A Digital Nomad Guide to Pune

Pune Visa

With more than 5 types of visas available for foreigners, travelling to India has become quite easy. The most common one that travellers and digital nomads opt for is the tourist visa. However, if you wish to stay in the country for longer and work here, you must apply for an employment or business visa.

The application form for an Indian visa is easily available online on the government’s website. There is a non-refundable fee that is charged at the time of submission; however, this doesn’t guarantee you a visa. The fee depends on the type of visa and duration of your stay. The visa takes at least three working days to be approved. A valid passport and a photo identification card are required. 

The entire procedure is completed digitally, eliminating the need for you to visit visa offices or embassies. If your visa expires and you still want to stay in the country, you can apply for an extension online.

If you believe that the visa procedures are too difficult, you can always out-source the work. There are numerous organisations that can assist you in obtaining an Indian visa. They will, however, charge you an additional fee to complete the work.

These procedures change depending on the situation and country of the visa applicant. Before making a move, make sure you check the website or with the embassy.

Culture and Food in Pune

Maharashtrians love spicy food and so do Punekars! Every meal is prepared with lots of chillies along with coconut and garlic. Some of the popular dishes include but are not limited to Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Bakarvadi, Alu Vadi, Sabudana Khichdi, Varan Bhat, and Puran Poli. You’ll find at least one of these meals prepared at any occasion or festival. What can I say? The locals are as obsessed about their food as they are about their culture. A famous milkshake called Mastani, named after a Queen of the Peshwas is a drink you must-try while you’re in the city!

The most popular festival of the city is Ganesh Chaturthi which is celebrated with much grandeur. The Chaturshringi Fair is another important one which is hosted during the Navratri Festival in October. Sawai Gandharva Music Festival, a three-night long musical programme and Osho Festival, a monsoon music carnival are the other popular ones.  

The true essence of a city reflects its culture, and Pune has its own historical past, cultural charm, and political significance. The people of Pune are so proud of their identity that I can’t think of another place that celebrates Marathi culture so dutifully. But today, Pune has adapted a unique lifestyle—an amalgamation of traditional rituals and modern lifestyle brought together to enhance contemporary living standards. 

Over the years, Pune has been a home to many poets like Tukaram, scientists like Jayant Narikar, and revolutionary leaders and freedom fighters like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. This is one of the reasons why the city is so passionate about artforms like art, literature, music, dance, and even theatre to such an extent that they are now renowned worldwide.

Although the locals speak different regional languages, the most common one spoken here is Marathi. The rest of the population converse in either Hindi or English. As most of the population is Maharashtrians, they belong to the Hindu Community. But you’ll find many Christians, Muslims, Parsis, and Sikhs living here in perfect harmony.

Traditionally, men in Maharashtra wear a dhoti and a kurta and cover their head with a turban, known as pagadi. Women drape a nine-yard saree, Nauvari which is worn like trousers, otherwise called as kashta saree. This is accompanied with a matching silk blouse and stunning gold jewellery which always includes a nose ring called nath. Men and women both wear kolhapuri chappals which you must buy when you’re in Pune too!

Pune, in general, has exemplified the definition of culture in every way. It’s no surprise that the city is known as the cultural capital!

Pune Nightlife

Contrary to popular beliefs, Pune has better nightlife than any other Indian city. Even people from Mumbai drive down to Pune for a weekend of partying. Despite so many options, the bars, clubs, and pubs here are always super crowded. I think that’s what drives the night scene at any of these outlets.

Here are the some of the popular hang-out places in Pune:

Bars

The Urban Foundry

This bar offers live music, and an extensive alcohol menu—best for a day of unwinding. The Urban Foundry lies in the heart of Baner.

Cost for two: $20

Hidden Place – The Hang-Out

Hidden Place is the driving force behind Pune’s nightlife. Located in Koregaon Park, this place serves great fast food and amazing drinks.

Cost for two: $16

1000 Oaks

With an elegant ambiance and an energetic crowd, 1000 Oaks is a youthful restro bar that serves an extensive range of kebab and drinks. Set your mood with their retro music for a perfectly uplifting night.

Cost for two: $17

Pubs

Effingut Brewerkz

Housefull almost all evenings, Effingut Brewerkz is mostly known for its in-house brewed beer. Take a taste of Pune’s finest beer in this pub situated in Koregaon Park.

