Think you know everything about your city?
Breaking breadKayani bakery:
It's one of the few places where you are likely to get pushed and
shoved, even at seven in the morning! At Kayani Bakery customers jostle
to lay their hands on freshly baked breads and biscuits. The mawa cakes,
flaky khaari, sourdough bread and nankhatai fast disappear from the
shelves as people walk out with bags full of the bakery's familiar blue
cardboard boxes.
Their most famous creation is the Shrewsbury-a buttery, sweet biscuit. A popular legend goes that over a decade ago, the shop would ration the amount of Shrewsbury biscuits sold to customers because they couldn't keep up with the demand.
Today, they bake 200 kilos of the biscuit every day and the stock is almost always sold out. If you don't want to return empty-handed, we suggest you get there by 7 am or 5 pm when the shop reopens after a two hour siesta.
Price: Rs.240 per kg for Shrewsbury biscuits.
At: 6, Dr Koyaji Road, East Street, Camp, Opposite Victory Cinema, Camp.
Tel: 26360517.
Dance like that Lavani: It's
often been criticised for its provocative dance moves, but the Lavani
is back in fashion with the elevated status of a folk dance form. It's
making a re-appearance on the silver screen, at cultural festivals and
at state-organised shows. The dance form was also a highlight at the
2010 Commonwealth Games and at the 2010 Pune International Marathon.
With Lavani shedding its negative image, young enthusiasts are taking to this sensuous dance form in a big way. To experience Lavani first hand, catch the performance at the Pune Festival, which usually takes place between August and September; or join a Lavani class to learn the moves and expressions.
Price: Rs.600 a month (classes held twice a week).
For more details: niveditabadve@gmail.com
Get booked
Manney's book store: Indulge the bookworm in you at Manney's, the 63-year-old book store which stocks a collection of rare and old books. It started with a small selection of books on military and English literature, but later expanded its collection. Manney's has encouraged generations of Puneites to take to reading.
All titles in the store have been handpicked by Manik V Mani, owner of the store. If you need a helping hand, he's around to recommend authors and titles (gently nudging young readers to the vast collection of adventure stories by Indian writers). It's one of the few places where you can find copies of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and the complete Ayn Rand collection.
Price: Rs.150 upward.
At: No 7, Clover Center, Moledina Road, Camp.
Tel: 26131683.
Jam session
Swig: Come here to enjoy Songwriters Wednesdays, where artistes, both established and amateur, perform their own compositions. Originally meant to be a platform for young talent in the city, they've recently hosted popular names like Midival Punditz and the rock band Agnee.
On most days, you are likely to find local bands like Empty Cafe, Sattva, Rachit and the Crew or budding artists such as Tejas Menon and Danesh Munshi. There's no fixed theme; artistes play anything from rock to underground Hindi and Urdu music. Experimental music accompanied with exotic cocktails makes this a good option for mid-week partying.
Average cost for two: Rs.2,000 plus taxes.
At: Survey No. 28/2, North Main Road, Koregaon Park.
Tel: 30570433.
On a roll
Roll ball: It's a sport that was invented in 2003 by city-based sports teacher Raju Dabhade, making it a game truly native to Pune. Now recognised by the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association, Roll Ball is a high-energy, fast game which combines the principles of basketball, netball, handball and roller skating.
You'll see players skating across the court, maneuvering their way to score a goal and stopping in their tracks just before the goalpost line. It's exciting to watch and easy to follow if you've ever followed or played basketball. With the first ever World Cup trophy for Roll ball in its bag, Pune is fast waking up to the game. If you are a sports lover, watch Dabhade's teams playing a match or enrol for his training sessions. It's a fun way to keep fit and pick up a new game.
For more information go to: rollball.org
Flying high
Temple Pilots: Last April, Kamshet's sky was dotted with flying Batman, a soaring Shivaji and clowns getting ready to land. It was a fancy dress-in-the-sky Summer Festival at Temple Pilots, a 14 year-old paragliding school, where you can either do a beginners' course or simply take a single flight. The school's chief instructor is an ex-Air Force fighter pilot, so be assured that you're in safe hands. The three-day beginners' course teaches you the basics of flying and landing but if you prefer to do it just for fun, then opt for their joyride where a trained pilot takes you on a 12 minute flight. They even have special flying workshops for children if you are planning a family outing. So, strap on your gear and enjoy the aerial view of the picturesque Sahyadri hills.
Price: Rs.2,500 for a 12 minute joyride.
