| - Elina Mohanty
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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