The information below has been compiled over a number of years and some information may be out of date, though every effort has been made to verify what is included in this edition of the guide. Prices are not included as they cannot be updated so easily. Mere inclusion in the guide is not an endorsement or recommendation. Should you have an update, please use the contact information found at the beginning of the guide to let us know.
Have doubts? You can ask about…
Recent pictures of the apartment/rooms - mainly the beds and washrooms
Exact address and then use Google map to check the actual walking distance between the Institute and the apartment
Noise levels in the area (see above about construction - "quiet" is a relative term in Pune.
What is included in the rent (electricity, landline, water, Wi-Fi, cleaning, etc.)
Cleaning service, who does it and how often
Natural light in the apartment/room
Mosquito nets & fixtures
Air conditioning - verify if it is in every bedroom. Many apts don't use AC because of the weak power grid.
Hot water availability (Be water conscious, Maharashtra has had 2 serious droughts. Try to save water where you can.]
Power backup
Internet/Wi-Fi – availability and speed
Laundry facilities
Toilet style
Pets in the place
Kitchen conditions
Purified water - Apartments may have a water filtration system, attached to the wall in the kitchen, that fills up water bottles or containers. Verify with the landlord. Filtered water is available at RIMYI all the time.
Your arrival – can you arrive 1-2 days before the first of the month? Extra charges or free? Insist on the apartment being "spring cleaned" before you arrive
Proper electrical fittings configured for your mobile phone/tab/laptop requirements
Cancellation policy
Please remember to negotiate your rent; all the landlords that I spoke to (there were 3) were willing to come down on the price upon negotiation, so there is a good margin of negotiation.
— a student
The last word on landladies, sent in by a student in Model Colony:
Many landladies are extremely helpful and have helped people with all kinds of problems from broken bones, mental breakdowns to lost passports. Rents are high but sometimes the demands are too! People can be adrift in a very different culture and at times need a lot of support. It is not the equivalent to a let in your hometown.
Accommodation Finder: Lynn Holt is an Australian Iyengar Yoga practitioner who manages an apartment for a local owner (see below). She can assist you with your accommodation requirements. She will find you a place to live within walking distance of RIMYI for the duration of your stay in Pune. Fee for this service (except for the apartments she manages) is $100.00 for successfully placing you in a suitable accommodation.
Lynn Holt has been managing a very large and beautifully appointed apartment with rooms for rent in a very quiet location in Pune for over ten years. Many yogis return regularly to stay here. The flat is situated within 6 to 8-minute walk from RIMYI and near the lake. There is a lift, 24-hour security and mosquito nets on all windows. The flat is fully furnished and has three bedrooms, a large dining room, separate lounge, fully equipped kitchen. There is access to a roof terrace. The floors are marble tiles and wonderfully cool in the warmer months. Fast broadband Wi-Fi is provided as is filtered water. The flat is very well appointed and has a new front loader washing machine and refrigerator. She has a cleaner that services the flat daily.
Lynn lived in Pune for 10 years until June 2020 and regularly returns and can assist you with any information or services needed during your stay in Pune. She can be contacted on lhsunshinerising@gmail.com or mobile number is +91 9595466399.
The Chetak Hotel has decided to make rooms available to foreigners on a monthly basis, "apartment style" with cooking facilities, refrigerator, clean laundry, and free use of internet and Wi-Fi. Home cooked meals can be provided for an additional cost. Contact the Chetak for further information: hotelchetak@gmail.com Website: hotelchetak.com
Geeta Home Stay, a spacious bungalow, having individual as well as shared rooms and property is available only for RIMYI students, located opposite of hare krishna temple. (3 min walking distance from RIMYI)
Ali & Kate Dashti's apartment, Shristi Tara, is on the other side of the park on the fifth floor. It is a large two bedroom flat, with a big living room, kitchen and two baths. It's a five- minute walk from Institute. Contact Tahera Dashti (sister of Gulnaaz): Email: tahera1234@yahoo.comdtahera2015@gmail.com
Piyush Bafna rents out two different three-bedroom apartments, a two minute walk from RIMYI (just across the street and down a little). The first apartment has three bedrooms, one with an en suite bathroom, the other bathroom is shared. Only two of the bedrooms have AC. Furnished apt with WiFi, reliable hot water, clothes washer, fully equipped kitchen with two burners, microwave, large refrigerator, cooking pots and pans, and a water filtration system. Apartment complex has 24 hour security guard at the gate.
