Dust & Distortion: Lost in the Echoes of Pune
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm chai. the time is… well, it’s complicated. let’s just say i’m writing this at 3:17 am, staring at a wall covered in peeling posters of Ravi Shankar. pune. it’s… a thing. a really, really weird thing.
I landed here on a whim, mostly because the humidity reading - 31.29 feels like 30.14, pressure 1008, sea level 970 - screamed ‘weird’ and i’m always chasing weird. it’s like the air itself is trying to tell you something, you know? it’s thick, like honey, and smells faintly of spices and something vaguely metallic. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
My gear list? let’s be real, it’s a disaster. my camera - a battered Canon 5D Mark IV - is currently sporting a cracked lens and a healthy dose of dust. i’ve got about three rolls of film, a sketchbook full of frantic scribbles, and a portable charger that’s probably about 10% battery. i also brought a ridiculously oversized poncho because, honestly, the rain here is a force of nature. it comes out of nowhere, like a grumpy god deciding to have a good cry.
I spent the last few days wandering around the old city, getting hopelessly lost in the maze of narrow lanes. it’s a sensory overload - the constant honking of auto-rickshaws, the shouts of vendors selling everything from fresh mangoes to fake watches, the smell of incense mingling with exhaust fumes. it’s chaotic, it’s overwhelming, and it’s utterly captivating. i stumbled upon this incredible street art scene near Koregaon Park - huge murals depicting everything from ancient Hindu deities to scenes of everyday life. it’s raw, it’s bold, and it’s a testament to the city’s vibrant artistic spirit.
I heard that the Shaniwar Wada is a must-see, but honestly, i was too busy chasing down street musicians and getting into conversations with locals. someone told me that the best vada pav in the city is at Ashok Vada Pav, but i ended up finding a tiny stall run by an old man who made the most incredible pav bhaji i’ve ever tasted. it was greasy, spicy, and utterly perfect.
Speaking of locals, if you get bored, Nashik and Lonavala are just a short drive away. the people here are… intense. they’re direct, they’re opinionated, and they’re fiercely proud of their city. i met this guy, Vijay, who runs a small tea stall near the Fergusson College. he’s a total character - a retired engineer with a twinkle in his eye and a penchant for telling long, rambling stories. he gave me some seriously questionable advice about navigating the city’s traffic system.
Someone told me that the Aga Khan Academy is a beautiful building, but honestly, i was more interested in the crumbling facades of the old colonial houses. It’s like the city is trying to tell you it’s seen a lot, you know? Like, really a lot.
I spent an afternoon exploring the Dagdi Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum, which is surprisingly good. they have a fantastic collection of sculptures and paintings from the Maratha Empire. it’s a little dusty, but it’s a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich history.
I also checked out the local Yelp page - apparently, there’s a place called ‘The Social’ that’s supposed to have amazing cocktails. i haven’t been yet, but i’m adding it to my list. https://www.yelp.com/search?keyword=restaurants&sort_by=relevance&location=Pune%2C+Maharashtra%2C+India
And TripAdvisor? yeah, it’s a mess. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g304827-Activities-Pune_Maharashtra_India.html
I’m heading out to explore Shaniwar Wada tomorrow. Apparently, it’s haunted. which, honestly, is just the kind of thing i’m looking for.
Seriously, if you’re looking for a place that’s a little bit weird, a little bit chaotic, and a whole lot of amazing, Pune is it. just… bring a poncho. and maybe a spare camera lens. and a lot of patience.
I heard that the local markets are a riot, but you have to be prepared to haggle like your life depends on it. And don’t trust anyone who offers you a ‘special price’ - it’s probably a scam.
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