At: Kamshet, near Lonavala; templepilots.com
Gear upDella Adventure:
Give in to your adventurous side with activities like zorbing, speeding
on mud tracks in an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or zipping across a 500
feet long cable. Located at less than a two-hour drive from Pune, Della
Adventure is one of India's largest adventure games parks where you can
choose from over 80 activities.
Get the thrill of speed with dirt bike racing or ATV qaud bikes. Slip into a large, transparent zorbing ball and roll down slopes or float on water. It's fun and thrilling, an exciting way to spend your weekend.
Price: Rs.500 for 200 feet of zorbing.
At: Della Adventure, Kunegaon, Lonavala.
Tel: 020 41208856; delladventure.com
Sound proof
Silent Noise: Want to host a party without waking up your neighbours? Call Silent Noise, India's first headphone party group run by DJ Justin Mason. They plug in music to individual headphones instead of blaring loudspeakers.
Silent Noise has DJs, local and visiting, who spin a mix of house, EDM, progressive and funk. The DJ console gives out radio signals that are picked up by the headphones. With people swaying to the music in their headphones, it feels like a regular, energy-packed party, but, without the noise. Silent Noise organises parties, where the team brings in equipment, DJs, performers, dancers, AV screens, projectors, lasers, and staff to set up your bash.
Price: On request.
For more information: Go to silentnoise.in
Beer it!The 1st Brewhouse (Doolally on Tap!): Here
you get your beer fresh and on tap, a joy that is unmatched by canned,
commercially produced beer. At Doolally, the state's first
micro-brewery, German brewmaster Oliver Schauf makes handcrafted
draughts that flow into your mugs from long pipes.
The originals are intact here-Hefeweizen, wheat beer; Rye, an Irish ale and apple cider; complemented by brews made from locally produced bajra, jaggery and karvanda berries. With the grand Oktoberfest celebrations, Beer Olympics and a Home Brewing Club, Doolally is a fun place for beer lovers.
Average cost for two: Rs.2,000 plus taxes.
At: Corinthian Boutique Hotel, Nyati County.
Tel: 26952226; doolally.in.
Down memory lane
Heritage walks: Arguably the best way to explore a city, heritage walks lead you through the city's old by-lanes, recounting stories of a bygone era. Choose your area of interest for the three hour-long walk-ancient, medieval or colonial. Take a walk through the eighth century Pataleshwar caves (ancient) or Kasba Peth's crumbling waadas and temples that represent the medieval period. Currently organised only on weekends, these walks will soon be held through the week.
Price: Rs.150 to Rs.1,000 (depending upon areas covered).
Tel: 9822194650.
Relax!
Urban Ashram: This wellness studio welcomes you on Laughter Yoga Sundays and Silent Wednesdays-open to all and free of cost. At other times, Urban Ashram conducts regular yoga and power yoga classes.
Meditate here or just sit in silence and unwind. The focus is on de-stressing and healing the body through alternate methods.
Price: Rs.1,500 to Rs.3,000 for one day workshop.
At: 34 Mukundnagar, opposite Sujay Gardens.
Tel: 9960643579; theurbanashram.org
Spice route
Kata kirr: Watch out for the large crowd outside this 20-seater misal joint. Wait patiently to be seated before you stomach the fiery spices that mark this Maharashtrian dish.
The misal comes in varying spice levels (to suit your palate), served with pav and should be washed down with chilled mattha. With affordable rates, authentic taste and warm service, this place is a must-visit for a quick snack.
Price: Rs.25 per plate.
At: 3341, Vaibhav Chambers, opposite Janata Bank, Karve Road.
Tel: 9881861062.
Very cheesyABC Cheese Farm:
The first and only cheese farm in Pune, ABC Cheese farm produces 70
varieties of cheese each year. Take your pick from regulars like
gorgonzola and mozzarella or try the modified varieties like whiskey and
walnut, wine and raisin, coffee or cranberry. You can sample these
varieties before buying. Enjoy!
Price: Starts at Rs.400 per kg.
At: ABC Farms, Koregaon Park.
Tel: 26880555; abcfarmsindia.com
Rewind
Prabhat Studio Museum: It is the place where cinema legends like V Shantaram and S Fatehlal produced most of their films in the 1930's. Now this studio, where the Film and Television Institute of India stands, has been converted into a museum with archival items like jewellery, costumes and props, earlier used in movies. It's a treat to see rare photographs of film sets and hear song recordings. A visit at this museum is a must for film lovers.
Entry charge: Rs.10 per person.
At: Prabhat Studio Museum at FTII, Law College Road.
Tel: 25433016.
