Travelling To Pune? These Inexpensive Homestays Won't Let You Go Broke

There’s a whole lot of hotels in the world, but much too little hospitality. Which is where homestays come to the rescue – you feel much safer, cared for and as cliché, as it may sound – you feel at home even when you aren’t! Here we count down our top five picks of homestays in and around Pune.

The only farmstay on this list and for good reason! This lovely farmstay is spread over 10 acres of farmland, and it’s right out of paradise – green, clean, quiet and hosted by the warm Mr Ashok and Mrs. Leela. Their beautiful green haven, is just a 30-minute drive from Pune city, 5km from the Hinjewadi IT hub, and 6km from the Mumbai-Bangalore Highway. Housed in the farmhouse are two cottages – each with two double bedrooms and attached washrooms and a spacious kitchenette. And at just INR 4750 for a group of 5 per day, warm hosts to share stories with and sometime in the lap of nature – this is a steal of a deal! They give out only a handful of bookings each month though, to keep the serenity of this farm-stay intact, so make your bookings soon!

Located in Hinjewadi, this homestay is made special by a lush, green neighbourhood, a lovely view from the balcony and a very warm couple of hosts! Dolly and Sam are popular for their warmth and easy-breezy nature which makes hanging out with them a whole lot of fun. They rent out a room (capacity: 2 guests) for just INR 1096 per night and if that hasn’t convinced you, there’s a mini library too, because if books don’t make you feel at home, what will!

Let’s just agree that Koregaon Park is one of the best areas in Pune – green, pretty, peaceful and always bustling with things to do. And when you’re visiting the city, what’s better than to get a room for just INR 1096/night in the area? That you get it in a terrace view house, lushly green and peaceful despite its happening location. Vighnesh and his family rent out 3 rooms, in their 6 bedroom house, and have been doing so on and off for the past 10 years. Their housekeeper Fula ajji has been living with them for over 25 years now. She is a fantastic cook and can cook up a great Indian meal (on request) and help you with any special laundry and food related purchasing needs you may have.

Located in Koregaon Park Annexe, this homestay is hosted by Ms. Divya and her husband, a young couple that started their homestay because of their love for meeting people from around the world and country. Their warm but non-intrusive company and a clean, well-maintained home will make you feel super comfortable from the get go! Further still, their place is located close to some of Pune’s best cafes, restaurants and bars, while also being at just 7km from the airport and 5km from the railway station. Oh, and they’re couple friendly! And if you’re starting to assume that this will be a bomb on your pocket, allow us to clear out the fog – it’s at just INR 1612 for 3 guests in a room, per night!

Located in Koregaon Park, lane 7, this homestay is hosted by Ms. Shalini and her 3 lovely cats – Rumble, Rafael and Rainbow. You can chill with them in the comfort of a garden sofa, sharing stories and laughter, while still being close to some of the city’s best clubs and eateries at just INR 2322 per night for a room in her 2-bedroom home. One really cool thing is that you get an independent key to the house so that you’re not bound by anyone else’s timetable! Oh and when you visit, you’ll be welcomed with a cup of good old chai and some homemade pear banana bread. Now isn’t that just the sweetest gesture?