Second apartment is in the same group of buildings and is also three-bedroom, fully equipped. Inquire about other details. At the time of this writing, the second apartment was more expensive than the first. They have been hosting RIMYI students since 2017.
Please note: Mr. Bafna offers the services of Mrs Aneeta to come to the apartment and cook meals for you. Do not feel you must use her services; if you have another food delivery service or cook, let Piyush know and come to an agreement before you arrive. Otherwise, Mrs. Aneeta will come to the apartment and ask why you are not using her.
Sanjivani Dhayagude's cozy one bedroom apartment is on Hare Krisha Mandir Road, minutes from the Institute. She lives in Toronto and has rented out her apartment for over two decades to RIMYI students. There is wifi, , one bedroom (with double bed), bath and kitchen, with cooking (available for an extra charge). Mosquito nets and daily cleaning are also provided.
This charming apartment is an 8-minute walk from RIMYI, located near the Model Colony Post Office. Nestled in a quiet, cozy corner, it provides the perfect balance of peace, privacy, and focus. Features and Amenities: Three spacious bedrooms, each with an attached bathroom; Fully equipped kitchen with dining area, microwave, refrigerator; kettle, and gas stove; Crockery and utensils provided; Washing machine; Regular housekeeping services; High-speed broadband; Private terrace, ideal for leisure activities or yoga practice
A friendly host - Sunit hosts yogis in aesthetically pleasant 2 apartments walking distance from RIMYI. Surrounded by greenery and quiet, these apartments are rented exclusively to RIMYI students for more than a decade. The apartments come equipped with Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen, 24 hrs hot water, water purifier, mosquito nets on windows, maid for daily cleaning, yoga props etc.
Yoga Nest is a cozy 1 bedroom apartment, next to Hari Krishna Mandir, tucked away from the main road, has separate living, kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. Can accommodate one or two people. Ideal for those who prefer not to share the apartment and want to enjoy their private space.
Yoga Parkway is next to the back gate of the park close to RIMYI. It's a large spacious apartment with a balcony, a large double bedroom with attached en suite bathroom, and a single room with another separate bathroom. The apartment can accommodate up to 3 yogis. It's a great choice whether you're alone, a couple or a group of friends!
* If required, a cook can be arranged too to prepare fresh meals every day
One person apartment on Hare Krishna Mandir Road, a short walk from RIMYI. High speed Wifi, daily cleaning, double bed, balcony, private bathroom, kitchen, mosquito netting. Laundry and cooking available for an extra charge. "For over 20 years we have offered our cozy one bedroom apartment for rent to yogis in a peaceful, green neighborhood. Just minutes away from RIMYI, this newly upgraded apartment is thoughtfully designed for comfort, with plenty of natural light, no sound of traffic and calming views of lush surroundings." Contact the owner via email address above.
Flat for rent near the Model Colony Post Office. Two double bedrooms, with two beds in each, and one single bedroom with a single bed. The apartment is approximately 1200 sq.ft. and is on the 2nd floor. Each bedroom has separate bathroom with hot water shower and toilet facility. The well equipped kitchen and living room are common areas. The apartment is equipped with the following facilities: Telephone (local incoming and outgoing calls), Wi-Fi, washing machine, and iron with ironing table. Bed sheets and bed covers (with one extra set of bed sheets) and blankets provided. Daily maid service which includes cleaning of rooms and bathrooms and common areas.
Fully furnished 2 BHK apartments for rent to Iyengar Yoga visitors, on the 2nd floor of a bungalow. It is 2.25 km from the Institute (near CPS Ashram). This newly constructed 1000 sq. ft., fully furnished apartment is located in a quiet, green and serene residential area. It has a separate entrance, and includes a kitchen, hall and two bedrooms, and 2 European-style bathrooms with 24 hours hot-water facility. Each bedroom has a phone and Internet connection as well as an attached bathroom. The kitchen has all necessary utensils, cooking gas, washing machine, and water purifier.
