Pune

Pune or Poona is located on the eastern edge of the Western Ghats on the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra. Pune has an enviable reputation of being the Oxford of the East for its several esteemed colleges and universities. It is also known as Detroit of India for its stronghold in automobile sector.

Pune was in the beginning Punnaka, an agricultural settlement in the 8th Century, ruled by the Rastrakutas. In the 17th Century Poona came under the Mughal Empire. In the 18th Century it passed on to the Maratha Empire. In the first part of 19th century Poona came under the British annexation and it became the Monsoon Capital of the Bombay Presidency. During India's freedom struggle, Poona had its own special share to contribute. It became a hot seat of social and cultural reform movements with the presence of freedom stalwarts like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Mahadev Govind Ranade, et al.

Pune has been the cultural hub of India since time immemorial. It offers a host of hotspot tourist destinations that makes Pune so very lucrative.

Agha Khan's Palace
Those interested in history and the charm of it may well visit the Agha Khan's Palace. With its Italianate arches and gracious building having salons and suites and expansive lawns, the place is venerated for having Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi spent some part of his time in here during the heat of 1942 Quit India Movement. Today it is a memorial in the memory of Kasturba Gandhi who died in this palace.

Osho Commune
Sprawling over 31 acres of lush green surroundings, Osho Commune International has the meditation resort that attracts people from all over the world. It is a must visit to all the tourists who long to be taken on a spiritual journey. The commune offers over 100 different meditation techniques.

Sinhagad Fort
About 25kms from Pune Sinhagad fort was once the most formidable forts in Maharashtra. Having changed hands many times shuffling from the Mughals to the British, the fort is today a hot picnic site. Climbing the fort on foot is a pleasurable and exciting experience.

Shinde Chatri
As the memorial to the great warrior Mahadji Shinde, the commander-in-chief of Maratha army, it is one of Pune's architectural prides.

University of Pune
Once the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai, University of Pune is an architectural marvel with Italian-Gothic style and a 300mt. high tower that beckons to all those coming here in pursuit of higher education.

How to Reach Pune

By Air
There is an airport in the Lohagaon area, about 12kms from the city which has regular flights from all the major cities of India.

By Rail/Train
Pune has excellent connectivity through trains from all the major cities of India.

By Road
Well connected by road, Pune is accessible from all the major cities of Maharashtra. Private and public buses ply between Mumbai and Pune regularly.

Where to stay in Pune
Pune Hotels - 5 Star Hotels in Pune - Budget Hotels in Pune - 3 Star Hotels in Pune