhagad Fort
If you have an adventurer's heart, you might find it leading you away from the city when the sun begins to set. With no map in hand, you would have to depend on seeing the hills and what the locals tell you. This could take you to the base of Sinhagad Fort – an old fort that sits quite majestically on top of a hill. While the ascent would be tough, the breathtaking views one could capture of Pune city along with the valleys would make it worthwhile.
At the fort, the remains of the battle begin to tell the story of the battle of Sinhagad where Tanaji Malusare, a general of Chhatrapati Shivaji, fought with extreme bravery. The golden color of the sunset along with the cool breeze and the sense of historical significance would culminate in a wonderful evening.
Wrapping Up At FC Road
The vibrant neon signs lighting up throughout the city, signals one thing; it's time to return. There is a good possibility that you are in Fergusson College Road (FC Road) at this very moment. If you do not carry a map, the music and laughter that permeates the atmosphere will effortlessly lead you to the right spot.
With its numerous street performers, cafes, and bookstores, FC Road is a hot spot for students and young professionals alike. It is very likely that you will stumble across a food stall and relish in bhel puri or misal pav. The Blazing spirit of FC Road is exactly what you need to rejuvenate after a long 24 hours of wandering FC Road.
Ending the Day at FC Road
Exploring Pune for 24 hours with no map in hands seems like an exhilarating challenge with surprises to discover and fascinating places to visit. It's a city full of culture and charm. Embracing spontaneity along with a little guidance from the locals and landmarks will ensure you have a wonderful time. Wherever your journey ends, be it a serene cafe, a historic fort, or a bustling market, rest assured the expedition will prove to be enjoyable and fulfilling.
With its alluring past, lively culture, and welcoming hospitality, Pune is a city that invites exploration. Therefore, the next time you are in Pune, why not throw away the map and let the city lead you? You never know what wonderful surprises lie in wait for you.
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