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Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra is given the name of Queen of the Deccan and Oxford of the East due to its importance as a great center of learning coupled with lively living atmosphere. Pune is one of the historical cities of India which claims a glorious past as it was the home to the Maratha ruler Shivaji. The city has been presently transformed into a modern education center where students from all over the world come to take higher education in various fields like Engineering, Medicine and General Studies. Pune city is surrounded by amazing hills and the Sinhagad fort. Also, the city has a number of dams and beautiful picturesque location to its credit. The Ganapati festival, celebrated as the Pune festival annually with great fervour, has brought the name of the city to the forefront of the tourist in the world.
Climate of Pune
The best time to go to Pune is from September to June.
The winters are fairly cool and the monsoons have
heavy rains. Generally, the temperature remains favourable
throughout the year.
Major Tourist Attractions of Pune
Osho Ashram - Pune is the residential home of the self proclaimed guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh, more popularly known as Osho. The Ashram attracts devotees from all over and is frequented by onlookers, visitors and sightseers. The Ashram, with its controversies, is well known for spiritual knowledge through the fulfillment of the hidden desires of mankind. The peaceful ambiance inside the Ashram makes one feel the presence of an unknown power within. The nearby Nulla Park also called Osho Teerth, is a beautifully maintained garden, transformed from a swampy land.
Shaniwar Wada - Once the palace of the Peshwa rulers, this seven storied building was created by Bajiroa Peshwa I. The palace went on to become the city's landmark and can be reached from all parts of the city convincingly. Devastated by fire in the 18th century, the partial remains include the mirror hall, the plinths, fortification walls with five gateways and nine bastion. The palace was enclosed with fine wooden pillars and lattice works.
Shinde Chhatri - A few kilometers away from the Pune Race Course lie the memorial of the Maratha noble man Mahadji Shinde. The valiant warrior's painting clearly depicts the unique style of the hero. Coloured in silver linen and swathed in a flame shade turban with a shawl around, the portrait gives a clean image of the royal ruler. At his feet lies the prayer vessels for offerings to the deity every morning.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum - The Kelkar Museum houses a varied collection of Indian artifacts collected by Shri Dinkar Kelkar. In a total of 36 sections are displayed antiques, carved doors of that period, potteries, miniatures of the 17th century and collections of nut crackers. House hold items like hookah pipes, combs and musical instruments can be seen at the place, all belonging to the Maratha and Mughal period.
Pataleshwer Cave Temples - The rock cut temple built in the 8th century is hidden from the masses due to its location in the heart of the city in the Shivaji Nagar area. The appearance of the temple resemble the Caves of Ellora. The temple was created with a whole lot of pains from a single large rock. The temple holds some massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi Bull.
Parvati Hill - The hill is located on the southern part of the city and can be reached with a climb of 108 wide stone steps upward. The Hill allows a beautiful picturesque view of the city and fills the lungs with an invigorating aura of cool fresh air. It also leads to the group of four temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Vishnu and Kartikeya. The Parvati Temple was the private shrine of the Peshwa rulers and the Parvati Museum therein houses replicas of ancient paintings and old manuscripts.
Pune University - The city's oldest education institute is the Pune University formed in 1948. It is one of the pioneering institutes for research in astronomy and is located in a lush green environments. Pune University is spread on a 400 acres of sprawling landscape with quiet roads and small open canteens towards the city's gateway. Once the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoons, the Pune University is now a stately mansion situated at Ganesh Khind Road. The building is designed in Italian Gothic style and is built in and around local grey tap rocks. The square tower is 40 m high with well maintained lawns.
Shopping
Tulsi Bari is the busiest market in Pune, lined up with temporary stalls popular for traditional jewellery of the Maharastrians that include pearl nose ring, and necklace. The Deccan Gymkhana area is full of shops with just about everything from fruit, leather items, gifts, food, shoes and furniture. The 'Hong- Kong' lane sells trinkets, cosmetic jewellery, cassettes and flowers.
Accommodation in Pune Hotels
Prominent names of Hotels that offers luxury and comfort to the guest visiting the place includes the 5 star Hotel Meridian and Hotel Taj Blue Diamond. Among the 4 star is the Hotel Regency and Holiday Inn. All these hotels are situated in the vicinity of the city and are reached from each part of the city comfortably.
How to Reach
By Air - Direct Flights are available to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore and Ahmedabad from Pune Airport itself. Mumbai is the nearest International Airport from
Pune.
By Rail - Pune is linked through rain networks with Mumbai (170 km), Nasik (209 km), Aurangabad and all major states of India.
By Road - The excellent road network connects Pune with most of the important cities in Maharashtra and India. The Mumbai-Pune Express Highway offers a breath taking access between Mumbai and Pune. Pune is also well connected with Goa, Bangalore, Indore, Hyderabad and Aurangabad.
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