Moving to Pune is no big deal these days. With the best education opportunities, jobs, and residential projects, all the bright and young people from other cities are relocating to the Oxford of the East. Corporate biggies, top universities and colleges, budget and luxury housing, and the shopping hubs are all in Pune, making this young city ideal for those looking for fun and vigor in their lives.
Settling in a new place is always different, and comes with a lot of unique experiences. Pune has its own charm and culture, idiosyncrasies and ways of life. Whether you move to Pune as a student or a professional, these are some of the things you need to know about the city beforehand.
The weather is infinitely better
When you move to Pune, one of the first things you notice is the weather, which is so much better than all other places you’ve been to. Yes, it does get hot in summer, but it’s still much more tolerable than what you’d find in Mumbai. The humidity isn’t bad, it rains often, and the greenery keeps the city cool all the time. Plus, you could always escape to the neighboring hill stations to enjoy some natural beauty.
If you are moving to Pune with school-going children, finding a good educational institution will be no problem at all. There are several well-known and reputed pre-schools and international schools all over Pune, with excellent facilities and trained teachers. Much like most parts of India, school sessions start in June. Some of the best-known schools in Pune are: The Bishop’s School, St Helena’s School, Loyola High School, Symbiosis International School, and the Mercedes-Benz International School. There are premier colleges too, including Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ferguson College, Symbiosis College, BMCC, MIT among many others.
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Getting a two-wheeler is helpful
Even though public transport is available all over the city, it requires dealing with the auto rickshaw drivers and the bus conductors (who never have change). So much so that most people in Pune prefer to have a two-wheeler of their own. A bicycle will help you get around within the locality, but getting a bike or a scooter will take you long distances. Having a license is great and getting one in Pune isn’t too difficult if you know where to look.
Food is never a problem
Pune is a melting pot of different cultures. Therefore, you get all kinds of food here, from Misal-Pav to beef burger. There’s so much to eat that you need more than 24 hours every day to get a fill of everything. Aside from the Vada-Pav, the chaat, the biryani and the Mastani, you have the famous Shrewsbury from Kayani’s and the Bakarwadi from Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale.
Being polite goes a long way
The people in Pune can be arrogant and indifferent sometimes, but being polite goes a long way, as does smiling and addressing people as mama or mausi. From storekeepers to traffic sergeants, calling someone mama or mausi is probably the best life hack you will need in Pune. It will also instantly give you local status.
Knowing a little Marathi is helpful
Although Hindi and English are widely spoken in Pune, there are many people who still understand Marathi better. Arming yourself with a few lines of Marathi will be extremely beneficial, especially when communicating with the shopkeeper, bus drivers, or the traffic police.
Pune is a warm, hospitable place to live in. However, as is the case moving to any new place, Pune is also going to throw up surprises during your stay. Preparing yourself with these tips will make sure your initial days in the city are smooth and pleasant.
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
