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Pune, is a rare mix of tradition and modernization,
culture and education, high art and popular entertainment.
The IT Corporates in Pune makes it a corporate hub;
the Pune University makes it an education hub and the
Osho commune has marked Pune on the global map. Despite
of the cosmopolitan culture of Pune, it maintains its
strong Marathi spirit, in every form.
Pune, 170 kms from Mumbai, is often regarded as a
weekend gateway for the weary city goers. Life, in this
city seems to move at a perfect pace, neither too fast
nor too slow. Its metro neighbour, Mumbai, has for long,
overshadowed it. But slowly, Pune is being recognized
as the new “happening” city in Maharashtra,
in terms of education as well as entertainment. Pune
is famously called as the “city of Students”,
owing to the large number of famed colleges.
History
Pune was handed over to the Peshwa family. Maratha
power rose to be a major political force, here. Pune
was the glorious hub of Marathas. And till date, it
maintains the charm of a Maratha Kingdom. In 1818, Pune
was taken over by the East India Company.
Places to Visit:
Pune satisfies a tourist to its jilt. A tourist is
offered a wide range of tourist spots, some have historical
significance, while others a construction of Modern
thinking.
Agakhan Palace
The high walls of Agakhan Palace are famous for housing
Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi as prisoners
during the Quit India Movement, 1942. This palace is
also famous for the marble memorials of Kasturba Gandhi
and the freedom fighter, Mahadeobahi Desai.
Shaniwar Wada
This architectural extravagance narrates stories of
romance, politics and rule during the Peshwa period.
The construction of Shaniwar Wada began on the 10th
of January, 1730 when Bajirao Peshwa -I, collected a
handful of mud from the nearby Lal Mahal and laid the
foundation. Inspired from Moghul art, fiery flames burned
down this historical marvel in 1827. However, its ruins
stand bravely telling the stories of this multi storeyed
residence of the Peshwas. The main entrance to this
palace is a huge iron spiked gate, called Delhi Gate.
Owing to the romance of Bajirao Peshwa, there is a door
named Mastani Darwaza. Shaniwar Wada was secured by
two hundred and seventy-five towers, guarded by fifteen
to twenty soldiers.
Pataleshwar Caves
Pataleshwar Caves on Jungli Maharaj Road are 8th century
cave temples dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar, God of the
Underworld. The circular stone gazebo, at the entrance
of the cave is called Nandi Mapandam, dedicated to Lord
Nandi.
Raja Denkar Kelkar Museum
Pune has preserved the cultural heritage in a respectable
manner. This museum, by Dr. D.G. Kelkar houses traditional
as well as exceptional pieces of historical significance.
Some of the famous possessions of this museum are The
elephant-shaped foot scrubber, a brass scorpion that
reveals a secret lock and eight images of Lord Ganesha
carved on a bean.
Raj Bhavan
Raj Bhavan or the Government's House, built in 1866,
retains its colonial charm. It housed the government
of Bombay Presidency during the Britishers, in the summers.
The building was designed by James Trubshawe.
Saras Baug
This place is famous for the Ganesh Temple, built
by Madhavrao Peshwa. The sprawling green lawns of this
place makes it a suitable hang out.
Film and Television Institute of India
Popularly known as FTII, it is a dream institute for
millions of movie lovers. One of the most respected
film schools in India, FTII has trained Sanjay Leela
Bhansali, Shabana Azmi and many others. Located on the
Law College road, this institution is a temple for many
cinema students.
Pune University
One of the most respected universities of India, Pune
University is known as the “Oxford of the East”.
Flocked by students from all over the world, this University
is spread over an area of 400 acres. The greenery and
the quiet ambience of the University makes it famous
among joggers.
St Mary's Church
St. Mary's church was consecrated by Bishop Heber,
who toured the region in the 1830's. It is a highly
respected place of Worship for Christians in the city.
Synagogue
The synagogue was built in 1867 by Sir David Sasoon.
Also known as Lal Dewal, it houses the tomb of Sir David
Sassoon.
Osho Commune International
This is regarded as the most visited spots in Pune.
Owing to the fame of Rajneesh Osho and his teachings
on “new meditation”, this place boasts of
a high number of foreign tourists. This 24 acre commune,
in Koregaon, is a must visit, because it lends to the
thought of mystic India.
NDA
National Defence Academy of India is a rare place
because it is the only Academy in the world that trains
all the forces of Defence. A drive to this defence academy
is a breath taking because of its picturesque landscape.
Shopping
Pune is famous for cheap and chic stuff. Laxmi Road,
in Pune is famous for jewellery and sarees. Pune’s
fashion street, Chor Bazaar and Honkong lane are famous
for cheap dresses and accessories. Osho chappals are
famous in Pune. MG Road has some branded shops. All
in all Pune is a shopper’s Paradise.
How to get to Pune:
Pune Airport is connected to all the major cities
of India. Mumbai is the nearest International Airport
to Pune.
By rail, Pune is linked with Mumbai (170 km). There
are regular trains from Mumbai to Pune.
By Road , Mumbai is linked to Pune by the safe and
fast Mumbai-Pune Express Highway. Buses ply regularly
from Mumbai to Pune.
Where to stay in Pune
Pune offers good staying Options. Some of them are:
*Le Meridien Hotel
**Hotel Blue Diamond
**Pride Hotel
***Hotel Aurora Towers
*Five Star Deluxe Hotels in Pune
**Five Star Hotels in Pune
***Four Star Hotels in Pune
Best Time to Visit:
October to June
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