Where Gothic arches meet flaky puffs and British bungalows whisper stories of the Raj.
Let’s be honest — no one comes to Pune expecting London. But walk through Camp on a quiet evening, and suddenly, you’re in a sepia-toned postcard. The roads are wide, the trees are older than your great-grandfather, and the buildings? They’re straight out of a Merchant Ivory film — minus the maintenance.
This self-guided walking tour is your passport to Pune’s colonial past — with a side of flaky chicken puffs and Instagrammable arches.
🥐 Start at MG Road (Main Street, if you’re feeling colonial)
- What to see: British-era commercial buildings, old signage, and the legendary Marz-O-Rin — a bakery that’s been serving sandwiches since your parents were in school.
- Pro Tip: Grab a cold coffee and head to the top floor for a view of the street. It’s like watching a period drama, but with traffic.
⛪ St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Built: 1850s
- Style: Neo-Gothic
- Why go: It’s one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Pune. The stained glass alone is worth the walk.
- Fun Fact: It was once the spiritual home for British officers stationed in Poona Cantonment [1].
🏇 Royal Western India Turf Club (Racecourse)
- Vibe: Colonial elite meets modern-day joggers.
- Why go: Even if you’re not into horses, the open space and old-world charm are unbeatable.
- Photography Tip: Early morning mist + colonial railings = aesthetic gold.
🏛️ Council Hall & General Post Office
- Council Hall: Built in Italian style, once hosted important colonial meetings.
- GPO (1874): Classic British government architecture with high ceilings and arched windows.
- Why go: These buildings are still in use — and still stunning [1].
🏫 College of Engineering Pune (COEP)
- Style: Indo-Saracenic
- Why go: It’s not just an engineering college — it’s a heritage site. The compound wall even says so.
- Fun Fact: The British built it to train engineers for the empire. Now it trains engineers who build startups that disrupt empires.
🏠 Bungalows of East Street & Dastur Meher Road
- What to look for: Sloping tiled roofs, wraparound verandahs, and gardens that look like they’ve seen a few revolutions.
- Why go: These homes are living museums — if you squint past the satellite dishes.
🗺️ Self-Guided Walking Map (Suggested Route)
- Start at Marz-O-Rin (MG Road)
- Walk east to East Street → admire colonial shopfronts
- Head south to St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- Loop around to the Racecourse
- Walk north to Council Hall and GPO
- End at COEP for a heritage-meets-tech finale
📸 Photography Tips
- Best Time: Early morning or golden hour (4:30–6:30 PM)
- Gear: A phone with a wide-angle lens is enough — these buildings do the heavy lifting.
- Angles: Look up! The arches, cornices, and balconies are where the magic is.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Why This Walk Matters
Pune’s colonial past isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about understanding how the city evolved. These buildings aren’t just relics; they’re reminders of a time when Pune was a strategic, cultural, and administrative hub. And while some of them are crumbling, they still stand — quietly elegant, stubbornly Puneri.
So lace up your shoes, charge your phone, and take a walk through history. Just don’t forget to stop for a chicken puff.
Know a hidden colonial gem in Pune?
💬 Share it in the comments or tag us in your discoveries on Instagram @zomefydiaries!
