Location : In the
state of Maharashtra lying in the western coast of India.
Major Tourist Attractions : Kelkar Museum, Shaniwar
wada, Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Gandhi National Memorial,
Empress Botanical Gardens, Lal Deval, Bund Garden, Osho Commune
International, Shindyanchi Chhatri and Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
Best Hangouts : Bund Garden, Osho Commune International,
Empress Botanical Gardens.
Festivals : The Pune Festival, The Shaniwarwada Dance
Festival, Ganesh Chaturti.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Mumbai, Nasik, Nagpur,
Aurangabad.
About Pune
Pune is a cultural city of the state of Maharashtra that wears a rich
historical legacy characterised with the glorious period of Marathas. The
city of Pune is situated near the western coast of India, about 115 miles
south-east of Mumbai (Bombay). It is one of the many cities situated on the
Deccan plateau, which forms the triangular portion of India. 'Punaka' is the
name by which Pune was known in the ancient times.
Pune contributed significantly to the freedom movement and produced heroes
like Lokmanya Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak, Sane Guruji and the Chapekar brothers.
Pune comprises a cosmopolitan community and a broad range of economic and
social populace.
Pune
is the seat of North Indian Classical music and it continues to be one of
the eminent centers of education in India. Being the cultural hub of western
India Pune attracts tourists throughout the year from all around.
Major Tourist Attractions in Pune
Kelkar Museum
Here you will find the personal collection of Dinkar Gangadhar. The museum
house around 17,000 artworks. The collection includes musical instruments,
hookah pipes, oil lamps, carved doors and windows, hair drying combs, noodle
makers, etc.
Shaniwar wada
Built in 1736, Shaniwar Wada is ruins of the palace of the Peshwar rulers.
It was burnt down in 1828, but the walls still remain. The doors of the
palace are studded with spikes so that the enemies do not enter the place.
Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
This the perfect place for the people interested in Yoga. The institute is
off Ganesh Khind Road in Model Colony. There are six classes a week and it
costs up to US$200 for a month. You have to look for accommodation outside
the institute.
Gandhi National Memorial
This Memorial, set in 6.5 ha of gardens, was built by Shah Aga Khan III in
1892. It was his palace till 1956. In 1969, it was donated to India by Aga
Khan IV. Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma's wife and Mahadeobhai Desai, Mahatma's
secretary for 35 years, died here during their stay. Their ashes have been
kept in Memorial tombs in the gardens.
Patalesvara Temple
This is a 8th century rock cut cave temple. This place is a must visit for
the tourists keeping interest in ancient art and architecture.
Empress Botanical Gardens
These
gardens have fine trees and there is also a zoo nearby. The parks include
the Saras Bagh which has a number of food stalls outside. The other popular
garden is the Bund Gardens which is ideal for walks.
Osho Commune International
This is the famous ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh at Koregaon park. The ashram
now known as a spiritual health club, attracts thousands of visitors each
year. The ashram has facilities like a swimming pool, saunas, tennis and
basketball courts, beauty parlour, bookshop and a massage centre.
Getting There
Air : Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore and
Ahmedabad are connected by air to Pune. Mumbai is the nearest International
Airport to Pune.
Rail : Pune is linked with Mumbai (170 km), Nasik (209 km),
Aurangabad (230 km), Chennai (1,088 km), Delhi and other major cities of
India.
Road : The excellent road network connects Pune with most of the
important cities in Maharashtra and India. The Mumbai-Pune Express Highway
offers a safe and fast access between Mumbai and Pune.
Accommodation
Accommodation are plenty in Pune. There are several world class facilities
are available here for accommodation. One can pick up from luxury and budget
categories. All the accommodations are ideally planned for the tourist
coming from all over.