Cost for two: $23

Baan Tao

Baan Tao is the perfect spot for a couple looking to hangout and experience Pune’s vibrant nightlife. This non-traditional pub is placed in Kalyani Nagar.

Cost for two: $34

The 1st Brewhouse – The Corinthians

Popular as Doolally’s, the 1st Brewhouse–The Corinthians microbrewery is the pioneer of the microbrewery industry in India. This gastropub serves some delicious German classic dishes along with Indian and European cuisine.

Cost for two: $27

Clubs

The House of Medici

Located in the Westin Pune Koregaon Park, the House of Medici provides an elegant space with dark wood, chandeliers, and dancing in a nightclub and restaurant.  DJs often play until 3am and entry for women is often free. 

18 Degrees

With unusual interiors, palm trees, and boat trees, 18 Degrees will sweep you right off your feet! Located in Pimple Saudagar, this one is a high-end club in the sea of clubs in Pune.

Cost for two: $28

Things to do in Pune

Pune is a vibrant city. Its history and culture can be fully appreciated through participating in the city’s many activities. It’s an interesting place, but it’s a little different from the rest of the Indian tourist destinations.

If you’re looking for some things to try in Pune, look no further!

• Visit the historical Shaniwar Wada

  Shaniwar Wada is a well-preserved fort ruin and history enthusiast’s dream! This fort used to be the capital of the Peshwa rulers until 1818, when the British East India Company took over. The ruins now tell the long-forgotten magnificence of the Maratha Empire. One of the finest architectural legacies and a major tourist attraction, Shaniwar Wada must be on your bucket list when you visit Pune!

• Climb 103 steps to Parvati Hill

  A hillock at the South of Pune, Parvati Hill is one of the most picturesque places here. At the top of the hill, one is greeted by a panoramic view of the city and the nearby valley. Under a new moon sky, the city appears fully lit and magical from here. There is a 250-year-old Devdeveshwar Temple that is worth checking out! Trek to the top, pay your respects, and discover the beautiful history at the temple’s museum.

• Eat at Kayani Bakery

  As Pune is home to many Parsi and Irani families, you’ll find a lot of cafés and restaurants here run by the members of the community. One such outlet is the Kayani Bakery which is more than 50 years old. Their fresh baked goodies are so famous that people gather in long queues even before they open their doors in the morning. Kayani’s delicious Shrewsbury biscuits simply melt in your mouth. Aside from that, you can always try their milk bread, mawa cake, ginger cookies, and khari biscuits.

• Fly in a two-seater sailplane

  Have you ever wanted to fly a plane? If that’s the case, don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Head straight to Hadapsar in Pune and enjoy a thrilling adventure in the clouds. The flight will provide you with a bird’s eye view of the city without the noise of an airplane. What’s more? The gliding centre offers this service for just $3. Isn’t that fabulous? To take advantage of the experience, make a reservation in advance.

• Take a trip to the Aga Khan Palace

  Aga Khan Palace was established in 1892 to generate employment in the region after a famine. During the British Raj, this place served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi. The building is now surrounded by large trees and is a wonderful spot to walk. It also houses a Gandhi Museum, which provides insight into Gandhi’s life in this city. A library and a Khadi handloom store are also available.

• Have a tandoori chai

  You must never miss a good cup of tea in India especially when it’s tandoori chai! This lip-smacking beverage can be found in the bylanes of Kharadi opposite the Zensar building. Tandoori chai is made by roasting earthen clay pots called kulhad in a tandoor after which a semi-brewed tea is poured in them where it brews completely. The tea is then poured in another kulhad and served hot. The smoky aroma of the tea is what makes it special and there’s no good reason to miss out this delicious experience.

• Trek to the iconic forts

  When you’re in Pune, you must never miss a chance to visit the outdoors! One of the reasons that makes Pune such an attractive hotspot is its lush green surroundings and perfect weather. Trek up to Lohagad, Shivneri, or Sinhagad Fort and feel what it’s like to be in the Sahyadri Hills. It is ideal to visit these points in the monsoon season. You’ll also find multiple travel companies that offer treks to these locations.

• Have a beer at the Independence Brewing Company

  In Pune, there is a large brewery called Independence Brewing Company. This is a must-visit for any beer enthusiast! Along with craft beer, the restaurant serves a variety of cuisines. They have great music and a welcoming atmosphere. The best part is that you can have a conversation here despite all of the noise!

