Business Traveller Guide to Pune, India

Staying in Pune, India

Once the powerful centre of the Maratha Empire, Pune has evolved into one of India's most dynamic and fastest-growing cities. Often referred to as the "Oxford of the East", a title coined by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Pune is home to many prestigious educational institutions. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage combined with its booming centre for technology and the automobile industry, Pune is the ideal modern business hub. 

Visiting Pune, India - Key Information

Weather in Pune

Pune has a hot climate, experiencing three seasons: Summer (March to May, which reaches 23°C), Monsoon (June to September), which has the wettest months, and Winter (October to February). Typically, tourists favour visiting during the winter months when the weather is coolest and driest, ranging from 12-19°C - optimal for exploring Pune's iconic architecture.  

We'd recommend wearing modest clothing made from breathable fabrics like linen or cotton to help stay cool, covering shoulders and knees particularly when visiting religious sites. 

Currency in Pune

Rupee (INR) ₹ 

The official currency in Pune is the Indian rupee. Banknotes range in value from rarer 5-rupee notes to 2000-rupee notes. Coins come in denominations of 1 to 10-rupees, along with 40 paisa coins, but paisa are rarely used as 1 rupee is worth 100 paisa. 

It's worthwhile to withdraw cash before traveling to save you time and extra fees. Having some cash on hand is essential for exploring, especially in local markets or smaller establishments, though most mainstream restaurants and shops do accept cards. 

There are plenty of ATMs available throughout the city which typically have a withdrawal limit of 10,000 INR (around £88) – these are preferred to the expensive exchange rates at airports. When using ATMs in Pune, always choose to be charged in rupees to get the best exchange rate as opting for your home currency can lead to additional charges! 

Health & Well-being in Pune

Pune offers plenty of gyms and sports clubs, just take your pick based on what's nearby! There are also many yoga and Pilates classes, giving you no shortage of options to relax and recharge. If you're looking for more unconventional ways to unwind, try float therapy and meditation at the Shalom Float and Wellness Centre to destress after a long day. 

Exploring Pune on foot is a fantastic way to stay active while soaking in the city's charm. With impressive attractions like the Aga Khan Palace, and the Pataleshwar Cave Temple around every corner, why not explore? Nature lovers can head to one of the city's many green spaces, such as Sarasbaug-Peshwe Park, a perfect spot for a family outing, or the tranquil Pu La Deshpande Garden, known for its scenic trails and calming water features. To explore Pune's culture, visiting the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Temple offers a chance to marvel at its impressive Ganesha statue and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Data in Pune

Keeping connected is important for business travel to Pune, India. Airtel and Vodafone Idea are two network providers known as having the strongest and most reliable 4G network coverage across Pune.  

The TRAI MySpeed app is a surefire way to test your data speed before going – simply input information such as the provider and area you are visiting and see the average speed rates for your chosen parameters. 

Depending on the length of your business trip to Pune, international roaming on your phone network may be an option worth checking out. Additionally, travel SIM's can be purchased at the airport upon arrival in Pune – simply bring your passport and serviced apartment address to the check-out!  

Plug Type: Type C, D, and M

Emergency Contact Numbers in Pune
 

In case of an emergency on your business trip to Pune, these are the key numbers to know: 

100 or 112 for the police 

108 for ambulance services 

104 for the fire brigade 

Cuisine in Pune

Pune is famed for its diverse cuisine, especially its street food. The city offers a wide range of Maharashtrian dishes, with many must-try items that you don't want to miss. 

For savoury meals, Misal Pav, a spicy lentil curry served with bread, and Vada Pav, a deep-fried potato patty in a bun, are local favourites. For those with a sweet tooth, Shrikhand, a creamy yogurt-based dessert, is extremely popular. Whilst you may have had Anjeer (AKA figs) before, they are renowned in Pune and with benefits including improving heart health and digestion, what’s not to like? 

There are many excellent restaurants to explore, here are our top pics: 

Best range: Malaka Spice, founded in 1997 by a couple, this gorgeous restaurant offers Pan-Asian cuisine and an al fresco experience.  

Best on-the-go option: Marz-O-Rin, a local favourite with a casual café atmosphere serving sandwiches, burgers, and vegan options. 

Best for an evening drink: Elephant and Co. – perfect for a lively evening with live music, karaoke, and great cocktails. 

Speaking the Language in Pune, India

The official language of Pune is Marathi, but Hindu and English are largely understood and spoken too. Despite English being widely used, you may encounter difficulty talking to taxi drivers or local shopkeepers – here are a few phrases to help you along the way: 

'Namaskar' – this is a common friendly greeting, farewell, and gesture of respect used across Pune. 

'Maaf kara' – this means 'sorry' or 'excuse me', used to apologise or seek forgiveness. 

'Dhanyavad' - meaning 'thank you', a really simple way to show some understanding of everyday Marathi. 

'Subha divasa' – a general greeting meaning 'good day' 

A major festival in Pune is Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated with great enthusiasm around August and September each year. During which, you may hear 'Ganpati Bappa Morya', a phrase chanted to praise Lord Ganesha. 

If visiting during Diwali in October, a common greeting to know is 'Shubh Diwali', meaning 'Happy Diwali'.  

Transport in Pune - Getting Around Pune, India

Pune is a well-connected city with varying ways to get around. For public transport, PMPML runs an expansive bus network which is economical but unreliable, or there is also the metro. To live like a local, you can take a trip in a registered auto-rickshaw (a three wheeled vehicle), which are inexpensive and can be ordered from one of the 540 designated stands across Pune. 

Cars can be easily rented across Pune as well as from the airport, and for one off journeys, Taxis are abundant, with Garud Cabs Service being well rated with a large service and speedy pick-up times. Business travellers to Pune also have the option of using the popular transport app, Uber. Traffic in the city, especially the centre, can be quite heavy, so it’s good to factor this into travel times. 

Pune Map

Now that you've read up on the basics for business travel to Pune, browse our range of serviced apartments in Pune or, get in touch with one of our friendly experts who will help you find the best accommodation to suit your preferences and requirements.