Wadas, Forts & Chai: How My Pune Trip Became Simplified Using cheQin.ai

Returned today from a short and sweet trip to Pune, and I truly did not anticipate the city being this soothing. It is a city where history quietly integrates with contemporary lifestyle. Heritage buildings and forts are there, and then there is cafe culture and student life contributing a younger feel. And the cherry on top? I did not have to worry much about the hotel stay, courtesy of cheQin.ai.

Let me take you through the way I discovered Pune — from iconic landmarks to everyday local experiences — with a convenient hotel booking hack that saved me time and hassle.

A Walk Through History: Shaniwar Wada

My first destination was the legendary Shaniwar Wada. You can feel the past here literally. The ancient stone walls, wooden gates, and massive courtyards show you a glimpse of Maratha history. It is not very crowded if you enter in the morning, and the open grounds are fabulous for leisurely walks and admiring the architecture.

The audio guides are useful, but I personally liked to just imagine how it would’ve been like in its heyday.

Sinhagad Fort — Views and Vibes

A visit to Pune is never complete without a visit to Sinhagad Fort. It’s an hour’s drive from the city, and while the ascent is a bit exhausting, the sight at the summit is well worth the trouble. I visited in the early hours and saw the sun rise slowly over the hills. Small stalls along the route sell kanda bhaji and buttermilk, and believe me, it tastes all the better after a little toil.

This fort is serene, windy, and has a vibe that’s difficult to put into words but not difficult to sense.

Fergusson College Road — Student Buzz and Street Food

Then, I walked down Fergusson College Road, which is a hip combination of youth, cafes, bookshops, and traditional street food. I had a cup of cutting chai, observed students whizzing past, and collected some quirky knick-knacks. The street food culture here is energetic. I tasted vada pav, misal pav, and a sweet morsel of shrikhand from a tiny shop — everything was spicy, uncomplicated, and full of heart.

Now, Let’s Talk Stay — How cheQin.ai Helped

Booking hotels normally occupies a good chunk of time whenever I travel. This time, however, I utilized cheQin.ai and I must say it was a game-changer.

Rather than searching through dozens of listings and reviews, I simply typed what I required into the app — price, location, amenities. In a matter of minutes, I received five live offers directly from local hotels. Every offer highlighted the bottom price, what was included, and the distance from where I was.

These are the things that made cheQin.ai different:

No commission or fees

I didn’t need to go round and round comparing listings

It was quick, simple, and stress-free

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even for work — this app takes away the guesswork from hotel bookings.

Pune: More Than Just a Stopover

Pune might not make it to everybody’s top traveler’s list, but it has a soft appeal. It’s not so much a matter of where you go; it’s about the way the city left you. The unhurried pace, friendly locals, ancient tales, and local flavors all combine to provide you with a peaceful but intense experience.

If you’re going on a trip here, I hope this tiny blog assists you in navigating Pune easily. Walk, eat, sleep, and wander along the way. And when it comes to booking your accommodation, just let cheQin.ai book it for you like it did for me — equitable, quick, and totally hassle-free.

Exploring Pune: Forts, Food & fuss-free Stays with cheQin.ai