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.
