#Homecoming: Things To Do In Pune With Your NRI Fam! Powered by HSBC NRI Service

Welcome your family home with delectable Modern Indian cuisine at the insta-worthy Cafe Paash - a quaint cafe that boasts Michelin Star quality presentation. Make sure you try their Kothu Parotha. If you're craving Marathi food, head to the legendary Hotel Shreyas, and gorge on their thalis. The thali has one dry sabzi, a gravy based veggie, and a pulse veggie of their moong, matki, birdi or peas. It will also include amti, solkadi, two kinds of farsan, spicy veg curry and salad. Enjoy the yummy side dishes: thalipeeth, chapati, palak puri or masala puri with masala bhaat, plain dal, buttermilk, papad, pickle and chutney.  We also recommend the Maska pav at the legendary Vohuman Cafe before enjoying the sunset and stunning views of the city with a whiskey cocktail in hand at Paasha, JW Marriott. 

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What if we told you that you can learn scuba diving right here in the city? Intrigued? Well, so were we! Absolute Scuba in Sangamvadi, Pune will help you with an introductory course that’ll have you prepared for the adventure. Go with your family for an unforgettable experience and if you're around 5 to 10 people, you can get your own pool! They’ll help you with all the gear and the right instructions & training. 

LBB Tip – Visiting India for NRIs is incomplete without those special goodies for all the relatives in India or pampering oneself the truly Indian way. Let the HSBC Global Concierge manage last moment gifting and deliveries for you. Also get 15% off on Tata Cliq Luxury (Indiluxe). Know more about the HSBC Premier program which provides you a Premier status across all HSBC networks worldwide– Click here.

Concept store Karagiri is a must-visit for handcrafted luxury bridal couture, Indo-western outfits and vintage home accessories. We also recommend luxury styling studio Studio Rudraksh which houses high end designers like Masaba and Manish Malhotra. If you’re in the mood to do some ethnic street shopping, we’d suggest you head down to FC road, Laxmi road or Koregaon Park. There’s also a dedicated antique market called, Juna Bazaar, which is more famously known as ‘Chor Bazaar Pune’ for you to stock up on some interesting and vintage artefacts for your NRI fam to take back! 

The next on our recommendation list is Arogya Spa at Hyatt Regency Pune. Receive your guests and check in for a bespoke experience curated to nourish and recharge! One of the best luxury spas in Pune, Arogya is an award winning space equipped with 6 Therapy suites – including 2 couples and 1 Ayurvedic suite. Enjoy a swim in the temperate controlled pool or indulge in a massage with aromatic oils. You can consult with an Ayurvedic doctor who will explain the science of Ayurveda, and avail a range of Ayurvedic treatments such as vishudha, which involves a herbal scrub, spice wrap and aromatherapy massage; and ksanta, a rejuvenating deep muscle tissue facial.

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If in Pune, you have to make a short trip to Lonavala. Surrounded by lush greenery, the gorgeous weather and serene views will leave you feeling refreshed and calm. A great way to start your homecoming could be with this short trip. Especially in the winter season, the city has beautiful hills to get lost in with the all time charm of a small town, that we all need for a break. Best part? You could actually visit the gorgeous city via a hot air balloon ride! You will be picked from Hotel Orritel, Talegaon in Pune and then your serene journey that overlooks the majestic Sahyadri Mountains landscape begins.

And if you’ve still got a bit more time on your hands, we’d suggest you to experience a bunch of these activities as well!

Want a break from the chaos of city life? Escape from the city to slide and glide through the sky at the Hadapsar Gliding Center. A good place to enjoy the thrills of gliding along with an opportunity to learn its skills of it. Open for training for avid flyers or even for you to get a taste of the thrill of flying into the skies. 

LBB Tip - But if you’re planning for a longer trip with your family, get bespoke travel itineraries or special discounts at luxury hotels like WelcomHeritage, CGH Earth, and Roseate through HSBC Premier Global Concierge. 

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Stop by Pune’s iconic Kayani bakery and treat yourself to their delicious items! The bakery stands tall at East Street, Camp and is wildly popular and loved by Punekars. People line outside the bakery to get their hands on the beloved Shrewsbury biscuits. What’s so special about it? You probably know but we’ll still repeat. They’re golden, buttery and melt in your mouth so distinctly that you’re sure to go there the next day and get some more. Do a favour, tell your NRI fam to hoard these and take it with them, their sponge cake, mawa cake and milk bread will serve as a much needed reminder of home. 

Here’s your chance to de-stress and take it easy in the most relaxed setting, the Osho Ashram in Koregaon Park, yes the place we’ve all seen wild glimpses of in ‘Wild Wild Country. Flocked with tourists from all over the world, the ashram has some exquisite facilities like meditation centres. Additionally, it has a spa, jacuzzi and even a tennis court, it’ll serve you as your much-needed luxurious yet pristine getaway. 

Or how about an opportunity to discover rare artefacts at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum which has coins, sculptures, paintings and much more. The main highlight of the museum is the Mastani Mahal, a beautiful recreation of the palace using original furnishings. 

Finally, don't forget to take a relaxing stroll around Pu La Deshpande. It spans ten acres of rich greenery and acts as a symbol of goodwill between India and Japan. At a brisk pace, one can walk around the Garden in 15 minutes. Enjoy the well-kept lawns, streams, and waterfalls and sit on the bamboo seats as you take photos of ducks and redfish in the lake. 

Being touristy never goes out of trend and while in Pune, you can enjoy a mix of nature, adventure and architecture altogether. Head out for a different and daily friendly trekking experience at the ancient citadel, Lohagarh Fort. Sitting in the lap of nature, just 60 kms away from Pune, it will be breathtaking worth it to bond  at every step.

Well the time is right and Pune is the place to fulfill your dreams of flying miles high in the sky or camp under a starlit sky. Enjoy a day out at Kamshet Pune, with a taste of adventure, paragliding amidst stunning nature, an open blue sky, clear rivers and green valleys. 

And just before the sun goes down, drive to Pawna lake, for a one of its kind camping experience. Watch the stars twinkle unfettered by city lights at night with bonfire and barbeque. 

With so much to do, homecoming is going to be extra special this time. So, all NRIs out there and the loved ones eagerly waiting to host them, leave your financial matters with HSBC. With instant Global Transfer remittance facility between HSBC accounts, Global Concierge privileges, Global Premier status for you and family, a dedicated Relationship Manager and a host of offers on the HSBC Credit cards, banking for NRIs is as seamless in India as overseas. 

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Disclaimer: The article represents the views and opinions of LBB and does not represent the .views of HSBC.