Where the City Meets the Countryside
On the eastern edge of Pune, where the bustle of the city begins to melt into the quiet rhythm of nature, lies Hotel Irada; a sanctuary that feels like a secret. Think terracotta hues at dusk, vineyards glinting in the sun, and the scent of aged oak drifting through the air. For travellers who crave design, culture, and connection, this isn’t just another hotel in Pune; it’s a story unfolding amid the vines.
Pune has long been known for its cultural richness and intellectual spirit — a city that balances old-world charm with the forward momentum of India’s creative and tech elite. But step a little outside its core, and you’ll find a slower rhythm, where vineyards, forests, and artisan studios reveal another side of Maharashtra. That’s where Hotel Irada sits: a quiet, design-led retreat inviting guests to experience Pune as both insiders and explorers.
Meet the Local: An Insider’s Pune with Winemaker Arjun Deshmukh
“People often think of Pune as an academic city or a tech hub,” says Arjun Deshmukh, a local winemaker whose boutique vineyard is just fifteen minutes from Hotel Irada.
“But this landscape has so much soul, wild forests, spice gardens, small farms. It’s an artist’s city hiding behind an urban mask.”
Arjun works with local growers to produce small-batch wines inspired by the Deccan Plateau’s terroir. His studio doubles as a tasting space filled with earthy textures, brass accents, and handwoven textiles from the Pune Crafts Collective. “What I love about Hotel Irada,” he adds, “is how it mirrors the balance we strive for — refined, but deeply rooted. It feels like a vineyard, even when you’re in your room.”
Our Top 5 Spots Around Hotel Irada
1. Fratelli Vineyards – A Taste of the Plateau
Just an hour’s drive from the city, Fratelli Vineyards is one of India’s most acclaimed wineries. Expect rolling hills, cellar tours, and tastings guided by sommeliers who treat wine like poetry. Visit at golden hour for panoramic views and a glass of their classic Sette blend.
Why it matters: It’s redefining Indian wine culture, putting Maharashtra on the global viticulture map.
2. Empress Botanical Gardens – A Walk Through History
Founded in the 1800s, Empress Botanical Gardens offers 39 acres of rare flora, age-old banyan trees, and Victorian greenhouses. A morning walk here feels like a step back in time.
Why it matters: It showcases Pune’s legacy as a green, intellectual haven — a city that always paused for beauty.
3. Lavasa Hill Town – Modern Utopia by the Lake
A scenic drive from Hotel Irada leads to Lavasa, a planned lakeside town inspired by Portofino. Think colourful facades, cobblestone streets, and cafés overlooking the water.
What to do: Hire a bicycle, sip local coffee, or simply sit by the promenade with your sketchbook.
4. Koregaon Park – Design, Dining & Spirit
Known for its vibrant cultural mix, Koregaon Park is where Pune’s creative heart beats loudest. From concept stores like Chumbak and The Bombay Store to soulful brunch spots such as Dario’s, this neighbourhood celebrates both style and spirit.
Why it matters: It’s Pune’s own Soho — eclectic, aesthetic, endlessly walkable.
5. The Bhuleshwar Temple – Sacred Carvings in Stone
Perched on a hill near Yavat, Bhuleshwar Temple dates back to the 13th century. Its intricate carvings, hidden chambers, and panoramic views make it one of the region’s most mystical sites.
Pro tip: Visit during sunset for a view that turns every stone gold.
Staying Local: The Irada Way
While staying at Hotel Irada, life moves to a gentler rhythm. Mornings begin with freshly brewed local coffee in the courtyard, the sun filtering through olive trees. Afternoons invite lazy lunches paired with estate wines. And as night falls, the property transforms — fairy lights strung across the terrace, jazz humming softly, glasses clinking under a starlit sky.
Inside, every corner tells a story of craftsmanship: hand-thrown ceramics from Pune’s pottery studios, linen drapes woven in Solapur, and furniture crafted from reclaimed teak. The result? A retreat that feels both luxurious and human — grounded in design, elevated by nature.
Why Pune Feels Like Home
For travellers who seek experiences over itineraries, Pune offers the best of both worlds: culture without chaos, sophistication without pretence. Whether you’re exploring hidden vineyards, visiting artist studios, or simply watching the city wake up from Irada’s terrace, you’re tasting a piece of authentic Maharashtra.
“Every guest who stays here,” says Arjun, “leaves a little changed. Pune doesn’t overwhelm you; it grows on you. It becomes a part of your rhythm.”
Come Stay, Sip, and Stay Curious
Discover the quieter side of Pune at Hotel Irada, where design meets landscape, and hospitality meets heart. It’s more than a place to stay — it’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and live like a local.
Book your stay now and experience the vineyard escape you didn’t know Pune had.
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