Walk to remember Aga Khan Palace:
The erstwhile palace of Sultan Mohammed Shah is now a museum of
household items used by Mahatma Gandhi who was jailed here between 1942
and 1944. Popularly called the Gandhi Memorial, the sprawling structure
with lush lawns has touches of Islamic architecture.
Aga Khan Palace also holds the ashes of Gandhi and his wife Kasturba. And you can shop here for khadi fabrics.
Entry charge: Rs.5 per person.
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm.
At: Aga Khan Palace, Near Yerawada.
Tel: 26880250.
Cool down
Sujata Mastani: A large scoop of creamy homemade ice cream served in thickened milk and fruit pulp, topped with fistfuls of nuts. That's the mastani in a nutshell, the unbeaten favourite drink offered at Pune's popular cold drink joint Sujata Mastani. With more than a dozen flavours on offer, we suggest you try the mango-kesar-pista an all time favourite.
Price: Rs.60 per milkshake.
At: Nimbalkar Talim Chowk, Sadashiv Peth.
Tel: 24474641.
Their most famous creation is the Shrewsbury-a buttery, sweet biscuit. A popular legend goes that over a decade ago, the shop would ration the amount of Shrewsbury biscuits sold to customers because they couldn't keep up with the demand.
Today, they bake 200 kilos of the biscuit every day and the stock is almost always sold out. If you don't want to return empty-handed, we suggest you get there by 7 am or 5 pm when the shop reopens after a two hour siesta.
Price: Rs.240 per kg for Shrewsbury biscuits.
At: 6, Dr Koyaji Road, East Street, Camp, Opposite Victory Cinema, Camp.
Tel: 26360517.
With Lavani shedding its negative image, young enthusiasts are taking to this sensuous dance form in a big way. To experience Lavani first hand, catch the performance at the Pune Festival, which usually takes place between August and September; or join a Lavani class to learn the moves and expressions.
Price: Rs.600 a month (classes held twice a week).
For more details: niveditabadve@gmail.com
Manney's book store: Indulge the bookworm in you at Manney's, the 63-year-old book store which stocks a collection of rare and old books. It started with a small selection of books on military and English literature, but later expanded its collection. Manney's has encouraged generations of Puneites to take to reading.
All titles in the store have been handpicked by Manik V Mani, owner of the store. If you need a helping hand, he's around to recommend authors and titles (gently nudging young readers to the vast collection of adventure stories by Indian writers). It's one of the few places where you can find copies of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and the complete Ayn Rand collection.
Price: Rs.150 upward.
At: No 7, Clover Center, Moledina Road, Camp.
Tel: 26131683.
Jam session
Swig: Come here to enjoy Songwriters Wednesdays, where artistes, both established and amateur, perform their own compositions. Originally meant to be a platform for young talent in the city, they've recently hosted popular names like Midival Punditz and the rock band Agnee.
On most days, you are likely to find local bands like Empty Cafe, Sattva, Rachit and the Crew or budding artists such as Tejas Menon and Danesh Munshi. There's no fixed theme; artistes play anything from rock to underground Hindi and Urdu music. Experimental music accompanied with exotic cocktails makes this a good option for mid-week partying.
Average cost for two: Rs.2,000 plus taxes.
At: Survey No. 28/2, North Main Road, Koregaon Park.
Tel: 30570433.
On a roll
Roll ball: It's a sport that was invented in 2003 by city-based sports teacher Raju Dabhade, making it a game truly native to Pune. Now recognised by the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Olympic Association, Roll Ball is a high-energy, fast game which combines the principles of basketball, netball, handball and roller skating.
You'll see players skating across the court, maneuvering their way to score a goal and stopping in their tracks just before the goalpost line. It's exciting to watch and easy to follow if you've ever followed or played basketball. With the first ever World Cup trophy for Roll ball in its bag, Pune is fast waking up to the game. If you are a sports lover, watch Dabhade's teams playing a match or enrol for his training sessions. It's a fun way to keep fit and pick up a new game.
For more information go to: rollball.org
Flying high
Temple Pilots: Last April, Kamshet's sky was dotted with flying Batman, a soaring Shivaji and clowns getting ready to land. It was a fancy dress-in-the-sky Summer Festival at Temple Pilots, a 14 year-old paragliding school, where you can either do a beginners' course or simply take a single flight. The school's chief instructor is an ex-Air Force fighter pilot, so be assured that you're in safe hands. The three-day beginners' course teaches you the basics of flying and landing but if you prefer to do it just for fun, then opt for their joyride where a trained pilot takes you on a 12 minute flight. They even have special flying workshops for children if you are planning a family outing. So, strap on your gear and enjoy the aerial view of the picturesque Sahyadri hills.
