The land of the Marathas, the city that is never scared from wars, the site of culture and authenticity, the city enriched with history and monuments, and now one of the major IT hubs of the Indian Subcontinent, Pune surely marks its place in your travel wishlist. Here's why you should take this place seriously..!
Regarded as the second major IT hub of India, Pune is 120 km from Mumbai and referred to as the Cultural Capital...
The land of the Marathas, the city that is never scared from wars, the site of culture and authenticity, the city enriched with history and monuments, and now one of the major IT hubs of the Indian Subcontinent, Pune surely marks its place in your travel wishlist. Here's why you should take this place seriously..!
Regarded as the second major IT hub of India, Pune is 120 km from Mumbai and referred to as the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra. The evolving centre of Pune is not only the home of IT but the centre of Automobile manufacturing too. Due to the emerging qualitative lifestyle of the locals, Pune has been ranked as the "most liveable city of India" many times. Standing on the bank of river Mutha and at a height of 560 metres, Pune provides epic climate & tourism hospitality to whoever visits the land.
The history of Pune
Pune is known to be the land of the Marathas, the Marathi speaking warrior group who once reflected strength and bravery in every path they rode. The history of Pune dates back to the 17th century when the Maratha Empire was founded by the then emperor Maharaja Chhatrapati Shivaji. The throne of Pune was transferred several times between Mughals and Marathas. Though towards the end of the great Mughal-Maratha war Pune was possessed by Aurangzeb and translated to Muhiyabad, it got replaced by the original name after the evil king's death. In 1720, Bajirao I was appointed as the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the great empire. In his lifetime, he fought many deadliest wars and expanded the Maratha Empire to the North. He constructed Shaniwarwada, the prettiest palace in view and many temples to stretch the religion of Hinduism. The Peshwas were defeated at the battle of Khadki in 1817 and the British East India Company gained ownership of the town. During British rule, Pune was called Poona.
Places to visit in Pune
Monuments and Museums
There is so much to learn about the ancient history and culture of the heritage city Pune. The monuments, memorials and museums built throughout the year symbolises the trouble and truth the city has gone through. Monuments such as Agakhan Palace evokes the grandeur of the Marathas. This is now the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and Gandhi had been imprisoned here many times. The Khadi shops are still a major deal.
The forts, gardens, fountains, and the grand statue of Shivaji of the famous Shaniwar Wada reflect the rich historical artefacts of the Peshwas. Shinde's Chatri, built in the memory of Shri Mahadju Shinde embodies the great architecture and souvenir of Maratha work. Rasalgad trek is one of those places, situated at 1770 metres from sea level, that once visited can not be forgotten.
One of the largest historical places, Dehu Gatha Temple attracts major visitors because of the Gatha carvings on the temple wall and it is best places to visit in pune. Pataleshwar Cave Temple is also another picnic site screaming the vitality of Shaivism since the 8th century. The David Synagogue is an architectural marvel constructed by David Sassoon and often visited by foreigners.
The Tribal museum located 2 km from Koregaon Park Road portrays the lifestyle of the Gondwana tribal people. Tribal jewellery, costumes and accessories, paintings and photographs, musical instruments are collected specifically for the viewing purpose. The National War Museum is also here in sight to describe the deeds of the Indian Army.
- Lal Mahal: The Lal Mahal (Red Palace) of Pune is one of the most famous monuments located 3 km away from the Pune railway station. Chhatrapati Shivaji's childhood place, which is now a ruin offers a variety of Maratha history. The current Mahal is a memorial holding significant events in the life of the Emperor. It is one of the places to visit in Pune.
- Sarasbaug-Peshve Park: Sarasbaug is a major landmark of 25 acres in the city of Pune which was once occupied by a small lake. The Ganesh temple in Saras Baug is known as Talyatla Ganapati (Ganapati of the lake). The Peshwe Park is located near Saras Baug, 6 km from the railway station. Now it is an energy and adventure park which was built on the idea of eradicating fear in kids.
