Register as a member | Forgot Your Password ? 
 
Home | Hotels | Cars | Flights | Trains | Cruises | Holidays | Pre Packaged Tours | Conferences | Destinations | Escort - Guide Services  
  Welcome ! Already a member ? Sign in
 
91.11.26017808
     
     
  India » Pune
      City Guide





A special sight is Pune in the monsoons, where rolling thunder and sheets of rain wash the dust off the trees and the city pulses with a unique joi de vivre.

The city hails back to the mythical age of the Ramayana and is mentioned as a township called Punakha which was located in the dense Dandaka forest. Home to the legendary Chattrapati Shivaji, one of the greatest rulers of India, it was the monsoon capital of the British owing to its pleasant climate. The city continues to be a popular haunt for tourists and students alike.It has many colleges and institutes, hence it is colloquially known as the Oxford of the East .

For over 200 years, it was the citadel of Maratha power and went on to be important headquarters of British India. Today, Pune continues to maintain its martial tradition with more than one institute dedicated to the services. As the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and boasts of a rich and varied literary and scholastic heritage.

 




Air:
Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate frequent flights to and from Bangalore, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chennai. Airport: 10 km from the city in Lohagaon.

Rail:
Well connected to Mumbai, Nasik, Aurangabad, Chennai and Delhi. Additionally there are trains to other parts of India as well. The Shatabdi Express, Deccan Queen, Pragati Express and Indrayani Express connect Mumbai to Pune. Railway Station: Located in the centre of the city.

Road:
Linked by the National Highway to Mumbai. State buses ply from the Dadar Station (Mumbai) to Pune every half-hour. Both private and state buses connect Pune with Goa (458 km), Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Shirdi, Bangalore, Indore, Hyderabad and Aurangabad (230 km). Bus Stand: Has 3 terminals, South Pune, Shivaji Nagar and  Swargate.


                                                                                                                                    Top



Climate:
Enjoys an equable climate throughout the year. The summer maximum and minimum temperatures are 40°C and 26°C, while the winter high and low are 29°C and 19°C.

Whan to Go: 
A fascinating city with a salubrious climate that enables visitors to enjoy Pune throughout the year.

STD Code:
020

                                                                                                                                    Top



St Mary s Church
Inspired by the famous building of Martin-in-the-Field, situated at Trafalgar Square, London, this protestant church became a landmark as it was the first of its kind in Pune. Built in 1825, the church became the focus of the religious sentiments of the troops and continues to be a superb example of typical colonial architecture.

David Synagogue
Consecrated in 1867, this synagogue is colloquially known as the Lal Deval . Is a striking red brick building built by David Sasson and is frequented by Armenian Jews. Noteworthy is the 90-ft clocktower topped by a spire. The colourful stained glass allows an interesting play of light. A visit to this monument gives the visitor an insight into one of the oldest religions in the world.

War Memorial
Was erected by the Express-Nagarik Wadgaon Vijaystambh Pratisthan at the Morwada Gardens commemorating the victory of India over an invading army of Englishmen in 1779. Inscribed are the names of 1,080 martyrs hailing from all three wings of the armed forces who laid down their lives in the service of the nation since Independence.

Osho Commune International
Built on the lines of a spiritual health club , the ashram cocooned in lush greenery with state-of-the-art amenities like a swimming pool, sauna, assorted sports facilities, a five-hectare Zen garden and Bistro is the perfect place to let your hair down. The institute has a slew of programmes in meditation and here self-realisation comes for a price!

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
Founder of the institute, B K S Iyengar gave a new meaning to the science of Yoga and carved a niche for himself as early as the 1950s. There are programmes which fit every individual requirement, and the therapeutics sessions are highly recommended. Though the fee is a bit over the top, it is a good deal for six classes a week for a one-month period.

Raja Kelkar Museum
A rare and delightful collection of over 17,000 artworks and curios belonging to the Late Sri Dinkar Gangadhar. The exhibits include Peshwa miniatures, carved doors and windows, quaint musical instruments, ornate betel-nut cutters, combs and much more. The museum is a must-see.

Tribal Cultural Museum
A comprehensive documentation of the life and culture of the Adivasis of Maharashtra. The folk art and socio-economic factors influencing the communities are interesting and an eye-opener for the idle tourist.

Shaniwar Wada
The burnt remains of the once opulent fort-palace of the Peshwa rulers. Built in 1736 and destroyed in 1828, the fortress is a sad reminder of the days of yore. A small gallery and a dilapidated 2-hectare garden surrounded by massive walls are all that a visitor gets to see. Worth a visit if one wants to experience the life and history of the rulers.

Pataleshvara Temple
A partially completed eighth century rock-cut temple similar in style to the famous Elephanta Caves. Though not as impressive as the Elephanta, it has its own charm. Adjacent is a shrine dedicated to Jangli Maharaj (Lord of the Jungle), a Hindu ascetic who died in 1818. The Nandi Mandapan is a circular pavillion opposite the temple.


                                                                                                                                    Top



Sinhagad
Literally translated means the Lion Fort, and is 25 km from Pune. Testimony to the battle of 1670, where the forces of Bijapur were bested by Shivaji. The tussle resulted in the death of Shivaji s general Tanaji Malusre. On hearing the news of his death, Shivaji said "we have gained the gad (fort), but lost the sinha (lion)". Thus Sinhagad came to be. The fortress is on top of a hill at a height of 1,270 m. The climb to the top of the hill is a 1.5-hour walk and is well worth the effort.

Mahabaleshwar
A quaint town (120 km) at an altitude of 1,372 m with picturesque walks, sparkling waterfalls and just a tiny slice of history in the Pratapgarh Fort (24 km). This was the scene of the dramatic victory of Shivaji over General Afzal Khan. Famous for brimming fruit orchards where the ripe fragrance of luscious strawberries, blackberries, gooseberries and more mingle to floor your senses.


                                                                                                                                    Top



For the voracious shopper, Pune has much to offer. Primarily famed for its rich cache of sarees (the Narayan Peth and Pochampalli variety) and intricate jewellery, the city has a slew of shops with colours and designs to pander to every taste. Another interesting buy would be a piece of red pottery that the city is famous for. Available at street corners and pavements in makeshift shacks.
Bhartiya Cloth Centre  - (Daruwal)  Sarees
Khari-Pedhi Jewellers  -  Jewellery (gold/ silver/ diamond
Guru Arts & Gems (Koregaon Park) -  Jewellery and gems

                                                                                                                                    Top

 
 Print this page

   
     
     
     
     
 
Approved by Government Of India, Department Of Tourism    
 
 Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
© Copyright 2004 International Travel House Ltd.