This apartment is among the closest of the apartments to RIMYI. The owners could not do enough for us. They even conducted a brief Puja for us at the beginning of our stay! The apartment is 1310 square feet with 3 bedrooms and is fully furnished. It is in a well-managed society with 24 hours security and power backup. It has mosquito screens on the windows, Wi-Fi, local phone for incoming and outgoing calls, gas stove, refrigerator, water purifier, microwave and a fully equipped kitchen. A daily cleaning service is provided, as is laundered bed linen. There is a kitchen, dining area, balcony and a drawing room with plenty of room to practice yoga. Available for short and long term stay for individuals or groups. Meals and laundry service provided on request at extra charge. Email: jotsnalad@gmail.com or ritukapai@yahoo.com or adityalad@yahoo.com
B 1/114 Clover Gardens, 4 Naylor Road, Pune 411001, offers hospitality to yoga students coming to Pune for a month or more. Several accommodations for rent in a very quiet home on a tree-lined avenue in a nice part of town. They also give plenty of information about Pune, places to see, eat and explore.
2BHK apartment close to the Institute, (a five-minute walk). It is freshly painted, furnished with piped gas and stove, refrigerator and washing machine. It is a corner apartment, peaceful, with all the necessary amenities available because of its location.
It's a rickshaw ride from the Institute, (although getting a rick at night may be a challenge or simply more expensive as most rickshaw drivers from the Institute may not want to drive to that part of town at night). The apartment has a fully equipped practice area—ropes, chairs, etc. Jaya and Mohan now live in Mumbai. To make a reservation, email them at jincess@yahoo.com Speed Internet, but not however, unlimited.
Ninth Floor. Three-bedroom apartment; each has its own bathroom and washing machine. Harshada may be reached at the Chetak Hotel, 11 am to 2 pm, or by phone: (91-20) 2565 2681.
He lives in the low house next to the Institute (to the right, as you face it), rents out the eighth floor of the property. There is only one bathroom. Mr. Modi and his wife tend to show up at the apartment without notice. Write to him at this address: Final Plot No. 467/B2, Hare Krishna Mandir Marg, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411016.
Three minute walk from RIMYI. Recently renovated large, quiet, bright, fully furnished two bedroom flat, with living room, terrace, TV, two bathrooms, washing machine, complete modern kitchen for cooking, comfortable beds and screens on windows. Includes a local phone for incoming and outgoing calls, daily cleaning service, Internet service. Daily cook and laundry available for an additional fee. neetagandhi01@gmail.com or devanggandhi24@gmail.com Tel: + 91 9422523688
Two downstairs rooms, en suite, one double room upstairs, two balconies and a large outdoor garden. Cooking facilities available. Big lounge, dining area, TV.
This apartment is four to five minutes walking distance from the Institute (near the Model Colony Post Office) and has pleasant surroundings. It is furnished and has one bedroom, a living room, kitchen, and a yoga practice room with many windows. Suitable for one or two people.
[rated No. 1 Residential Property in Pune, 2001 – 2002]. Penthouse in Ramnagar Colony, off NDA Road in Bavdhan. 3,500-square-foot living area plus 1,000-square-foot balcony/private terrace with lake and forest views. Four spacious bedrooms, four attached baths, large kitchen, spacious living room and dining room. Fully air-conditioned and fully furnished. Two-car garage. 24/7 security. Ideal for sharing or as a guesthouse. Cooking and maid service can be arranged. Contact Shashikant Murdeshwar, Property Manager. Tel: (91-20) 2546 2420. Contact in US: Naren Desai: Tel: (513) 290-2268 (PST).
Three apartments, approximately 800 meters from the Institute. One apartment is on the top floor of the bungalow with a separate entrance, and comprises a kitchen, two bedrooms, and bathroom with a hot-water boiler. One bedroom has two beds, phone and Internet connection; the other has one bed. The kitchen has a washing machine in the attached laundry area. The second apartment is on the ground floor and has a separate entrance. It has two rooms and a veranda, air conditioning in one room, two beds (one small bed can be kept in the dining room), TV, washing machine, and bathroom. The third apartment is on the first floor of the bungalow. The kitchen has a sink, cooking gas, toaster, refrigerator and all necessary utensils. Kitchen facility is available for all three apartments. The first and the third apartments have a common door that is kept locked, but upon request it may be left open so that the three bedrooms and two toilets can be shared. Broadband can be arranged for all three as well. Bicycles are available. Maid service, Internet, cooking gas, air-conditioning, etc., will be charged additionally as per use.
