Pune

Pune lies in the close proximity (only 170 km) of Mumbai, the financial capital of India, and is a beautiful place located at an altitude of 560 m on the Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra state of India. The city covering an area of 700 km² with a population of around 4.5 million is the 8th largest city of India, and the 2nd most populous city of Maharashtra.

The legend states that Pune, until recently spelt as Puna, started as a village (probably during the 8th century), and at that time it was called Punnak, which later became Punya Nagari, that is, the abode of virtuous souls. The place located on the confluence of the Mutha and Mula rivers and set amidst hills and hillocks, natural greenery and salubrious climate, continued to grow and became the seat of power of the mighty Maratha chieftains and kings, including Raja Shivaji and the Peshwas until it was annexed by the British East India Company and became a part of the British Raj. The modern Pune is a prosperous city with commercial and industrial facilities, including bases of most of the Indian multinational and global IT corporations.

Traditionally, it has been called a pensioners’ paradise as once upon a time it used to be city with a serene environment and low cost of living. The city continues to hold most of the charm of an age gone-by, and is reflective of Maratha culture and traditional values. However, with the modern development and growth in population, pollution and congestion have also become a part of the city. You will most likely find over crowded buses, bikes, and three-wheelers competing on the crowded roads and streets. Despite all these, you will also find many areas in Pune, which are really charming and spacious

In case you wish to relish the traditional Maratha culture, Pune should be in your itinerary. The city has been described as a cultural capital of Maratha people and Maharashtra. You will find in Pune many facets of Maratha culture, traditional values and ethos; arts and handicrafts; education and literary activities; dance, drama and theatre.

Tips for: backpackers • business travelers • luxury/exotic travel • hitchhikers • families • seniors • LBG travelers • pet owners

Hotels and lodging[]

Name	Address	Telephone	Fax	Tariffs (INR)	Tariffs (USD)
The Central Park Hotel	Near Council hall, Bund Garden Road, Pune – 411001 (India)	91 - 020-26054000	91 - 020-26050211

Attractions[]

Some of the places which you would like to see at Pune are:

Raj Dinakar Kelkar Museum
Shanivar Waada
Saras Garden
Agakhan Palace
Parvati Hill Temples
Mulshi
Jain Temple at Katraj
Rajiv Gandhi Snake Park
Chatushrungi Mata Temple
Film and Television Institute of India
Pashan Lake
Pataleshwar Caves
Bund Garden

Shopping[]

Maps and transportation[]

Getting to Pune[]

Exploring Pune[]

Now you are in Pune, the city that represents the cultural consciousness of the proud Marathas of the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The city has seen many rulers since its emergence as the nerve center of Maratha political power, as also a center of the Marathi culture and tradition. All around the city and inside the city there are many places and monuments, which you may see and enjoy. Apart from done-to-death destinations, there is a special place, which you should not miss, Pune’s Koregaon Park (Osho Commune), a place right in the heart of the city, which shall trasport you to an idyllic surroundings. You shall find yourself in the company of exotic plants and chirping birds. There are silvery springs of fresh water and pools with clear water. The place spread in 12 acres is an eco-wonderland, and shall surely make you feel serene to the point of utmost attachments. You would like to become a part of the place, and would try to stretch your time there: in the company of greenery, beautiful pathways, statues of Buddha, a Japanese Zen Garden, wooden bridges and many more unique things. The environment shall force you to become contemplative, spiritual and devotional. Yes, this is the Osho Commune. In case, you desire to feel the rejuvenating power of meditation and quite contemplation, spending some time at the Osho Commune is certainly a good idea, being away from the maddening city crowd and day-to-day frenetic pace of mechanical modern like.

Practical information and resources[]

Currency: Indian Rupee
Electric supply: 220 Volts
Time zone: Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30
Language: Marathi and Hindi. One can also manage with Simple English.

Restaurants[]

Text with links to user-reviews on other pages[]

Nightlife[]

Photo gallery[]

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Everything else[]

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External resources[]

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Interactive Map of Pune - using Google Maps API.
Pune Blogging - the Page has many authentic photographs of Pune.
Travel Guide from Pune

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