• Take a tour of the caves

  Two of the most prominent caves of the country are situated in Pune. The first one is the Pataleshwar Cave Temple that dates back to the 8th Century. It is a fact that this cave was built out of one basalt rock. There are around 5000 letters inscribed on the inside of the caves. The other one is the mystic Karla Caves nearby Pune. This cave is an important symbol of the origin of Buddhism in India and it dates back to 160 BC. Both these caves are so beautifully sculpted that they are an absolute delight to the eyes!

• Visit the Kirkee War Cemetery

  Kirkee War Cemetery lies in a town near Pune called Khadki. The cemetery was established to provide graves for the fallen from central and western India during World War II, where it could not be guaranteed that their graves elsewhere would be permanently maintained.

• Go for a picnic

  Pune has lovely surroundings in which to sit and relax. What’s even better is that it’s free. Picnic at Koregaon Park or Pashan Lake and have a good time with your friends and family. In Katraj, you can also visit the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. This is an excellent location for parents with children who enjoy exploring the outdoors!

• Enjoy Paragliding at Kamshet

  This is an exciting opportunity to fly through the sky and experience a true rush of adrenaline. This is an experience that even people who are afraid of heights can enjoy, thanks to licenced pilots and certified trainers. Flying in Kamshet provides an excellent view of the Sahyadri Hills! Combine it with a sunset, and you’ve got yourself a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Besides the places mentioned above, you can also try street shopping at Fergusson College Road, take a history lesson at the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, or even enrol yourself at the Osho Ashram to experience the art of living. No matter which activity you try, Pune’s fun and peaceful vibe will make it remarkable for you.

Best Time to Visit Pune

Since Pune lies to the leeward region of the Western Ghats, it is blessed with a lovely tropical climate all year round. In addition to that, the city doesn’t even experience heavy rainfall unlike Mumbai during the monsoons. That works best because some of Pune’s most picturesque locations appear even more beautiful during this season. Winters are quite pleasant here. However, the post-noon heat in the summers can be unbearable for those who are not accustomed to such conditions.

Although there is no bad time to visit Pune, the favourable months are October to March which falls under autumn and winter followed by the spring season in India. The heat is less during the day, the humidity is not much, and the cold is pleasingly manageable. The overall temperature ranges between 9°C to 26°C. This is a good time to explore the city in all its splendid glory.

Personally, I prefer the monsoon season in Pune, which lasts from June to September. The grey skies and lush green surroundings bring a different colour to the city. The noise of the city is drowned by the sound of the raindrops and the wind passing by. Occasionally, when it rains heavily, it causes traffic congestion and water clogging in the streets.

If you happen to be here in the summer season, make sure you take good care of yourself when you’re outdoors. The maximum temperature during the day reaches up to 42°C. Make sure you put on some sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the scorching heat and dusty winds.

Pune for Families

Pune is called the ‘Oxford of the East’ because of the number of educational institutions established here. As a result, you won’t have to worry about your child’s education in this city. There are excellent public and private schools in the area, with both day schooling and boarding options. If you wish to enrol your child in a boarding school, the fee ranges between $1500-$2000 per annum. Otherwise, the annual fees for a government school are $300-$500 and a private school are $800-$1000. However, the fee structure also depends on the board of education—State Board, CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE, CICSE, IB, or Cambridge. The board can be selected based on your child’s aptitude test results.

Similarly, Pune has fantastic day care centres for children as well. Because the majority of these are privately owned, they truly cater to the needs of the parents as well. These centres are large and spacious because Pune is not as congested as other cities. Some even have an outdoor area where kids can play and learn. The annual fees of day care centres are between $1000-$1300.

Although most of the activities listed in the ‘things to do in Pune’ section can be done with your children, there are a few that they may particularly enjoy. Due to the abundance of scenic locations in Pune, there are numerous camping experiences tailored specifically for children. Apart from that, you can introduce your child to Pune’s rich culture and history by taking them to one of the city’s many forts, museums, and even theatres. If this doesn’t work out, you can always take your kid to a nearby mall. Most malls in Pune have a play zone area for children on the top-most floor where they can spend their time playing several games and meeting other kids.

Overall Pune is ideal for a digital nomad who wants to raise a family in the city whilst staying close to nature.