- Khadakwasala Dam: Khadakwasala Dam is one of the major attractions of Pune and the main source of water. It is located 21 km from the centre of the city on the river Mutha.
- Shivneri Fort: Shivneri Fort is a great historical site located in Junnar, 90 km from Pune and is famous as the birthplace of Maharaja Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. He was named after Shivai Devi, the goddess of the fort. The caves were later used by the Buddhists in the 1st century AD.
- Shanivarwada: Shanivarwada is the major seven-storey building of the Maratha Empire, built-in 1732 by Peshwa Bajirao I. The past of the fortification dates long back when it was possessed by the British East India Company. It is one of the places to visit in Pune. The palace used to have 4 main gates including Delhi Darwaza, Mastani Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza and Narayan Darwaza.
- Agakhan Palace: Agakhan Palace is one of the important tourist attractions in Pune, stretched across 7 acres which is a monument of national importance. As the palace is intimately linked with the Indian freedom movement, it is now served as a museum and people in thousands gather here to spectate.
- Sinhagad: The Sinhagad Fort (Lion's Fort) is famous for the battle of Sinhagad in 1670, situated almost 50 km from the city Pune. It is 760 metres in height from the ground and due to the elevation and long walk among the greens, travel enthusiasts go trekking on weekends.
- Lonavala-Khandala: Lonavala and Khandala are the twin hill stations 622 metres above sea level and major tourist points in Pune. Lonavala is located 64 km from the centre of the city while Khandala is just 3 km from it. It is one of the best places to visit in Pune. Sightseeing around the caves can be done in a day and monsoon season proves to be the best for it.
Take a look at the major educational institutes…
Due to the presence of a wide range of educational institutions, Pune is known as the 'Oxford of the East'. The city invites nearly half of the total number of international students from the Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Kenya in the country. Pune has over a hundred educational institutes including Savitribai Phule Pune University (the largest University as per the total affiliated colleges), The Film and Television Institute of India, Symbiosis International Academy, NDA, IISER, DRDO, IUCAA, and other several research institutions. In the domain of Science and Research, management, Information Technology, Education and Acting, the freshers are being seen to choose Pune as their studying city.
Eating places in Pune
Even though Pune is a top-notch urban city, the locals enjoy eating from the street while tasting the rawness of the food and gossiping endlessly with their companies. Pune has a mixed cuisine of Maharashtrian, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and North Karnataka foods. Misal Pav, Keema Pav, Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Poha, Mastani, Bhakarwadi, Pithla Bhakri are some of the typical Puneri eateries that one shouldn't miss on a trip to Pune. The fast-food here is cheap and finger-licking good. Here are some must visit places for bon-apetite:
Street Shopping places in Pune
Every traveller wants to bring some goods from the recent city he has travelled to and not just for yourself…!! When your cousins, friends, colleagues, and relatives ask you what have you brought for them, street shopping becomes necessary to save yourself from embarrassment. Starting from the A-class malls to street vendors, Pune has it all.
Be it fridge magnets, home decors, fairy lights, books, wooden goods or golds, Pune wouldn't fail to deliver its inner importance. Hong Kong Lane, Fashion Street, Koregaon Park are some of the major places for shopping. Laxmi Road is famous for footwear and you can find literally every book in the ABC market. Fergusson College Road is the busiest market and Juna Bazaar, also known as the Chor Bazaar Pune, is famous for antique pieces at a low price. But of course, you gotta negotiate!
How to reach the Pune?
Pune Airport is located in the Lohagaon area, 10 km from the centre of the city and well connected to almost every national and international city.
Both government and private bus services are provided that link Pune to other major cities. Roadways are friendly and budget worthy here.
Pune is connected well to the major parts of India through railways. The railway station is located 4 km from the city centre.
Best time to visit
Pune falls in the region of tropical climate which is said to be the adequate and most comfortable weather.
Summer- March to June- 20°C to 42°C (high humidity, heavy dusty winds in May)
Rainy- June to October- 22°C to 28°C (moderate rainfall)
Winter- December to February- 29°C to 11°C (manageable cold, soothing weather)