Pune India Travel Guide

Pune Geography

Just as Allahabad is situated at the confluence of the important rivers – Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati – Pune is situated at the confluence of two important rivers, namely Mutha and Mula. Murtha and Mula rivers are the tributaries of the large Bhima River. Pune is nestled in the hills and bestowed with natural beauty and terrific climate. It is known to be the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Pune is one of those rare cities where past meets present.

Pune History

The earliest mention of Pune in history is around 11th century, when there was a walled settlement called “Kasbe Pune”. This is the oldest part of Pune and is known as Kasba Peth. The Rashtrakutas have been found to be the earliest rulers of Pune and the rock cut temple of Pataleshwar from the 8th century A.D is the oldest monument in Pune. This cave temple complex was previously located outside the limits the old town of Pune, however now it is situated almost in the middle of the road on the famous Jungli Maharaj Road.Pune is indispensibly linked with the life of the great Maratha hero Chhatrapati Shivaji. Chatrapati Shivaji came to stay at Pune along with his mother Jijabai in the year 1635-36 and lived in a palace known as the Lal Mahal . A replica of this palace can still be visited at its original location in Pune. The famous temple for Kasba Ganpati, presently regarded as the presiding deity of Pune, was built by Jijabai. Another palace called Shaniwar Peth, built by the prime minister of Chhatrapati Sahu, Peshwa Baji Rao I, is located near the Mutha River in Pune. This fort has come to been known as the Shaniwar Wada and is considered by many as the focal point of the old city of Pune. Another important fact about the history of Pune is the war between the Maratha and the British in the 19th century, which eventually led to the defeat of the Maratha and the taking over of the town by the British. The battle was fought in Khadki a town just outside the city of Pune. After that the British realized the importance of the city and built a cantonment area there. Later Pune was pronunced as the Monsoon Capital of the Bombay Presidecy in British India.Pune has been a very important part of the Indian Freedom Struggle. It was an important center of the social and religious reforms and home to many reformers and national heros. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Mahadev Govind Ranade and Bal Gangadhar Tilak all called Pune their home.

Pune Today

Pune has become a major industrial center. It’s home to the world’s second largest wheeler manufacturers, Bajaj Auto in Pune. India’s largest motor company Tata Motors has its plant here. Daimler Chrysler, LG , Whirlpool, Frito Lay, Coca Cola and such other companies also have there presence in Pune, in the form of either manufacturing or research and development plants.India’s software giants such as TCS , Infosys, Wipro, also global majors such as IBM, I-Flex, TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, Sasken and likes have a significant presence in Pune’s various Software Technology Parks. Pune is also a major BPO hub due to the availability of skilled manpower.Thanks to the construction of the six-lane Mumbai-Expressway Pune is now less than three hours drive from Mumbai. Though Pune is the seventh-largest city in India, it has the sixth largest metropolitan economy and the highest per capita income in India, with the least income disparity between the rich and poor.

Pune Things to Do and Attractions

Though very much a cosmopolitan city Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra, popularly known as the ‘Queen of Deccan’. The city is home to people from various religious communities and play host to various festivals and cultural events with the same fervor. The most important festival celebrated in the city is the famous Ganesh Chaturthi celebrated in the months of August and September each year to commemorate the birth of Lord Ganesha. This is a ten day festival which culminates into a carnival like procession on the tenth day , and moves along the busy streets of the city. Pune also hosts the Sawai Gandharv Festival in the month of december where many renowned performers of the Hindustani Classical Music perform for three consecutive nights, creating a splendid atmosphere must for any ardent music lover.Pune is home to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. His Osho Ashram is a very popular tourist destination . Situated amidsts the nature , it has a big meditation center and two beautiful gardens and it brings international feel to the city. Of late the back hills of Pune are becoming extremly popular with people both in India and internationally for their peaceful atmosphere. People come to this place for its spiritual value and to study ancient Hindu Vedas and texts. Pune has been one of the center of the neo buddhist revival movement started by B.R Ambedkar. It is home to Asia’s largest population of Jewish community outside Israel.Apart from the Shaniwar Wada, Kasba Peth , Osho Ashram and Ganpati Mandir refrred to above the other places of tourist interest include Parvati Mata Mandir, Kelkar Mueseum, Aga Khan Palace, Sant Dyaneshwar Temple, Fergusson college, and many more. There are many places near by Pune which can also be visited at the same time. This includes the famous hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala and the Shrine of Satya Shri Sai Baba.

Pune Getting There and Around

Pune is well connected by rail, road and airways to all the major cities of the country. For local transportation buses and taxis are available at reasonable rates.

Pune Nightlife

Being a cosmopolitan city, Pune has a very active nightlife with many decent pubs, bars and discotheques available to hang out quite late in the night. Like many of the other cities in India, you're bound to find some good bars in the 5-star Pune hotels.

Pune Restaurants

Pune restaurants and cuisine is a combination of many traditional food items, prominent among them are Puran poli, which is a stuffed paratha,with sweet taste. There are quite a few places in Pune famous for their food, such as Kayekani Bakery and Laxmi Narayan Chiwda. Pune is also famous for chikki made out of peanuts.All in all pune is a complete city, modern yet traditional , keeping up with its culture yet progressing ahead with times.It is a wonderful experience being in Pune.

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