Price: Rs.2,500 for a 12 minute joyride.
At: Kamshet, near Lonavala; templepilots.com
Get the thrill of speed with dirt bike racing or ATV qaud bikes. Slip into a large, transparent zorbing ball and roll down slopes or float on water. It's fun and thrilling, an exciting way to spend your weekend.
Price: Rs.500 for 200 feet of zorbing.
At: Della Adventure, Kunegaon, Lonavala.
Tel: 020 41208856; delladventure.com
Sound proof
Silent Noise: Want to host a party without waking up your neighbours? Call Silent Noise, India's first headphone party group run by DJ Justin Mason. They plug in music to individual headphones instead of blaring loudspeakers.
Silent Noise has DJs, local and visiting, who spin a mix of house, EDM, progressive and funk. The DJ console gives out radio signals that are picked up by the headphones. With people swaying to the music in their headphones, it feels like a regular, energy-packed party, but, without the noise. Silent Noise organises parties, where the team brings in equipment, DJs, performers, dancers, AV screens, projectors, lasers, and staff to set up your bash.
Price: On request.
For more information: Go to silentnoise.in
The originals are intact here-Hefeweizen, wheat beer; Rye, an Irish ale and apple cider; complemented by brews made from locally produced bajra, jaggery and karvanda berries. With the grand Oktoberfest celebrations, Beer Olympics and a Home Brewing Club, Doolally is a fun place for beer lovers.
Average cost for two: Rs.2,000 plus taxes.
At: Corinthian Boutique Hotel, Nyati County.
Tel: 26952226; doolally.in.
Down memory lane
Heritage walks: Arguably the best way to explore a city, heritage walks lead you through the city's old by-lanes, recounting stories of a bygone era. Choose your area of interest for the three hour-long walk-ancient, medieval or colonial. Take a walk through the eighth century Pataleshwar caves (ancient) or Kasba Peth's crumbling waadas and temples that represent the medieval period. Currently organised only on weekends, these walks will soon be held through the week.
Price: Rs.150 to Rs.1,000 (depending upon areas covered).
Tel: 9822194650.
Relax!
Urban Ashram: This wellness studio welcomes you on Laughter Yoga Sundays and Silent Wednesdays-open to all and free of cost. At other times, Urban Ashram conducts regular yoga and power yoga classes.
Meditate here or just sit in silence and unwind. The focus is on de-stressing and healing the body through alternate methods.
Price: Rs.1,500 to Rs.3,000 for one day workshop.
At: 34 Mukundnagar, opposite Sujay Gardens.
Tel: 9960643579; theurbanashram.org
Spice route
Kata kirr: Watch out for the large crowd outside this 20-seater misal joint. Wait patiently to be seated before you stomach the fiery spices that mark this Maharashtrian dish.
The misal comes in varying spice levels (to suit your palate), served with pav and should be washed down with chilled mattha. With affordable rates, authentic taste and warm service, this place is a must-visit for a quick snack.
Price: Rs.25 per plate.
At: 3341, Vaibhav Chambers, opposite Janata Bank, Karve Road.
Tel: 9881861062.
Price: Starts at Rs.400 per kg.
At: ABC Farms, Koregaon Park.
Tel: 26880555; abcfarmsindia.com
Rewind
Prabhat Studio Museum: It is the place where cinema legends like V Shantaram and S Fatehlal produced most of their films in the 1930's. Now this studio, where the Film and Television Institute of India stands, has been converted into a museum with archival items like jewellery, costumes and props, earlier used in movies. It's a treat to see rare photographs of film sets and hear song recordings. A visit at this museum is a must for film lovers.
Entry charge: Rs.10 per person.
At: Prabhat Studio Museum at FTII, Law College Road.
Tel: 25433016.
Aga Khan Palace also holds the ashes of Gandhi and his wife Kasturba. And you can shop here for khadi fabrics.
Entry charge: Rs.5 per person.
Timing: 9 am to 6 pm.
At: Aga Khan Palace, Near Yerawada.
Tel: 26880250.
Cool down
Sujata Mastani: A large scoop of creamy homemade ice cream served in thickened milk and fruit pulp, topped with fistfuls of nuts. That's the mastani in a nutshell, the unbeaten favourite drink offered at Pune's popular cold drink joint Sujata Mastani. With more than a dozen flavours on offer, we suggest you try the mango-kesar-pista an all time favourite.
Price: Rs.60 per milkshake.
At: Nimbalkar Talim Chowk, Sadashiv Peth.
Tel: 24474641.
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