Living in Pune

Pune provides the living standards of a smart city and the scenic views of a remote village—the best of both worlds. If you’re a digital nomad looking for a city in India to live in, you must definitely consider Pune!

However, in order to live comfortably in Pune, you must be aware of certain things such as transportation facilities, job details, medical care, and so on. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back!

As the COVID cases in India slowly decline, Pune has partially opened its gates to tourists and digital nomads. Of course, not without a negative RT-PCR report or a certificate that proves you’re completely vaccinated.

As a destination for digital nomads, Pune has a lot to offer! It is one of the most desirable smart-cities to call home. The rentals are lower than in other urban cities and yet, all of them boast about fantastic views from the window. 

Pune has a diverse range of cuisines. Plus, every restaurant serves exceptionally wonderful meals. You’ll never have an internet problem because the city’s network is always strong. Every other outlet also has a WiFi router installed. In addition to all of this, Pune offers tons of activities where you can rejuvenate and relax yourself.

Pune Transportation

Since Pune is an industrial centre, it is well-connected to other cities by air, rail and road. You can get to Pune through the Lohegaon International Airport which is around 15 kilometres away from the centre of the city. From there, you can hire a taxi or board a local bus to get to your stop. You can also travel to Pune via Mumbai or any other city in India through road transport. There are ample interstate buses to and from Pune. However, you can always hire a cab as it is quite affordable. There is a minimum fare charge depending on the city you’re travelling from but approximately, it is around $0.25 per kilometre. In addition to that, you also have the option of travelling to Pune through trains. You can easily look for outstation trains on the Indian Railway’s website.

As for travelling inside Pune, there are several options here as well. One of the cheapest modes of transport is local buses. These buses will help you reach any nook and corner of the city. You’ll find details related to local bus transport in Pune on Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited’s website.

Another budget-friendly way to travel is via auto-rickshaws. The current fare of a rickshaw is $0.30 per kilometre. Plus, it is quite a desi way to travel in India. Apart from that, there are always taxis and air-conditioned cab services like Ola, Meru, or UCAB. The minimum fare is around $2 after which you’ll be charged $0.50 per kilometre.

There is a suburban railway line that connects Pune to Lonavala, a popular destination around Mumbai. Although Pune does not have a railway line that runs within the city, there is a metro-line construction currently ongoing which will make the lives of the people living in Pune a lot easier and faster.

Pune’s roads are thought to be the craziest because people drive their vehicles recklessly. If you decide to rent a car or a bike while you’re there, make sure you’re always cautious and safe. Never, ever forget to wear your helmet and fasten your seat belt! I’m not trying to scare you, but prevention is always preferable to cure. Nevertheless, driving in Pune is a lot of fun because of the scenic views and well-kept roads.

There are two unspoken road rules in India that you should be aware of. To begin, people honk here to indicate that they are approaching at full speed. As a result, the city is constantly buzzing with vehicular noise. Second, if you need to cross a road that does not have a zebra crossing, raise your hand to signal a stop to a passing vehicle and then cross. Remember these suggestions for the time you’re there, and you’ll thank me later!

Fitness and Health

The majority of Pune’s population is made up of young people who like to stay fit and healthy. As a result, there are various types of fitness centres in the city.

For example, Rock Climbing, Aerial Yoga, and Capoeira are some unique fitness trainings available in Pune. Along with that, people engage in swimming, trekking as well as Crossfit Chakra here. If you’re looking for something simple, you can always try Yoga and Zumba classes in Pune. With plenty of options available in any of this kind, you’ll not have a hard time looking for a routine that works perfectly for you.

To top it all, Pune has some well-equipped and spacious gyms. Most of them even provide personal training with certified trainers. There are some gyms that host activities like Kickboxing, Pilates, Aerobics, Yoga, Zumba, and even Dance classes.

If you’re looking for a good gym in Pune, here are 5 names that are definitely worth trying!

• Gold’s Gym in Kalyani Nagar
• Royal Fitness Club in Baner
• GT Fitness Club at Shivaji Nagar
• Empower Gym & Fitness Club at Kondhwa

If you prefer being personally trained at home, Urban Company offers the best services in Pune. There are some training centres in Pune that believe in training in the city’s parks. These are ideal for anyone who enjoys working out outside!

According to me, morning jogs through some of Pune’s most beautiful neighbourhoods are the ideal workout for anyone with a hectic schedule.

Pune People

“Welcome to Pune! Leave your attitude behind, we have our own.”

