Day in a City
Pleasures of Pune
Pune is not a city that reveals itself in a hurry. It’s best experienced slowly, one cup of coffee, one heritage landmark, and one memorable meal at a time. Maharashtra’s cultural capital blends old-world charm with youthful energy and a thriving food scene, all topped off with a vibe that’s inimitably Pune.
WAKE UP WITH THE CITY
Begin your day before Pune awakes in one of the city’s most recognised spaces. Join joggers and devotees as you climb the stone steps up Parvati Hill, to watch the sun rise and the city emerge from the morning haze. Home to centuries-old temples, the hill offers panoramic views of Pune’s sprawling cityscape.
Next stop: 15 minutes’ drive
WHERE PUNEKARS BREAKFAST
You can’t miss the traditional Pune breakfast on Fergusson College Road, where some of the city’s most beloved eateries have been serving locals for decades. Settle in for a filling spread of dosas, idlis, vadas, and filter coffee. For South Indian staples (and Puneri Misal), drop in at the iconic Vaishali or Roopali restaurants. And for traditional Maharashtrian fare, Wadeshwar is a must-try.
Next stop: 10 minutes’ drive
WHISPERS OF THE PAST
Travel back in time with a visit to Shaniwar Wada, the grand fortification that once served as the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. Walk through the imposing Delhi Gate and explore the expansive grounds where royal courts, gardens, and palaces once stood. Though much of the original structure was destroyed by fire, the ruins still evoke the grandeur of a bygone era.
Next stop: 10 minutes’ drive
LUNCH, THE MAHARASHTRIAN WAY
After a morning of sightseeing, head to Durvankur Dining Hall for a classic Pune culinary experience. Known for its generous Maharashtrian thali, the restaurant serves an ever-changing spread of vegetables, dals, chapatis, puris, rice preparations, farsan, and traditional desserts. Hearty, flavourful, and deeply satisfying, a meal here is a showcase of the depth and diversity of the region’s cuisine.
Next stop: 15 minutes’ walk / 5 minutes’ drive
STORIES, HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
Step into the fascinating Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, where Pune’s cultural heritage comes alive through an extraordinary collection of everyday treasures. Hidden in the heart of the old city, the museum takes visitors on a journey through India’s artistic and social history with intricately carved wooden doors, traditional lamps, musical instruments, textiles, and handcrafted artefacts collected from across the country. One of its most captivating attractions is the recreated Mastani Mahal, which offers a glimpse into the romance of the Peshwa era.
Next stop: 20 minutes’ drive
TEA & NOSTALGIA AT KAYANI
As afternoon gives way to evening, make your way to the legendary Kayani Bakery. Established more than a half-century ago, this celebrated bakery remains one of Pune’s most cherished institutions. As you step inside, you are greeted by the aroma of freshly baked treats and an unmistakable sense of nostalgia. Order a box of the famous Shrewsbury biscuits, delicately crumbed and of buttery texture, and pair them with a slice of Kayani’s beloved Mawa cake, rich, moist, and wonderfully fragrant.
Next stop: 30 minutes’ drive
PAUSE AT AGA KHAN PALACE
Head to the elegant Aga Khan Palace, one of Pune’s most significant historical landmarks. Built in 1892, the palace played an important role during India’s freedom movement and later served as a place of internment for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and other freedom fighters. Today, this lovely structure stands amidst spacious gardens that invite quiet reflection, and takes on a special beauty during late afternoons, when sunlight bathes its arches and corridors in warm, golden tones.
Next stop: 10 minutes’ drive
KOREGAON PARK & GERMAN BAKERY
As evening settles over the city, Koregaon Park calls. The leafy streets of Pune’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhood are lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, making it one of the most enjoyable areas to explore after dark. Begin at the laid-back German Bakery – for long a part of Pune’s social fabric, and a favourite among travellers and locals alike – and follow it up with a leisurely walk through the locality, before dinner at one of Koregaon Park’s many restaurants.
Next stop: 30 minutes’ drive
THE SHAKE THEY SWEAR BY!
Complete your Pune experience with a pit stop for Cad (M) and Cad (B). Tucked away in the city and known almost entirely through word of mouth, these legendary chocolate shakes have achieved cult status. Thick, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent, they are a rite of passage for anyone visiting Pune
THE SHAPE OF A QUIET MIN
markets, institutions, incentives, governance, and decision-making, while Oxford itself reinforced something even more valuable — the patience to resist easy answers.
It strengthened her belief that the most meaningful decisions are rarely made quickly. They emerge through careful observation and intellectual curiosity. That curiosity extends well beyond her formal education.
Vedika reads extensively across history, philosophy, behavioural science, leadership, and organisational psychology, convinced that the most valuable ideas are often discovered where disciplines intersect rather than where they remain isolated.
A Consultant by Temperament Long before corporate appointments became part of her professional journey, had already begun doing what came naturally her: helping people think differently. Founders, entrepreneurs, operators, and teams increasingly found themselves seeking her perspective—not because she claimed to have every answer, but because she asked questions that encouraged organisations see their own challenges more clearly. Today, alongside responsibilities in governance, Vedika advises founders, family businesses, entrepreneurs, organisations across sectors on business strategy, governance, organisational development, operational effectiveness, and sustainable growth.
currently serves as an Independent Director at DJ Mediaprint & Logistics Limited, a company listed on both the BSE and NSE. She regards the role than professional milestone—it is an opportunity to contribute sound governance, thoughtful oversight, long-term institutional The operations across print and media communication, advertising, data management, digitisation, records warehousing, distribution, logistics, specialised mobility solutions within aviation ecosystem reflect importance of precision, adaptability, and disciplined execution—qualities that closely align with own approach to leadership governance. She resists describing herself a strategist alone. If asked, she is more likely to describe herself as a listener or a structured thinker. Every engagement begins same philosophy: before attempting to change a business, understand why it functions the way it does. For Vedika, consulting has never been about offering advice.
It has always been about helping businesses see clearly. In an age that often mistakes noise for leadership, there is something deeply reassuring young leader who understands difference.
And somewhere above the clouds, as this aircraft moves quietly towards its destination, that feels like exactly the kind story worth carrying home.
Some people command attention the moment they enter room.
Others influence the room without ever asking for Mahesh Patil belongs unmistakably latter. At stage in life when many professionals are still discovering their direction, Vedika has already stepped into one most demanding responsibilities, emerging as youngest Independent Directors.
Yet what distinguishes not age, nor even the title she carries. It is the quiet confidence with which she approaches every responsibility, instinct to understand before she speaks, and her belief that meaningful leadership begins with thoughtful observation rather than immediate action.
A Mind Built on Questions Growing up in Mumbai, a city defined by relentless movement and constant ambition, learned something that would later become central to her professional identity:
value of stillness. Amid the city’s pace, she developed an ability to pause, observe, and think carefully before acting — a habit continues shape every aspect of her work today. Her introduction to debate came during her school years.
Debate gradually became intellectual discipline that taught question assumptions, organise ideas precision, and defend arguments clarity and conviction.
eventually carried her onto the global stage, where she earned recognition by winning a Global Level Competition. Looking back, often credits debating with teaching her something formal alone could Oxford, and the Art of Thinking academic journey eventually led University Oxford, where she pursued advanced studies in Economics.
For many, Oxford represents prestige.
it represented describes the experience not as the pursuit of a qualification, opportunity to cultivate a more thoughtful way of approaching complexity.
Economics gave deeper appreciation
Mahesh Patil
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