Monsoons in Pune are beautiful. I might be a bit biased here, but monsoon transforms the hills and surrounding areas in Pune. Lush greenery envelops the landscape, the surrounding hills are teaming with natural waterfalls and the dams offer a wonderful getaway. The ghats and the forts make a perfect destination for long drives. Long drives with your gang while being drenched to the bone is a thing in Pune. While the college and office groups take off to long drives and getaways, parents like us and the ones who cannot go for long drives make a beeline to some awesome hidden gems in the city for piping hot snacks and tea!
So if you are in Pune and are craving for spicy street food and tea, then this post is for you! A freewheeling chat with Swapna Kadam, a foodie and a Punekar helps us discover some wonderful gems to check out this monsoon.
If you can’t get out of the city
Pune is known for its Tea stalls or Amrutatulya as they are lovingly called. Amrutatulya literally means as sweet as nector! If you are drenched or just want some piping hot tea as the rain pitter patters around then you should check out
Popular tea stalls
Hotel Ashok (phugewadi ),Tilak tea
Pohe, Misal and Khichadi are cult food in Pune.
Misal is perfect on any rainy day and you get the best of it at some of these iconic places like Bedekar, Arihant, Katakirr, Nevale, Shri Krishna Misal list is a long and exhaustive one, however Swapna points to a few that she loves frequenting.
Next on the list is Vada Pav
You get the best of that at Garden Wadapav ,Annaporna snacks (Budwar peth),Bipin snacks,Vasu wada pav.
The humble Pohe and Idli Sāmbhar too make it to the list of monsoon favourites. If you crave for a good plate of Pohe or Idli Sambhar then you should check out Sushil ,Sweekar ,Bipin snacks,Rupesh to name a few.
Most loved snack places around Pune are :
Sinhagad : If you are up for a short drive within the city limits, then this is the place for you. 1 hours scenic drive to this fort and a small trek to the fort leaves you famished .The best food here is Khekda Kanda bhaji with masala chutney ,tea ,Pithla bhakari with curd and steamed peanuts .Perfect for the misty weather. Kindly do not throw peanut cases around as it ruins this historical monument. There are good amount of garbage bins that one can utilize.
Khadakwasla : If you don’t wish to drive uphill but still enjoy a good vadapav and tea while watching the serene waters ,Khadakwasla is your best bet.
Lonavala : Another favourite for Pune and Mumbai crowd, you can either drive or take a train to Lonavala. Apart from the wonderful vistas that are on offer during the monsoons, the food that you should check out are Golden Vada Pav, National Chikki and Coopers Chocolate Fudge! Add to it the spicy Buwachi Misal and your perfect Lonavala getaway is planned and executed.
Mulshi along with Tamhini Ghat
You can travel to Mulshi for a day or plan it as a weekend getaway. You have some lovely resorts along with places for breakfast/lunch and dinner. As the natural streams caused by the monsoon offer perfect destination for water play you can enjoy Vada Pav, corn butas and bread omlettes along the way.
Another hot favourite during monsoons is Mahabaleshwar
Corn Pattice, Butter Corns, Fresh Strawberry milkshake and Pizza are the highlights of a visit to Mapro in Mahabaleshwar. You also get the best Channas here.
wow nice to know some great getaways from city crowd to enjoy a good time in drizzle. would save it for next rainy day. Thanks for sharing the post
Wow, such a wonderful article n beautiful pictures. Loved reading it, will try these if I visit Pune. Thanks for sharing 😊
Your post brought back lovely memories of my trips to Lonavala and Sinhagad Fort. 🙂
I have been to most places but Sinhagadh remains my favourite. I have been here from my childhood days since the last 30-35 years. The food has changed drastically from where we used to get only Zunka, Pithla and Bhakri that too after a long wait. Thank you for this informative post. I am sure may visiting Pune will now know where to snack.
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Love ur post and beautiful pics.. never explored Maharashtra but lonavala is indeed in my wishlist… will surely explore these if i get a chance to visit
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I’m a tea addict and would love to explore tea stalls in Pune. Thanks for sharing your recommendations. This will really help.
Pune city I love the most…. and monsoon is the best time to visit nearby places ….
I Consider myself lucky to be situated on such a belt, where getaways to such locations are quite easy and feasible. Have been to almost all these locations and your post is apt for monsoon getaways.
Have never been to Pune but seems like a perfect holiday destination. Tea with some good Snacks like Samosa or pakoda is my favorite during monsoon .
what a wonderful list for Punekars! Monsoons and snacks go hand in hand!
I will surely visit those places which you have shown here… lovely pictures n tempting too.
I have never visited Pune though many of my friends stay there. We cant think Monsoon without tea and snacks.
This was indeed a wonderful read and pune is no doubt my second favourite after mumbai city.
Will keep these places in mind for my next visit.
Havnt been to Pune, but will surely keep in mind. And btw we too love Vada Pav, monsoons and fried snacks are a deadly combination
Oh how I wish I could visit Pune! My brother was there for a while but I couldn’t visit! Really wanna experience rains with misal and tea!
I don’t often travel to Pune but it is always a halt and we are on a look out for best eating places. This post is a blessing. Bcz when hunger strikes it’s most important to head for some brand that one can vouch for.
Ahhhh. Such A beautiful and refreshing post and pictures. Will definitely keep these places in my mind when next time I visit Pune ! ❤
Posts like these make me want to plan a trip to such places. Lonavala Chikki is badly being craved right now. Time for Vacay!!!
Your post has made me drool! There is something magical about the monsoons- even the food seems extra special!
i am new here in Pune, i would like to visit these places. thank you for your post. 😊
The next time I am coming to Pune, I know exactly where to go. Thanks for these wonderful recommendations 🤩
Wow those bhajis looks fantastic. I always use to love lonavala in rains but this blog of URS is really nice and will try food in pune
Good options for weekend getaways with great fooding options, well chronicled in your post
I went to MUmbai many time but not Pune , next trip I will make trip in monsoon and enjoy Pune snack for sure
Oh, I miss my Pune so much.
Just came back last week from Pune.
And know what, even I wrote a blog on Pune in monsoon.
This post sums up and yet leaves me wanting for more! Because I have recently moved out of India snd this post just made me so homesick and craving for all the spicy food!
Aww! I hope you find such gems in your new city soon
My brother has recently moved to Pune and he loves eating out! I am sure he will love this post! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you found the post helpful