Anybody who has lived in this city for long enough knows that Pune and Pride go hand in hand. The locals call it the Puneri Maaj. They take pride in every aspect of their being—their culture, history, traditions, and even their language. If you ask a local a question in Hindi or English, they may sometimes not even respond to you until you ask them the same question in Marathi. They believe that when people from elsewhere move here, they must learn their local language.

According to them, they are perfect for them! If you’ve spent enough time in India with other communities, you’ll know that this is true for all of them.

With a long legacy of art and culture, Punekars are also stingy when it comes to appreciation. They are very serious about their art. As a result, if an artist is celebrated here, it means they are exceptionally talented in their field. 

Having said that, they also know how to throw a party for any occasion. No party is complete without dhol tasha. They lavishly celebrate even the most insignificant events in their lives. Therefore, you can imagine the scale at which important festivals such as Ganesh Utsav are celebrated here. They will be found dancing in the streets to their hearts’ content. 

Punekars can be quite welcoming once you break the ice. You can win their hearts by showing respect to their culture, honouring their past, learning their language, and participating in their festivals and traditions. One thing you must definitely know about them is that they believe in values a lot. If you make a good impression in these areas, they will definitely love you!

Pune Insurance and Medical Care

Health emergencies frequently occur without warning. It is best to have yourself insured in such cases. It is simple to find health insurance in India, but it is critical to find a good one. Before making a decision, conduct extensive research and analysis. Aditya Birla, Bajaj Allianz, and Bharti AXA offer some of the best health insurance plans. The monthly charges start as low as $5 and they have the best network of hospitals in the country. These plans are available for an individual as well as a family.

While health insurance covers major hospital expenses, it does not cover minor problems, mental health, or even COVID. You may need to see a local doctor or go to a nearby clinic or a hospital for most of these illnesses. There are both private and public hospitals where you can be checked in. Here are a few names of private hospitals that you can definitely trust:

• Ruby Hall Hospital
• Sahyadri Hospital
• Jehangir Hospital
• Aditya Birla Hospital
• AIMS Hospital

Language won’t be a barrier as most of them know and speak English. You’ll find a pharmacy or a chemist next to any clinics or hospitals.

There are also Nursing Homes, Pediatricians, Dieticians, Psychiatrists, and Psychologists in Pune. In terms of mental health, Pune has some of the best professionals out there! You can even book a trial session with some of these local therapists. But if you are not comfortable with them, you can always consult someone online from another city or even your own country. Due to COVID, online sessions on Zoom or WhatsApp are now easily available.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Pune

Pune’s rapid development has resulted in a plethora of job opportunities. Below are some of the most imperative job industries in Pune:

1. IT Sector: From technical support to a network engineer, the IT field has a variety of positions that one can learn and work as. Since Pune has multiple IT parks, such roles are in abundance!
2. Engineering: Pune also is an industrial area which is why there are plenty of opportunities for any kind of Engineer here. Civil, Biomedical, Environmental, and System Software Engineering jobs are currently in demand in India.
3. Digital Marketing: A career in digital marketing can provide benefits that go far beyond monetary compensation. If you want to find your place in a market that provides significant security while also being challenging and changing, this could be the right path for you. 
4. Teaching: Public schools and colleges are always looking for teachers or volunteers to teach subjects such as languages, literature, history, and humanities. If you believe that teaching is your calling, you should apply to one of these schools and experience the joy of educating children.
5. Fitness: Every other person is into fitness now-a-days. If you are someone who takes interest in this field as well, you can get certified as a trainer and work in a fitness centre. You can also get personal clients that want to be trained on a one-on-one basis at home.
6. Travel and Tourism: With such a huge historical past and several monuments to show around, tourism has definitely grown in Pune over the years. If you love narrating stories and meeting new people, you can think of becoming a Tour Guide. Similarly, due to numerous treks around, there are jobs available for Travel Guides as well.
7. Hospitality: Owing to tourism, hospitality has also become an important occupation here. From waiters and servers to chefs and property managers, there are ample opportunities in Pune in this field.
8. Freelance Writing: Most companies prefer hiring multiple freelance writers instead of having an in-house content writer. This way they are saved from mediocre content that might arise out of the latter situation.

Apart from all the aforementioned job fields, you can always look for virtual assistant or administrative jobs online that allow you to work from anywhere in the world.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.