A 3 bedroom fully furnished flat for rent in Radhakrishna Condominium with electronic entrance door and lift. Each bedroom can accommodate 6 persons and if required two more persons from the same group can be accommodated by adding two beds in the hall. Attached bathrooms. Well equipped kitchen and water filter. Wi-Fi, washing machine, and Maid is available for cooking and cleaning.
You can contact Milind on 9822038265 or on whatsapp, messenger, Facebook.
The apartment is a 10-minute walk from the Institute and consists of one furnished room on the first floor of a 3–story building, with independent access and limited kitchen facilities. The bathroom has a hot-water boiler and a European-style toilet. Quiet surroundings, broadband and washing machine on premises.
A fully furnished apartment in a well-maintained housing complex, with three bedrooms, kitchen, hall and all amenities, is available for lease on a short-term basis. Email: anandsma@yahoo.com and dkprabhu@yahoo.com
Nirmala also offers a second apartment just around the corner from the Ambassador Hotel. It is on the ground floor, has 2 small rooms (could both be used as bedrooms) and a small kitchen. Clean, but noisy. On the plus side it has a set of wall ropes!
These are two fully furnished apartments with cooking facilities at the doorstep of the Institute. One is bang opposite ChittranjanVatika barely 300 steps away from the Institute. The second apartment is approx. 1km away in Bhosale Nagar, which is a quiet peaceful residential area. Rents are reasonable. Anjali's Helpline: Tel: (91-20)-2543-3958; Mobile: 098-2325-0339
A 2-bedroom Guest House facility only for Yoga Students and Teachers visiting RIMYI. Check it out on Facebook (facebook.com/IrisGardenGuestHouseForRimyiYogaStudents) or check it in person on the next trip to Pune. The apartment is close to RIMYI and on the 5th floor, which makes for a very pretty tree top view.
2 Bathroom 1400 square feet, fully furnished apartment next to Hare Krishna Mandir and 100 meters from the Institute (RIMYI). The kitchen is fully stocked with a gas stove, microwave, water filter and washing machine. The apartment is in a quiet lane off the main road with lush green views from every window (you can wake up to the sounds of cuckoos every morning). Wi-Fi Internet access is available. Ramesh, the landlord shows up from time to time, using his own keys.
One 2 BR and another 3 BR Luxury Flat Near RIMYI. Fully furnished apartment on fourth floor with lift, just 750 meters (10 minutes walk) away from RIMYI. The apartment has a fully stocked kitchen and is in a quiet lane off the main road. Wi-Fi Internet access and TV is available. Please call/SMS Ramesh at+91.997.539.8028.
“The 2 BR is right behind Charu's restaurant. You will actually be living in the apartment next door to the landlord and sharing cleaning facilities. My landlord and landlady Ramesh and Sumi Thadani are beautiful people. Ramesh studies yoga twice a week at the Institute, is computer-savvy and helps you with photocopy, C-form, etc. Sumi is so well-educated, cooks amazing, and is well-versed in Ayurveda”
Flat no. 301: 2–bedroom fully furnished, well-ventilated apartment on the third floor of Manohar Residency, directly across from RIMYI. Bedroom #1 has a double bed, attached bathroom and a veranda overlooking the Institute. Bedroom #2 has a single bed, with bathroom across the hall. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry room with a washing machine, a flat screen satellite TV, plus a fast Wi-Fi Internet connection. Maid service on request. Fresh Indian food and breakfast extra.
Also available - There is also a single bedroom in the owner's apartment on the 4th floor of Manohar Residency. The room has a terrace overlooking the Institute. Same facilities as above, except that the kitchen is shared. Contact Dr. Nileema Dhoble: +91 9822092942; Email: drdhoble@gmail.com. (also, on WhatsApp)
Room in an apartment near RIMYI (200 meters) on HKM Road. Private entrance, attached bath/toilet, small kitchenette with microwave. Ideal for one person, but will work for two. The neighbors are generally nice and helpful as well. Please contact Radhakrishnan for details: srkpnq@gmail.com
A 2-bedroom guesthouse exclusively for yoga students and teachers visiting RIMYI. This fifth floor "yoga practice friendly" apartment has beautiful treetop views and is close to RIMYI. For more information contact Kedar Deo: 44, Iris Garden, Gokhale Road, Near 'Om Super Market', Model Colony, Pune 411016. Mobile: +91 9921120033; Office: +91 20 2588381.
A 2 bedroom/2-bathroom apartment about 10-minutes walk from the Institute, located on the 3rd floor is available for rent. It is open on three sides (east, west and north), airy, and well lit. It is about 1000 sq feet of carpet area. The apartment can accommodate 4 persons - 2 in each bedroom.
Accommodation in Koregaon Park with small swimming pool that is 15 to 20 minutes from RIMYI by Rickshaw. Contact Owner directly for special price (longstay)
Well located 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment, centrally located on the Main University Road, 10–15 min. walking distance from RIMYI. Master bedroom has a queen-sized bed; the smaller bedroom is furnished with 2 twin beds. Has TV, Internet and cleaning 3 days a week. Meals provided on request.
5 minute -walk from RIMYI. 1 and 2 Bedroom fully equipped flats near the institute; very quiet as protected from traffic. Located at Knipper-Karydaki, Indraprashta Apartments, Flat 18, Hare Krishna Mandir Road, Model Colony.
Furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment, centrally located on the Main University Road, 10–15 min walking distance from Iyengar yoga Institute of Pune. Master bedroom has a queen-sized bed; the smaller bedroom is furnished with 2 twin beds. TV, and Internet access. Maid service 3 days a week, included. A provision for a cook can be made if necessary. There are 3–4 grocery stores within 5–10 min walking distance from the apartment and a laundry 5 min walking distance away where you can give the clothes for washing and/or ironing. Apartment available on a 6-month or one-year lease only. Email: harshadlohana@gmail.com for more details.
2 bedroom furnished apartment opposite the Institute with living & dining room and well -equipped kitchen. One double room will accommodate 2 and has an attached bath & toilet. Second room is a single with a separate bath & toilet. Wi-Fi & washing laundry facilities are available. Daily housekeeping included.
Unlike Europe and the US, India does not have tipping customs per-se, and practices vary greatly, even among the locals. Here are some guidelines from a foreign student living in Pune:
If you feel you got good service, then tip. If you feel let down—the maidservant decided to take a break and didn't let you know or she hardly cleaned—then don't tip. Five hundred rupees is plenty for one month if the work was done. This is much higher than what the locals pay, because when the maidservant is a regular worker, a good employer will help her with medical expenses, marriage costs, etc. There is an ongoing obligation to assist an employee in times of need. Tenants of one month (such as yoga students) do not have this responsibility. As students are only in the apartments for six to eight months of the year, maximum, tipping gives maidservants extra income to cover the lean times. Do not be bullied into over-tipping, and do not let a maidservant bring in another person while working. Be polite but keep a professional distance. Stealing is not uncommon, so keep all valuables locked away. Some landlords have maidservants that are treated like part of the family and trusted totally. Others employ servants randomly with no background checks or recommendations, putting tenants in a vulnerable position. If you want to give financial assistance to someone in need, by all means, help if you can. When our maidservant's husband nearly died, the tenants gave her money for medical bills. But always speak to the landlord/agent first to verify that the need is genuine.
Vivek and Rucha Kulkarni provide home delivery of meal tiffins (stacked metal canisters of hot food) for both lunch and dinner anywhere in Model Colony. Rucha cooks with love and can cater to your dietary requirements. Meals cost about $2.10 USD each and you pay for two weeks in advance in cash. Vivek delivers the meals on his motorbike twice a day and he speaks very good English. He communicates through WhatsApp and you can notify them in the morning if you will not be requiring a meal because you are going out. The food is delicious, 100% vegetarian, and plentiful. They are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Vivek Kulkarni +91 98508 98592
Miss Aneeta is a well-known cook located near the Institute. She will come to your apartment and cook for students anywhere in the Model Colony area. Do not have her shop for you; buy your own food and necessities. Do not allow the help to bring others into the apartment when they are working.